Tarto in Japan

Noël has absolutely no meaning in Japan and the 25th december is not a national holiday. It is still celebrated though and many people decorate their house, but it is usually an opportunity to go on a date or hang out with friends.

As for me, I went to Nagoya with a group of friends to have dinner at an izakaya, then the party poopers (10 people!) went back to Okazaki, leaving only 4 of us. We went clubbing and then ended up at a pub, waiting for the first train to go home.

Besides, I have just decided to visit my Japanese relatives, therefore I'm leaving for Kyushu in two days, where I also want to travel and come back right before the beginning of the next semester.

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

It's over! The last day was really moving. First, my main teacher, Honda-sensei, couldn't hold his tears while making his final speech in class. I kind of understand, because our class was exceptionally great and I will certainly miss this atmosphere too...

Then we attended the ending ceremony. All the students going back home made their speech, and I felt weird seeing all those people I knew leave...

As for my grades, well I'm pretty happy and fully satisfied, because I got first at all tests: written test, listening comprehension, conversation and daily quizzes! Sure, one of us moved to the upper class recently otherwise I'd probably be second, but I'm very happy about the way I improved: I was around the average on the first test, then I just kept improving until I reached the lead.

Yes I'm bragging, but that doesn't mean I'm overall better than my classmates. Several of them have a much better ability to express themselves and know more grammar and vocabulary than I do. It just means that restricted to what we studied in class this semester, and on those particular tests, I did better than the others.

Last thing: you can now email me directly at tartoaujapon@softbank.ne.jp, it'll go straight to my cellphone.

I have to go, I need to find a place to stay in Nagoya tomorrow night!