Izu Adaptation

It was in my second year in The Village that I really started to delve into the community and figure out how to get by in Japan.

My first trip to Kyoto necessitated the purchase of five disposable cameras. These were my first photos ever.

Socks gets a girl, the K.s disappear, and I return to Shizuoka for another round of Gaijin Kabuki.

Going back home after two years is an alienating experience.

On my way to Akita, torrential rain strands me in P. Rock just long enough to bid farewell to Socks.

There's nothing like the roar of 5000 people to ignite your Great Legs of Fire.

I get a date! Oh, and, yes, this year's Drum Festival is absolutely fantastic.

I learn how to make mochi, then I teach my kids how Christmas is really supposed to be done.

Skiing in a Santa suit turns out to be the best idea I've ever had.

A. and I head out to the nation's temporary capital to see a Great Buddha, pray for health, and wash our money.