Mt. Yakedake Hike

Kenji brought me to his favorite hiking area near Nagano to hike Mt. Yakedake. It was a beautiful day, which matched the equally beautiful scenery.

A bit chilly at the trailhead in Chubusangaku National Park.

Started with a nice walk along the crystal clear Azusegawa River.

Once we entered the forest trail, it was mostly uphill, with plenty of challenging sections, including several ladder climbs.

Incredible views on the way up.

The summit area is full of geothermic vents. This one was spewing sulfur continuously.

At the summit.

A couple from on the way down, as the clouds roll in. 

Finished at Kappabashi Bridge

Thanks to Kenji and the other hikers who took some of these photos.

Hidamari English School

If you find yourself living in Western Tokyo, you won't find a better place to teach English part time than at Hidamari, run by Kenji. Classes are small and fun, with students of all ages looking to improve their English. Kenji was my boss and friend. I became close to all my students. What more could you ask for?

Lunch at an Indian restaurant with Kenji and some of my students.

Kenji & Keiko

Kazuko & Kyoko

Presented with my first ever bouquet of flowers on my last day teaching.With Yuya, Yuka, & Yuto.

Eriko & Reisa

My farewell lunch was at a quaint family run tempura restaurant. I liked the hanging hornets nest in the entryway. 

EFY Photos Part 2

More photos from EFY. Some kids from my company hanging out.

It was really painful seeing plates like this in the morning for breakfast. 

Some of the boys in my group were walking away with jugs of orange drink for later in the day, which resulted in this classic sign.

Cheers!

Dance Party!

This awkward moment was staged, but still funny.

EFY romance

EFY swag

My company, #23

EFY Photos Part 1

I had the opportunity to be a company counselor at EFY Japan in Nagoya a few weeks back. It was a great experience for the youth, as well as myself. I selected some of my favorite photos to share here. I took most of them, but a few are from others.

Everyone

The English speaking counselors after our morning staff meeting

My company, #23, working on their cheer

Yoyo with our banner, after he finished defacing/enhancing it with his name. 

Another company's banner I really liked

Morning Devotional with our company

Morning gospel study

"The 5 Guys" from our company performing at the variety show

Whatever the Samuel Game is, I don't want to play it, and I certainly don't want to be the dude in the middle.

Me and my co-counselors of Company 23

Some of our kids hanging out