April 2005
Well, it's high time for a more positive update! I've treated myself to a brand new Digital Camera (5Mpix, Worldwide Warranty, internal zoom) which, whilst not quite as stylish (nor well-made, seemingly) as the Casio, will hopefully last a bit longer than my last foray into the world of technology. Seeing as I may not have this level of disposable income again in the future, the time was indeed ripe.
So, less than 4 months to go. I've resolved to stop worrying, accept the inevitable, and enjoy my remaining time as much as I can. There will be plenty of time for anxiety when I get back to Britain! The weather has also improved dramatically, and I got the camera just in time to record this year's batch of sakura, along with whatever other zany goings on were occuring in the general vicinity of southern Saitama.
So after a brief stop in Omiya for the camera, I was attacked by hordes of men in green spandex advertising "Pachinko" - that den of iniquity where people who have long given up on leading decent lives whittle their cash and time away on gambling machines with industrial strength cigarette smoke and techno music entering every pore and orifice in their bodies.
The next is from Omiya koen where Kyoko and I stopped for a brief picnic in the sunshine, only to find that the rest of Japan had once again had exactly the same idea. Hard to get away from the crowds no matter where you go in this country.
Finally, we made the short trip to Washinomiya for a festival/karaoke. Karaoke has become a regular staple in my new-found philosophy to block out my worries by occupying every spare quiet moment with childlike activities and nonsense. Luckily, there are plenty of other AETs around who are willing accomplices! Washinomiya, as it happened, has a small festival in the park replete with Taiko, carnival food and, naturally, a screaming contest. Unbeknown to myself, I was signed up for this before I even arrived. And here's the proof.
There is little more embarassing in life than screaming your lungs out in front of a crowd, but to then suffer the indignity of being twice disqualified in your attempts to scream is almost unbearable!
I broke the record with my first scream, but had stepped over the screaming line (at 70cm from the mike). This was exact science you see, they'd even rigged up a machine to count the decibels! The organisers resorted o physically retraining me for the last scream, which weighed in at 119 decibels, guaranteeing me IIIrd place!
The final photo renders my buddy Joe (1st place) and me, looking thoroughly delighted at having beaten all the towns children into submission and making them cry by making off with their presents. Joe was slightly less euphoric about his camping table than I was with my punching bag. How appropriate!
20th April
Wow, in less than two full days I’ll be on the plane to Thailand. That’s a nice thought. So, I thought I’d write the last update for the month, and include a few photos of the new first years at school and their “Garden Party” from last week, which you can go and check in the galleries section. Yeah, they’re cute now, but just wait ‘til they grow up. I have nothing more profound to say.
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