The grueling humidity of these summer months has finally started to dwindle down. Good-bye cool-biz and sweat. Hello cool nights and sweatshirts. Having now made it through the four seasons in Japan, here are some briefs thoughts from this year.

Last Fall: Of what I can gather from the pictures, my first season in Tsuyama looks like it was a lot of fun. From complications brought on by strange foods, unfamiliar language and people combined with a few bouts of claustrophobia I seemed to have blacked out. However, once settled in, I remember having met a wonderful group of students and friends and moving the school into a brand-new, beautiful building.

Winter: Before I decide to buy my own island I hope to recall my first winter in Japan. Inspired by Japanese winters, I would like my island to have plenty of hot springs, yakiniku restaurants, karaoke bars and mountains for skiing. Winter was also great because it was also full of holidays, which always provided ample reason to celebrate. Happy 15th Anniversary Wright Language School!

Spring: By the time spring came around, I felt fairly acquainted with Japan and wanted to share its treasures with others from back home. Coincidently, around that time my parents had decided to venture over. While making plans for their visit, I unfortunately realized I was not as acquainted with Japan as I had originally anticipated. Fortunately at this point the saviors of Tsuyama took over and put my parents through a trip of a lifetime. The hospitality and generosity will never be forgotten. Please make sure to visit me on my island in early April. The imported cherry blossoms will be in full bloom.

Summer: Summer was triathlon season for me. One highlight was a successful race in Tokushima followed up by a spree of udon eating in other parts of Shikoku. Another, more memorable highlight was racing along side Japan’s famous Mr. Nakao. It was an honor and an enormous inspiration. And finally, to top off the summer I was lucky enough to travel home and visit with friends and family. An amazing finish to a most memorable year!