Welcome Party

I think this will be the last post involving eggplants, as they are now well and truly over. I can also say that upon my return to old Blighty I don't think I will be going into the aubergine business and probably not even the vegetable growing business... still it's all good experience right...right?

Supposedly that was the most difficult part and the rest from here on in is plain sailing, taking a stroll down easy street, easy peasy...lemon squeezy. But I won't hold my breath. I have to admit the last couple of weeks have been getting me a bit down. It has all been getting a little wearisome, tiresome and everlasting ... only a bit mind you and now it looks as though the end is in sight.

Anyway on Friday (July 6th) a welcome party was held in Maebashi town for this years trainees. This years trainees consisted of 20 philipinos 10 Indonesians, 1 swede, 1 Canadian and 1 Brit. An exceptionally boring meeting conducted entirely in Japanese kicked things off. But after that it was all fun and games... or should that be beer and speeches?

Having been used to going near last at anything involving lists for years I was slightly surprised to find myself second up to make my speech in front of millions of people (OK maybe just 50). But it went down pretty well (even if I did have to read it from a piece of paper). After speeches there was a fair amount of beer drinking. Something I tried not to involve myself in but it really was forced upon me. Then there was a small tour of the city:

The phillipino contingent decided it was a good idea idea to break into a song and dance routine for everyones entertainment!!!




Matthew, Marc and Kim conveniently in order of height

In a previous blogpost I wasn't very complimentary of the old town of Maebashi but the "Star Festival" was on which meant everywhere was a hubbub of activity and the "ghostly" streets were now bursting with action and people and market stalls and attractions.

Anyway to cut a long story short (because I have to go to English class) Myself, Kim and a new Canadian friend hung around in Maebashi long after the others left we went to the top of the tallest building in Maibashi (Gunma Prefrectural Government Office), watched some crazy dance teams and generally had a damn good time... and here are the pictures to prove it including my latest delving into artistic photography (rainy, busy arty streets!) enjoy:

M: "I say Kim it looks like there may be some rollickingly good dancers over there shall we go take a gander?

K: "Capital idea old chap just capital"

Ah the last train home good times indeed!