I had spent about two hours writing a post last night when the computer decided to have a sook, and I lost the lot.

Things are coming to an end here in Odawara. I have already had my final days at the two other schools, Seaside School and Hiratsuka. Seaside School staff, with the exception of the principal, really didn’t seem to care either way that I was going. The principal, the fellow from the train station, on the other hand, wished me all the best, was sorry to see me go, hoped to see me again in the future, and other nice things.
Hiratsuka staff were a little more human in their responses, though I am not sure that the vice-principal pretending to burst into tears in the office was quite what I was expecting.

I only have one more day at Odawara, too. Since the loss of my desk hasn’t been that bad – I just use the couch instead – I’m not worried. All day Tuesday was spent at the Chorus Festival, where each class troupes across the stage and sings first the same song as everyone else, then an individual choice song. Thankfully the one everyone had to sing was short. I spent most of the day sitting up the back chatting to some second year students.

Today was the last real day of school – though I had nothing to do, as usual. Friday I deliver my farewell speech at assembly, and I am expecting a few gasps, as not many of the students are aware that I’m leaving the school, let alone the country. I expect to be actually finished work by around 11am, though shall probably stay around school for a bit, talking to people before actually walking out the gate for the last time.

This was the scene I was met with at work, when I was expecting to have the same desk to sit at as I have had every other day...