くまちゃんのENGLISH ブログ -7ページ目

02Mar
- I was treated to dinner at Karintou's house
  I felt very lonely on New Year's Day one year ago, but this year I was invited and treated to wonderful dinner at Karintou's house.She cooked many kinds of Japanese traditional New Year's dishes.Her cuisine was very delicious as usual.I'm very happy to have such a good friend with me.I'm grateful to her for inviting me many wonderful parties from the bottom of my heart.If I hadn't met her, my life in Vancouver would have been boring.Also she corrects errors in my blog English composition everytime.She is really my English teacher.Let me introduce her cousine to you from now.The first stacked box.small sardines, pounded burdock, white fish meat made into a seasoned paste,steamed and typically formed into a semicylindrical shape on a strip of wood.chestnuts mashed and sweetened, black soybeans, herring roe,The chopsticks in front of a dish were for me which Karintou preparedThe drink bottle on the top in the picture is called "Toso",. It means New Year's spiced Japanese sake.People celebrate the New Year with Toso.The second stacked box.freeze-dried tofu, carrots, shelled prawns,The third stacked box.scallops, prawns,This was a zoni, "soup with rice cakes and vegetables, mainly eaten at the New Year.These wereThese were kudzu starch cakes,These were NutsThese were MadeleinesThese were green pepper with minced meat.This was a puddingWhen I left Japan, I didn't expect that I could have such Japanese cuisine in Vancouver.Thanks to Karintou's kindness, we had such Japanese New Year's cuisine.Thank you for your readingSee you nextKazu.
26Feb
- I went to watch Polar Bear Swim on New Year'
  Just one year ago I was at the English Bay in Vancouver to watch Polar Bear Swim.Then I was alone and I remembered having felt lonely inspite of welcoming the New Year's day.This Year I was happy with my classmate at the same place, but I soon have to go back to Japan. I would miss many friends in Vancouver. It was sad to leave Vancouver. I wish I could stay more a little longer in Vancouver.Polar Bear Swim started from 1976 and this year it is 43rd. It is held on New Year's Day as a Vancouver's annual tradition which thousands hardy "polar bears" join every year.Some people compete in the 100 yard swim race.The sea in the English Bay was calm just like one year ago.People didn't come yet, because it was about one hour before the Polar Bear Swim start.A signboard was waiting many swimmers and spectators.She is my classmate, Keiko(from Tokyo)She said "A happy New Year!!"I guess the white tent was on the right side would be a changing room.The space on the right side in the picture was for swimmers waiting and on the left side was for spectators.This space was for swimmers waiting.It was cloudless sky and it was a perfect day for Polar Bea Swim.At the space just next to us a man lighted dry grass and he started to say a spell.I don't know much about it. I guess he would be a indigenous person in Canada and he was performing the New Year's ceremony.A woman came and talked to him, and he answered her question.His assistant was sitting still near by him.To tell the truth, the smoke got in my eyes, and my classmate was choked with smoke because it's a pungent smell.A staff announced the rule of Polar Bear Swim before the race.All the swimmers were waiting at the start line.It's one minute before the start.She waited for the signal with a nervous look on her back.The woman putting on a red blanket on the right side looked worried about the sea would be cold.A lot of people secured the spot in front of us before we notice.I came to watch the race at an early hour, but many people didn't obey the rule and entered into the out of bounds. I think there are the people who have bad manners regardress of countries.At long last the race started.The top-class swimmers were very fast and competed with one anather.The head swimmes would be near the goal.The front would crossed the finish line.According to the rule first 3 swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat give your names to the lifeguardThis year 1761 people registered and I thought all of them enjoyed because of happy smilesI wished to swim but I unfortunately didn't have a swimwear.If I come back to Vancouver on New year's day I would have it.Happy New Year!!I wish you so happy in this year!!Thank you for readingSee you nextkazu.
11Feb
- I went to watch the New Year's Eve countdown
  Thank you for your waiting for my new blog post. I was concerned about you were waiting for it everyday.To tell the truth, I came back to Japan on 29th January.I was surprised at the cold weather in Japan..I think it would be colder inJapan than in Vancouver.At first I had no cell phone andno internet.I couldn't contact any place.I have to contact the agent of Osaka Gas and to turn on the gas faucet,but nowadays there are few public telephones.I finally contacted the agent of Osaka Gas and used gas heaters in my house.I narrowly escaped death from cold haha.I have taken many kinds of proceedings for this two weeks.The work has come to the end of the first stage.I'll continue to write my blog from now on.Would like to read my blog post?I stayed at home on New Year's Eve a year ago because of a cold rainy weather and falling into a depression.This year I had an appointment to go with my friend.The fireworks would start at midnight and so I arrived there earlier than other people, but already many people gathered at the venue, "Canada place". Canada place is the wharf where a big luxury liner is anchored at Vancouver andin 2010 Olimpic Winter Games Canada place was used asone of main venues.I fortunately had a good position to watch the fireworks in the front row of the place.My friend didn't come yet. For a while she called me to say she arrived the venue, but we couldn't see eachother because of being crowded with lots of people. We couldn't see till the end. I think next time if I go to watch a fireworks, I should go to there together.I think the pictures were very beautiful because of no block. I'm very happy.I guess you can enjoy beautiful pictures of fireworks till it's over.The building on the right side is Canada place. A big luxury liner will be anchored here.The fireworkswould be displayed on the left side.The fireworkswould be displayed on the left side.Many people were waiting forthe start of it.What a surprise!! Japanese students were next to me. What a coincidence to meet Japanese students here!!This picturewas a self took picture by a digital camera, not a smartphone.Do you think it was a good picture?At last the fireworks started. The date on the picture was changed accuratelyA Happy New Year!!The fireworks continued for about ten minutes.I had been waiting for one hour. A young guy stayed next to me. He put only on a short-sleeved shirt.. I thought he would escape soon because of very cold, but he didn't go back. He stayed till the end. I thinkhis perceived temperature is different from ours.When I went back home on the skytrain I met a a girl. She put a headgear.That was," Happy New Year". Everybody said " Happy New Year".Thank you for reading See you next Kazu.
20Jan
- I was invited to a Christmas Party on 23rd Decem
