See Japan

Well, this is the little corner market I talk about all the time. Its maybe two blocks from my apartment and they have great stuff at much cheaper prices than the regular SUUPAA. I head here at least once a week, but usually twice. Here's the inside: (or at least one wall..)

This is the cafe that is around the corner from my apartment as well, but in the neighborhood... not off the main road. I haven't actually managed to go in yet but I pass it everyday. It's very tiny and cute and ran out of this person's home so if there's one customer I tend to get a bit intimidated... but I plan on using it for informal Japanese lessons sometime soon. They just dont know it yet.

Next is the Tokyo River (I'm not sure if that's even the real name but thats what everyone calls it.) It runs through my city (Toda) and goes on forever. It's where the annual fireworks are held every year in August (which I heard are amazing via my roommate and last about 2 hours), as well as the big rowing competitions. Lining the banks of the river are the crew team houses which remind me a bit of fraternity rows in college except instead of fraternity letters on the outside its the college name. But, students of the teams live in them and they're always outside blasting their music and working out or something.

Next is the most tidy garden I've ever seen in my life. This picture makes my city look like the country, but dont believe it. Its in the neighborhood on my way from and to my apartment and the station. I just had to throw it in.

And, lastly... for now, is a sample picture of Omiya (the city where I teach). This is just a small little side street where they were having a used book sale. Too bad I can't read any of the books because they were going for like 25 cents a piece.

I'll get some work pictures in sometime soon, since I REALLY actually do go there almost everyday!