Aimee’s World Tour

I’ve come to a major conclusion about myself. I’m not a cold-weather cloudy skies kind of girl.  

It has been so beautiful outside lately that I can’t help but smile…and to get in shape once again. The hardest part of slimming down to a healthy weight is STAYING there.  I’ve fluctated so much since second semester senior year of college.  For someone who thinks health is so important I have been anything but.

Today I discovered that a park I previously believed to be the size of a soccer field is actually  linked to a mini mountain with a running/biking trail.  The shade from the trees provided a nice relief from the heat.  

After coming down the mountain and crossing the street I found myself at my usual running spot – a popular park along the river that has increased its beauty a thousand-fold with all the trees and flowers in bloom. 

Somehow I took an exit out of the park and ended up on the highway that leads to my school.  I took an offramp which was pretty stupid since I could have been hit by any car whipping around the bend but I made it back to my apt. without any calamities.  It was a great run. 

Rounding the corner to my building I ran into Justine.  She looked at me and said, “You have a bloody nose.”  Then we chatted about how we’re going out for Hayley’s birthday tonight.  Should be good times.  Hayley is another BIG reason I’ve worked out 5 times this week!

Springtime is wonderful.  I’m so excited it’s FINALLY here.  The winter was really getting to me.  I can’t express how good it feels to banish my winter coat.  (No mama, I managed not to lose this one!) 

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Moving right along.  I had probably one of the most rewarding days I’ve ever had at school yesterday.  Not only are my kids cute, but they are so sweet and well-behaved!  Their cuteness flies out the window when they’re acting up. Remember that for any of you who think having kids would be like totally like fun!  A little girl in a pink tutu and a giant bowl in her hair can seem like the devil but not today!

The day started off with a slight interuption from little Leo.
“I love you Aimee Teacher!” 
I almost melted.

Here’s a story about that little boy.  

Leo is a child who detests coloring and often wanders around the classroom on his own accord.  He hates wearing his slippers and likes to take off his socks and even put them in his mouth.  Leo is the worst behaved in the class but somehow has become my current favorite along with little Irene.  Dover as a whole is a very very good class.

Leo has been making some serious progress.  Yesterday I had asked Leo to color a picture of a sheep in his book but he wasn’t having it.  He said… “I’m hungry.” I was so happy because that was one of the sentences I had been teaching my class.  Quite honestly I’d rather him learn to speak than color a stupid sheep. 

I said to him in my now broken English, “Color sheep.  Wash hands.  Eat snack.”  So Leo said, “Sheep?  Wash hands?  Eat?”  I nodded, “Yes.”  Leo looked at me thoughtfully. “Ok,” he said and actually colored his sheep. It felt like Christmas.

“I’m done! I’m done.”  “Oh ok Leo.  Now you just have to color the duck.”  Sneaky Aimee Teacher.  No one had said anything about a duck.  Still, he complied with another thought out “Ok.”

As for frustrations, this time it’s my trip.  I wouldn’t say frustrated as much as a little worried.  I was online for a while last night and could not find any private accomodation that wasn’t booked!  Boo.  Japan isn’t dirt cheap like Thailand so I’m afraid to just wing it considering my income and my need for savings.  And I can’t quite explain my hesitation about staying at a hostel.  I think I just want some place private to rest when I need it. 

I’m about to head back to the travel agent to either reroute my trip to a different area of Japan or maybe just go to Bali, Indonesia instead.  Japan might be better in the summer anyways.  If I’m lucky the travel agent can book me something in Kyoto.  I’ll report back as soon as I find out.  Should I decide to extend my contract I would most likely have to go to Japan to renew my visa so I could spend a couple days there at that time. 

Yours in travel,

Aimee Teacher

On Wednesday I wired some money home and have now completely paid off my student loans and therefore all debt (not including the paramount sum I owe my parents…)  I then went to Seohyon Station (3 stops down) and booked a flight to Osaka, Japan, a thirty minute train ride from Kyoto, where I plan on staying and sight-seeing.  

I’m so excited but a bit anxious because apparently Children’s Day is as  big a holiday in Japan as it is in Korea and everyone will be heading to Kyoto, the cultural heart of the country.  Kyoto is supposed to provide a real wealth of history, as it is the only major city in Japan not bombed during the War. 

I booked my flight from Sat. May 2 – Tuesday May 5th.   At school on Thursday I found out our Sports Day, scheduled for the Sat. I am leaving, was being postponed.  I immediately called my agent and bumped my flight up to Friday night (May 1st).  A much more decent amount of time.  And I get to skip my miserable after school classes.  I’ve asked my friend Ana to cover for me!

I’ve just about convinced myself to buy the “Lonely Planet: Japan” for the hefty sum of 40,000 Won.   I know it’s quite a chunk of cash in times like these but I would love to have researched and learned a lot about Kyoto as well as other areas of Japan. I’ll let you know how persuasive I am by the end of this entry.

I’ve been hearing a lot about capsule hotels.  Apparently they are a form of very, very cheap accomodation in Japan.  One friend saw them on the Discovery Channel and told me that I just have to do it! 

I’ve been finding places online but a lot are booked or are dorm room set-ups with up to 6 people.  On this trip I really want my own space to rest.   I’m gonna try to book all 4 nights this weekend even if they are at different spots.  I was able to wing it in Hong Kong and met up with a friend in Thailand but this time I just want it all settled. 

Off to Kyobo Books in Seoyhon Station to get my Japanese guidebook because yes, I’ve finally given in! 

~ Sigh – ah – nor-ah! (Can’t wait to slip that into normal conversation.) 

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