What does the 'C' stand for, and other questions for dwellars.

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by DanaC

Question: ZenGum, what made you decide to go teach in Japan?

Aaaaghhhhhhh! Can you imagine how many times I have been asked that &%$#ing question????

Seriously though, lots of things. I wanted to travel and yet I needed to earn money. I could either work in my home country and save, then travel, or work in Japan and save, then travel more. This combination gets me the experience of living overseas while earning money. And the girls are gorgeous.
Japan was good for this because you can save a fair bit (approaching US$800 - 1,000 / month) while still being able to afford some interesting adventures. And it is very safe, as far as health, crime and human-caused troubles go. People are (mostly) polite ... and the girls ...
Also, I knew a little Japanese before I came, and many Japanese can get by in English.

The downsides? The yen has slid 20% since I arrived, which hurts when I still think in terms of AU$. The place is crowded and pretty polluted and I am occasionally startled by insular and xenophobic statements, even from people who choose to learn a foreign language. Did you know, for instance, that Japan is unique in the world for having four distinct seasons? I've heard this several times and most teachers have - I guess it must be in some school book or something.

Mostly, though, it is good, and things aren't as expensive as the urban legends tell. Income tax is VERY low for low earners, cigarettes are Y300 (?US$3+) per pack, fine spirits are cheap (chivas regal for Y2800 , ?US$30) and come in huge bottles (2.5 liter) if you want. Did I mention the girls? Kawaiiiii!
Also they have recently made a giant Pikachu sex doll, which I am yet to sample. I'll let you know.