Last Christmas, my husband and I were in Sydney.

We left the cold Japanese winter for Sydney in midsummer.

It was late at night when we left the airport and the temperature was 28 degrees. We were excited about sightseeing the next day.

First we headed to Sydney University where Harry Potter likely studied.

Our hotel was close to Central Station, so we decided to take the train.

Central Station itself is old and beautiful.

It is huge and there are 25 platforms.  We had no idea which platform our train was, but a kind lady came and asked us if we were ok.

We finally got on the train.

Bu~~~~~~t it didn’t stop at the station we wanted to get off at!  It finally stopped several stations later and then we caught a train back again.

By the way, from that day until we left, the sun was shining brightly, but there was always a cool breeze that kept the temperature low.  The hotel staff said the weather was strange.

Some people wore tank tops, but others wore down jackets.

We felt very hot the night before, so we went out with light clothes.

My husband felt sick and stayed at the hotel on the third day.

As soon as I came back from walking alone with thick clothes,there was a loud siren and an announcement to evacuate.

Fortunately there wasn’t actually a fire.

This is how the journey started.

I’ll tell you more in the next monologue!

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the English Learners Club. I'm Etsuko, and today, I'll talk about a movie called "The Penguin Lessons."

I saw "The Penguin Lessons" at a movie theater last week. Before seeing it, I had heard about it and read a short teaser for it, which went as follows: “Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman named Tom who went to work at a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down!

The reasons I picked this movie were: 1) my birthday was coming up, so I wanted to take a day off work and go somewhere on a weekday, 2) it was cold outside, so I wanted to be indoors, and 3) it didn't have excellent reviews, but the penguin looked cute, so I said to my self, “hey, why not!" And decided to watch it.

I didn’t set my expectations very high, but I was surprised! It was excellent! The penguin was cute, of course, and the lead actor's performance was fantastic. He brilliantly portrayed an intelligent English teacher who had lost motivation due to an unfortunate incident in his past, but then is faced with unforeseen challenges after being transferred to a non-English speaking country.

I liked how the director portrayed the gradual changes in the atmosphere around him using the classroom scenes. For us English learners, the English poetry lessons were fascinating, even though it’s just a movie.

Since watching this movie, I've been thinking deeply about many things that came up in it. Needless to say, I will definitely watch it again when I get the chance. This was the best movie of the year for me.

Thank you for listening! Keep learning, keep practicing, and always remember to have fun. See you in the next episode. Bye for now!

A few weeks ago, I had an accident. It wasn’t serious, but one of my belongings fell over and hit a parked car.

After I heard the thud and realized what had happened, it felt like time had stopped. I just stood there, not knowing what to say or do.

Then I snapped back to reality and apologized profusely to the car’s owner, and we exchanged contact information.

Even though I was able to remain calm on the outside, I couldn’t calm down right away. My mind was racing as I imagined the consequences. What if it costs 2 or 300,000yen? What if there's hidden damage underneath? I kept replaying the moment it fell over and over, thinking, "Why wasn't I more careful? How could I let this happen?”

I tried everything to calm down. I talked to ChatGPT and did some journaling in the hope that this anxiety would go away.

About a week later, I finally got the estimate, and it was for 78,000 yen.

It was painful, but at the same time, I felt unexpectedly calm and all my anxious thoughts and feelings had completely gone.

It made me realize how uncertainty amplifies our fears, and even if it is painful, clarity often comes with peace of mind. When things are unclear, negative thoughts start to swirl, and we imagine the worst case scenario.

Anyway, no one was hurt, and now it’s all taken care of. Now, I try to think of it as having shaken off all my bad luck before the year ends. With that mindset, I’m ready to start the new year fresh!

My husband and I visited Bathala Island for the fourth consecutive time to the Maldives. We've been mesmerized by this cozy, small island, with wonderful staff, picturesque scenery, breathtaking views, and delicious food.

