One Week <- March <- 2000 <- Japan <- Home

6 March 2000 - Monday - I was supposed to have my last day at Ushizu high school, which would include teaching three classes and giving a speech at the morning meeting to say goodbye. However, I missed the train and was late, slinking in instead of marching in triumphantly. After work, Kim made dinner for Josh and Andrew (and me!) and we spent the evening chatting. Josh made us aware that his birthday was Wednesday and we were all invited.

7 March 2000 - Tuesday - I had class the first two periods at Chienkan high school, and after those I went to Kencho to deal with some paperwork. Alex suggested street hockey after work and several people thought this was a good idea. So after work, we played hockey until sundown, then headed to the yakitoriya. After that we watched Grosse Point Blank at my place.

8 March 2000 - Wednesday - More Kencho, then Mike made chili for dinner. After that was Josh's birthday party at Ten High, where we all made a valid attempt to get trashed. Then Mike, Rob, Kim, and I went driving through the countryside until about 1 AM.

9 March 2000 - Thursday - Kencho day. I began plotting a getaway for the following weekend, which was a holiday weekend. I found everyone already had plans, which left me to fend for myself. I also finished my Japanese test for the month. After work, Kim, Kelli, and I made a run out to the bulk store (CostCo) near Fukuoka. We dropped about $500 on various food items and an oven/microwave/toaster for Kim. After that Kim Evans and I practiced the music we are working on for an open mic night.

10 March 2000 - Friday - More Kencho. I decided on a place to travel to (Taiwan) and bought tickets. After work, everyone went to the Celtic, where we stayed until about 4AM. I ended up sleeping on my couch, as my futon was nabbed by Aussie Rob, and all other sleeping space was similarly gobbled by visitors.

11 March 2000 - Saturday - Woke around noon. Rain outside, which scrubbed the planned visit to Daizafu. So Kim and I went driving around, looking for the ariake sea. All sorts of random Japanese sights, and we finally managed to find the sea as well. Saturday night we watched the Graduate, then Mike came over with a (3/4 drank) bottle of rum and made us all rum and cokes.

12 March 2000 - Sunday - Lunch at MosBurger with Alex (happy birthday mosburger!). Then a drive out to Nagasaki and more photos of all the sights of Nagasaki. I finally managed to acquire the recording studio I had been interested in.

13 March 2000 - Monday - new week, more Kencho. After work, a visit to Osada, then practice with Kim Evans and a viewing of Leon, which lasted until 1AM. Many random visitors during the evening.