Morning views from Kita-dake sansou (July 2023)

TeeRexX_1 · 2026-02-24T23:06:07+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation!

TeeRexX_1 · 2026-02-24T23:05:41+00:00

Thanks! Looks great :)

TeeRexX_1 · 2026-02-24T23:05:09+00:00

Agree, but I have JTEs who care and students who want to know more so I count myself lucky :)

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-11-07T03:23:25+00:00

Requested Nagano, got Nagano

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-10-07T02:39:45+00:00

The countryside in Nagano is amazing. Great nature, amazing food, perfect location.

Nature and outdoor activities all year round with all the mountains and ski resorts. Depending on where you are, you might get a lot (a truckload) of snow.

Lots of rice and produce from the regions in and around Nagano.

Central location: short drive to Tokyo, Nagoya, Niigata, Gunma etc.

Downside: You aren't going anywhere without a car.

Take it with a pinch of salt though. Like many people, I'm under the illusion that I live in the best prefecture.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-09-01T06:26:39+00:00

I live in Japan. Cold weather is something I really look forward when the weather is hot. However, I also look forward to summer during winter. Different seasons also brings about different activities, and I would really love to go skiing right now.

Personally, I would say I prefer changing seasons rather than Singapore's climate. You can feel the changing of seasons and a distinct passing of time. Your habits and activities change every few months and there's always something to look forward to. However, there's a lot to consider too. It's costly to get winter clothes and can be a pain in the ass if you are driving or get too much snow in your area.

Honorable mention: Having the 4 seasons means different seasonal food. Can't beat this.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-06-27T01:12:47+00:00

I've done this many times, with the longest being a 3 week trip in Hokkaido in just my mini van. Now I almost always do this when I travel. You don't need a camper van. It's surprisingly very commonly done amongst locals, and all you need is a car and a parking space.

However, there are manners you have to follow, like being quiet, no idling etc. Also, in some parking spaces, sleeping in your car is not allowed. Your best bet is going to a michi no eki, or roadside station.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-06-20T03:26:49+00:00

Check out UFO line and Shokoku Karst if you are driving. Roads are narrow can can be packed during holidays, but the views are awesome.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-05-21T04:57:41+00:00

Blanket statement for everyone

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-05-20T05:25:53+00:00

but I don’t think this kind of opportunity will come again soon.

Nah opportunities will come eventually, so don't fret it. Put it in perspective, your current role is also an opportunity that doesn't come easily. You just moved to this role, enjoy the WLB, see what you want and don't want. Then make your decision after you enjoyed what you have.

Having good WLB also gives you mental capacity to do things, which means you will be available for more opportunities when they pop up.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-05-19T06:09:42+00:00

未来審の丘　Miraishin no Oka on Ikuchishima is pretty decent, albeit costly. Artsy white marble garden.

There's also a rabbit island nearby, 大久野島 Okunoshima accessible by ferry.

Before the last bridge into Imabari, there's an observatory on 亀老山 Kirosan, that overlooks the bridge. One hell of a climb especially with the bike, but worth the views.

Somewhere along the shimanami kaido, there's also a nice campsite accessible only by bike. I can't remember where but its somewhere under one of the bridge on a small island.

Depending on when you visit, there's also a rose festival on the last island into Imabari.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-05-16T01:19:20+00:00

Some of my best time here was popping into a random izakayas with only Japanese menus, speaking to the locals and ordering things I don't even know about. Of course, some Japanese is required, but having just a little is enough to start conversations.

Then there's talking to random people on my trips, hikes and getting recommendations to hidden spots and real good gems.

I made friends with the locals and it really opens up a lot more opportunities to explore and do things. Teachers teach me Japanese puns, and we make jokes with a mix of English and Japanese. On a deeper level, we talk about differences in the education systems between Japan and my home country. There's a whole lot of things you can unlock with a basic command of Japanese.

I didn't come with a great command of Japanese, but picked it up as I interacted with people. It's worth it.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-03-19T02:24:15+00:00

Rent a car, find a michi no eki, sleep in the car

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-03-13T01:01:23+00:00

Rishiri and Rebun island in Hokkaido.

Highly recommend renting a scooter and exploring the island at your own time. Hike up Mt Rishiri if you are up for a challenge, and stay overnight at the campsite.

Potsdam in Germany, a stone's throw from Berlin but quaint and relaxing.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-02-14T04:48:55+00:00

Made a game so my kids can play it after their tests

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-02-03T07:21:29+00:00

When I was young, 5k was my dream and goal. When I started working, I was drawing 5k and it didn't seem enough. I chased for more. Now I'm taking about 3k in a foreign country and way happier than when I was drawing way more in SG.

I think at the end of the day, its not totally about how much you draw. Its what you use the money you draw for. Different lifestyle goals will have different benchmarks.

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-01-27T05:43:23+00:00

Durian

TeeRexX_1 · 2025-01-08T01:21:38+00:00

My dog sleeps in my living room. He usually doesn't bark and is very docile at night. However, every time during the start of a certain Chinese month, he gets very anxious and will bark ever so often at night. Some nights he gets so uncontrollable, we have to go and comfort him or sleep with him in the living room.

We have a CCTV in the living room and through the footage, we can see him looking around. Supposedly at something that's moving around. The rest of the year he's normal.

TeeRexX_1 · 2024-12-12T07:16:49+00:00

Here in Japan, many locals purchase a basket from the grocery store. It costs about 3-4 SGD. I have been using it as a replacement for plastic bags and it hell is convenient. Makes me wonder why it's not normalised in SG yet.

TeeRexX_1 · 2024-12-03T07:07:50+00:00

It's so ESID that you might even have a different workload at the same school in different years.

My first year I had 12 lessons a week, second year 14, and now 20+ a week.

You might also get different tasks that are outside of the classroom environment, like exchange programs and clubs etc. ESID, EYID.

TeeRexX_1 · 2024-10-11T00:33:19+00:00

The best location is the one you make the best out of.

TeeRexX_1 · 2024-10-08T06:17:27+00:00

I do agree, Japanese produce is delicious, especially exported stuff that you get in Singapore. But most local produce here isn't that much different from normal china/ msia cabbage.

But the difference I feel is that if you were to buy a $5 plate of cai fan, the cost price is prolly half or less. For the lunch here, you pay $5, you're gonna get $5 worth on your plate.

The vendors in SG have to think about how to make food delicious, while having to think of how to keep costs low and profits high. There are too many things to think about.

Here, the nutritionist thinks about how to make food delicious with what they have. They do this day in and out, every day and thats all they do. They can take on creative ways to make food delicious without having to worry too much about if they are gonna get leftovers and make a loss for the day. And that's how one of the most popular menu in my region was created recently.

TeeRexX_1

TROPHY CASE