I don't remember ever having any troubles there, but this time, there was a problem at the seaplane check-in counter. After weighing our suitcases and carry-on luggage, the staff gave us a paper stating that our luggage is "overweight" instead of a boarding pass. I tried to remember what to say in English in this situation, but while I hesitated, my husband tried to explain to the counter staff, by showing the paper and pointing to it, saying only two words in English: "Mistake" and "No.3". That was my husband's carry-on bag. It said that it was 30 kg. There's no way his carry-on luggage could be that heavy, right? The paper said it was 17 kg over the allowed limit, so we had to pay 97 dollars. Luckily, a manager at the airline helped us redo the check-in process, and we were finally able to get our boarding passes.The staff member who made the mistake mumbled something; I only heard "my apology." … Anyway, good job! my darling husband saved the day!

Just when we thought we were in the clear, the flight was delayed. Normally, it takes 30 minutes to reach the island from the airport, but we waited for over 3 hours! They gave us a voucher for a sandwich and a bottle of water, and eventually a representative came to explain that they would be sending guests to their destinations via several other islands, and then deliver our luggage later. They asked us to sign an acknowledgment form to that effect. The weather was sunny and beautiful, so I was really disappointed that my luggage wouldn't arrive until the evening because my swimsuit was in it!

Needless to say, it was a bit of a bumpy start, but this trip brought me some wonderful encounters. I met a beautiful, friendly, and kind Italian family: a mother with a lovely smile, a father with a cool voice, and a clever and handsome son, and an energetic, cute, and sweet daughter. We had an amazing time on the "Manta Safari" together. Then one evening, the father and I sang "Fly Me to the Moon," together at the karaoke event, and now it is stuck in my head!

There are three waste incinerators in my city.

Two of them are used to heat swimming pools in the attached facility.

Kotehasidai pool,which is closer to my house, is a large facility with a lazy river, a water slide, a jacuzzi,

and an olympic pool.

I went there with my grandson during his summer vacation, so it was extremely crowded.  You have to wear a swimming cap, and swimming rings are not permitted in the olympic pool.

However many children were practicing with kick boards.

Meanwhile a few elderly people were walking in the lanes.

I thought it looked like a good way to exercise, so I decided to go there on September 1st.

As I expected, the pool was nearly empty. I was very happy to discover that there is an inexpensive swimming pool that you can walk in all year. It costs only 240 yen for 2 hours. Sometimes I go there with my husband who swims instead of walking.

And I was so surprised that Aqua aerobics and water walking classes are held for free at different times everyday except during summer and winter holidays.

Those lessons are crowded with elderly people, but

aqua aerobics really fun!  It’s under water, so I can keep jumping along to the music.

I want to keep going there and make it a part of my weekly routine!

When I returned to the port of my island, I noticed a European woman glancing around, looking a bit lost. I gathered some courage and asked her in English," Do you want me to drive you somewhere?" She answered in Japanese , "Daijoubu desu," meaning " I'm fine." I was about to drive away, but I saw her carrying a huge suitcase, I couldn't help but worry. So I asked again, "You have a big suitcase,and I have plenty of time. It's really no trouble to give you a ride."

She smiled and said, "Thank you! Actually, I'm supposed to meet someone at the post office." As we headed that way, I asked the classic question. "Where are you from?"

"Germany.", She said. I answered, "Wow! I'm learning German. Guten Tag!"

When we got to the post office, a Japanese staff member came out and explained, "She'll be staying on this island for three months to help with our art museum."

I dropped her off at the apartment where she'd be living, and I went back home. I wanted to talk with her more... but I didn't know when there would be a chance.

A few days later, I happened to see her again at the port just by chance. I thought, "Why not give it a try?" So I asked, "I'm really interested in German. Could you talk with me more?" She said, "Of course, that's totally fine!"

After that,she visited my house. She spoke a bit of Japanese, and I spoke a little bit of German. Unfortunately, the only phrase that came to mind was: "Die Sonne scheint." which means "The sun is shining." I didn't think I'd ever get the chance to actually use that phrase.

Anyway, English ended up being the best way for us to communicate.

First, she carefully checked a self-introduction I'd written in German a while ago. Then she asked me, "Why are you studying German?"

