Yesterday, before my sensei came over, I arranged for the local recycle shop to do a last visit to my place to collect more big stuff. I successfully got rid of the microwave/oven, water pot, a chest of drawers and the big microwave stand that B just doesn't have room for.
More before and after:
[gallery order="DESC" columns="2"]
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Almost Partied Out...
B and I have been kept very socially busy since Friday night, with various parties and dinners. On Monday we went out with our two bosses - the president and his wife - to my favorite local yakitori shop right here in town.
Then last night, my nihongo sensei, who I've known for eight years, brought dinner over to my place, where B, she and I ate together. She's an excellent cook, and enjoys the cooking, so she brought a full multi-dish meal of potato-salmon gratin, raw ham and melon, yaki-niku with leafy vegetables and even pudding for dessert. We three ate and chatted for a few hours, listening to Enya and then Enka in the background, before she took her final leave.
I could have felt sad, and I did a little, but somehow I feel like I'll be seeing her again, and we'll definitely stay in touch. As she says, I was her longest-studying student!
Here are some photos from Monday and Tuesday:
[gallery]
Then last night, my nihongo sensei, who I've known for eight years, brought dinner over to my place, where B, she and I ate together. She's an excellent cook, and enjoys the cooking, so she brought a full multi-dish meal of potato-salmon gratin, raw ham and melon, yaki-niku with leafy vegetables and even pudding for dessert. We three ate and chatted for a few hours, listening to Enya and then Enka in the background, before she took her final leave.
I could have felt sad, and I did a little, but somehow I feel like I'll be seeing her again, and we'll definitely stay in touch. As she says, I was her longest-studying student!
Here are some photos from Monday and Tuesday:
[gallery]
Monday, June 28, 2010
My Moving Schedule
I still have a fair amount of packing to do, though not too much. I didn't do anything yesterday, so will concentrate on that kind of stuff this week.
Basically, I plan to have the recycle shop come back one more time to pick up remaining bits and pieces - like my microwave, the stand, a couple of electric fans, etc...
The overseas shipping company, Econoship, is coming on Friday afternoon. So by that time, I will have to have packed up my desktop pc and peripherals, and wrapped up my kotatsu.
My apartment should be empty by Friday night!
On Saturday, I'll do some cleaning and take out the last of the trash. I also have to pay some final utility bills in the morning.
And then - Sunday! We're both writing the Japanese test that day, though I do not have high hopes. After the test, I'm getting on the shinkansen bullet train at Mishima, and head to Osaka where I will check into my new accommodation in Nanba at 9 p.m.
And here is where I'll be staying for the first few weeks - Melon House apartment!
http://guesthouseosaka.com/en/melon/index.html
Basically, I plan to have the recycle shop come back one more time to pick up remaining bits and pieces - like my microwave, the stand, a couple of electric fans, etc...
The overseas shipping company, Econoship, is coming on Friday afternoon. So by that time, I will have to have packed up my desktop pc and peripherals, and wrapped up my kotatsu.
My apartment should be empty by Friday night!
On Saturday, I'll do some cleaning and take out the last of the trash. I also have to pay some final utility bills in the morning.
And then - Sunday! We're both writing the Japanese test that day, though I do not have high hopes. After the test, I'm getting on the shinkansen bullet train at Mishima, and head to Osaka where I will check into my new accommodation in Nanba at 9 p.m.
And here is where I'll be staying for the first few weeks - Melon House apartment!
http://guesthouseosaka.com/en/melon/index.html
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Kitchen Cleanup
I made more progress preparing for the move yesterday by getting my kitchen pretty much cleaned out. I moved all the food and spices to B's place, and got rid of the make-shift organizing shelves.
Here's my kitchen before (two years ago) and after (yesterday).
[gallery order="DESC" columns="2"]
I called a 'katazuke' service - an old man in a little white truck - who came by and took away my tv, the wooden planks of the shelves, and the concrete bricks, for a small price.
Here's my kitchen before (two years ago) and after (yesterday).
[gallery order="DESC" columns="2"]
I called a 'katazuke' service - an old man in a little white truck - who came by and took away my tv, the wooden planks of the shelves, and the concrete bricks, for a small price.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Exhausted...
This is how I'm feeling tonight. It's barely 7 p.m., and I really cannot focus or do anything right now. So, I may just whip out my Kindle and read an easy, cheesy book!