  I was invited by my classmate, Reina(from Aomori).She was invited too by her co-workers. She has been working at a Japanese restaurant in Robson Street.I heard that the party would start from 7, and i went to Eric's house in the neighborhood of Metrotown.Eric was the host of the party and the party was held at his house.His house ia probably a kitchen with a dining area, a living room , a washroom and a bed room apartment.It's very nice and a convenient place with easy access to public transportation.If i live permanently in Vancouver, Iwould like to live in the house like this.Each of us had to have some food and drink, also we were asked to bring a present, which worth10 dollars, to exchange with others.I had the other Christmas party with my classmates in Able English Studies last week.I had my private Christmas Party invitedwith my friend for the first time in Vancouver.I was so exited to meet nice people at the party and to prepare present for exchange.I safely arrived Eric's house and knocked at the front door.A young lady appeared from the inside. I greeted and thanked for having been invited me to the party.She got into and I heard she asked who invited an old man.I couldn't help laughing when I heard her surprise.She wouldn't expect such an old manto cometo the party.Metrotown is a big town with a big shopping mall and many high-rise apartment buildings.At night Christmas illuminations were very beautiful.Some people already were havin a pleasant talk over food and drink with one another.The table were full of foods anf drinks.Nice.The lady holding a cup and wearing glasses is Keiko(from Saitama) and Reina's co-worker.The guy wearing a blue sweater is Winston. I'm sorry I don't know theother's name.The lady painting something is Sena(from Osaka). She is also a co-worker. What she was painting was a ginger bread kit featuring Star Wars.I guess shewould bea painter or a designer.She tackled the task earnestly in spite of the party.She smiled with a satisfied look.This was a part of the ginger bread which Sena made up. That was a cake and we can eat.The lady making a V-sigh is Aya(from Tokyo).She looked like in a good mood eating two big slices of ham.She ia also a co-worker and a shef at the restaurant.The lady assembling the Star Wars is Hina.I guess whenI came to here she would ask the question.I think I would be very old man for her.She is more half century younger than me.This was the top part. It made a nice performance.Sana gave us a something signal with her meaningful wink.Aya was smiling. I think Sena felt hungry after painting the Star Wars.I'm sorry. I don't know her name.I can't introduce her.I joined the group.Hina was dressed in a Christmas costumeon that day. She looked great in that costume.The guy making a V-sigh is Eric, the host of the party.He is very friendly with everybody.Sena weared Hina's costume.The party was in full swing.I had a nice time in spite of unfamiliar people. It thoroughly enjoyed myself thank Eric.The ginger cake was finally completed. Well done!Soon after we all enjoyed the food, one of the main events of this party, the exchange of presents, started First, Eric explained some rules for presents exchange,especially about the rule of "the state of a stealth."This day's rule was that if you can declare the state of stealth,youcanexchange your present for other person's present without the consent.You didn' t need to answer thequestion correctly.There were many wonderful presents on the table.A white bag in the middlewas my present.What do you think the contents was?He was thrilled when he opened the present.His present was an assortment of chocolates.Hina's turn came around.She was very glad of her present. It was a tea mug set. Exellent!Aya got an assortment of Japanese foods. I think she can live on such a gorgeous foods for a week.I'm very happy. I got a good -quality wine. Nice!I'm sorry. This picture is out of focus.Reina got a eye mask set. She likes to go traveling so it is very nice.Someone said it was a bra, but not.He got a nice present. It was a nice flask. He was very glad. but it was too nice.Other person declared the state of stealth. He was very disappointed because he exchanged his present for a refreshing tonic.I'm sorry to hear that.Winston was very happy, because he exchange his present for a nice flask.How do you think the rule of a state of stealth.I think itwould be very merciless.Sena Got a luxurious assortment of cnocolates.Her favaritecandy is chocolate.Eric got a japanese curry set.It was my present, and it containsa Japanese curry roux, potates, onions and carrots.He wasvery pleased at the present. I was so happy to see him.Great!!The guy wearing a Santa Claus's cap ia a man who has been in Osaka Japan for a long time.So he can speak Japanese a little. His nickname was "Doita." Because he said "Doita" after we said "Thank you." I think it means in Japanese "Douitasimasite".He said it with his original performance in a comical manner.He was checking the present. It looked like a coffee or a jam.Steve got a card.It was a Star backs prepaid card.She aiso got a Tim horton's prepaid card.Thank you very much for Eric's concern.I had a nice time See you again.Thank you. Eric."Doita" and Sena performed the original performanse "Doita"You say "Doita" shaking your fingers.Did you understand what I said?If you have a question, please call me.Thank you for reading See you next Kazu.
09Jan
- We enjoyed a Christmas party in Able English Stu
  We enjoyed a Christmas party in Able English Studies, my new school, on 15th Deccember.The school has a trial TOEIC test every Friday, so this day the party started at 5:00.p.m.We already relaxed our mind and body after finished the trial test.Participants should have prerared a fees, $10, and a present for exchange, an item worth $10,We have been waiting for the start of the party.When Ihave been a student in VIC I haven't had a Christmas party I think VIC has students from many different contries including non-Christians.The students of Able English Studied are all Japanese.Most of Japanese students like Christmas party.This Christmas party was my first time in Vancouver.I looked forward to having this party preparing my favorite present for exchange.Many food and drinks which were prepared looked delicious.Able English Studies'ssighboard is fixed tothe surface of a wall of a building.The building is next to VIC which Ihad goneto until November.I go to Able English Studies walking in front of VIC every day. I sometime see VIC's teachers and some of friends. The building has an art gallery on the first floor.We can see the VIC sighboard on the left side in the picture.Able English Studies is on the third floor. #303.Please come and see us.Welcome to Able English Studies. It's really nice of you to come.The Christmas party started with teacher Aki's toast. Aki(from Tokyo)proposed a toast in the center.He is a leading teacher in AES. I think he is enthusiastic, earnest and always clear-cut.He says that verbs are stubborn. I suppose that he is always clear-cut.Aki explained the shedule and thr rule of presents exchange, especially about the rule of the state of a stealth.I will let you know the details later.The guy lifting his right arm in the center of picture is Kenny(from