Two Shores One Story

About two weeks ago, I took an advanced first aid course to complete my first aid training. This course expanded on what I learned in the beginner course, so I wanted to share that knowledge with you all on today's episode.

Last week, I ran an ekiden! What the heck is that, you might ask. Well, an ekiden is a long distance relay race. I never thought I would ever do such a thing, but here I am on the other side. It was an interesting experience filled with many surprises and not-so-welcome completion gifts.

I also had to do my shaken (sha-ken) this week, which is a mandatory vehicle inspection. It sucks. I hate it. Why? Find that out and my interesting ekiden experience on today's episode.

It's episode 95, so I hope you're feeling... alive!

If not, I brought a special guest on today. He's a man of many hats: running club leader, tour guide, traveler... the list could go on. And, what a great guy he was to talk with. It was so interesting to hear why he started the run club in the first place, what it is like to be a tour guide, what he wants to do in the future, and many more things. Give this episode a listen and make sure to follow the Hida run club Instagram account (@hida_run_club)!

Last weekend, it was Thanksgiving (in Canada)! I love this holiday because I get to eat delicious food with my family and be mindful of what I'm grateful. Since I am in Japan, I obviously can't be together with the people I love, but I can make food and share what I'm grateful for. I challenge you to do the same! Be sure to listen to today's episode because some of the things I am thankful for may just surprise you.

While reading "Kimitachi ha Dou Ikiruka" [How Will You Live?; The Boy and the Heron], I came across a passage that struck me.

The main character, Copper (short for Copernicus), receives notes from his uncle and what a great wealth of wisdom each letter contains. In one letter, his uncle discusses the importance of experiencing things first-hand. We can explain the difference between water and hydrogen very easily, but can we describe the taste of cold water? It might be best to experience it first-hand in order to truly understand it. It left me thinking how important experiences are and how we can use them to grow professionally. If you're interested in hearing more about my interpretation, please give this episode a listen.

This week, I started watching a new show on Netflix that happened to be a bit... weird (for me, at least). I also started and finished a murder mystery book that focuses on house plans. Crazy idea, but such a good book. And finally, to end the show, I shared a bit of a funny story that happened to me all because of my car key. Find out what show I've been watching, what book I read, and what mishap I had this weekend on today's show.

It's silver week! Woo! I hope you are all spending your silver week well. Yesterday, I started off my holidays by taking a first aid course! Really? Yes!

I've always wanted to take a first aid course since January and I finally had the chance to this month. It was such an enlightening experience and I learned a lot. Today, I wanted to share what I gained from the course with you all (and just in advanced, sorry for my low quality explanations. I highly suggest you learn or take a course about first aid. You never know if someone around you will need it!). Make sure to give this episode a listen so you can have the tools to save someone's life.

It's a momentous occasion here on Two Shores One Story because we have reached episode 90! Ten more to go and we hit the big 100. I cannot believe it.

Since it's a milestone, I brought a special guest who I have known since becoming an ALT. Please welcome our newest guest, Brandon!

Fun fact! He actually was a tourist in the same place we live now! I asked him some questions about his time then versus known among other things, and found out quite a lot. Interviewing him was a great time and I hope you do too while listening as well

It's September and that means burgers with eggs!

...well not quite.

It actually means that Tsukimi (or moon viewing) is happening. Also, it means that silver week is happening too! Yay long weekend.

Listen to today's episode to find out more about these celebrations!

Hello. I'm Matthew and I'm a failure.

Well, that statement is mostly true but I'm not giving up!

Find out what I'm talking about and what I'm going to do about it on today's episode.