英語学習にも役立つ、札幌の外国人英語教師の英語日記 札幌 英会話 [ステップアップ]

T2

2017年5月17日 (水)

A trip down memory lane for me. This film is the second of the Trainspotting films based on  Irvine Welsh novels. Having lived in Edinburgh when the first film was released I have a certain connection to the film and was worried the second one, made 20 years later, would tarnish the classic nature of the first. However, I was pleasantly surprised how well it balanced tipping its hat to the first movie without becoming a parody. But I will warn that it is essential to watch the first film to understand this one. It follows the lives of the main protagonists as they battle with midlife misery. It still dealt with the topics of drug addiction, violence and crime but at a less frenetic pace than the first. Danny Boyle managed to keep some of the grit with a good mix of humour.

It could never match the first film and thankfully doesn’t try to, but it is still a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Review score 8/10

Outdoor Activities

2017年5月15日 (月)

Perhaps some of you know that one of my hobbies is kayaking. I got the chance to go kayaking yesterday on Lake Shikotsu. It was my first trip this season, but I was impressed by how beautiful the scenery was. I really think kayaking on a lake is one of the most relaxing activities around. It isn’t difficult or dangerous, and it’s a great way to experience peace and quiet and see beautiful nature. Lake Shikotsu is not that far from Sapporo, so it is very convenient, but it feels like a different world.

While I was at the lake, I ran into a man I had gone kayaking with many years ago. He runs kayaking tours on Shikotsu, teaching people how to kayak safely, and introducing them to this fun sport. If you are interested in kayaking, do a search on the internet – you will find there are lots of easy guided tours for beginners all over Japan.

I hope more people can join me in this fun outdoor activity.

Making a Bento

2017年5月11日 (木)

Many years ago, I used to live in Obihiro.  At that time, I made a bento (lunch box) every day!  Actually, the reason I made a lunch box is because there were no places to eat a quick meal except for one nearby convenience store.  After moving to Sapporo, however, I stopped making a lunch box and started buying meals at the convenience store or  eating at restaurants and cafes.

Starting this April I started making my own lunch box again!  I think it’s not only healthier, but also much cheaper than eating out.  It takes a little bit of time to make the lunch box, but I can enjoy eating it every day.  I will continue to make my own lunch box from now on.  Wish me luck!

Let take a drive!

2017年5月11日 (木)

Hello everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying the spring/summer weather. As most of you know, last year I passed my driving test in Japan. I got my license in November. Since I got my license I have constantly been thinking whether or not to buy a car and furthermore should that car be manual or automatic. I have finally come to the decision that for now at least, I will rent a car at the weekends and do day trips. This makes me ask my next question; Where should I go?  Hokkaido is such a beautiful prefecture and there is a lot of explore but for a one or two day trip with a dog where is good?  I was thinking about a trip to Furano to see the beautiful flowers. Has anyone been there? Is it pet-friendly? To be honest, my biggest concern is if my dog will enjoy it. He doesn’t like the great outdoors as much as me, so it is always an uphill struggle to get him enthusiastic about my day trips. Anyway, if you have any pet-friendly recommendation, please let me know!

Art work

2017年5月9日 (火)

Hello everyone! Spring is here! In England at the start of spring we always clean our houses. This year rather than deep clean,  I decided to add some art to my walls. Art is very much a personal choice and I love abstract art. I usually buy a blank canvas and paint something on it. Recently I went to Nitori and saw that they have some picture canvases there. I wonder if adding art work to your walls is becoming more popular in Japan.

This weekend I am planning to spend some time painting my dog in a kind of abstract way. I already a paining of my dog in the style of Andy Warhol. Do you know Andy Warhol? He is a famous painter who painted colourful popular items, such as a can of soup or a famous celebrity. The art movement is called pop art, it uses bright colours and prints to show popular culture.  If you have chance, research him!