The very special day (from Karina)

～特別な日～(カリーナ講師)

暑い日々も終わり日に日に涼しくなってきましたが、夏休みの素晴らしい経験を思い出してみましょう。今年はカリーナ講師にとって今までにない特別な夏だったようです。日本での楽しい経験やスカイダイビングもそうでしたが、夢にも見た男性との結婚が何よりもカリーナ講師を幸せな気分にしてくれたようです。ロシアでの結婚式はどのようにお祝いされるのか気になりますね。みなさんもカリーナ講師からいろいろとロシアについて聞いてみてはいかがでしょうか。


Hey guys! Summer holidays just flew by and now days are becoming shorter and nights are getting cooler and cooler. But let's go back in time for a moment and remember together with me all the wonderful experiences that you've gotten on you summer vacations.

This year was very special for me, probably the most special ever. Not because I went skydiving for the first time in my life, also not because I could fully enjoy my first summer in Japan with it's beautiful beaches and sunsets. But because I got married to a man of my dreams ;)

We've had a great wedding ceremony in Moscow, and all the preparations for the wedding were done in just five days:) We've had a great mix of Russian and Canadian wedding traditions and it turned out awesome, with a little help of our friends, of course.

that's me and my Mom

カリーナ講師とお母様

my husband

旦那様♪

Baseball

～野球～(マイク・トーマス講師)

マイク講師は地元のうれしいニュースについて語ってくれています。

セントルイス・カージナルス（略称：STL）の本拠地はミズーリ州セントルイスにあり、アメリカMLBのナショナルリーグ中地区所属のプロ野球チームです。そのチームにとってとても良い年だったようです。さらに、イチロー選手についても語ってくれています。イチロー選手がマイク講師のホームタウンでどんな快挙を成し遂げたのでしょう。

みなさんはこのように海外で活躍している日本人選手をどのくらい知っていますか。

Hello readers,

Some happy news back in my hometown St. Louis, MO, USA.  The St. Louis Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the St. Louis Cardinals are having a great year.  While looking at some news about the baseball Cardinals I was pleased to see that a Japanese native MLB player was being recognized for breaking an MLB record.

Ichiro Suzuki (鈴木 一朗) is a Japanese professional baseball right fielder for the Miami Marlins of the Major League Baseball.  Originally a player in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Ichiro moved to the United States in 2001 to play in the MLB for the Seattle Mariners, with whom he spent 11 seasons.  After that he played for the New York Yankees.

Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including MLB's single-season record for hits with 262. He had 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons, the longest streak by any player in baseball history. Between his career hits in Japan's and America's major leagues, Ichiro stands at second place in all-time in top-flight hits, trailing only behind the great Pete Rose.

I was glad to see that he received a warm response in my hometown.

Mike

Local Cafe Recommendation

～オススメ　カフェ！～(ミッシェル講師）

もうすぐ夏休みも終わりですね。たくさんくつろげましたか。
コーヒーが大好きなミッシェル講師が徳山にあるお勧めのカフェを紹介してくれています。
友達とおしゃべりをしたり、勉強をしたり、軽食を楽しんだりとよく通っているお店のようです。
コーヒーだけでなく、ネコ好きにとってはとても素敵な場所のようです。
近くを訪れた際に一度寄ってみてはいかがでしょうか。みなさんにとっても安らげる空間になるかもしれませんね。


Hello, readers!

Welcome back from a busy Obon season! Summer vacation is almost over, and everyone is heading back to the grind* soon. I hope you had plenty of time to relax! 

As most of you know, I am a big fan of coffee. I spend a lot of time in cafes, chatting with friends, studying, or just enjoying a small meal. Recently, I've been especially fond of a cute, new cafe here in Tokuyama called "Kodama Coffee." 

From the outside, you might not notice the small, corner shop next to a big yakitori restaurant. But once you enter, the smell of roasting coffee is unmistakable. The room is dimly lit, with dark red booths lining the right wall. To the left, a long bar counter offers a number of seat with easy access to electrical outlets. The owner, a tall, slender man with a cheerful smile, welcomes you warmly. 

"Welcome, please sit anywhere you like!"

Sinking into the comfortable booth, you quickly notice the cat decorations all over the shop. From local artist paintings on the walls to the cat-shaped business card holders on the tables, cat lovers will be in heaven! 

Soon, you are offered a glass of water, some small peanuts, and a unique menu of coffees, crepes, side dishes, and desserts. Each month, a new crepe flavor is introduced - sometimes they are designed by customers!

Ice coffee and a savory crepe make a great summer combination.
 アイスコーヒーと塩味をきかせた食事系クレープ

The "Danish pizza" is really delicious. 
デンマークのピザ

This crepe - green tea ice cream, Oreo cookies, and custard creme - was designed by me!
ミッシェル講師デザイン：抹茶のアイスとオレオクッキー、カスタードクリームのクレープ

If you order a hot coffee, the owner may design some "Cat-fe art" for you!
コーヒーを頼むとネコの絵が描いてくれるかも

So cute!!!!!
かわいい!!!

The cafe is located near "Tres" cafe off of Route 2. They are closed on Wednesday. 
場所：国道2号線のトレスカフェ付近　定休日：水曜日

If you have some free time, please check out this great cafe and help to support a local business! Find more information on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kodamacoffee?pnref=story  

Do you have any favorite cafes to recommend? 

Until next time! 
~Michelle 

* "Head back to the grind" means to start working hard again after a break.