Snowy Day in Nikko

Went to Nikko today with Kedist, Matt (roommate and another teacher at my school) and Aya (Japanese staff at my school). Nikko's just a 40 minute train ride northwest of Utsunomiya and is quite popular for its World Heritage Sites and Lake Chuzenji. I've been there several times before (to visit Seamus, and with Melissa and then with Lisa) but this was my first time in the winter season.

You can check out the photos I took today at:

Nikko Trip (Feb.17)

I realized two things while there: first, that I miss the snow and winter scenery more than I expected (though I will probably never again admit this) and second, that I will actually miss Japan more than I thought.

I enjoy the history and seeing so many new things. The sights are so different and interesting.

Japan is beautiful. That I will never deny. But I also will not forget the discrimination or ignorance that Japan is too. I guess there is always the good and the bad. But sometimes I just feel that it is so much more peaceful here. Of course, that probably has something to do with the fact that I can not speak the language so next to no one bothers trying to talk to me!

At any rate, it's getting quite late for me seeing as I have Honda tomorrow morning so I have to wake up at 5:30am, but it's the last class. I will miss the students but I certainly WON'T miss the early wake-ups. Already looking forward to the extra sleep. And, this is the second time typing this (the first was better, as always is the case), so I apologize if I'm a little less enthusiastic.

Will end with a countdown summary:

19 NOVA days left, which means 152 more lessons to teach!!
and just 1 more Honda day!