Hello everyone! Winter in Wetaskiwin should be in full swing right about now. Despite this, I hope that you are all able to stay warm and healthy. The weather in Ashoro has also gotten a lot colder, but everyone is in good spirits.
I have also been doing well. I have been enjoying participating in special events with the students during the week and I have been spending time with new friends during the weekend. I recently made many new ALT (Assistant Language Teachers) friends from the nearby towns. Although I have been living in Ashoro for two and a half years, I have not had many chances to meet many other foreigners due to the lack of connections to the foreign teachers’ community. However, thanks to Ian Ruskowsky, a past CIR, I was able to get in touch with some individuals and I have met so many great people due to this.
Just this past weekend, I went out for dinner with my new friends Melanie, Stephany, and Celine, who are working for the Town of Shikaoi and the Town of Shimizu. Both of these town are located about an hour and a half away from Ashoro. Being able to hang out with individuals who work in the same field as me, speak the same language, and share similar culture is truly amazing. Although I am grateful for the many Japanese friends that I have made, there is something comforting about being able to speak my mind without having to think about how to translate my thoughts into a different language. I had a lot of fun talking about everyone’s experiences with moving to Japan from their respective countries. It was amazing to hear everyone profess their love for Japanese culture all the while loving their own cultures.
I am so glad to have met so many amazing people. It makes me even more excited for my future here in Ashoro. I will be sure to keep you all updated through my articles. Although it is slightly early, Happy Holidays, everyone! Thank you for reading.
