This winter my life is good. I went home to America for some much needed RandR and deep dish pizzas. I enjoyed the company of my friends on a 3 day boarding trip to Hakuba. I have been able to stay warm in my apartment without using any kerosene! As I enjoy all these good things I can't help but look back to my first winter in Nagano.

I actually was looking forward to the cold when I came to Japan. I have always enjoyed winter back in Indiana and North Carolina. I like playing in the snow, huddling under the covers to watch movies, and enjoying the christmas season. However, winter in America is far different than in Japan.

First, not having a car made getting the grocies a pain. My options were biking through snow (I almost slid into a busy intersection and died once) or walk. Seeing how the closest grocery store is about a mile away it made things difficult. Not to mention I could only buy what I could carry. There were often a night when I was deciding between much needed bread or much desired beer. Figuring the beer also contained yeast I went with the beer. Walking in the freezing cold to get groceries or going to school was not nearly as bad as being at the school or my house.

You see - people often say "I'm used to winter. I can handle the cold." Sure, I believe you, but can you handle it all the time? My first winter in Nagano was so difficult because I was rarely warm. My house had holes in the windows and doors so the snow would come straight into my house along with the freezing wind. At night the glass of water next to my bed would be near frozen. I used to spend hours at the cafe near my school just because it was so warm.

Always being cold takes its toll especially after 3 months. By mid-February I noticed the my spirits were really down. I wasn't whistling to school anymore or waking up happy to be in Japan. My thoughts were always "cold. cold. cold." But by the end of February we had a unusual blast of warm weather that boosted my spirits. I noticed that just a little bit of warmth can go a long way.

The first winter in Nagano was tough, but I think a lot of my problems could have been avoided. Obviously, having a car is important, but more importantly spending time with friends and laughing and staying busy is the best weapon to battle the cold. Friends help you to laugh off terrible situations, help you buy kerosene, and good reminder that life here is good. I wish I could go back and tell myself what I've learned now like: get an electric blanket, don't be stingy on kerosene, get a car, stay at a friends house, don't drink alone, fix the windows and doors, keep the house clean, and remember all that is great about this place.

I hope everyone is enjoying the winter and staying warm. Keep yourself in check and spend a lot of time with your friends! Most importantly have fun! This is one of the ski capitals of the world!!!

-stephen

The first snow. In front of my house in Komagane.

Visiting the monkey onsen with friends.

Hello everyone!

Last Friday we had our Nagano Orientation for all 26 of the new teachers already here. With the help of all the block leaders, and two other guys who just lingered around, I have to say it was a success!

After a day of skills development training all the teachers headed of to Zenkoji temple with local high school students on a scavenger hunt. I don't know how much history everyone learned, but everyone definitely discovered the many delicious flavors of ice cream found at Zenkoji. It was a hot day.

Thanks everyone for your hard work and making this years orientation such a success. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again at Matsumoto Conference or even better at Suwa-Ina's NagaYes!

The day really would not have been possible if it was not for the help of our local Nagano mascot - Arukuma! His words of wisdom will provide endless years of inspiration to all the new teachers.

Arukuma is not an official JET or even a teacher, but his likeness to Sorin is unparallel. That's why we keep him around.

Stephen and Sorin at the Kencho!

Sorin at Binzuru! He was chosen for his height, rhythmic prowess, and overall dashing good looks to lead all the foreigners in the Binzuru dance through the streets of Nagano City.

Sorin and Stephen at Tokyo orientation! Welcoming all the new teachers and guiding them through the first few days of JET-lag.