Rick in Japan

Nicholai Cathedral

There is a Russian Orthodox Church in Tokyo. It is the Nicholai Do. they hold mass every Sunday. I went there for my fourth and final time. It was 2.5 hours long, always standing.  I survived and it was an unforgettable experience that I will never do again. But it was FANTASTIC!

Papa-san Chigasaki

While on Maui, and by luck, I made a connection in Chigasaki, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. That was with Gaiety at her Shonan English school. From there I made many new acquaintances. One was Imada Kenichi a.k.a. Papa-san. He was a prince of a man and helped me out tremendously. He owned and operated a family soba shop. He also loved dumb animals...such as me.

Say Goodbye to Michigan

I had to leave Michigan. I had done lots of damage to friends, family and even acquaintances. I had to get away...escape. At 25 i was still an adolescent at best. John provided an off ramp. I moved to Colorado to live with him. John understands dumb animals, and I was the dumbest. I can’t say it enough...Thank you John, and certainly to my mother and father...Always!

Up Down Kindergarten Routine

I use this original English Lesson at the kindergartens where I teach. I have been doing this since 1998. These kids are 5-year-olds. So, they are very Genki as the Japanese people would say. And it is good exercise for all. That means that I , too, have to be Genki. I feel it helps me stay young and is good exercise.

Gant Man

One job i had in Snowmass was as a Gantman. That was a hotel where I worked as a shuttle driver and Hotel handyman. I smoked a lot of grass in the empty rooms at night.  I did earn the Title of Gant Man of the month ponce as I waxed the shuttle van. Whatttaguy!

Japanese Proficiency Test

Japan Proficiency Test. This test grades your skill in the Japanese language, concerning reading and listening comprehension. This was my second and final time. Most foreigners take it to get work. I did it to test my Japanese. My goal, N1, which is the top rank, fell short by one correct answer. Heavy sigh. I have to be satisfied with that as I will never take the test again.

Mel OR Richard

One friend I had back in Michigan growing up was Richard M. His last name was Polish and had no vowels in it. Handsome guy and happy go lucky. He knew what he wanted.... unlike me. We had many adventures where I was my typical foolish self. I share several here.

Four Maui friends

This is a story of four people I knew on Maui. "One that wants to own me, one that wants to know me, one says she's a friend of mine..." and one that passed away way too young. John always said "You gotta have friends." I never took that to heart, but it is true. I'm lucky to have one best friend now.

Jean in Snowmass

I found Jeans missing finger. That's right her finger! I was in Snowmass for 4 months and made a new girlfriend. Her name was Jean. It was cool for a month or so and then I got weird. We broke up after I hurt her as I usually do.  There are also some observations about people that I made.

Uguisu junior

This uguisu bird is just learning how to sing. When he matures his song is wonderful!