Stretching across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, the Shimanami Kaido is a sprawling 70 kilometer cycling course with some amazingly beautiful views. The course meanders past citrus fields and over huge suspension bridges, along quiet beaches and through bustling towns — I...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT is quickly realizing she has less than three months before she leaves Japan. This edition features some late cherry blossom pictures, Golden Week adventures, and a look at the future. Let’s jump in! First, the...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries where an ALT finds herself shoveling snow much more than she’s used to. This edition features winter, Kyoto, a giant box of snacks, and future plans. Let’s jump in! First, as always, the highlights: I’m eating lunch...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries where an ALT is shocked to discover that winters in Nagano are still, in fact, freezing cold. Today’s post includes highlights, a look at my bullet journal, a trip to Tokyo, winter plans, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few small...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT frantically assembles Halloween clipart for bingo with some kindergarteners (in case you’re wondering, they had a blast). Today’s post includes macarons, the Olympic torch, the ocean, and plenty of stories of...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT enters her last year of teaching. This post features plenty of highlights, some updates, CPR training, and an earthquake drill. Let’s jump in! First, the highlights: In elementary school, I’m teaching the kids...
Chogatake is located in Nagano’s Middle Alps in Kamikochi, the same park as the beautiful Karasawa. Roughly translated, Chogatake means “Butterfly Peak” because of the butterfly-shaped snow patches visible in spring. I was itching for another overnight trip and chose...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT is wondering where the last two months have gone. This post includes journaling, and updates for running, Golden Week, and the Olympics. Let’s jump in! Here are the highlights! A few weeks ago, my school held their...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT re-learns that winter (and cold weather) doesn’t last forever. This post features cherry blossoms, future plans, exercise, and Olympics worries. Let’s jump in! First, as always… The Highlights New school...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT fought back tears at her school’s graduation ceremony and is deskwarming her way through spring break. This post features a look at graduation ceremonies in Japan, an update on the interview, and the return of warm...