Summer Plans in Japan

It's finally here, summer break. I have around five weeks of free time to do whatever I please. The main problem I have standing in my way this summer is, money. Basically the root of all evil. I never wrote an update but I have been severely broke since the earthquake in March. I lost a few days of work which meant I didn't get paid for them. Luckiy, I had family and friends who have helped me out.

Then in late May I had quite a big medical scare. My entire right side went numb and I had symptoms similar to a stroke. I spent some time in the ER, between doctors, and a ton of tests. It turns out that I am ok but need to pay more attention to my posture. Again, I lost a few days of work, which meant I wasn't paid. Plus there were medical bills (Thank God I wasn't in America or else I would have been screwed for years to come. My total for all my bills was less than $500 and that includes FOUR MRIs which in the USA are $2,000 a pop).

All of this happens before a glorious time, summer break. I'm not a huge fan of summer in Japan, mainly because of the humidity but I am a big fan from having time off work. Originally I planned to head back to the USA and visit everyone. Well, plane tickets are out of my price range. Then I hatched another plan, travel all throughout Japan. I contemplated heading to Osaka and Kyoto, then taking a ferry to Hokkaido and enjoy the rest of summer of there.

Then I was a grown up about it. Although I realize that I could go to Hokkaido, see Kyoto or visit some distant part of Japan, it just isn't smart for me to do something like that. This summer were be spent here in Tochigi. I have some plans to get out of the area. I will still buy a train pass and get out a few times but only day trips to Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is on the list once again this year. I just don't want to be financially broke anymore.

As bad as it sounds, I can make it somewhat positive. I spent all my life living in WA state. One of the most beautiful states in all of America. But I have spent very little time on the Olympic Peninsula and next to no time in central WA. There is so much I haven't seen. I see my opportunity this summer to explore my little region of Japan.

I'm back ひさしぶり

Shampoo in Japan シャンプ

I am trying to get back into the swing of things.

At the moment, I have some computer problems but I think I can still work on many of the next few videos. It has been forever since I have wrote a blog.

I am planning on creating a back log of video episodes and then releasing them over the coming weeks. It might take a few weeks for me to put together but if the videos are complete and released weekly; it could be months of content.

Mt. Fuji - Part Two

I just don't type on here enough

Somewhere around the fall of 2010, I began to post less and less here on blogger. It's not that I don't have anything to say, it's just that it can be quite a hassle. Luckily, 'Golden Week' is quickly approaching (first week of May) and I will have time. I'll see if I can nail down a few good posts to last me though summer break in July.

Huge Japanese Birds (Tancho - Tsuru)

Korean Leftovers

Well, I'm back

If you have any questions about my journey or the current state of Japan, please leave a comment here or on the video. The more questions I get, the more I can satisfy you inquisitive nature!!!

My fourth Language. (Not an April Fool's Joke)

Since being in Korea, I have thought towards my fourth language. Yes my friends, my fourth language. First being English, Second Spanish, Third Japanese, and the FOURTH. Although my second is getting progressively weak, I could brush up on it within three-four weeks and be back at conversation level once again. Which is where I'm at with my third. My Japanese has been getting progressively better.

My fourth though... I always thought my fourth would be German. I wanted it to be German. It would help connect with nearly all my ancestral roots in Europe. But maybe my fourth might be Korean.

Many of the nouns in Korean sound similar to Japanese. Very easy to remember. Anyhow, we will see. When I get back to Japan, I will be purchasing a few Spanish books, a handful of Japanese books, and maybe just maybe one Korean book.

On a side note, I think Korean would be much easier to learn than Japanese. The pronunciation is much more difficult but they DON'T HAVE KANJI TO DEAL WITH!!!

That's all for now.

-J

moving in korea

Being discriminated against because I'm radioactive.

Not on here enough!

There has been a lot that has happened the past two weeks, since the massive earthquake in Japan. I have failed to keep most people posted on my current situation. I have, however made a handful of video dairies talking about what I have been through. Sometimes ten minutes of talking is easier than an hour or so typing. I'll see if I can get a good entry in sometime later this week.

-Jerry

地震

This past week has been of the most trying times in my life. I have been doing daily updates (on youtube) since the first big hit of the 8.9. I feel like I am slowly breaking down mentally. Had I been closer to the epicenter, I think I would be a mess. Some of my teachers have family up in Sendai. It's hard to imagine what they're going through. The other day when I was going to the super market, to get what ever amount of food I could find. I saw a lady broken down on the side of the side walk. She was crying. I've found myself in this situation countless times the past few days.

With the nuclear situation uncertain, I've become a little more distraught. I'm no where near the plant but I'm close. I don't like the thought of leaving Japan. For now, I've decided to head to S. Korea. Right now I'm trying to figure out the logistics and will keep you posted.

Thanks to anyone for your concern and help! I appreciate it.