The End is Near

Despite all the good news I have been reporting over the last few weeks all is not rose beds and dandelions. Situations have changed to the point where I think that I may very well have to return to Trinidad. I can’t live like this…

More specifically, after I have somewhat gotten accustomed to life here and finally settled, things have changed and I can’t cope with the new orientation that is necessary. I am talking about the closure of the big department store, Daie, next door to my apartment. Come December 1^st, they will no longer open their doors to hopeless foreigners like myself or anyone for that matter. Glancing over my shoulder at the television while eating raw octopus and fish (sashimi) with the Ferry driver’s family, I saw those familiar doors in my neighbour, “Aye look my Daie!... what’s that about?” Obviously the news is always all in Japanese so I just watch pictures and make up my own little fairytales. Anyways, Hiro-san (ferry driver’s son who speaks English) told me they were talking about it closing. Well I might as well just pack and go back where I come from! Who can do without 3 floors of food, clothes, electronics, books, laundry, photo service, ATMs, postal service, bakery, free samples and courteous service open till 12midnight everyday right next door!? Not me!

Seeing the shock on my face and the near tears, the ferry driver (Susume-san) offered his son to take me to another department store anytime when Daie is closed. Anyways I will try to survive.

Anyway back to life. We have along weekend this week for the big Nagasaki Okunchi Festival. Lots of dancing and dragons and stuff. As always I enquired to find out what it was about and as always most people didn’t know. The ones who do are the older folk who don’t speak English. I did find out though from a teacher in school, that Okunchi was an old festival against Christians! Riiiiiight… Hopefully the old sentiments don’t remain.

P.S. Look out for ‘a Tribute to Daie, The Good Times’ in my picture blog soon.

Oh, the random pictures are on the left (top to bottom): Allan sensei, Ferry driver Masume and his son Masuru at our dinner, My Junious high school class practicing greeting. Right side (top to bottom): Beautiful Daie...you will be missed, and the view from my seat on the bus.