Hiroshima) . He is a maneger of AES.Again All members " Merry Christmas ! ! "Many foods were put side by side on the tables. Those looked like delisious.Sushi is the best choice of food that appeals to the Japanese.In Canada avogado roll is very popular.The second food was pizza. It is always thegreat supporting role in parties.I deeply appreciate it.Pan-fried dumplings already decreased significantly. Those were very delirious and as good as ,ifnot better than , Japanese restaurant's.Yakisoba, noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat, play an active part in the second half of the party.many kinds of vegetables were prepared as light snach to eat when drinking Boiled young soybean pods go well with beer,even so, these were very big. We will become full soon.Aki was eating needle and sushi.Iguessed he was craming noodle into his mouth, so he shut his mouth.The guy eating pizza on the right side is Yuya(from Japan).He is going to go other University in Kamloops from January after graduation from Able.The guy having two plates and eatig somethings was teacher Syuhei.He is a nice teacher and always tender, but at the test he is very strict with us.Wearetrained our mind well by his dedicated teaching.This lady is Mai(from Tokusima).Hergoal is become a translatorin the future andshe worked in the publishing industy in Japan before coming to Vancouver.About two weeks ago she slipped and fell down at the Pacific Center. She hurt her left ring finger. It was a compound fracture and she had two small operations in a emergency medical care center. Her finger injure has gotten much better. I'm grad to seeher.The lady making a peace sigh is Sayaka(from Kanagawa),She always has a smile on her face.The guy making a peace sigh isMasahiko(from Osaka), He was wearing a headgear which I got on the Christmas parade before. He is a kind of idol in his class.The lady on the left side has not have anything yet. She ia Kaho. The other lady on the right side is Azusa(from Kanagawa). The lady holding out some pizzas to youin the center is Ayumi(from Hirosima).She is very friendly and soon become a good friend.The lady having a bottle in her right hand on the left side is Nana(from Nara). The guy with an amusing face on the left side is Tetsuya(from Yamanashi).The lady making a peace sigh and wearing a headgear of a reindeer is Karin(from Saitama)This party's main event, the exchange of presents, started. First Aki got a small something. He was worrying about it.He was very pleased to get a wonderful thing.I don't know what it was.The lady hanginga Gap paper bag in the center is Chisaki(from Kyouto).The Gap was my present and when I was having it she asked me to give her it.I said "I wish luck would be with you"Shegot itperfectly. I was surprised at her good luck.Shuhei looked disappointed with his present. I think his disappointment was so much the greater because his expectations had been so great.That was a wonderful present!! He is Sakae(from Tokyo). He smiled with a satisfied look. He'll soon cook curry and rice.The lady was opening the present box.What was the contents? Her name is Aki(from Okinawa).Do you kouw what has happened It was a terrible sight! During exchange presents, sushi felloff the table.I don't knowwho is toblame, but Chisaki quickly putthem in order and was having crushed sushi.She fully have felt the heavy responsibility as the person concerned, but she didnt lose her appetite.She is great.The two tops of AES was clearing food and cleaning the floor forming in a row.The lady wearing a SantaClaus'cap isYuna(From Kagoshima) She chose a present with a gold ribbon.Miki got a confectionery set. After that She declared a state of stealth.The rule of the state of stealth is that if you are not satisfied with the thing which you get, you declare the state of stealth and if you corectly answer the question you can exchange your thing for other person's thing.She answered the question and got Chisaki's Gap. I was surprised at her Later I heard that Chisaki was returned it by Miki. I felt relieved to hear that.Ayumi(from Hiroshima) always liven up the atmosphere and she is a popular of her class.She is Azusa(from Kanagawa).Do you recognize what this is?Can you findsome word in this picture?How about this picture? Is this more easier to understand?That is a Starbucks prepaid card.Sayaka got it. After that she declared a state of stealth, answered the question correctly and got a waffle iron Which Kenny got. He was depressed after losing his favorite Waffle iron. Ifelt so sorry for him.I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the staff of AES for havinga such good party.I wish for everybody's happiness and health next year.Thank you for everything.Thank you for reading See you next.Kazu.
27Dec
- There was the Christmas Parade in downtown on 3r
  This was a famous hotel brand "Fairmont"in Canada. I stayed one day at the Fairmont Empress in Victria.in this summer. If you ask me, I wouldn't recommend it.This is "Encore" group.Someone was sitting on the rear exit.! His legs got caught in the door. I was worried about him.This was six ponies and a coach.This was a band of Vancouver International Airport.Easy Park.This was the aquarium line. We could see a beaver and a jellyfish.This was a music band.Spectators were watching the parade with their children. They wrre enjoying in each way.Okanagan is very famous as a wine route in Canada.New West Minster.This banner was written "Happy Holidays" in stead of "Merry Christmas"In Vancouver all is written "happy Holidays" not "Merry Christmas"For exsample bus and skytrain.Canada has a lot of immigranrs from many countries.So Happy Holidays match all people.FIN Mobile.They were mother and her son siting next to us. The small cart was for a child but his mother has been sitting on the cart during the parade. Theylooked happy This was ialand farmsThis was Christmas Market.ToysrusBandTelus brought up the rear of the parade. Telus was the main sponsoring company of the Christmas parade.I think that Telus is an excellent company, because it is owing to not only increasing revenue but also this elegant direction.. None of us expected such many beautiful women appeared in stead of Santa Claus in the Christmas parade.They were as good as, if not better than, the Takarazuka Revue Company.This lady is Masami(from Sapporo). We studied together at the Speaking classuntil March. She graduated from VIC in March but we are still in touch. I'm very happy for our friendship.She was in a good mood because the Christmas parade was pleasantand shewas wearing received headgear.Thank you for readingSee you next time.Kazu.
26Dec
- There was the Christmas parade in downtown on 3r
