TravelBio

As promised, here's a rundown of the neighborhoods / areas in Tokyo we explored: Roppongi Our apartment was actually in Akasaka, but only a 15 minute walk to central Roppongi, an area known as a nightlife hotspot and expat hangout. It has a bit of a seedy reputation, but also is becoming a trendy spot for young Tokyoites(?). Roppongi reminds me of Itaewon in Seoul, with a unique mix of hole in the wall bars, upscale shopping, and late night clubs. The neighborhood nearby is also home to many embassies and expensive apartments. Interesting mix indeed! Joanna and I went out to a shot bar in Roppongi called Geronimo, where an inebriated man bought the whole bar shots of Jager--not once, but twice. Luckily it was a small place, cause each shot cost 1,000 yen ($9). In a matter of an hour he managed to spend over 200 bucks. I hope he could afford it. Well, at the time, I was just excited to get a free drink! We also went to Tokyo Tower, which is within walking distance o...

Tokyo: capital of Japan, one of the most important global business hubs, and, with over 37 million residents, the largest metro area in the world. That's like putting nearly the entire state of California--LA, the Bay Area, San Diego, the whole lot--into one city! If the Tokyo metro were a separate country, it's GPD would be larger than Italy (it would be the 8th largest in the world). Maybe you don't like statistics as much as I do. Even if the numbers don't awe, most who go are impressed with Tokyo's nightlife, convenient public transportation, shopping, dining, cleanliness, and hospitality. What's not to like? If you're a country boy, the crowds may be overwhelming, but regardless I'd recommend a visit. Why am I writing about Tokyo? Well, if you recall from my last post, I'm back at home in Ohio. At the end of June my contract ended in Hangzhou, so it was time for me to say adios to China. Before heading back to the old US of A I stopped...

Grade 11 students after their final...this pretty much sums up our last month of work at school! The last post was about my trip to Macau in early June. Today I am writing this post in my parent's kitchen. No, they haven't moved to China; I've come back to the US! The students and teachers at the graduation party Before I explain my plans here in the States, I'll give you a quick overview of my last weeks in China. June was a surreal month, because I knew the semester was drawing to a close, but it never really sank in that I was leaving China for good. At the beginning of June, just before I went to Macau, the seniors had their graduation party. They held it at bar/club downtown. If it sounds weird to you, that makes two of us. The venue wasn't stocked with liquor for the party, but they did sell beers. Well, a few of the foreign teachers bought beers, but nobody else drank. So much for a party! After the graduation party and Macau, things were qui...