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...
This is part two of my first attempt at Chogatake! If you missed part 1, click here to read it first! After a night of fitful sleep, I woke up around 4am because the sun was up and shining into the room. I could already hear the sound of the hut’s front door opening and closing as...
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...
“Sensei, do you want to try one?” I looked up and saw an eye-catching, rectangular shape wrapped in crinkly plastic in my coworker’s outstretched hand. “Sure! What is it?” “It’s candy… But you might not like the texture. It’s like...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT keeps asking if it’s Friday yet, even though she knows it’s not. This post features boiler woes, kamakura and snails, Valentine’s Day lessons, and an upcoming interview. Let’s jump in! You know...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT can’t think of anything else but going home to her watercolors. This post features my principal, an update on Hunter, an earthquake, and watercolors. Let’s jump in! Highlights As always, first are the...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT suddenly remembers she hasn’t updated her blog in wayyyyyy too long. Today’s edition includes small fish, school stories, good news, snow, and New Years festivities. Let’s jump in! Today’s lunch...
This is the final part of my trip to the Karasawa Cirque! Miss a section? Click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2! I was staring at my watch, watching it tick time away, when my alarm went off. “Op, 5:30. Time to ‘wake up’ and check the sunrise.” Luckily for us...
Hi there! This is Part 2 of my trip to the beautiful Karasawa Cirque. Miss the first part? Check it out here! Jessica and I ‘awoke’ to the sound of rain hitting our tent at around 6am. We finally left the tent around 8, our need to go to the bathroom greater than our annoyance...
While talking with my friend Jessica in August about possible trekking options, we came across a picture of Karasawa Cirque and looked no further. This natural amphitheater sits 2300 meters above sea level and boasts great views of some of the tallest mountains in Japan, a huge, sprawling...