You heard it first folks, this will be my last year as a Mito AET. Mark my words!
Despite what some people may have heard, I’m not unhappy here. I have enjoyed the time I’ve spent here and the people I have met. But, it’s time to go.
The new school year has officially started. Cherry blossoms have bloomed, the new teachers were introduced to the school, the first graders had their entrance ceremony, we’ve had class for about 2 weeks, and the new AETs have arrived just in time for Golden Week!
Holidays in Japan are pretty basic. If it lands on a weekday, you have the day off. If it lands on the weekend, then it sucks and we go to work like it never happened. So even though there are 3 days in a row we get off for Golden Week, we only get 2 of those days off from work since the last day is on a Saturday.
In between those visits, Since Golden Week is approaching, I’ll be busy traveling in Japan but also outside Japan. I’m thankful I got extra pages in my new passport… I have a feeling I’m going to need them!
Since this will be my last year in Mito, I’ve decided to go all out and travel every chance I get. The first trip will be this weekend (4/27) in Hiroshima! It’s been about 15 years since I’ve been to Hiroshima and I’m excited to see how much has changed! I’ll experience riding the night bus from Tokyo to Osaka (about 8 hours) and then taking the bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima. I’m hoping my ability to fall asleep anywhere and anytime will work to my advantage on the bus.
Right after Hiroshima, I’ll spend about 30 hours in Mito before heading to my next destination: Singapore!! I will be returning to Mito Monday evening, going to work Tuesday and then back to the airport Tuesday night to fly to Singapore for the week. I didn’t realize until after I had made all the plans for Hiroshima what I had done for myself. It’ll be busy but so worth it.
Aside from Golden Week, a bunch of other exciting things have happened! I’ve seen a bunch friends and family visiting Japan and I will see more later next month! So while it’s been pretty uneventful adventure wise, it’s about to get busy very soon!