  I got an email from my friend, Masami, some days ago.She invited me to the Christmas parade on 3rd December.I had invited her to my thank-you party before, but she was not able to come to the party because of her working.I guess she felt indebted to me for not coming the party, and so she would have invited me to it.The parade started from the crossroads W.Georgia St. and Broughton St. and finished at the crossroads Howe St. and Davie St.Igot together with her at Vancouver city center station and went to Howe St.Fortunately we were able to get the enough space for two on the curb of the side walk.It was a bit cold, but not rainy and a little sunny.We felt better than usual.We were having lunch before the parade started.The parade was many performances and it exceeded our expectations.I think Canadians like events very much such as parades, fireworks, festivals, poler bears(winter swiming), cycle race,marathon ano so on.Wide variety of events are held throughhout the year in Vancouver.They always enjoy the events with their family and many friends without extra expenses.I felt their way of life would be more productive than mine.I should reflect on my life.I thought such things during seeing the parade.The head of the linewere police motercycles as usual.The second car was Telus which was the main sponsoring company of the parade.They were playing the bagpipes which are famous as traditional musical instruments in Scotland.Theyare children groups. Adults groups would be coming later.They inherit a traditional performing art from thier parents. I think it very important things.He was a presenter. We could get something good sometimes, but most times those were stickers.Occasionally we got small chocorates or candies .They are people of food bank activities.This was a track of food bank.They are adult groups playing bagpipes with thire traditional formal dresses.I felt the bagpipe to be the traditional taste in Scotland.They are polices riding horses.I think they were Chineses.They are members of Vancouver community policing centres. This was a FM broardcasting station. This was another FM broudcasting station.Their audio frequency is 101MHZJapanese radio don't match it.They arenavy league cadets They are still boys.This was an advertisement for a sale at a shoping center, Canada PlacenearWaterfront station.They are members of emergent 911 band.In Canada emergency contact number is all 911. include fire,ambulance and police.This is a big fire engine.This is a small rescue airplane.This is a rescue car.This is a drivesafe and playsafe.They were dancing group.They were another dancing group.This was a famous chocolate shop, Purdys, in Vancouver. I sometimes get it.This ia a mobile blood bank.This was Boys and Girls clubs.This is a CN train model. CN is Canadian National Railway. It looks like Japanese JR. I took a trip to Toronto by the CN train for five days in this summer.I loved a train trip. BecauseI could relax on the train like a hotel with breakfast,lunch, dinner, taking shower, sleeping on the bed, coffee at a lounge and talking with my friends.This was a music school group.Thank you for readingTo be continued in next time.See you again.Kazu.
17Dec
- I had a Thank-you party on November 10th.
  It has been about a year since I came to Vancouver Last Nobember.At last my graduation day from VIC has come.I hada good time with many friends and teachers.At the same time I have been syudying hard at VIC to improve English.If I hadn't many friends, I wouldn't have continued my learning English for a long time.I'm filled with gratitude to many friends and teachers.I hoped I had a Thank-you party and invited close friends and teachers.I sent them an invitation to my party.Unfortunatelysome friends had to do work on that day, and some other friends already have gone back to their countries.Six people came to my party in spite of their busy schedules.I deeply appreciate thier friendly support.I'm very happy.I looked at sunrise from my the nearest station in the morning on Monday of my last week for going to VIC.It felt lonely to me to soon leave Vancouver.She is a student from Mexico. The day before my graduation she said to me "Would you like to take a picture with me?" I was very grad to hear that. She was my classmate.She was very friendly to me.I had three classes in VIC. AM class is General ( level 1～7)　PM class is two classes: one is Speaking( level 1～６) the other is Communication Art (level 1～５）　This class was General level 6 in AM class.( 9:00-12:00)Japanese student wasone whose name isAsana(The lady on the right sidein the picture)except for me.This class was Speaking class Lebel5(13:00～14:10）Japanese student was one whose name is Ayaka(The lady in the right side on the picture) excert for me.This class was Communication Art Level4(14:20～15:30) Japanese students weretwo in this class.The lady in the light side on the picture ia Naho andanother lady in the left side is Asana.She is a VIC staff She presented me the Canadian national flag which all VIC staff wrote their messages for me.She ia a Japanese counselor Ayano(from Hyougo)She ia very kind and helped me with my homestay.We had my Thank-you party at this restaurant.We had a barbecue party.The lady on the left side is Japanese counselor Ayano(from Hyogo), and the gentleman on the right side is Jan whois our teacher. He is always enthusiastic and hard-working teacher.The lady on the right side ia Keiko(from Tokyo). She is my classmateThe lady on the left side is Rikako(from Japan), and the other lady on the right side is Ai(from Saitama).This picture was hazy because of barbecue smoke. I'm sorry.The lady on the left side ia Reina(from Aomori).She graduated from VIC on February and after that she has kept contact with me.I'm very happy for her lasting friendship.Keiko took this picture and the next one.Both are my favorite. Thank you for your pictures.Thank you very much for your help Please keep in touch with me.Thank you for reading See you next timeKazu.
11Dec
- A Trailer, I had a Thank-you Party on Novenber 1
  I must apologize for the delay in writing my post of blog this week..You would be looking forward to read it.Please excuse me.I'm going to write the Thank-party next time.Thank you for reading every time.Seeyou next time.Kazu.
03Dec
- We had a Halloween party in VIC on October 31st.
  Itis Halloween day on October 31st.We have a Halloween party in VIC every year.It'll be opened from 2:00p.m. at the lounge , so our class will be ended by 2;00p.m.Some students came to school being dressed in Halloween costumes in the morning, and they had their class as it was.Most of the students changed into Halloween costumes after class, and made up their face.They put on a serious expression in earnest.I heard from a Japanese counselor, Shigeo, that if I want to enjoy Halloween party you should dress Halloween costume, and if I don't dress it you would be completely kept in the dark.I went to a costume shop in down town, and I bought a costume. It was a Desney's character Alice's MadHatter. Do you know it? I didn't know it.I asked the shop master to give a discount, then he offered a 40% discount.So I decided it. I felt very happy.The party has a Halloween costume contest in three categories., the best staff costume, the scariest costume , and the cutest costume. We can win the extra prize of a luxury trip ticket.How do you think the result was? Just wait, you'll find out soon.I fully realized that costume changes ourselves, becuse when I was dressed Halloween costume,many young syudents came up to me and asked me to take pictures with me.I have never had such a experience as this for a long time.Please enjoy Halloween costumes with us.This girl is my classmate, Raquel(from Brazil), and she is a staff of the Brazil goverment.She was making up her