Flamenco and Sangria

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Yes, we are still in Japan. We went to a Spanish restaurant last night to watch flamenco dancing! We have made friends with a Japanese lady, Yuriko, who has been showing us around and some of her friends were dancing last night. Fun times.
I just had a second interview for Prince Eibei Gakuin, a school family close to our house. I think I rocked it. This one was with the VP of the company and he said that I was very quiet, polite and modest--little does he know, that was only because I had to sit quietly and wait for the school manager to translate! It sounds like I have the job, they want me to come in next week to observe some classes. I really like the school it is very kowai (cute) and it is the highest paying job I've seen. The downfall is that I'd be working tue-sat 1-9, Colin works M-F 9-6. He usually gets home after 7, so really we'd only miss eating dinner together. The school was concerned that he would be ok if I wasn't home to cook him dinner, ha ha ha. Japan is still so traditional, everyday at lunch Colin's coworkers ask if I made his lunch for him and are amazed that he makes it himself, like I can be bothered to get out of bed that early! His boss is trying to domesticate me and strongly suggested that I not work, he also asked Colin's permission before pouring me more wine. The lack of repect for women and their opinions is definately the hardest thing for me to adjust to.
My job would probably would start full time in March after I get back from Camille's wedding. Which is fine, although I can't wait until I can afford to buy all the stylish clothes I see, so far I've limited myself to two sweaters. The Japanese are crazy stylish! Although, it is ridiculous to see them slipping in their high heel boots and mini skirts in the snow. Fun fact: Japan buys one third of Louis Vuitton had bags sold world wide! Yes, I know most of you don't care ad neither should I. We are going to buy snowboards and all the gear tomorrow which is going to be excitig and expensive!
Colin is enjoying work (most of the time), although wishes he could see daylight hours. His company was bought out, so they have moved things around to fit the new employees. He has a new cubical with a mountain view. He is glad to be past the training portion and actually programming for a new project. He was amazed that during a small earthquake yesterday (our ninth one in a month!) no one even looked up from their work!
We went for Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) last week. It is one of my favs and it took a while to find a good restaurant that made it. Actually, at this one we had to make it ourselves. We were served bowls with batter cabbage, veggies, meat/seafood and then we had to mix it together and fry them--yum! We also discovered an oishi (delicious) drink--chyuhai.
We haven't made it to kareoke yet, but we have been promised (threatened) that it will be soon, thankfully it comes with all you can drink for ￥1000 ($10)!!! =)
Life is good and getting better everyday. Having a cell phone makes a big difference and we should have Internet by the end of the month.
My net time is almost up. We are going to another onsen (hot sprig) tonight.
Hugs, Maddy.
PS Notice the picture theme? Food! =)

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Photos

paella de marisco
Yup, those are prawns.

Our first big snow.
It snowed the same day in BC! This is a persimmon tree off our deck.

Homemade sushi.
Yes, the chair is on the floor.

Dessert Spanish style
We think it was red pepper flavored ice cream!

Comments

[Lost in Lofty]

The N factor
Hey Team, Sorry looks like I didn`t edit enough, the N key on the computer I was using only worked part of the time and I didn`t catch all the words that were missing it. And really my English is deteriorating from lack of use and when I do use it I simplify everything. It is snowing hard today and feels like winter is settling in. The onsen was great, Kengi World. I got an email from the Prince school saying they hope I will be as happy to work for them as they are to have me. I will start full time in March, really the day I arrive in Japan. Looks like it will be a short visit home. It is great that they have been so flexible, also this way I don`t have to use up all my holiday time and Colin and I will still be able to travel in Japan. Love Maddy.

[Amanda]

you are so cool
so... i have no idea if this works, or if you see this comment after i write it... or if everyone sees it after i write it (ha), but thought to tell you that i am thoroughly enjoying your updates, and thinking about you as i sit at my job in winnipeg manitoba, and watch it get colder and colder outside. :) will write you an email update right away, but wanted to try this comment thing out. :) love you! glad you are doing well!

[Claire]

connections
Hi Maddy, your Mom sent me your blog spot.What an adventure you are having! I think I can understand your cultural dilemma. Even though I have Japanese family in Japan, and Japanese friends in Japan (whom I've met at Arcosanti http://www.arcosanti.org - where I am now) and Japanese Sandplay Therapy colleagues in Japan - I have not been there yet myself. I'm getting my Japanese immersion vicariously, through you! Thanks! Claire PS: I'll send you contact information for any or all of them if you like!