crap japanese gets you everywhere

Well the new school term started today and had to make a speech to the whole school in Japanese. Only problem is that I don't speak Japanese. I walked up to the microphone with everyone bogging at the new gaijin (white boy). I couldn't even remember the few lines I had to say, had to refer to my notes and then walked off before bowing (no one told me that I had to bow!). Anyone would say that it was a disaster but they bloody loved it! "ah matt sensei, your speech very good etc etc". Can white people do no wrong in this country? All the students were in school preparing for their sports day and despite being warned about their shy tendencies, they all seemed really confident and friendly. I think I'm gona enjoy teaching here.

Last night went for Yaki Niku (indoor japanese/korean barbecue). Bloody gorgeous! Went out with Pete (fellow first year jet), Dan, Rosie, Christine and Sarah (all second years). I'm looking forward to getting to know them better over the next year. It looks as though we've got a good bunch here in the bright lights of Hagi City and I'm really happy where i've plonked in Japan. I could easily have been in a village in the middle of nowhere with only rice paddies and cockroaches to be my friends.

Sorry nothing too carnage to report yet this week.....yet.