learning things in fukuoka

hi everyone.

i regret to inform you that i completely copped out on the hobo plan, and instead chose the safe, air conditioned confines of a cheap western style hotel right next to the school. I offer you my most sincere apologies.

since my minor problem the first day here, everything has been going very smoothly. I must admit though, my initial homeless situation was actually a lot of fun. After I left, the internet cafe where i made my last post, I stumbled upon this Buddhist temple (by stumble, i mean I walked accross the street)... they seem to be every around this area. There were 3 people at the front steps of the temple about ready to go in. I didn't want to disturb them by my ignorant foreigner presence, so I was planning on just continuing my walk down the street. One of them noticed my curious glances however, and I was very quickly welcomed in. An extremetly enthusiastic man in his 50's, who I only know as Jo then began to teach me about various aspects of Buddhism (for example Ah and Ohn, the two giant statues on the front steps), as well as the distinct differences between silence and tranquility. Our conversation consisted of both broken Japanese and broken English as he had studied it years ago and was very eager to try it out. He was very proud of the fact that he was instructed by two Oxford professors. As a result, there was no way I could insist on my 'Japanese-only' rule. He was a super friendly guy and really helpful as well (he suggested I seek out scholarships from Japanese companies to help out with my language studies. to my japanese friends that may read this->do you know anything about this? do these scholarships actually exist?). We parted ways by him warning me about the crazy traffic, which seemed sort of random considering our previous discussions. Useful advice nonetheless.

The next day I went to the GenkiJACS school and began my studies. The classes here are pretty intense, and alot of stuff is thrown at you in a very short period of time. While I'm learning so much, I'm starting to think the 2 weeks that I've planned on being here will be way too short.

While I'm in Fukuoka, I'm staying with a host family; the Haritas are a married couple in thier 50's who are amazingly kind and accomodating. The husband, Ryuichi is an energetic guy who is into Eric Clapton, Led Zepplin, and Jimi Hendrix (fuken a!), and who compliments me constantly on me on my amazing (-ly horrible) japanese. He is far too kind. Mrs. Harita is just as nice, although I think likes to challenge my speaking a little bit more, which is exactly what I want. Although they're only in their 50's they remind me so much of my traditional french catholic grandparents (just switch jesus with buddha).

The other students at the school are alot of fun to hang out with as well. Last night after school, some of us went to a local onsen, which is like a canadian hotspring except with nudity and consequently, gender specific pools. Let me tell you, there's nothing more relaxing than sitting in 40degree water, with a bunch of old naked guys in the vicinity.

After that, we decided go next door for a beer and some sushi. The cool thing about this restaurant was that we literally got to catch our dinner. The tables are all on two giant boats which are immersed in a giant pool of water containing an abundance of fish. The tables come complete with fishing rods, hooks and bait, so whenever you feel hungry, you just set yourself up and cast a line. While it was a little expensive (Canadian equivalent of about 32$ including beer) the experience alone (food was amazing too) was well worth the experience.

Fukuoka in general, has so far been amazing. Like my friend Kyle, who is also here at the moment (www.kyleinjapan.com), I'm gradually beginning to fall in love the place. Everything around here (at least though gaijin eyes) is interesting. I'll take more pictures to make my point.

but now, i got to go learn some things.

english switch-off.















me looking like a jerk at the fishing restaurant
(important part of the picture is the background)














fellow japanese students and myself