Christmas in Fukuyama

There really isn't much to say about Christmas in Fukuyama, it felt more like Tuesday. I did try, however, to take a picture of this inflatable Santa Claus that they had set up on the second floor of my building. He looked so worried. Actually, his expression was something like "my god! I'll never get out of that 747's way in time!" I thought it was hilarious, but for some reason the picture didn't save and now he is gone. I guess you will just have to take my word for it.

Frog legs

I ate frog legs tonight. I always heard they taste like chicken. I guess they kind of tasted like chicken, but they looked the the back half of a frog.

The arrival.

So this guy picks me up at my hotel after I have been walking around all day in Fukuoka. My feet really hurt because I have been walking around all day in my dress shoes and they don't fit very well. We go to the station. He is a very nice guy who basically does my job but isn't a native English speaker. We get on the Shinkansen (bullet train) for Fukuyama, although he is only going so far as Hiroshima. It is while we are on the train that he asks me if I would like to go to the Christmas party that they are throwing for our students in Fukuyama. I say "sure, when is it." "6pm," he replies. My train arrives at 5:30. So I go to this party in the same clothes I have been wearing for the last two days to meet my students for the very first time. All at once. The party turned out to be a blast. Oddly, I enjoyed being the center of attention at the party. I don't remember any names. The party started at one bar and moved to another, then another, then another. Good times. I got in at 4am. I think it was the first time I have ever gone out drinking without knowing where I live. Score.

One night in Fukuoka.

I have officially arrived in Japan.

That said it is time to get this bloggy started. After a short week in Vancouver I am glad to be out of there. I am sure that there are many interesting and fun things to do in this city, but given our work schedule while we were there, I am glad that it is over. The only thing I really had time to take in were all of the homeless people who were all very interested in selling me some pot. As I write this I am in Fukuoka Japan, chillin in my tiny hotel room. So far so good. I had some excellent beef at an Izakaya across the street. The beef was tender, delicious, and drenched in a wonderful sweet sauce. It was also a nice chance of pace after the appetizer that, from what I could tell, consisted mainly of octopus skin and cucumbers. Throw in two beers and a lot of attention from the staff and the $20 price tag doesn't sound too bad. Now if you will excuse me I need to get some sleep. Who knows what adventures tomorrow holds.

Alive

Nurse: He doesn't seem to be responding to the treatment doctor.

Dr. Kazu: We have done all we can. It never gets any easier...

Nurse: I'm sorry doctor-- wait he has a heartbeat!

Dr. Kazu: He's ALIVE!!! ALIIIIIIVE!!!

Robot 2.0: Japan HO!!!!!

Later...

Dr. Kazu: Thats it, I have done all I can for now. I am trying two different treatments, hopefully one will prove effective.

Nurse: So...is he back?

Dr. Kazu: Only time can tell, nurse, only time can tell.

The new beginning.

Nurse: Can you bring him back, doctor? It's been so long...

Dr. Kazu: I can do anything, I am a doctor...but this is going to be tough. It is going to take careful and precise work. Please hand me that chain-saw.

Nurse: Here you are.

RRRRRAAAAAARRRRNNNNN!!!!!