I don't feel too guilty though - B and I packed up my precious mountain bike already, and were even able to add all three of my Mt. Fuji hiking sticks to the package!
I don't feel too guilty though - B and I packed up my precious mountain bike already, and were even able to add all three of my Mt. Fuji hiking sticks to the package!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tale of Genji (Cross post with Japan Rider)
Everyone loves to receive gifts - no matter what that gift may be. Sometimes gifts are cute, sometimes practical, and sometimes, just perfect because you never knew you'd needed or wanted such a thing.
My nihongo sensei (Japanese teacher) of eight years gave me a lovely farewell gift the other day - a deck of cards. Oh, sounds dull, you say? But these are special - each of the 54 cards (two jokers) is beautifully decorated with a different picture illustrating the famous Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), a Japanese classic by Lady Murasaki.
Click the image for a larger view...
[caption id="attachment_1759" align="alignnone" width="224" caption="Several Illustrations from the classic tale..."]
[/caption]
My nihongo sensei (Japanese teacher) of eight years gave me a lovely farewell gift the other day - a deck of cards. Oh, sounds dull, you say? But these are special - each of the 54 cards (two jokers) is beautifully decorated with a different picture illustrating the famous Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), a Japanese classic by Lady Murasaki.
Click the image for a larger view...
[caption id="attachment_1759" align="alignnone" width="224" caption="Several Illustrations from the classic tale..."]
[/caption]
Stasis
My moving preparations are going smoothly. Actually, it almost seems like I'm not getting much done, everything is moving slowly, time seems to have shifted and left me in a form of stasis. Not a bad stasis mind you - just a sort of slow-motion sort of feeling.
My sensei took one of my large plants, as well as unopened food items, my DVD player and a big, fluffy blanket. And it's true as Karin noted in her comment in the previous post - the fewer 'things' I have, the freer I feel. Each day more and more of a weight is lifted.
Tonight B and I will pack up my custom Clockwork 29er mountain bike. I got a box for it ages ago, and now we just have to take off the wheels, pedals, handlebar and saddle, and snug it up in the box in a way that will not scratch the precious orange paint...
My sensei took one of my large plants, as well as unopened food items, my DVD player and a big, fluffy blanket. And it's true as Karin noted in her comment in the previous post - the fewer 'things' I have, the freer I feel. Each day more and more of a weight is lifted.
Tonight B and I will pack up my custom Clockwork 29er mountain bike. I got a box for it ages ago, and now we just have to take off the wheels, pedals, handlebar and saddle, and snug it up in the box in a way that will not scratch the precious orange paint...
Monday, June 21, 2010
Farewell to Parts
Well, not really. But, like me, B is cleaning up as much as possible, and he was the keeper of all our mountain bike parts and tidbits over the years. Yesterday morning, he pulled out the big box of stuff, and then some, and we sadly acknowledged that we had to take it to the dump.
Too late, after the thousands of dollars worth of stuff was gone, I thought that we could have auctioned it. Okay, I'd be gone from this city, and would be busy, but I could have handled the communications while B handled the packaging and sending...
Too late.
Too late, after the thousands of dollars worth of stuff was gone, I thought that we could have auctioned it. Okay, I'd be gone from this city, and would be busy, but I could have handled the communications while B handled the packaging and sending...
Too late.
Yakitori
Last week, we went out to my favourite local yakitori shop right here in town, just a five minute walk away from home.
I've written about this place before, in the JR blog. I LOVE it - small, cozy, and atmospheric and the food is fabu.
Only two pics this time.
[gallery link="file" columns="2"]
I've written about this place before, in the JR blog. I LOVE it - small, cozy, and atmospheric and the food is fabu.
Only two pics this time.
[gallery link="file" columns="2"]
Friday, June 18, 2010
Today's Plan
I've got the day off again, since I've arranged to work only a few days a week up to my final day. I figured that this would give me the time I needed to both relax, and pack up 13 years of my life.
B's been working hard, but is supportive of my time off. I am, after all, accomplishing things.
Today's plan:
B's been working hard, but is supportive of my time off. I am, after all, accomplishing things.
Today's plan:
- Re-read the moving company's detailed instructions on how to pack and label my stuff (note: Do not list 'stuff' as contents in the boxes, be specific...)
