Stories from Matt.

Going Off-line

 We are about to lose our internet connection. The cable company are coming to cut it tomorrow morning. So I thought I had better post an update, before we "go dark".

I'll be scavenging wifi from hotspots and family members for the foreseeable future.

One Week to India

I am beginning to get nerves..... about everything!

Looking around the tiny flat - that seemed much bigger five years ago - I still see all of the things. Furniture, appliances, clocks, photo frames..... fish tank! 

Tomorrow - after having my high speed umbilical chord ungraciously ripped away - I get my rental truck.   

This is a Japanese "K-truck"

An Australian trades-man would lose his or her liscence turning up to work in this "ute".

Then begins the heavy lifting, trips to the rubbish dump and taking the furniture away for storage, or to its new home.

I am looking forward to that. Seeing the old apartment gradually empty of its contents will give us a sense that things are happening, and maybe we'll just get everything done before the deadline for leaving.

Work is Over

Today I finished my last class. I am relieved to be free, but sad to think that I will no longer be called Matt Sensei.

Being an English teacher in Japan has been a very interesting, fun and educational experience, not to mention a great substitute for a social life.

I thank all the students who have voluntarily attended my classes over the years, and will fondly remember you all.

My "office" has been cleaned out (my so called office has occupied a corner of our living room for the last five years, and gradually gotten bigger and bigger), many reams of paper discarded and many memories preserved.

Goodbye parties have been attended, and more are planned in the next few days.