So I can just empty a whole heap of folders from my hard drive to get started on the vacation photos, I've decided to get together a (slightly overdue) Random Tokyo Autumn Gallery.

In other news, I got my "Self-sponsored" visa application in (I should get the results in about 3 weeks - wish me luck!), have started looking for a new full-time job (which hopefully will be able to sponsor a visa if my self-sponsor application fails) and may have found a new, 2DK apartment in Mitaka. I've been flat out trying to get a pile of paperwork sorted, countless way-overdue chores completed, and of course - complete my average weekly tally of 43+ lessons over a 50+ hour working week. Ah, the joy of being back.

When I was in Australia, my friends would ask me questions about my life in Tokyo. Not many questions, mind you - for the most part they were quite disinterested about life in Tokyo (which I was warned about by other long term expats). One question was if there was anything that I really hated about living in Tokyo. Of course, there are a million things I hate about living in this megalopolis, but most of them relate to my ridiculous work schedule. But there is indeed one seriously major issue I have. Something I have to deal with every.single.day.

No matter how much of a hurry everyone else is in, I can always walk faster than everyone else around me. You see, I have these long caucasian legs and take these long strides, while all around me there are people with these cute little short legs which force them to take tiny little strides. I spend every single day trying really hard to get to work on time without standing on the back of dozens of random, innocent ankles. Often in mid stride I'll realise that there isn't going to be enough room for me to put my foot down where I want to, and have to pull up quickly and clumsily.

It totally shits me.