Valentines

Well if I'd been working this Valentines Day I might have stood a chance of getting some giri-choco off some students. "Giri-choco" being the chocolate given to co-workers and bosses that women seem obliged to give. In Japan, the tradition is for women to give the guys chocolates and what not, and the guys are supposed to reciprocate on "White Day", another invented retail holiday, and give chocolate in return (I'm presuming its white choclate or else I have no idea where the name comes from). Finally got to hold a PSP in my hands last week and have a go of Ridge Racer. And it was really really class. The screen looks huge for a gadget that size and, taking in to account that there wasn't a battery, its not very heavy either. Now I just have to persuade myself to part with the cash and get one. I just have to keep reminding myself that when it comes out back home it'll probably be at least 50euro more expensive. My flat mate here got his results from the Japanese Proficiency Test. He took the Level 3 one (the one that I would have applied for if I'd been on the ball and submitted my application on time) and passed thanks to his last minute cramming. Now I really regret not having tried it. He didn't get much of a fancy certificate though. I have to wait until December before I the chance to apply again. But back to work...The kids classes have really taken their toll since christmas and its only been a little over a month. I really don't look forward to doing them, even though some of the classes are alright. Its just the thought of facing classes where one or two misbehaved kids make the hour really stressful. So it was great to have a break from them last week. The adult ones can be really borning at times but I prefer that to the stress of the little terrors. But theres only six more weeks of kids ones before the year finishes; ie. my last classes. At least I know I'm not cut out to be a kids teacher (not that I'd ever considered it mind). On a better note, one of the nice middle aged ladies who I have every week passed her level-up exam which was great. She's been one of the few regular students I've had for most of the year and has suppplied me with lots of snacks that keep me going through the day. She was really nervous going into the test but passed pretty easily and it was actually pretty satisfying to see she'd improved. And, to prove it wasn't a bribe, she waited until after the test to give me the Japanese sweets. Went to Round 1 on Sunday and what a great deal - 3 hours of batting cages, table tennis and air hockey as well as free video games for 1200yen (8 quid). Not bad considering the last time I went to a batting cage I had to pay for each ball. And on top of that I got to play some really weird Japanese video games, like Fishing, Bus Driver and Train driver. Normally I'd just look at them and laugh, but since they were free... I can't believe all the time I've been here and I still haven't shown any pics of the unique spin the Japanese put on TV. I haven't gone on about the revered figures of Doraemon, Anpanman or Conan. I haven't even gone on about the wacky variety shows with their bubbly subtitles and stupid sound effects. Well that time has now passed. I finally figured out when Matthews Best Hit TV is on (this is show with the wacky presenter briefly seen on Lost in Translation) and, though I have no idea what they're on about most of the time, have started to watch it a little. I've taken a few pics and videos for posterity but I'm still waiting for my chance to take one of the weather reports which are priceless. And speaking of Japanese weirdness I was in the mood for taking in some more, so I intended visiting the Osaka Instant Ramen museum. Thats right, a museum totally devoted to the invention of instant noodles. Unfortunatly being the lazy sod that I am I didn't leave in time and the place was closed. Feck that. But it holds so much promise. And to top it all off there was another little earthquake last night. Apparently it wasn't that strong but it was centred not too far from Kobe and, being on the 4th floor, i easily felt it. Oh and by the way, I Robot is shite.