- Go to the hair salon for my final visit there.
- Take the motorbike out for some exercise
- Go to a foreign food store and buy some snacks, as well as some of B's favourite cereal
Take a long walk to ease some of this anxiety
Take a nap, if time allows
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Little Things
My friend - who was also my nihongo sensei for eight years - came over last night. We cooked dinner together, had a friendly chat, and she was also happy to take some non-perishable, unopened food items from me. My pantry is getting emptier by the day, and that feels good too.
Also yesterday, as I was driving home from work, taking a scenic, non-trafficked back road, I small boy waited to cross at a pedestrian cross walk. Despite this being a quiet road generally, during rush hour, a lot of people use this road, driving much too fast, frankly. Seeing the boy, I stopped to let him cross (as, in fact, is the law). He looked both way, then ran quickly across the road. Once safely to the other side, he turned and waved his thanks to me. I smiled and waved back.
It's little things like this that can brighten one's day.
Also yesterday, as I was driving home from work, taking a scenic, non-trafficked back road, I small boy waited to cross at a pedestrian cross walk. Despite this being a quiet road generally, during rush hour, a lot of people use this road, driving much too fast, frankly. Seeing the boy, I stopped to let him cross (as, in fact, is the law). He looked both way, then ran quickly across the road. Once safely to the other side, he turned and waved his thanks to me. I smiled and waved back.
It's little things like this that can brighten one's day.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Looking Forward!
Relocating one's life after 13 years, and planning to leave a relationship after 10 years, is not a clean, easy, smooth, emotion-free process. Oh, what? You're surprised??
But seriously - no, it ain't easy, but I am truly happy. This makes things easier. If I dwell on what I'm going to lose (Brian; my awesome car and my fabu motorcycle) yes, I'm very sad. But, I'm really thinking ahead - all the opportunity that awaits!
But of course my days are filled with preparations for moving - I'm even obsessing. Today I renewed my international license so I can legally drive around the world for at least the next year. I of course have no intention of telling the Japan License Office that I'm relocating!
Other moving stuff is going well. My fibre optic net connection will be terminated on the 26th of June. My car insurance will be done on July 3rd. Things are going great.
And yes - it's these practical thoughts and these practical processes that keep emotion at bay. The day I hand my car over to the dealer (who says he'll give me a piddly 80,000 yen for it!) will be the day I break down.
Until then, I have only happy things to do and look forward to.
But seriously - no, it ain't easy, but I am truly happy. This makes things easier. If I dwell on what I'm going to lose (Brian; my awesome car and my fabu motorcycle) yes, I'm very sad. But, I'm really thinking ahead - all the opportunity that awaits!
But of course my days are filled with preparations for moving - I'm even obsessing. Today I renewed my international license so I can legally drive around the world for at least the next year. I of course have no intention of telling the Japan License Office that I'm relocating!
Other moving stuff is going well. My fibre optic net connection will be terminated on the 26th of June. My car insurance will be done on July 3rd. Things are going great.
And yes - it's these practical thoughts and these practical processes that keep emotion at bay. The day I hand my car over to the dealer (who says he'll give me a piddly 80,000 yen for it!) will be the day I break down.
Until then, I have only happy things to do and look forward to.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Moving Prep
Time is so fluid - always shifting in our own perceptions. Three months ago, when I first made a solid decision to move on, time seemed to slow down to a crawl for the first month. Then suddenly it sped up, and before I could even catch my breath, I had only three weeks left before finishing work and having to move out of my apartment.
And now, oddly, time has slowed down again. I feel like the next three weeks will just drag on...
But - my moving preparations are well under way. On Friday, I arranged for a local recycle shop came to my apartment; as Brian is also trying to pare down and clean his apartment, he brought over some of our other things. Here's what my apartment looked like on Friday morning:
[gallery columns="2"]
Three men from the recycle shop came in a large truck, and, thankfully, they took almost all of it - camping tents, book cases, organizer shelves, a dresser, a huge rack, a huge (HUGE!) cabinet... all gone!
Two things they didn't take - our old roof box, used for holding camping gear, and some old bicycle wheels. I easily drove those two things to the dump later.
I do not feel sad - not at all. I did feel a ping of nostalgia, looking at some of our camping gear being carted off, but in general, I was left with a light and airy feeling of freedom, and excitement for the future.