face elaborately in our classroom.This guy is my classmate, Luis(from Mexico). Now he stays atthe same homeof mine.The girl in the left side on the picture is Naho(from Kagawa), The guy on the right side was heavy makeup and I couldn't recognize. I'm sorry.This girl is my classmate, Valeria(from Venezuela), She has stayed in Vancouveraslong as I, but she is better at speak English.They were prepared for the contest one anather.I couldn't recognize who the person was.This girl is my classmte, Keiko(from Tokyo), She was dressed honeybee costume, and she complained mascara was heavy. I think she looked very cute and charming.I asked her not to sting me.THe girl on the left side in the picture is Rikako(from Ibaraki).The gentleman on the right side is our teacher, Dave. He is enthusiastic and so sometimes teaches us hard.The gentleman on the left side in the picture is our teacher Jan(from Czech). I suppose he is the most enthusiastic teacher in VIC. Many teachers were dressed costumes because of the best staff prize.She is Manami(from Aomori),He looked weird.The costume contestwas going to begin soon. Participants was waiting the announcement.This groupe was staff category.The gentleman on the left side is my teacher, Josh(from Canada). The lady on the right side is a staff of VIC.The next was the scariest costume prize.Everyone awaited the announcement of the result, holding their breath.This Lady won the scariest costume prize. I think she was really very scary and I don't want to go out with her.The gentleman on the left side shed tears of frustration when he lost the prize.The last prize was the cutest costume that I entryed.I would never give up till the end.I couldn't believe by myself that I won the prize.I think it is thanks to many people.I appreciate people's support.Wow, I'm happy.I have never been happier.I got a trip ticket to Whistler as the extra prize.I'm going to skiingto Whistler in December.The gentleman on the left side is my teacher, Sean(He was born in Canada,and his wife is Japanese.)After the Halloween Party, we went to a nightclub in Yaletown.We arrived ahead of schedule, and Few other guestswere in the club yet.This space will be a dance hall.The staff was dressed Halloween costume.Cheers!! Thank you for reading.See you next time.Kazu.
26Nov
- We had a Halloween party on October 28th.
  Have you ever had a Halloween party and dressed up with Halloween costumes?In Japan, recentrymore and more people celebrateHalloween.In Vancouver, it is very popular, especially, among young people.In front of nightclubs,there are long lineups before opening.My English teacher,"she is really my English teacher, because she corrects my articles on my blog post everytime,and her nick name is Karintou, " invited us to her Halloween dinner.She is a goodcook. Shepreparedvarious pumpkin dishes and desserts for seven people forHalloween dinner.The main dish was roasted chicken and the dessert was a pumpkin pie.Both looked delicious.Unfortunatelywe didn't have theJack-o'-lantern, butit is actually not for food.Thememberwere Karintou, Kalun(Karintou's husband), Saki(from Japan Karintou's friend ), Kevin(Saki's fiance), Ai(from Saitama), Misato(from Yokohama), and me..Isaw Saki and Kevinat Karintou's birthday party last time.I was glad to see them again.Ai and Misato met them on that day for their first time.We had a good time having dinner and enjoyed talking about romances.We did not realize until it was past ten o'clock.Karintou's husband and Karintou drove me my home.Kevin and Sakitook Ai and Misato to their home.We deeply appreciate your invitation, Karintou.This wasstuffed portabellamushroom with a sunny-side up egg on top.,Thesemushrooms werevery bigalmost ten centimeters.This was curry flavored couscous.This was cauliflower fried rice This was pomegranate onion.This was a cup of pumpkin soup.This wasthe main dish "roasted chicken".It was a whole chicken. It took a lot of time to cook through.Thanks to Karintou's cooking skillswe had adelicious roasted chicken.This guyon the left side in the picture is Kalun(he is karintou's husband). He a very supportive husband..The lady on the right side is Karintou.(She is my English teacher.)This girl on the left side in the picture is Saki(from Japan), and the guyon the right side is Kevin(Saki's fiance)This girl on the left side in the picture is Ai(from Saitama), and the othergirl on the right side is Misato(from Yokohama). We often get together even after graduated from VIC thanks to Karintou.That day's main dessert was apumpkin pie.It was very big and so delicious.We had a piece withcookies and assorted fruits.Would you like some pieces pie?For here or to go?A stranger unexpectedly appeared in the livingroom. Who was this man? Do you spot him?Misato was very surprised and shealmost tried to run away.Saki was very excited on thestranger and shecould not stop laughing.Misato recognized that the wired man was me, Kazu by his voicebut Saki was stilllaughing and laughing.He had tattoos of a rainbow on his left arm.It was asouvenir of U.S.A.tripfrom Karintou. She said it wouldl be fade away within three days ,but it stayed on my arm formore than one week. I enjoyed it.Do you spot this witch? I think shewastoo nice andattractive to bea witch. I'm sure that a witch must be more horrible and awful. She was too fascinating.Can you see another witch appeared?　This witch wastoo charming andcuteto bea witch, as well.We enjoyed Halloween costumes.Wouldyoulike to enjoy Halloween costumes next year with me?Thank you for reading See you next timeKazu.
19Nov
- We went to a Brazilian resraurant for lunch on O
  We went to a restaurant for lunch on October 14th.The restaurant is named "RIO", and It is near the English Bay.This time my friend whose name is Nanami(from Osaka) reccmmended me to have lunch at this restaurant.Because we have authentic Brazilian barbecue, and wecan enjoy Brazilian tastes.Nanami graduatedfrom VIC in last month, and after that shehas attended other school.She is a studentof a university in Japan, so shesubmitted an application for aleave of absence from school.She hasmade aneffort to achieve her initial goal.I'm sure she can do it.She is very beautiful, nice,and also friendly.Many people had a nice time.I guessed they would be gentlemen and ladies from Brazil..They talked, but I couldn't understand them.The food on the left side in the picture is French fries and many kinds of saradas which served in buffet-style.The other food on the right side is a piece of roast chicken.At first a waiter gave us a card and he said, "If you want to have barbecueplease put on this red card on the table, and if you want to stop it, please put on another side black card on the table.We were waiting a waiter bringing barbecue..He brought barbecue skewered and cut off some peices of steak in fron of custemers.We have had enoght today.You can have it again and again until you put on thye black card on the table.She looked like very happy, and we had a nice time.When i checked the bill, I noticed that it already included a tip.I asked a cashier "Does this bill include tip?"she answered "Yes".I wondered about if I hadn't noticedthat the billincluded the tip, I would have paid tips two times,I heardthat many restaurants todaydothe same thing.. We should check the billeach time.Thank you for readingI'm very happy because the number of visitors of my blog exceeded five thousands.I can't believe it.I deeply appreciate your gracious support.See you next time.Kazu.P.S.I moved my stay home to other place in this September.Please don't send me anything to former address.I'm going to come back to Japan at the end of next January.See you again.I'm looking forward to seeing you.Kazu.
