The Long Goodbye

Its Friday afternoon, I got off work about an hour ago and as I sit here writing this, I'm sipping on a bad spanish wine slowly watching highlights from a sumo tournament somewhere in this country.

Its also raining. In fact its been raining off and mostly on for the past two weeks. 'Tis the rainy season here. Who knows how long it's going to last, but we do know that at the very least this weekend will be wet as we have our 4th typhoon of the season. I wasn't aware there were three before this one....probably cause they fizzled out somewhere around okinawa.

The month of July is an interesting one for an ALT such as myself. As August of last year was full of celebrations of me and my comrades arrivals, July is filled to the brim of goodbyes. Dinners, ALT gatherings, small tatami dance sessions, last onsen soaks, etc... Every few days it feel like I'm saying goodbye at least for the second time.

So, in true spirit of the the feux-season, I give you my recognition of those who are departing our prefecture, and whose company I have enjoyed.

Chrissy Anuszewski: The only girl on this list and first person I've met who enjoys wine more than I do. The girl can hold her own when it comes to that nectar of grapes. The girls also got a huge heart. She would go out of her way for anyone considered a friend. Chrissy would send me books she thought I'd like. She travels the world and if no one wants to go she'll do it by herself. She's a brave lady, and I got nothing but respect for the girl.

Ken Griggs and Mario Zankl: No doubt, I thought Ken was a jackass when I first met him and in fact for the first couple of months after that as well. Problem with Ken, is he's actually not such a bad fella, he just pretends to be. The guy likes Ed Abbey, that says alot. Mario Zankl is the only Austrian ALT in Japan. That makes him pretty cool. But add on to that, he and his girlfriend (also austrian) had their first child together here in Japan. I've thought about linking to his blog several times, but as nobody I know can read german, i figured it was a mute point. Besides all this, the guy is an eco-marathon runner, an avid boulderer and a superbly genuine and generous fellow. (Mario is in red)

Colin Walk: Inadvertently, Colin from Canada, became my backpacking buddy here. As most of you who know me, you also know that I consider the mountains to be a special place. So does this guy. He's been in country for 3 years and I have found his opinion on most things Japan to be pretty interesting and thought provoking if not humorous at the same time. This guy I will miss, very much. (This is Colin with his very cool girlfriend Maya)

Mike Elgan: AKA, the other Shinji ALT. I stepped off the plane in Shimane, an hour later I walked into my apartment and there was Mike, to help explain it all. Mike has been here for 6 years. He studied for a year in tokyo during university, worked for the JET program for five years, got married to his wife Nina here and is now leaving. I cant imagine this place having had such an impact on my life as it has Mike. I'd consider myself lucky if I got as much out of this experience as he has. (This is a picture of Mike explaining to Marie how to use the keno stick....laughter ensued....I'm sure you can tell)

Kris Stoker: Stoke and I dont agree on a whole lot. In fact, most times we have very differing opinions on almost every subject I can think of at the moment. Ironically enough, that did't make a lick of difference. There's something familiar about this guy. Sometimes he reminds me of my cousin John, sometimes it seems that I've known him for more than the 11 months we've been within shouting distance of each other. Great memory with Stoke: A karaoke session we had that started with us tag teaming "Amarillo By Morning" and ended in a good ol' wrastlin 'bout. Kris is good man, he's got a finance and child waiting for him back in the States and I wish only the best for him.

Luke Marsh: The only other Luke I've ever met that I liked. Another 3rd year ALT, Luke lleft just a few days ago. He lived in the middle of an onsen/hotel touristy area and could get in for free anytime he like. On more than one occasion he and I would split a bottle of wine or two, listening to good jazz and then soak our bodies in hot water. The fella is a life of any party and is now off to Law School somewhere in London. Priceless.

So, its about 3 hours after I started, a Japanese soap opera is on the TV (its muted), I'm a good way through the bottle and about to head off with Stoker and some friends for his last onsen soak. (I swear at some point I will explain the glory of onsens).

Tomorrow I'm off to Osaka. The primary reason, catch another ballgame....secondly, watch either Transformers or HP in a decent movie theater. I know its been a good while since I've written with any regularity but I hope this to be (once again) a turn of the tide.

So good night/good morning to where ever you may be. And to may departing friends.....we'll always have japan.