I told her, "I really want to go to"Wacken Open Air"-the world's biggest heavy metal festival!"

The next time we met, I was surprised. She had researched all about Wacken Open Air and even drafted an inquiry email for me to send. She also helped me practice conversations I might need during a trip to Germany-at airports, cafes, and restaurants. To be honest, I've been taking German lessons once a month for a few years, but the grammar is tricky, and I'd been struggling so I hadn't even touched pronunciation.

She focused on topics I was interested in, and taught me real, everyday German. Thanks to her, I started to love German again. I'd almost given up on it before.

She came to my place once a week for three months. Time flies!

Before I knew it she was leaving the next day, so I sent her a message: "I'd love to drive you to the port tomorrow. Please let me know your ferry time. Also, if you have any stuff you want to get rid of, even trash, I can take care of that for you."

The next morning , she messaged me: "Thank you so much for your sweet message! I'm taking the 8：14 ferry. It's really kind of you offer a ride, but I don't want to trouble you."

" Oh no... I really don't think of it as trouble at all, plus it's raining." I also tried calling her, but she didn't pick up.

My husband said, " You'd better just go get her right now!" Just as I was about to drive off, she came walking toward me with leftover detergent and groceries.

I just told her, "I'll pick you up at your apartment at 7：45！ No ifs, ands, or buts about it !" She smiled and agreed.

When we arrived at the port,we stood together on the pier. Just then the rain stopped and the sun broke through the clouds.

" Oh! Die Sonne scheint !" I said. It just slipped out of my mouth. Ah-HA! I finally got the perfect chance to use that phrase!

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the English Learners Club. I'm Etsuko, and today, I'll talk about “a very special week."

As I was thinking about what to write for my homework, one of my old friends sent me a message. We decided to catch up at her favorite Italian restaurant. Next, my online teacher, who lives overseas, said she wanted to join our weekly English chat. And finally, a friend who is usually very busy asked me to have dinner at a yakitori restaurant on the same day as the special English chat meeting! What a fantastic week!

I was on cloud nine as I talked and drank with my dear friends. The pizza was amazing at the Italian restaurant, and all the yakitori dishes were savory and very satisfying - perfect with cold beer on a summer evening. The two friends I met this week are very dear to my heart, and I can talk to them about anything.

Speaking of chatting with friends, the English chat this week was a new kind of challenge for me. We usually chat on Teams, but this time we used Zoom. It was the first time I’ve hosted a Zoom meeting, so I tested it with my fellow English learners twice over the past two weeks. On the day of the special chat, everyone was participating from different places, with one person joining from South Africa! The meeting was only 30 minutes, so I was nervous before it started, but it was a great success! Everyone was so sweet, and I was impressed by how they communicated in English so smoothly.

Annnyyyywaaaayyy, Now, I'm up bright and early writing my homework. Recently, I'm a bit of an early bird. I find that even if life gives you sour lemons, getting up early and being active can turn your day into sweet sweet lemonade!  Besides, I like getting my homework done on a sunny morning... Now it feels like I’m on a roll with a whole day ahead of me.

I truly feel that these simple, happy moments are what make life so wonderful!

Thank you for listening! Keep learning, keep practicing, and always remember to have fun. See you in the next episode. Bye for now!!

What would you do if you suddenly saw your favorite celebrity in public?

The other day, when I was at a flea market at Oi Racecourse,

Yamauchi from the famous Japanese comedy duo Kamaitachi appeared out of nowhere!

I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was just him and another guy who was holding a camera. I instantly realized they were filming for their YouTube channel, which I always watch.

My heart was racing.

I wanted to tell him I watch his videos religiously. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to take a photo!

But at the same time, I thought, “Wait, maybe I shouldn’t interrupt them because they’re working. If I take a picture, other people might notice and want to do the same. That would be such a bother.”

Then another thought came.

“Maybe I could secretly take a photo?”

But then I thought “No… That would be rude!”

I didn’t want to be that kind of fan. I didn’t want to be disrespectful.

While I was struggling with all these thoughts… he walked away.

