ネイティブが教える英会話のジェムスクール☆Teachers☆

I needed to get "out of the city" last weekend, so I jumped on my bike and headed to "my mountain"- Mt Yashima. I love to climb it and spend the day hiking the 5 mile loop which wraps around both plateaus. I get a sense of accomplishment "making it" to the top, then just sit back and enjoy my hike, the views and my packed lunch.

Just when I am "making it" to the top, and feeling so proud of myself, I am humbled by the determination and resiliency of the elderly here in Japan. This old man, and MANY others, including elderly women, climb this mountain using there canes! Back in the United States, you would not see this. Society would have them sitting in a nursing home for the elderly. Here, younger people encourage the independence of the elderly, helping them when they need it- but helping them to help themselves. I have seen this in everyday life here as well and think it is wonderful and one of the main reasons people live so long here. People work well into retirement age. If they do retire, they are out doing community service work like sweeping the parks and streets!

I have to say though, I am still proud of myself for making it to the top of that mountain!!