The other day I was feeling a little unwell and had to spent the afternoon at work being wound into a tight ball of stress by the pen clicker sat next to me. You know the type, those that click out what I can only assume is a tune in their mind on a pen….
Month: January 2017
Without a Song
It took me some time to work out why Japan sounds different to the UK. The different sights, smells and tastes are all so obvious. There are the notable sounds like the language, road crossings, pachinko parlors and electric cars (the latter can creep up on you at any time, even when you swear you…
Reflections on a 1970s Classroom
I am already starting to get used to life in schools in Japan, so, before it becomes too ‘normal’ for me, I wanted to record my impressions of the Japanese school. When I arrived, each school felt like walking into a 1970s under-loved British school. I was surprised by the lack of technology, heavy reliance on…
It Chills My Bones…
In Shimonoseki, the winter is similar to the UK, perhaps even a little warmer. The average low temperature is 6 degrees but it sits around 10 degrees most days. Unlike the UK, the sun is also often shining framing the mountains and beautiful beach near our apartment! Bliss. Yet, the Japanese winter can be a…
Ramen Delights
Ramen is a delicious Japanese favourite food, particularly on a cold winter night. It consists of a tasty broth, noodles, two slices of pork, a sprinkle of spring onion with a few extras, including tasty pickled ginger. It is simple, hearty, good-for-you Japanese food. Some places make the broth by boiling pork bones and using…
Christmas Break 2016
We spent Christmas 2016 enjoying coffee and kimchi in Korea. We saw Christmas 2015 through from our little-but-perfect flat in Manchester, where we donned onesies and ate ‘out of the tin’ Marks and Spencers Christmas lunches. We could never have imagined that only one year on, we would be sat overlooking a white sandy beach…