Later on, I went to buy coffee, and what do you know! I saw him again. This time sitting at a table, eating lunch and talking with the same guy.

I thought, “This might be my last chance. Should I say something?”

But again, I hesitated. I didn’t want to interrupt his lunch. I kept thinking, “interrupting someone while they’re eating is rude.”

As I kept debating this with myself, suddenly a woman sitting across from him just casually asked him,

“Oh, Yamauchi-saaaan! Can I take a photo with you later?”

She said it with a big smile, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

And Yamauchi replied, “Okay~” like it was no big deal.

I was like, that’s not fair! I want a photo too!

But I didn’t ask, instead I just convinced myself that I’m a very respectful fan…

When I got home and reflected on everything I felt like I care way too much about not bothering others, maybe even more than I thought.

So now, I’m thinking I should come up with a plan for next time I bump into a celebrity that I admire.

I definitely want to talk to them. But again, I really don’t want to bother them.

So what can I do?

Should I always carry a letter with me to give to them? But that sounds… kind of creepy.

What would you do in that situation?

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Hello everyone! Welcome to the ELC. We are studying English, and although we have a long way to go, we are continuing to have fun and enjoy studying! Including working on this podcast. I'm Etsuko, and today I'd like to talk about my favorite colors.

My favorite color is green. When you hear the word green, what comes to mind? Traffic lights? Plants? Maybe turtles? I do indeed love turtles, but the first thing that comes to mind is the color of the shallows in Tahiti. The sea is turquoise, a bluish-green you might say. As the ocean gets deeper, the color gradually shifts to a dark blue. The gradation of colors created by nature can be magical don’t you think?

Another thing that is green and I enjoy in my daily life are house plants. I have five in my living room, and since I moved them near the window they look so lush and vibrant with the sunlight dancing on their leaves, making the whole room feel alive in a quiet, gentle way.

Finally, an interesting question came up in a recent English lesson: "What color would describe you?"

I answered “dark green” because I've heard that green is a color that has a peaceful and calming effect, and that's the kind of person I want to be. At the same time, I know I'm not young, so I added “dark”. I was quite proud of my answer… Don’t you think that sounds cool?

Anyway, I don't know how many more beautiful shades of green I will discover in my life, but right now, when I imagine someone listening to my voice, there is a glowing rainbow shining in my soul!

Thank you for Listening! Keep learning, keep practicing, and always remember to have fun. See you in the next episode. Bye for now!

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We visited Bathala during the dry season for the first time, and the island was surrounded by crystal-clear water. It was breathtaking! We spent most of our days snorkeling with sea turtles, sharks, spotted eagle rays, and colorful fish. The resort staff were dedicated to protecting the marine life, which we were happy about.

My husband and I love snorkeling and staying on small Maldivian islands. We enjoyed relaxing with friendly European guests in the island's only restaurant and bar. It felt like we had found a little slice of heaven!

Even though it was the dry season, there was some rain. At first, I was disappointed, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The rain gave us the opportunity to connect with other guests, and they were wonderful!

One rainy afternoon, we met a gentleman from London at the bar. His British accent was music to my ears – just like in the podcasts I listen to! It was a great chance to practice my English, so I struck up a conversation with him whenever I had the chance.

The trip was full of heartwarming moments with all kinds of interesting people:

After singing karaoke, an Italian couple complimented me using a translated message on their phone. They found the Japanese style of singing karaoke fascinating!

We also met a couple who showed us photos from their trip to Japan. It was touching to see how much they loved our country.

Then there was an Austrian couple who taught us to play "Rummikub," a board game similar to mahjong, but more challenging. We exchanged some snacks as a thank you – Japanese treats for Viennese chocolates! That's a good deal for us if you ask me!

The resort manager made my day when he downloaded our podcast and listened to my previous Bathala episode. It was such a kind gesture! I've visited the Maldives 18 times, and I think he's the best manager I've ever met.

If you love the ocean, I highly recommend Sandies Bathala Maldives. It's a true paradise for snorkeling and relaxation.

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