Hi everyone!

Japan is still amazing. Its really hot and humid here. My apartment has air conditioning which is a blessing. Today I did a self introduction (in japanese) to about 150 workers from the town council office. Everyone clapped and said it was great speech which was a relief. I spent an hour or so piecing it together from dictionary phrases and I was happy with the result. I also visited kamioda elementary school where I met the 40 odd students. (they are so cute!) Each one introduced themselves to me and shook my hand (how do you do, my name is ... nice to meet you) it was very sweet. I played `glory glory hallelujah` on the piano and a little classical flute in D major which went down really well. On Saturday, I was given a ticket to see the arrow jazz orchestra at the town hall. That was wonderful. Just like something from the 1950`s They were really tight and actually very good, I was impressed although the japanese lyrics were beyond me, some of the songs were sung in english (i.e. My way and a few others) It was cool. I`m the only european in the whole area, so I stick out like a pink hippopotamus in a china store, but its OK, I`m getting used to it. When I arrived at the Junior high school (where I am now) the kids all ran up and pressed their faces against the window and waved. They love me here!. They`re actually looking now pressed up against the door. Oh well, I`ll try and look inconspicous. Yesterday, I went for a walk to a beautful lake in the mountains near where I live. It was lovely. There were butterflies everywhere and I saw a huge fish, lots of little fish as well as a snake!. There`s actually a snake that lives in the water near my apartment. I`ve seen it a few times now. I saw a little snake in the gutter this morrning. The animals here are really interesting. Lots of big colourful bugs and dragonflies. Everyone seems impressed at my Japanese. Those 3 years at high school are really paying off. The people are really nice and friendly and helpful. Actually japanese people are so nice. They work together so well because they constantly treat eachother with respect. The drivers are super courteous and everyone is so polite. One translation of Nihon (Japan) is `the great harmony` and its true. They live together harmoniously because they always treat eachother with respect and pay particular respect to the elderly. Japan is an ancient culture and in that sense it is very mature. Japan has evolved a certain cultural maturity which I feel is most wonderful. Another thing is they are all so happy. Whenever japanese people speak, its like they`re on the verge of laughter all the time. Everyday, they laugh so much, nearly all the time. Although some japanese are very serious there is a definite sense of humour in the air. Speaking of humour. Japanese television is soooo funny. God it makes me laugh. There are so many funny stories I can`t even begin to explain. It seems there is no bad news on television only people doing weird and interesting things and lots of entertainment. I like it, its easy to watch and entertaining. I can`t begin to explain the strange things they do but its certainly funny.

Anyway, I won`t spiel too long. hope alls well in your end of the woods,
love from David.