Two Women vs. the Grasshopper

A short story sharing the moments before my summer vacation, and how one moment of forgetfulness led to an "epic" battle between two women - who are seriously afraid of all sorts of bugs - and a grasshopper - Japanese size (large) and perky enough (or, sadistic enough) to jump in the sweltering heat of summer.

Past Rainy Season and onto Summer

Rainy season was quite short this year.  It normally lasts about one month (June), but this year the amount of rain was sporadic at best.  I definitely didn't use my rain boots as often as I thought I would.

Hiking in Kita-Kamakura (北鎌倉)

I went hiking with some friends and co-workers a week or so ago in Kita-Kamakura.  It was so beautiful!  From the quaint train station (I wish I had remembered to take a photo) to the traditional homes and green nature everywhere... it is a current favorite location of mine.  

Golden Week - Part 3 (Cat Cafe, Cooking Class)

Finally, during Golden Week, I did two new activities:  I visited a Cat Cafe (猫かフェ)
and I went to a multi-lingual Cooking Class.

Golden Week - Part 2 (Odawara)

Continuation of my activities during Golden Week...

Golden Week - Part 1 (Kamakura, Enoshima)

Golden Week in Japan occurs in at the end of April-early May.  There are several national holidays within the same week, so many companies provide their employees with the entire week off.  It is one of three weeks off during the year that I have.  

JLPT N4 Passed!

Good news!  I passed the JLPT N4 exam!  

Note:  JLPT = Japanese Language Proficiency Test.