Return from Tokyo
Tokyo completely and utterly blew my mind. I just got in. I'll post an actual recap with tons of photos later on. The photo above was taken on Saturday night at Earthd/o/m, Tokyo's best hc/punk venue. In two weeks I'll be in the DPRK & China.

                                  I'm Changing My Name to Mattew
This is my name tag for the English Camp I'm in the middle of. It's funny how things get lost in translation. I'm teaching for three days at another school; two days down one to go. I'm really enjoying it! I'm teaching elementary which is a lot of fun. The kids are absolutely fantastic, the school is excellent and the teachers are very friendly and welcoming. Though the school does have an English program they do not have a native English teacher to call their own... which is one of the reasons they are hosting an English camp. I'm teaching with three other English teachers, all Americans. It's really laid back and fun to teach in a different environment and meet new people.

I'm finishing up tomorrow with a section on songs. I'm planning on playing a few songs by Neil Young from Massey Hall 1971. I've created a lesson which includes fill in the blanks lyrics and questions and so forth and I'll be sure to mention how my dear mother was at the gig herself. On top of that I'm taking the opportunity to play a song or two by The Barnkats to show the kids what's hip on Prince Edward Island. Classes are finished at noon tomorrow and after that the Korean teachers at the school have invited us all out to a celebratory lunch. I can't wait.

                                         Soju, Fireworks & Bicycles
Happy New Year! I spent a nice quiet New Years Eve in my flat and rang in the new year by taking a glorious bicycle ride downtown. The streets were closed to cars and there were many policemen around with whistles as I weaved through the hoards of people as the fireworks were set off around me.

My first big trip is happening later this month; I will be in Tokyo, Japan for the Lunar New Year from the 24th to the 28th. I'm currently busy making itineraries for the trip to ensure I pack in as much as I possibly can during this short visit. If you have any suggestions for things I should do in Tokyo please leave a message by clicking the Discuss button below!