March has finally arrived, and now that I’ve turned the page on our calendar, I can now feel the move down to Hyogo is fast approaching....that, and the mountain of things to do in the next 4 weeks. Just take a look! We’re going to be a pair of busy bees!
With only 4 weeks left here in Sapporo, I’ve been reflecting on the things I’m going to sadly miss, and the things I’ll be happy to leave behind, and most motivating...the things I’m so looking forward to.
I’m in a real mix of emotions, I’m ready to leave Hokkaido, but it’s not going to happen without some sadness.
The things I'll sadly miss
Snowboarding!! Nuff. Said.
The sushi. Oh my...Hokkaido has the best sushi in Japan! Really...it’s amazing!!
Soup curry!! It’s fantastic, just thinking about it makes me want to eat it!
The vast amounts of green all over Hokkaido, a nature lover’s paradise. I’ve been lucky enough to explore most of the island; it’s breathtaking!
All my wonderful friends. I’ve been blessed with such caring friends.
The cool, comfortable summers.
My job, and all my super students!
The things I won't miss
The rude, aggressive, arrogant, awful, awful, AWFUL Hokkaido drivers!! Drivers of Hokkaido.... YOU SUCK!!!!
The crows! Sapporo has a very serious, and uncontrolled crow pest issue. There are literally hundreds, all are unnaturally huge, noisy, and very, very aggressive!! Vermin! Yuck!
Driving on the icy roads in winter. Applying the breaks, and never been quite sure if you’re going to stop or slide, trust me it’s never fun.
Waking up in the winter. It’s so dark and cold.
The fact that we only get like 3 weeks of "summer" in Hokkaido...4 seasons my arse.
The things I’m looking forward to (a.k.a the reason we’re moving)
The weather! Bring on the long hot summers and milder winters! Shorts and t-shirts, and shoes without socks! Bliss!
Entertainment! International acts very rarely make the journey up to Hokkaido. I can’t wait to see some awesome live music! Plus, for sightseeing there is Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka right on our doorstep! It will be easy to do day trips to these awesome places.
Close to a large airport / and a solid train network, which will mean Michiko and I can explore more easily. A little flight over to Okinawa this year? Perhaps a trip down by train to Kyushu?
The people. I’ve begun to realize why the people in Kansai / Hyogo have their reputation for being such wonderful people....they really are very funny and very friendly people down there.
Our new apartment. It’s bigger, it’s cheaper, and it’s in a quiet area. All within a very short bike ride to the supermarket, train station and the countryside.
Being healthier! I’ll able to ride my bicycle all year round, walk outside more, run more, grow some vegetables on our balcony...I can’t wait!
And last but not least....my new job!! The Board of education down in Sanda city seem so much more clued into the notion of having foreign teachers. I’m already impressed with the way they have conducted things so far. I’m very much looking forward to starting! I'll be teaching in elementary schools only...that alone will keep me in shape!
So....all a barrel of emotions! I’m sure as the month progresses these emotions are only going to get stronger.
Bring. It. On!