12Nov
- I went on a trip to Canadian Rocky Mountains las
  Day 3This is the Jasper Station.I have ever been at the station a little less than three month ago. I came by the Via Rail way train.I remembered that I was writing my blog useing Wi-Fi during a one-hour stop. As soon as I finished it, the train left the station. It was the first time for me totakepictures.the Jasper Station square.The station square was not busy but quiet.There werea lot of freight trains in line.The train which I got on and enjoyed nice five days about three months ago just arrived at Jasper Station.I remembered my happy days.Our third day's hotel was a motel. The building was two stories and we stayed at this hotel. It looked like a tourist cabin and I felt a little chilly in the middle of the night. I put my sweater on and slept.After We arrived the hotel, we enjoyed traditional Canadian campfire and games(included)We barbecued marshmallows and had. Those tasted very sweet..The third day's night was well along when the campfire ended.Day 4The fourth day's breakfast was served at a ranch.(inclued)We had a roll of bread, one coffee,a piece of bacon, and an apple. After breakfast many cowboy ranch experienceswere prepared and some people enjoyed them, but most people warmed themselves at a bonfire.We came to Spahat's Falls Could you see the people on the right side in the picture? I have never seen such a magnificent view valley as this.Please look at next picture.This is the people on the overhanging cliff.This was the bottom of the ravine. It was very deep.A waterfall appearedfrom the middle of the cliff.It looked like the Nachi Falls or the Kegon Falls. I don't know how high it is.I happened to see my classmate by chance. She is a student from Brazil and joined in this tour, but in anather group.I felt energized after seeing her kind smile.We arrivedin Vancouver at 10p.m. two hours thirty minutes late.I was very tired ,but I was filled with satisfaction from having done many experiences.Thank you for reading See you next timeKazu.
- I went to a trip to Canadian Rocky mountains las
  Day 3We left the hotel after breakfast(included).In the morning of the third day,we could look ata few wild family elks. Elkis a big deer andhis antlersbecome two-meter-long..The male of elk has big antlersOne male elk has some females and form harems in fall.We came to a big beautiful lake.The lady on the left side in the picture is a Frenchwoman, and the other lady on the right side is a Koreanwoman.. They are both good at speaking English.The mountains were lightly covered with snow We were attracted to the magnificent view of the Rocky Mountains We came to Lake Minnewanka. We can enjoy fishing and cruising in this lake.This down jacket which I brought from Japan was very useful. Other people said to me it looked warmWe had a snowball fight together here.My right hand was very cold without glove.I enjoyed a snowball fight after a long interval.She is a Frenchwoman.She is a Spanishwoman.We came to Peyto Lake. Peyto wasthe name of a former guide for foreign tourists, We looked down at the lake fromBowSummit We cann't look at it fromthe lakeside.The lake is Peyto Lake which spead out below Bow Summit.We took pictures at a steep cliff.It was very exciting.I might be nervous.The surface ofthemountain showed us diastrophism.mountains and riverCan you see the road which runs along the mountain.We came to the Columbia Icefields. This was a main activity of that day. The car on the picture is a snowmobile.The man who weared sunglasses wasthe driver of the bus and the guide.The bus was going downhill without stopping. Can you feel that the bus was downhill? It was really steep.It seemed to be a roller coaster .We were very excited The big glocks of ice which spread behind me is a huge massive glacier.I have never seen a glacier.It was my first time.warning board.There were many snowmobilesCould you take pictures for me?This cuisine was the third day's dinner(included). In Canada October 10th is Thanksgiving day, and so roast turkey was served that day. I enjoyed it since Easter Day..Roast turkey is served on Christmas too in Canada. It's very delicious.Thank you for reading To be continued in next time.See you againKazu.
06Nov
- I went on a trip to Canadian Rocky mountains las
  Day 2We visited Roger's Pass in the morning of the second day.Wild animals in Canadian Rocky mountains were exhibited. Theseare Cougers.Mountain Goats.Grizzly Bears.Rock ClimbingSomeone gave a peace sigh in the bus.It was an extremely cold place in spite of October.Thereis Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.and is full of emerald green water.Emerald Lake 1 We can paddle a canoe.Emerald Lake 2 Therewas a wooden long bridge.Emerald Lake 3Emerald lake 4Emerald lake 5Emerald Lake6Emerald Lake7Emerald Lake8Emerald Lake9Moraine Lake1 Moraine means a mass of earth stones carried along by a glacier and left when it melts.Moraine Lake2 We looked a big glacier.Moraine Lake3Moraine Lake ４Moraine Lake 5 The mountain on the left side at the back in the picture is Effel Peak and next mountain is Pinnacle Mtn andMount Temple.Moraine lake 6This is the most famous Canadian lake - Lake Louise.Two of my friends have been working at a hotel near here after graduating from VIC.I wasgoing to see them after a long interval, but l couldn't see them because of having not enough time. I was very sorry I couldn't see them. It broke my heart to leave Lake Louise.Lake Louise 1Lake Louise 2Lake Louise 3Lake Louise 4Lake Luoise 5 Taking pictures of her from behind is canadianRocky style. Many people took picturesof ladiesfrom behind. I think I felt her more beautiful.Lake Luoise 6Lake Louise 7Lake Louise 8Lake Louise 9Lake Louise 10Lake Louise 11They were aGerman groupThe Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel rate in summer $472～(one stay)Sulphur Mountain Gondola gave us amazing views.The altitude of Sulphur Mountain is 2285meters,and we could see the streets and houses of Bunff from the observation platform.We saw again in the gondola I have never seen such a long gondola. A round -trip ticket costs $50.The view of Banff from the the observation platform. The high mountain on the left side in the picture is Cascade Mountain and the other mountain on the right side is Mount Rundle. Both are about 3000 meters above sea level.The Fairmont Banff Sprngs hotel. It's very famous resort hotel. one stay in summer $629～many mountains.Free time for dinner so I went to ahotel restaurant.This was my second day's dinner. I had much French fries every day.It was good tasty.The night was well along when the dinner ended.Thank you for reading To be continued in next time.See you again.Kazu.
05Nov
- I went on a trip to Canadian Rocky mountains las
