I looked at my calendar recently and realized that it is already February, which means it has been almost one year since I came to Wakayama and to Shin-ai.  I have made it a point to take my bicycle and ride around the city, and try to get familiar with the community. It has been fun.

However, last weekend I went to take an exam, and the location was in a school and in an area that I had never been before. I was amazed. After a whole year here, riding up and down the streets, trying to see all of Wakayama City, I still missed a spot.  haha.

The more I ride, the more I realize how important it is to understand one’s community, its people, and its issues. That realization made me appreciate the Region activity we do every Monday. The final presentations were just this week, and they were very good!  I feel that my students with their inquiries into the issues Wakayama faces have taught me more about this place than I ever could have known.  Thank you, my ladies of Shin-ai.

I’m looking forward to our next school year together, and more presentations about things.

With me
You’ve walked here on this road
That winds and wanders;
And it’s with you
I’ve seen it’s wonders;
You’ve walked along side me
Under sunshine;
And side by side,
We strode through shouting thunder;
And I’ve walked longer on this road,
That wends its way, still winding farther on,
Than I could ever have gone along
Just roaming the roads
And rolling alone here
Without you.