Minimalism - Online Income - ESL - Japan
Bill Belew from the Rising Sun of Nihon is asking how we resolve to make the most of our stay in Japan this year. For most people, I’d imagine learning Japanese and visiting new places would be high on the list of things to do, but since I’ve been here for over ten years, the fact that I’m in Japan doesn’t weigh heavily in my plans for 2009. Instead, I […]
There are 15 families in our neighborhood, and we rotate the twice-weekly task of unlocking the “gomi” station before 6am, then coming back, cleaning it out and locking it after the garbage men come at 8am. The rules couldn’t be simpler – put out your burnable rubbish between those hours in a designated city rubbish bag. There are different days and places for disposing of plastics, cans, glass, cardboard and […]
I while ago my mum wrote a poem about her relationship with the grandson she has only seen via a webcam. In her latest poem, she talks about his antics with phones and fire extinguishers. Very funny stuff… I love my baby grandson, Ricky. He’s such a cute little fellow to me. He lives so far away in Japan, A strange country across the sea. Read the rest here If […]
Shane Sakata from Japan’s Online Culture and Travel Magazine, the Nihon Sun, is asking us for photos of the real Japan from the windows of our homes. The timing is a bit off since we’re having the house painted right now, but that just adds to the realism… Fortunately, we still have a pleasant view out the back window, so long as you ignore all the power lines… My former […]
I take Rikuto to the shopping center a lot. It’s close to home, it’s spacious and there are places for Rikuto to play, eat and have a change of underwear. Last week, though, I was pleasantly surprised when he took it upon himself to practice his walking skills… If you can’t see the video, watch it here on YouTube. If you like, you can find me on Twitter at @nick_ramsay. […]
I just heard that my poor dad tripped on the pavement while running for the bus and knocked his two front teeth out. I do hope he gets well soon. In the meantime, here’s a little ditty to cheer him up: If you can’t view the video, watch it here on YouTube. Update: My dad’s got a new set of pearly whites, and my mum wrote an entertaining poem about […]
This is my last minute entry into November’s Japan Blog Matsuri. I was going to skip it this month, as the question, “What has Japan taught you about yourself?”, would require me to take a deep look inside and pull out something wise and intelligent. Instead, here are a few things Japan has taught me about England… Ascending the throne When I first came to Japan, people would say “Give […]
I became an uncle and Mami became an aunt this week when her sister gave birth to a little girl called Rinko. Here are some pictures… If you like, you can find me on Twitter at @nick_ramsay. I’d love to hear from you!