  I went from Oct 6th to Oct 9th.Rocky mountains is one of the most popular destinations of students studying in Vancouver.At first I planned to go there this summer, but I cuoldn't do because of a tight schedule.I quite enjoyed the beautiful Rocky mountains for four days.Red maple and yellow beech leaves were very beautiful.All the leaves in the mountains have turned magnificently red or yellow.Our group members were about forty people and tourists from many different countries, for example, the Nether lands, Italy,Germany, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, China, and so on.There were many different languages flying around in the bus.The cost of this tour was five hundred dollars, and the additional charge of private use bed was one hundred fifty.I think it was not so much expensive, but it was a heavy schdule. i guess this tour is planned for young people.We arrived at a hotel very late every day.Our ItineraryDay 1 8:00am – Depart VancouverEnjoy a number of sights, such as: The Fraser Valley & Chilliwack, the “Canadian Desert” (Kamloops), Shuswap lake area and SicamousStop on Kelowna for lunch and visit the beautiful Kalamaka LakeCheck-in to the hotel in RevelstokeOption to join your guide for a party at the pubDay 2Depart Revelstoke in the morningStop at Roger’s PassVisit one the most famous Canadian Lakes – Lake LouiseVisit Moraine Lake with the option to go canoeing for an additional cost (seasonal)Sightseeing tour in the town of Banff – among the highlights are visits to Banff Ave, Bow Falls and Banff Springs HotelOption to visit Sulphur Mountain Gondola for amazing views (additional cost)Check into your hotel on Banff AvenueFree time in the evening for dinner and shopping or option to go to the Banff Hotsprings (additional cost)Option to join your guide for a party at the bar – enjoy VIP entrance with your DCT wrist bandDay 3Breakfast in the hotel (included)Travel the Icefields Parkway and enjoy a number of sights, such as: Crowfoot Glacier & Bow LakeVisit Peyto Lake (weather permitting)Tour through the Columbia Icefields and option take part in the world renowned SnoCoach tour (additional cost)Stop in the town of JasperCheck in to your hotel in ValemountBBQ dinner and traditional Canadian campfire & games (included)Day 4Enjoy Breakfast this morning and depart ValemountEnjoy a Cowboy Ranch Experience (included)Option to go on a River Safari Bear Tour in Blue River this morningVisit Spahat’s Falls & Dutch lakeLunch stop in ClearwaterVisit Othello Tunnels (seasonal)Return to Vancouver at approximately 7:30pmThere were many buses at Canada place in Vancouver. The bus 0n the right side in the picture is ours.The man having a green jacket was our tour conductor. many tourists in the busCanada place is the place of departure of many buses.The first rest area was a grocery store.A lake and a town.I hada lunch at this reataurant in Kelowna. a counterThis was my lunch..It was a big hamburger and alot of French fries. This lunch was not included We visited the beautiful Kalamaka Lake. The lady on the left side is Yeseul from South Korea.Here was the driven the last spike completing Canadian Pacific railway from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pasific Ocean. on November 7th 1885.I drove the last spike too,but it was too hard.A locomotive at that time.This was a pizzeria. The dinner was not included,and I decided to have a dinner here with my roommates.They were my roommate. They were a couple from taiwan.We shared this pizza between three.The couple was very kind,. just their snoring was soloud that I couldn't sleep well every night. I'm sure an inexpensive tour had some kind of trick..I slept alone by myself next to the couple.I was surprised thatthere was a watch of Niseko at the front of the Hotel in Revelstoke.They said Niseko ia very famous among tourists.Day 2The next morning I met a couple from Brazil atthehotel lobby.He was very friendly and his wife was very beautiful. I thought they are the best couple.This was the second day's breakfast included. We had it in the bus. It wasa big muffin.This was a fore foot model of a grizzly bear. It ia about two hundred fifty centimeters long, and it weighsthree hundred sixty kilogramsThis was a hind foot model of of a grizzly bear. Thank you for reading The rest of thepost will be left for next week.See you next time Kazu.
30Oct
- A Trailer. I went to the Canadian Rockies advent
  I'm sorry.Thank you for your reading my blog every week.I'm going to write about Canadian Rockies adventure tour today.But Ihave many pictures and I cann't arrange them.So I'm going to write it next week.I really must appologize.Excuse me.Kazu.
23Oct
- We had a okonomiyaki party on September 30th.
  About one month ago we had a tea party, and then Karintou suggested that we would have another party next time. So I proposed a okonomiyaki party, becouse I had Fugetu's original sause and flour.We enjoyed a nice time for the first time in one month.But the leader in this day was not a okonomiyaki, it was a chocolate cake.We requested Karintou a chocolate cake and to teach us how bake it.The chiffon cake at last party was very sweat and we can never forget the tastness even if we want to.The memberwas Karintou(my English adviser), Ai(from saitama),Misato(from Yokohama),and Kazu.At first I placed the recipe for a chocolate cake.I got her secret recipe from Karintou and I would like to share it on my blog with her permission.Chocolate cake with espresso flavor3 egg yolk (room temperature)3 egg white (refrigerated)50g of sugar (room temperature)50g of sugar (refrigerated) 120g semi-sweet chocolate100g butterflour 120gcoco powder 30gone pinch of salt2 spoons of liqueur (Grand Marnieror brandy are recommended)quarter a cup to half a cup espresso (asmuch as you like)preheat the oven at 360F.Sift the flour and coco powdertogether. The purpose of sifting is to mix flour and coco powder with air, so,fine mesh is better. And if you can shift twice, it would be better.add one pinch of salt torefrigerated egg white and mix with mixer.Add refrigerated sugar littleby little while mixing.Make stable and firm meringueand let it rest in fridge. The key to make stable meringue is to keepeverything refrigerated and add sugar little by little.Mix room temperature egg yorkwith room temperature sugar until it gets creamy.Put butter, chocolate, liqueurand espresso in a bowl. Heat the mix in a water bath. Keep the heat low. Mixgently and melt everything. Chocolate is a very delicate ingredient. Do notheat it up too high nor too long time. The key is to keep mixing gently whilewarming up in a water bath and prepare the chocolate mix right before mixingwith egg yolk mix. Add flour and coco powder mixto yolk mix, then, mix them well.Add the chocolate mix.Add one third of the refrigerated meringue to egg yolk mix, mix themgently together.Add other one third of meringue and mix gently. Then, add the restof the meringue. The key of the softness of the cake is to mix the meringuegently.Pour the mix into the cake pan and gently shake it to make thesurface even and let the air go.Bake in 360F preheated oven for 35 minis to 40 minis.Check if it’s cooked through. And let it cool down.If you want to decorate the cake….. Raspberry sourcehalf cup of raspberry2 spoons of