And now, oddly, time has slowed down again. I feel like the next three weeks will just drag on...
But - my moving preparations are well under way. On Friday, I arranged for a local recycle shop came to my apartment; as Brian is also trying to pare down and clean his apartment, he brought over some of our other things. Here's what my apartment looked like on Friday morning:
[gallery columns="2"]
Three men from the recycle shop came in a large truck, and, thankfully, they took almost all of it - camping tents, book cases, organizer shelves, a dresser, a huge rack, a huge (HUGE!) cabinet... all gone!
Two things they didn't take - our old roof box, used for holding camping gear, and some old bicycle wheels. I easily drove those two things to the dump later.
I do not feel sad - not at all. I did feel a ping of nostalgia, looking at some of our camping gear being carted off, but in general, I was left with a light and airy feeling of freedom, and excitement for the future.
Finally Got to Oshima, the Izu Islands
As my time here winds down for real, realizing it was my last chance to visit at least one of the izu Islands. So I used some of my extended time off in June to head to Oshima.
We've been in Japan for many years, and in Shizuoka for most of those years. Yet, we've never explored the Izu Islands. There area group of islands that, oddly, or actually part of Tokyo, but are just off of Izu. Well, I say *just off of*, but some are pretty far away - like Ogasawara, which is 25 hours by boat from Tokyo.
Anyway, Oshima （大島） - Big Island - is the closest, and is actually only 45 minutes by "jetfoil" fast boat from Atami, which is remarkably close to us.
Brian couldn't get away for the few days, but I could, and I took the time to make my way for a solo excursion around Oshima.
One thing to note - Oshima is an island, and it is QUIET. At least, in the off-season. There are also NO convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which seem omnipresent just about everywhere else. This is a good thing, as it adds to the character of the island. But be forewarned - if you forget a toothbrush, or whatever, you can't just pop out and pick one up at the shop, 'cause there ain't no shops!
Going to Oshima was a spontaneous decision, but being off-season, I didn't have to worry to much about accomodation being full. I did, however, have trouble finding a resource that listed minshuku or other places to stay. I finally found this page http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/work/yado/link.html .
Price, of course, was a prime consideration, as was general character or local flavor. I found the Moriono Ie Guest House (http://morionoie.kakurezato.com/), and they also had a motorbike rental option. They were cheap (3,000 yen for a room, 1,500 yen for 'dormitory'), located just a 20 minute walk from Moto-Machi port, and nesled happily in the woods. I called and got a little room to myself (I'm kinda too old to really enjoy dorm room bunk beds..). Anyway, the place was confortable and quiet, and I had the run of the house nobody else was staying there.
Getting to Oshima was easier than I expected. I called the phone number for the Tokaikisen ferry for a reservation (see the website http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/), and very easily got a reservation number. For those whose Japanese is limited, you will be happy to note that the woman who answered switched to English with me when she heard my accent!
Anyway, I then took the local train from here early in the morning, caught the jetfoil ferry from Atami at 9:20 a.m., and was in Moto-machi, Oshima by 10:05 a.m.
If you are just going to Oshima to hang out and to get away from the hubbub of the big city - yes, you will love it. Black sand beaches, rugged costline, quiet towns, little commercialism - it's a slice of paradise. However, I would reccommend having a way to get around. I rented a small motorcycle (a 125cc Suzuki Van Van), and had a great time explorring the island, and getting myself to various points of interest, like the Onsen Hotel for a nice bath, or the trail-head to hike around the crater at Miyahara Yama. With no way to get around, some folks may get bored.
Anyway, here are a few pics from my excursion. Click the image for a larger view...
[gallery]
We've been in Japan for many years, and in Shizuoka for most of those years. Yet, we've never explored the Izu Islands. There area group of islands that, oddly, or actually part of Tokyo, but are just off of Izu. Well, I say *just off of*, but some are pretty far away - like Ogasawara, which is 25 hours by boat from Tokyo.
Anyway, Oshima （大島） - Big Island - is the closest, and is actually only 45 minutes by "jetfoil" fast boat from Atami, which is remarkably close to us.
Brian couldn't get away for the few days, but I could, and I took the time to make my way for a solo excursion around Oshima.
