Leaving Kushiro

Last Days

The last week or so has gone by in a blur of sashimi, sushi and beer! We had a farewell party at Shu-sen (of course) last Wednesday night (public holiday on Thursday!) And partied to the small hours of the morning. Nights like this make us wonder why we are leaving, although maybe it’s good to go out on a good note. Friends and karaoke, what more can I say? Thursday night was one of the more memorable days in Kushiro and not because of the hangover. Nahoko-san, one of Sarah’s students whom she has become really good friends with took us out to dinner. We went to one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Kushiro. It was amazing, our own tatami room with rice paper sliding doors and amazing service. We were treated to 8 courses of fine Japanese cuisine and tried several different types of local sake. Brilliant! First course was crabs eggs wrapped in cucumber, followed by sushi. Course number three was sashimi of a local fish, then honey glazed salmon. Number 5 was some sort of potato and fish soup, followed up with a leg of king crab. Just when I couldn’t take any more number 7 was served, containing rice and salmon eggs with miso soup and some pickles. Dessert was a small serving of toffee coated ice-cream. Are you jealous yet? You should be because it was some of the best food I have ever had. This was followed up with a Friday lunch with one of my classes! Again sushi was enjoyed by all. It has been a nice week, and we will miss our students and friends. We must have done a good job! Pity about our boss who is continuing his childish and un-professional manner. He has resorted to responding to us in grunts which must surely be a new time low. Plus he has declared he cannot afford to pay us all of our final wages! A heated discussion ensued and it seems that we will now get paid what we are owed. Well today is our last in Kushiro, we finish work at 9pm and board the 11.30pm night bus for Sapporo. Arriving around 6am where we find a train taking us through to Kutchan and then to Niseko-Hirafu. To say we are looking forward to the change is clearly and understatement. I especially am looking forward to being surrounded by mountains once again and feeling their positive energy. Plus the ski-fields open this weekend so the timing is right. To those in Kushiro, ja ne and kutsukete. We hope to see you again in the future.