honeysugar (as much as you want)2 spoons of liqueur (Grand Marnieror brandy are recommended)1 spoons of flourmix raspberry, honey, sugar,and liqueur.Put on low heat for a while,then add flour to make it thick.Let it cool down.How to decorate….150g Whipping cream200g Semi-sweet chocolateLiqueur (Grand Marnier or brandy arerecommended)Cut the cake into half.Put the jam on one side andstack the two layers.Melt and mix chocolate, whip creamand liqueur in a water bath. Again, do not overheat the chocolate. Mix gentlyuntil the chocolate mix gets a little creamy and shiny. Put the cake flat and pour thechocolate sauce on the cake. Let the cake rest in a fridgeuntil the chocolate sauce gets settled.Afterthe party we had a girls talk at night.It is only girls enjoy their talking frankly in the night.At first I wasn't given permission to join because of man.I was very interested inyoung girl's way of thinking.I'm sometimesconfused by the unexpected reaction to my behavior.Before the start Karintou said to us "Pinky Promise"It means that we must not speak to other person what weknew today.If you would break the promise your pinkymust be cut.I gotmuch significant information, but I can't reveal the truth.Girls talk continued until four o'clock.I finally fell asleep on the bed.We went to have a Chinese tea break with a snack. next morning.In Japan it called "Yamucha".It was very good It was all steamied cooking This is a cake plate.It is twice as big as anyone else,I was geting ready for bakinng a came.I put the chiken ramen apron. We were working in the division of roles.a chocolate cake was baked siccessfully.we spreadedraspberry source on a half cutted cake.We poured the melted chocolate on the cake.It was very difficult, because the melted chocolate driped down from the cake.I was worried that more than half of the chocolate would dripped down.We finished the chocolate cake with espresso flavor. Ifyouget it at a cake shop, it probably might be too expenive.This was the last work as a pastry chef, cake-cutting..Would you like some cake?For here or to go?They are our regular members.The lady on the left side in the picture is Ai(from Saitama), and the other lady on the right side is Misato(from Yokohama).Both looked happy She is Karintou and my Eingish adviser.She always help me my English.The second stage was a okonomiyaki party.Karintou got sliced pork at a Chinise market.We usually can't get it. We had a okonomiyaki party in spring, but we couldn't get it.We were very happy to eat the okonomiyaki with baking it.These were side dishes which Karintou prepared for us. They were tororosoba, okura, lotus root cooked in seasoned stookI am sure It was more delicious than Fugetu's.The gentleman on the left side in the picture is Karintou's husband. He always support us.In the morning next day we went to have "yamucha" at a Chinese restaurant.These were steamed pork bun.These were boiled gyoza dumplings.These were shaomai.These were meatballs.These wereshaomai.These were Chinese desserts.We had a happy time.They had a hearty appetite in front of theChinesesnack.Thank you for your readingSee you next time.Kazu.
16Oct
- I moved to other house September 17th.
  I had stayed confortably with a family until other two students came in july since I came to Vancouver last Nobember.I had been fortunately only one student for about seven months and I could anytime use a washroom.However we should have shared the washroom with other students after they came.They were Brazilians and took a shower every morning. So sometimes I couldn't use the washroom in the morning.It annoyed me when I should go to school in a hurry. I had lived by myself for a long time and I used to live alone.I didn't get used to sharing with other peopleI decided to move to other house with a private bathroom. I requested my school's home stay counsellor.She said that it was not a good time to looking for a other house,because many new students came to Vancouver to study English in July..She guessed we could get it late September.We practically couldn't get it until late September. It was very difficult to get a house with a private bathroom., because there were few in Vancouver.I got a house and moved September 17th. It was the day when I have to leave the former house.My belongings were eight cardboard boxes, one printer,two backpacks, two rolling bags, two suitcases and one bookshelfI couldn't carry a bookshelf by a taxi, and I asked a moving company to carru them.It costed two hundred fifty dollars. I finished safely to move because of the moving company and Jiyeon.She came to help me in my moving.She was very kind and I was filled with gratitude to her.The order of picturesFirst: the former houseThen: my belongingsFinal: present housethe former my room and a book shelf.my desk and a chest of drawers.Almost all the belongings were packed .the former house closet.a shower room The back of the pictureis a shower space. It was very small and usually i couldn't wash my back.Thisis the entrance of the shower space. You can imagine that it was very small.This is a washbowl.bathroommy belongings: eight cardboard boxes, one printer, two backpacks,two rolling bags, two suitcases and one bookshelf.This ia the present house's my room. It is sixteen square meters in area, and it costs nine hundred fifty dollars per month including food. But i have to cook my breakfast and lunch every day. I prefer my privacy to easy-going.My desk and officeThere are two wardrobes. They are very useful.The room is very wide and I can put many boxeson the floor.This is my private bathroom. It is very wide and I can wash my back.This is a washbowl.This is a kitchen for syudents and we can do the cooking.I cook my lunch every day at this kitchen.This is a dining space. I usually have breakfast and dinner here.I sometimes feel lonely having food alone.I'm going to syay in this house for about three months left.Thank you for reading every time.See you next timeKazu.
06Oct
- A Trailer: I moved to other home stay house last
  I'm sorry. Thank you for your reading every week.I'm going to Canadian Rocky Mountains from October 6 to 9.I had a regular test today. I was very sleepy.I must get up early tomorrow morning.So today I can't write my blog.I really must apologize.Excuse me.See you next week.Kazu.

I was treated to dinner at Karintou's house

I went to watch Polar Bear Swim on New Year'

I went to watch the New Year's Eve countdown

I was invited to a Christmas Party on 23rd Decem

We enjoyed a Christmas party in Able English Stu

There was the Christmas Parade in downtown on 3r

There was the Christmas parade in downtown on 3r

I had a Thank-you party on November 10th.

A Trailer, I had a Thank-you Party on Novenber 1

We had a Halloween party in VIC on October 31st.

We had a Halloween party on October 28th.

We went to a Brazilian resraurant for lunch on O

I went on a trip to Canadian Rocky Mountains las

I went to a trip to Canadian Rocky mountains las

I went on a trip to Canadian Rocky mountains las

I went on a trip to Canadian Rocky mountains las

A Trailer. I went to the Canadian Rockies advent

We had a okonomiyaki party on September 30th.

I moved to other house September 17th.

A Trailer: I moved to other home stay house last