Bloody Eagles!!

The Battle will begin in less than an hours time and I'm hopeful I've discovered a spot to soak up the glorious occasion... Let's just hope that I can find it!! ;) Will it be another year of triupmphant Swans [aka The Bloods] or will the Eagles snatch up the ultimate prize in Australian Football?

I'm looking forward to hanging out with some Aussies - then I'm catching up with Big Sam the man from Japan [viz Ireland] for a pot luck dinner Japanese style. The only question remains - should I stick with tradition and bring Tuna Mornay...?!

Till the next exciting episode....

Conichiwa!

For the uninitiated - that is hello [or good afternoon] in Japanese.... Life continues on apace here in Osaka - I'm currently installed in an internet cafe in Tenoji and I'm fast running out of time.... I'm falling into a rhythmn of classes and life here and have pretty much settled in. I have even found Kellogs Corn Flakes [but no vegimite, and I forgot my tube...!] I have classes four nights a week and also four mornings a week and four afternoons - though I teach on five days, work that one out!! Today I teach in Noda [every other day at the Lighthouse school in Sakai] so I stop off in Tenoji on my way.

What else.... well, I've updated myself on all the important Aussie news - West Coast will play Sydney in the Grand Final and Adam Goodes won the Brownlow. There are only 9 idols left - goodbye Reigan and the country chick who's name escapes me... and My little sister has bought a house [to see a pic check out her blog at http://glendajayne.blogspot.com] She beats me yet again, I'm guessing that by the time I see it there'll be little pitter patters on the lovely polished floorboards and only one spare room!! Good on you guys it looks a picture and I can imagine your guys living it large there... ;}

Not much else to report at the moment - only a little Japanese queerity - Only ladies qualify for cheap tickets on discount movie day!! It's called Ladies Day here and it on a Wednesday. Movies are expensive in Japan - 1800 yen, but on Wednesdays only 1000 for the ladies!!

Jyamatane [ciao for now] ... Joce <><

Settling in...

Well, I'm completing my first week in Japan and rapidly settling in, though life is sure different from Melbourne here in Osaka. I spied two other gaijin (Japanese for foreigner) on the train on Thursday night and was very excited - though I couldn't get to them as the carriage was packed! The weather remains very warm here - 30 most days and very warm at night too. My apartment is very cosy, though thankfully has airconditioning!! If you want to hear from me more regularly then please send me an email (or leave a note on this site) and I will send you my mobile e-mail address - yes, you can send e-mail from your mobile phone here!!

Well, I've got to dash, my time is up and I've plenty more to carry on with this arvo. I'll post again later in the week and might even download some photos!!

Ciao for Now...

The Saga Continues...

Well, I can't seem to get it all together, can I? I left my ticket behind somewhere in Melbourne (as yet undiscovered) so am stranded in Cairns for 24hours. Tough, I hear you say. Well, a bit annoying, but there is an upside. Cairns is lovely and its a beautiful day. A little muggy, so it feels very summery. I was even considering going for a swim, but I'm too hairy and now there is a nice cool breeze. (I will attend to the excess hair though... you don't want to know!)

So I've spent the day chilling out in Northern Queensland - there are worse things - much worse. Though I most likely means that I won't get to meet Esther - the person I am replacing at the English School in Osaka. We really will be like ships passing in the night. Well, so much for today. I have rays to catch!

Ciao for Now :)

In just a little while...

I finally have my visa!! In a moment I'll be picking up my ticket and this time tomorrow morning I will be in the air - or in Cairns awaiting my flight to Osaka. I can't believe that it has finally all come together. Today I'll be madly rushing about getting all those last minute jobs done. Hopefully I'll have time for a drink with friends this evening. I will miss Melbourne - the cafe culture, hearing English, my friends & family most of all, and of course, my church - St Jude's. I'm feeling a little bit whimsical and just a touch sad as I say goodbye to my favourite city. It has been hard moving out of my little place and saying goodbye to my friends & family. Still, I won't be having a late night - I'm flying to Cairns at 7am tomorrow morning!! I haven't got up that early for some time I must say. Which poor bugger will I ask to drop me off I wonder. I guess that depends on who wants my car... Well, If you're in Osaka I'll see you very soon. If you're in Germany, I'll see you in a couple of months time and if you're here in Melbourne its Goodbye from me - hope I'll see you again some day.

Ciao for Now.... <><

Jumping through hoops!

That's what it feels like right about now - will I ever get to Japan??? If you're reading this please send up a prayer for me. It is so frustrating and if I'm not there by next Wednesday it will make the transition to my job really difficult as well! I've spent the ENTIRE DAY running around (literally) getting this visa application together and now they're telling me that I don't have enough money and I can't go until next Friday! Beuracracy - you can't live with it & you can't live without it!!!!

HUMPH!

Change of Plans...

Phew - sometimes I wonder if someone is trying to stop me leaving the country! First I have all that trouble trying to get my passport and now I've been thwarted trying to get a visa!! Still, it gives me a little more time to get myself organised here in Melbourne so its not all bad. At present it looks like I'll be leaving next Wednesday. I just pray there are no more hitches from here. As I write my application for working holiday visa is being looked at and if all goes well I'll be saying my final goodbyes next Tuesday. It all still feels a little unreal, but we'll get there - eventually!

Till next time....

Ciao for Now - stay beautiful!