One thing to note - Oshima is an island, and it is QUIET. At least, in the off-season. There are also NO convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which seem omnipresent just about everywhere else. This is a good thing, as it adds to the character of the island. But be forewarned - if you forget a toothbrush, or whatever, you can't just pop out and pick one up at the shop, 'cause there ain't no shops!
Going to Oshima was a spontaneous decision, but being off-season, I didn't have to worry to much about accomodation being full. I did, however, have trouble finding a resource that listed minshuku or other places to stay. I finally found this page http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/work/yado/link.html .
Price, of course, was a prime consideration, as was general character or local flavor. I found the Moriono Ie Guest House (http://morionoie.kakurezato.com/), and they also had a motorbike rental option. They were cheap (3,000 yen for a room, 1,500 yen for 'dormitory'), located just a 20 minute walk from Moto-Machi port, and nesled happily in the woods. I called and got a little room to myself (I'm kinda too old to really enjoy dorm room bunk beds..). Anyway, the place was confortable and quiet, and I had the run of the house nobody else was staying there.
Getting to Oshima was easier than I expected. I called the phone number for the Tokaikisen ferry for a reservation (see the website http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/), and very easily got a reservation number. For those whose Japanese is limited, you will be happy to note that the woman who answered switched to English with me when she heard my accent!
Anyway, I then took the local train from here early in the morning, caught the jetfoil ferry from Atami at 9:20 a.m., and was in Moto-machi, Oshima by 10:05 a.m.
If you are just going to Oshima to hang out and to get away from the hubbub of the big city - yes, you will love it. Black sand beaches, rugged costline, quiet towns, little commercialism - it's a slice of paradise. However, I would reccommend having a way to get around. I rented a small motorcycle (a 125cc Suzuki Van Van), and had a great time explorring the island, and getting myself to various points of interest, like the Onsen Hotel for a nice bath, or the trail-head to hike around the crater at Miyahara Yama. With no way to get around, some folks may get bored.
Anyway, here are a few pics from my excursion. Click the image for a larger view...
[gallery]
Friday, June 11, 2010
Embarking on a New Adventure
Well, this is it.
Here is my post where I let folks know that my time in my current city and current job are about to come to a close. From early July, I will no longer be blogging from Susono.
And yes, I'm happy about this. I am ready to embark on new adventures.
So what will I do, you ask? Well, I will give the particulars to those who ask me directly, but essentially, a little time deepening my understanding of Japan, followed by a little time in Montreal (with visits to NYC to visits friends!), and then, the world is my oyster.
What, you ask, panic in your voice, will happen to Japan Rider the Blog!! The Blog will continue - though under a new name and domain for me, while Brian maintains this space. I will likely be updating this blog occasionally, but for frequent posts and updates, my new URL is recommended. As I said, please just ask me for the address. In any case, this log - Japan Rider- of so many of our wonderful adventures and photos and awesome living will remain in tact, likely forever.
If you want the new URL I will be using, please request either by email or in the comments.
Here is my post where I let folks know that my time in my current city and current job are about to come to a close. From early July, I will no longer be blogging from Susono.
And yes, I'm happy about this. I am ready to embark on new adventures.
So what will I do, you ask? Well, I will give the particulars to those who ask me directly, but essentially, a little time deepening my understanding of Japan, followed by a little time in Montreal (with visits to NYC to visits friends!), and then, the world is my oyster.
What, you ask, panic in your voice, will happen to Japan Rider the Blog!! The Blog will continue - though under a new name and domain for me, while Brian maintains this space. I will likely be updating this blog occasionally, but for frequent posts and updates, my new URL is recommended. As I said, please just ask me for the address. In any case, this log - Japan Rider- of so many of our wonderful adventures and photos and awesome living will remain in tact, likely forever.
If you want the new URL I will be using, please request either by email or in the comments.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Izu-Oshima - A Great Get-Away
We've been in Japan for many years, and in Shizuoka for most of those years. Yet, we've never explored the Izu Islands. There area group of islands that, oddly, or actually part of Tokyo, but are just off of Izu. Well, I say *just off of*, but some are pretty far away - like Ogasawara, which is 25 hours by boat from Tokyo.
Anyway, Oshima ?????- Big Island - is the closest, and is actually only 45 minutes by "jetfoil" fast boat from Atami, which is remarkably close to us.
Brian couldn't get away for the few days, but I could, and I took the time to make my way for a solo excursion around Oshima.
