I can’t believe it’s already August! Where does the time go?
Right now Japan is in the grips of a heatwave (as is – or recently was – much of the world). Staying cool is a challenge as I’ve never handled heat very well. I’m more of a winter kind of girl in case you couldn’t tell by the skiing posts.
How am I staying cool? Well, not very successfully if I have to be honest about it. Mainly I am ok when I am inside, but if I go outside I will sweat for about 30 minutes after retreating to the gloriously cool air-conditioned buildings I find myself hiding in. It’s a challenge as I am also trying to avoid getting too much sun (I burn no matter what I do) so any sunscreen sweats off and UV-cut clothing, although designed to be cool is still adding sleeves to a very hot situation. Lots of cool drinks and cooling wipes are my main form of surviving.
I also recently bought a car – a Suzuki Jimny. It’s a Kei car, so yearly vehicle taxes will be cheaper. I bought it used and so far am very happy with it. I usually ride a scooter (which I still have and find convenient, especially when parking), but when the weather is bad or I have a lot to do it can be a bit inconvenient. The fact that the car has both air-conditioning and the ability to play music is a huge plus.
Having a car means I will also be able to take day trips and bring my camera equipment along a lot easier than before. Bringing my camera equipment on the scooter was always quite troublesome – the weight, size, and keeping it safe was always a challenge. Bringing my camera equipment on the bus or train presented the same issues. So a car equals freedom but also responsibilities.
Take parking for example. I have to pay monthly parking near my apartment. If I go somewhere, most of the time parking fees are involved. If I am shopping, some places will validate your parking and give you passes that pay for part (or all) your parking. I’m getting as many of those as I can and keeping them in my car to use as needed. This means planning my shopping and other activities to minimize parking costs while maximizing passes received.
Starting next week, my main job (the English school) will be closed for two weeks. I hope to make the most of my summer vacation this year. Usually I leave Japan – either for somewhere else in Asia or back to the United States. However, between purchasing a car and visiting Hong Kong in June, I’ve decided to be a responsible adult and stay in Japan. Does that mean I’ve given up on fun and travel? Nope! But it does mean day/overnight trips and exploring my area more in-depth.
It also means focusing more on my Japanese. I plan to take the J.Test in November. I need a break from the JLPT madness. That’s not to say I won’t take the JLPT again. I plan to (next July), but I need a change. The J.Test is offered 6 times a year and is given in three levels (A-C, D-E, and F). I will be taking D-E, which corresponds to N4 and N3.
This means I have restarted my other blog, but it’s not about travel or life in Japan (not really – although I might write about it a bit), but about studying Japanese as well as writing practice. You can read it here if you are interested.
That’s it for now!
Life in Japan with Lady Caladium 