I´m still alive!

It´s true, im alive and kicking. Seems so long ago since my sayonnara now. After coming to terms with not having my old lifestyle n being a Starbucks Coffee Barista was the new way of life, its now all over. Chucked the job n now im in Portugal with the mam n little sis. By the way im only writing on here cos ive been reading Belle De Jour´s blog-now-come-book-type-thing. A must read by the way. So yeah Albufeira´s a nice holiday spot, but I feel a little overcommercialised or Britishised (can you use that terminology?) Who knows, but they are definately out to scam every last penny out of you - meals n drinks can be pricier than a slap-up meal back home. I mean charging 3.40 euros for a coke is scandoulous and 15 euros to support the smart Brits who set up a chippie n will sure to be retiring in about 5 days!
It pee´d it down today, but all was well cos we were at Zoo Marine n the dolphins (golphinos) were amazing n I went on the rocking ship, which makes my tummy go all goey. Oh n I found 10 euros on the floor n promptly gave it up so we could have the family snap taken as we went in - best way to part with cash don´t you think? When you haven´t had to spend 2 hours hollering "2 tall lattes!" "No, they aren´t yours actually, they were first n you actually asked for an americano n a hot chocolate." What is it with people who just pick up any drink in front of them?
N while im here, I might as well fill you in with next months plans. Im off to New Hampshire, America (that is) to be an Arts n Crafts Counselor at Camp Waukeela an all girls camp. Woo hoo, early morning n all day singing, quick jump in the lake to wake up, no probs. That reminds me, my sister, Abbie bless her can sing for England!! In other words she can´t shut up, tedious as it is, its nice in a way cos you can only sing when your happy.
Ok so thats about it.
Oh piri~piri chicken is lush, except when mam trys to kill everyone off by Doing-it-Herself. Actually was pretty nice. So if you ever go to Portugal, I suggest you eat it everyday and use your bidet as intended and thats it folks. xxxx

My Sayonara

The time must come for everyone.  I guess mine seemed a little earlier than it should of been, but hey ho, I can always come back n pay my "gaijin tax".  Was a good turnout and thanks guys for making it a special night.  First there was "Shabu Shabu" my fav, then off to "The Hub", which was nextdoor and thanks to Sarah we got our own party room!  Then "Kasuga" - Kouji's new haunt - let the karaoke live on.  Highlights - "Leaving on a Jet plane" - although it was very sad and the great turnout, I will miss you all, especially Karaoke Queen and Dick Tang, Yuko, Chiharu and Kouji and with his "broken" GPS - Sakamoto.

Seiha JT v FT karaoke

In my last week in Japan, I was quite lucky that Aiko decided to arrange a karaoke session, with the teachers.  In attendance - Fumi, Yuka, Marie, Michael, Makiko, Arleen and Aiko. Everyone was shy, which meant I was the 1st to sing a song.  After 2 hours most people left to go home or carry on partying elsewhere, but me, Arleen n Aiko decided to rock out n go crazy for another hour, jumping around n dancing, was a definate change, but lots of fun.

Kasagi

My last hike with Rich n Naoyuki tagged along, turns out he likes hiking n will take over my role now im gone.  It was my only day off in a very busy week, so I was very tired n Rich insisted on going early.  It was a nice day out, I took a little too much water, so my bag 
was heavy.  Turns out Rich's mapreading skills were a little off that day n after 12km we hit a road, 
which confirmed what we feared.  We tried hitchhiking to the train station n when that didn't work we found a bus that went to Nara.  I think the boys would have made it back hiking, but I was thankful for the sleep on the bus.  After we headed to Shabu shabu.  Hikes are no fun if things go to plan!  Thanks Rich, for all the long suspenseful, intriguing hikes.

Yaki niku at Makis house with kayoko

17th Sept, just so you know where we are at, me n Scott went to Kayokos friends to have all-u-can-eat Yaki Niku with the 4 kids.  Too much food n too many laughs watching the boys have fun.