One thing to note - Oshima is an island, and it is QUIET. At least, in the off-season. There are also NO convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which seem omnipresent just about everywhere else. This is a good thing, as it adds to the character of the island. But be forewarned - if you forget a toothbrush, or whatever, you can't just pop out and pick one up at the shop, 'cause there ain't no shops!
Going to Oshima was a spontaneous decision, but being off-season, I didn't have to worry to much about accomodation being full. I did, however, have trouble finding a resource that listed minshuku or other places to stay. I finally found this page http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/work/yado/link.html .
Price, of course, was a prime consideration, as was general character or local flavor. I found the Moriono Ie Guest House (http://morionoie.kakurezato.com/), and they also had a motorbike rental option. They were cheap (3,000 yen for a room, 1,500 yen for 'dormitory'), located just a 20 minute walk from Moto-Machi port, and nesled happily in the woods. I called and got a little room to myself (I'm kinda too old to really enjoy dorm room bunk beds..). Anyway, the place was confortable and quiet, and I had the run of the house nobody else was staying there.
Getting to Oshima was easier than I expected. I called the phone number for the Tokaikisen ferry for a reservation (see the website http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/), and very easily got a reservation number. For those whose Japanese is limited, you will be happy to note that the woman who answered switched to English with me when she heard my accent!
Anyway, I then took the local train from here early in the morning, caught the jetfoil ferry from Atami at 9:20 a.m., and was in Moto-machi, Oshima by 10:05 a.m.
If you are just going to Oshima to hang out and to get away from the hubbub of the big city - yes, you will love it. Black sand beaches, rugged costline, quiet towns, little commercialism - it's a slice of paradise. However, I would reccommend having a way to get around. I rented a small motorcycle (a 125cc Suzuki Van Van), and had a great time explorring the island, and getting myself to various points of interest, like the Onsen Hotel for a nice bath, or the trail-head to hike around the crater at Miyahara Yama. With no way to get around, some folks may get bored.
Anyway, here are a few pics from my excursion. Click the image for a larger view...
[gallery]
Anyway, Oshima ?????- Big Island - is the closest, and is actually only 45 minutes by "jetfoil" fast boat from Atami, which is remarkably close to us.
Brian couldn't get away for the few days, but I could, and I took the time to make my way for a solo excursion around Oshima.
One thing to note - Oshima is an island, and it is QUIET. At least, in the off-season. There are also NO convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which seem omnipresent just about everywhere else. This is a good thing, as it adds to the character of the island. But be forewarned - if you forget a toothbrush, or whatever, you can't just pop out and pick one up at the shop, 'cause there ain't no shops!
Going to Oshima was a spontaneous decision, but being off-season, I didn't have to worry to much about accomodation being full. I did, however, have trouble finding a resource that listed minshuku or other places to stay. I finally found this page http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/work/yado/link.html .
Price, of course, was a prime consideration, as was general character or local flavor. I found the Moriono Ie Guest House (http://morionoie.kakurezato.com/), and they also had a motorbike rental option. They were cheap (3,000 yen for a room, 1,500 yen for 'dormitory'), located just a 20 minute walk from Moto-Machi port, and nesled happily in the woods. I called and got a little room to myself (I'm kinda too old to really enjoy dorm room bunk beds..). Anyway, the place was confortable and quiet, and I had the run of the house nobody else was staying there.
Getting to Oshima was easier than I expected. I called the phone number for the Tokaikisen ferry for a reservation (see the website http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/), and very easily got a reservation number. For those whose Japanese is limited, you will be happy to note that the woman who answered switched to English with me when she heard my accent!
Anyway, I then took the local train from here early in the morning, caught the jetfoil ferry from Atami at 9:20 a.m., and was in Moto-machi, Oshima by 10:05 a.m.
If you are just going to Oshima to hang out and to get away from the hubbub of the big city - yes, you will love it. Black sand beaches, rugged costline, quiet towns, little commercialism - it's a slice of paradise. However, I would reccommend having a way to get around. I rented a small motorcycle (a 125cc Suzuki Van Van), and had a great time explorring the island, and getting myself to various points of interest, like the Onsen Hotel for a nice bath, or the trail-head to hike around the crater at Miyahara Yama. With no way to get around, some folks may get bored.
Anyway, here are a few pics from my excursion. Click the image for a larger view...
[gallery]
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