英会話プライベートレッスン

Hi there, it’s me again!? Been studying hard?? From now on I someone will usually update the blog on Tuesday, so I figure I had better get into the habit.

So it’s only been a few days, but I have been all over the place!? On Saturday I woke up early and?hopped on the Shinkansen and headed to Nagoya.? But it wasn’t a relaxing trip…I had to write a wedding speech.? My friend and I got married and I was chosen to be the best man.

Lots of Japanese people have no idea what a best man is, so I should explain.? A best man is usually a good friend of the groom.? He stands by the groom during the ceremony and signs the marriage certificate as a witness.? He also helps at the reception, delivering a toast and speeches and generally being friendly and charming to everyone.? Here is a Japanese explanation.

I was writing my speech for the reception.? Usually I am not nervous during speeches, but I had to translate the speech as I said it.? That’s not easy!? I can speak in English and I can speak in Japanese, but it’s hard going back and forth.? Thankfully, everything went smoothly and I didn’t ruin the wedding.? ?In fact, the bride’s father (a Japanese man with?very good English) told me, “Your Japanese was better?than your English today.” I think that is a compliment, but I am not sure.?

The groom is a great friend of mine.? We met and taught?English?together in Yotsukaido.??I had just arrived in Japan, but he helped?me learn many things about teaching and Japanese culture.? The?bride is also a good friend too.? She was an English teacher in?junior high school.? They live in Washington, DC now, but they came back for the wedding.? It was a great reunion.?

After the wedding we got lunch with the bridesmaids and talked about?old times.? I didn’t want to leave!

But we are all starting new lives.? They are starting?their married life, and I am starting my new life in Yokohama.? It’s good to?remember old days with old?friends, but new beginnings are important too.? I am looking forward to my new life in Yokohama and I hope you come to Awesome English or the Yokohama Riverside Cafe to enjoy it with me!? Check out my blog at the Riverside Cafe page too!

Until next time!????

Anand