Nagoya

Sakae at night

Nagoya

My colleagues are all a friendly bunch and mostly Canadians. As soon as we started to arrive in Japan, we were busy introducing ourselves and making plans to explore Nagoya together. Power in numbers, especially when you are the minority in a very different culture and stick out like an inflamed thumb.










Okonomiyaki

We hit the Izakayas together, but eating en masse presented a problem, as people had different needs. I did manage to sneak off to an okonomiyaki bar for lunch with a colleague and it was great. It remained on the tempanyaki while I ate it! I was able to instruct the chef how I wanted it cooked and how much sauce. I was very happy. I have to admit that it was a very hot experience that might be better enjoyed in the winter time, despite the numerous air conditioners that were running. I found it interesting to note that many buildings have several air conditioners hard at work, trying to keep people cool. Seriously, some of the buildings I have seen have a small brigade of air conditioners hard at work. I must take a photo. It is not a sight I am used to seeing in Canada.

We investigated Sakae's nightlife (really we just skimmed the surface, as we didn't have the monetary funds to do justice to Sakae's nightlife) and I was so happy to have a few takers for the ferris wheel. It was tacky, but I loved that slow moving ferris wheel. I had been wanting to have a go since I first laid eyes on it, but wanted to take a ride with others. We exchanged tales of horror after our first real teaching in a class. Some of the kids were pulling the leg hairs off one of the recruits and another kid ended up accidently kicking him in the balls! It was a great bonding experience to have fellow Vancouverites, for the most part, to adjust to Japan within our little bubble of a group.

On the Ferris Wheel