アルケミスト

「何かを強く望めば宇宙のすべてが協力して実現するように助けてくれる」

ーアルケミスト、パウロ・コエーリョ

Direction of Blog

Now that I'm not in Japan anymore, I guess I will have to change the direction of the blog a little. Initially, I only made this so that my family and friends could keep up with what I'm doing in Japan. My family is spread out, I can say, "around the world," so it still is a good tool to keep them updated. Also, since I will be working soon, I'm not sure how much time I will have to update. I do however, want a space online where I can share some of my goals, progress, and travel. Therefore, I will try and occassionally update my blog to show which language I'm working on next, and where my travels happen to take me next. I'm not sure how much Japan-related content will be here, but there will probably be a little bit of everything.

What's Next?

It has been a while since I have written on my blog. After returning from Japan, I used the time to concentrate on my job search. Also, I've been trying to decide which language I would like to learn next. For a few weeks, I tried transitioning into Spanish, but for some reason I keep going back to Japanese. Although while learning Japanese, I got to a level where I can say I'm proficient, I still feel there is a lot for me to learn. There is still a lot that I want to learn. I've been able to speak with a few friends in Japan through Skype and e-mail occasionally, but I wouldn't mind meeting people that I could meet up with to speak Japanese outside of Japan in real life.

I still have the desire to learn another language and for some reason I'm gravitating towards German right now for various reasons. One, I know that I can always speak to my sister in German, and two I've found some cool media that I enjoy. While spending a few summers in Germany, I used to watchFamily Matters and Fresh Prince in German. These are the first few tools that I have gathered for my new quest. For some reason I'm having trouble finding media in Spanish that I like, besides books. I really need some good movies and tv shows if I want to get that project started, so for now I'm postponing that project.

In the mean time, I've been spending time in Jamaica, gathering my thoughts and planning my next set of goals and adventures. I'm giving myself about a month break from doing any language learning, so that I can approach German with the same hunger I did with the Japanese. Also, I have a few J-drama's I want to finish up when I return from my hiatus, including "Rebound" and "Shiawase ni Narou yo!"

My next project will consist of me still learning Japanese, while trying to learn German from scratch, (and maybe Spanish). I've been lining up my materials to purchase, and am excited about this project!! It will be interesting as I do this while I work, but I realized having a lot of free time has sometimes worked against me because I don't do as much, as when I'm busy. When I'm busy, it's like I'm some kind of machine, pumping in the input every sweet second that I can get a chance.

I will enjoy my time to relax though. From July 2009 to about May 2011 I went hard with the Japanese learning, and I saw the fruits of my labor everyday! It's nothing to take a month off and then go back at it.

The only thing I'm doing now is reading a few novels. The one I'm reading in Japanese is call "Confessions" or "Kokuhaku". I watched the movie while I was in Japan. It was dark, but for some reason I liked it, and had to get the book. I'm also reading some books by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Paulo Coelho.

I'll be in Kingston for a few more weeks so just shoot me a mail if you're here too.

Chehon at Weddy Weddy

So I'm chillin at Weddy Weddy Wednesday's last night, and I see someone who I think is Chehon. For those that don't know, Chehon is my favorite Japanese reggae artiste. A lot of his songs helped me to learn Japanese, because of their good melodies and good messages. He's probably the best in Japan right now.

I think he came to Jamaica around the same time I went to Japan, so he's been here for a while.

On my way out, I just stopped and talked with him for minute. It was cool to meet him, and of all places in Jamaica. I didn't have my camera, so no pictures, but I'm sure I'll see him around on the music scene.

Bitter Sweet Pt.3

The Beginning....
I have more travels to come soon...

Bitter Sweet Pt.2

Adrian & Sammy

Zebra Man

Matsumoto Sensei

Kobe Beef, Grill de Kobe
Yurt!Graduation

Bitter Sweet Pt.1

Leaving Japan was a hard decision for me. I decided to leave about a month ago because I felt the opportunities to use my Japanese would be more valuable abroad, and the opportunities abroad would able to provide more growth. One of these days I do plan on going back. I'm still studying Japanese, but would now like to broaden my wings and study Spanish and Chinese and my IT stuff so I can get a good job!
After a year of studying in Japan I feel like I have seen a lot of growth when it comes to my studies and just me as a person. I met a lot of great people at my school, outside on the streets, Jamdung, everywhere.
I didn't want to leave Japan, but I'm ready to go where ever my path leads me.

This was really a once in a lifetime experience. I feel like I had a very unique experience and will never forget it or the people that I met along the way.

Here are some pictures of my last few weeks. Had to do it big!