ネイティブが教える英会話のジェムスクール☆Teachers☆

I like to study a lot. For years my parents have always asked me what I was studying for, and later admonishing me to “do something” with my studies. “Just thinking” is a waste of time, there are people out there. Even now I think of their words, and what others tell me about how to spend my time and how to divert my energies and how to be. Socialize socialize socialize is the general message. I appreciate the kind thoughts and the concerns from others over my wellbeing and my future. But I just discovered Junkudo, the greatest bookshop in Takamatsu. I’ve always bided my time at Starbucks cafes and occasionally my local Joyfull when I needed some time for myself for studies. What I always tell others about the different experiences with cafes between America’s and Japan’s is that the Starbucks here in Japan are was superior to those in America. Mainly because of the variety of seats available at Japanese Starbucks and the unspoken rule to keep everything at a low volume. People here are just so respectful of others’ space and time. Last time I was at Starbucks, a large group from an international import and distribution company sat down at my table and apologized to me for the noise they were about to make to discuss their current business projects. It is this atmosphere of respect for others and following unspoken rules that I appreciate so much in my ventures to the outside world, and which is why I always go out for my studies. But what is it that I study, you ask? Lots of things. I’m currently working on a poetry book and some essays from my graduate school. My book of poems is in the beginning stages of sketching and organizing. I haven’t written for a very long time, so I’m still getting into the swing of things. I’m reading lots of Wallace Stevens, my favorite poet, including criticism on his work beside my own original writings. I am even studying music now. I ordered a cheap, old electric piano that should be arriving in early December, so meanwhile I’ve been biding my time with just reading music sheets. I have a keyboard as well, but since there’s no stand for it I haven’t gotten into the swing of playing on that. So there are those three projects (poems, essay revision, and music), and the old pastime of studying Japanese and my original flame, psychoanalysis. That’s already five different categories of studies that I try to go through consistently everyday. No wonder I don’t have time for anything! Add to that my gym routine, which is 2-3 times a week. Well, a lot of that burden has been alleviated just a bit now that I’ve discovered Junkudo, the greatest place on earth! Pictured below is a snap of the cafe space there. There’s a view there overlooking a large part of Takamatsu since the shop is on the seventh floor of the building. I haven’t tried it out yet, since I’ve only been there twice, the first time only for 1.5 hours, the second time only for 5 hours. It gets dark and a bit chilly there, unfortunately, but I’m sure I’ll be getting lots of fresh inspirations from the view. Looking forward to my weekends a lot more now!