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Stranger in a Strange Land Newsletter March, 2004

Stranger in a Strange Land Newsletter March, 2004

Folks,
Here it is. I’m still in Osaka, Japan, but I hesitated sending this newsletter and the one before because the news kept/keeps on changing. How can I be expected to give you accurate Stranger in Strange Land news if I’m not sure of the news myself? But I decided that an audience likes a cliff-hanger: readers want to hear exciting, inconclusive news...

To prove my point I’m going to hold-off on that for a second and follow-up on my comment: "the Japanese are so Japanese": People actually wear kimonos. If I go out, pretty much anywhere, I can count on a kimono-a-day, often more. A kimono-a-day. Think about that. You don’t get the equivalent of that anywhere else I’ve been. Next, your average person actually says the equivalent of "grace" before every meal. Sometimes it is mumbled quickly, but they do say it. I have a lot to say about the food but let’s finally move onto the news:

I got fired for the first time ever and took a cab for the first time ever, the two events being not unrelated. Both, in fact, stemmed from the unreliability of my charming, but possibly slightly insane, bar-owning, British ex-boss. (Write in for more details!)

On to more positive news: I’ve been getting tutoring work. I’m really enjoying it and, if I may say so, doing it well. I’ve done math tutoring work before but I never felt I did a superb job (it’s a good thing you paid me with food and transportation, Milva and Anna, that’s all I’m saying). Also, there’s a job near Osaka, that sounds just right for me, from which I’m right now, so anxiously waiting to hear back... But I can also live in a remote mountain town in northern Japan. Perfect. Then, of course, I have the option of coming home if need be and doing the old gardening work which is so lovely and lucrative. I’m probably going to take a brief trip to Korea for personal, cultural, and legal reasons, but maybe it will look really cool, I’ll find work, and stay there.

What I’m saying is I don’t know. I’m so anxious about it all. But I wouldn’t mind so much if I only had something to fill my days: something to do. But it does seem like I’ll find something; that I’ll be fine.
One day at a time. But trying to find ones own way ain’t easy. But nobody said it was going to be easy. I love that saying.

And for goodness sake, I’m still having fun going around to beautiful places with a couple cool friends. Spring is really here with warm weather and beautiful blossoms, and that doesn’t even include the famous cherry blossoms yet.

Well, that’s all I’ve got folks. You take care wherever you are! Truly all the best.

Yours,
Eli

p.s. Editors note: A new exciting publication is now being offered entitled: "Gerzon Weekly." The cost of subscription is one e-mail saying "I’d like to receive Gerzon Weekly." and the expectation of a publication full of all sorts of exciting news and commentary. "Weekly" will give you news you won’t get in SIASL on account of space and consideration of those with good taste. "Weekly" may offend some people; may confuse some people. BUT this publication will entertain and challenge the very way you look at the world. Maybe. Sign up now, cancel anytime.