Smith’s School of English Soap Box

Not for us here at Smith’s School of English!

We all believe in working hard in order to achieve positive results but finding a balance between work and play is equally important, and we take our play time very seriously here at Smith’s School of English! http://www.sse-franchise.com/calendar2007.shtml

I have been looking forward to this year’s Obon vacation very much as I am typically quite busy managing and teaching at the three Smith’s School of English franchises I run in Osaka.

http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200707/13/smiths-school-of-english-1-smiths-school-of-english-2-smiths-school-of-english3/

As I am writing this posting I am enjoying the last day of my 5 day vacation in a beautiful rural area of Japan in Tottori Prefecture. (鳥取県)

http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/

I used to live here while working as an ALT on the JET Program from 2000-2002 and I return here often as it allows me to meet former students I taught while working here.

http://www.sse-franchise.com/testimonials/t27.shtml

Of course they are now all university age or have already graduated and moved on with their lives.

However, as is the custom here in Japan, at Obon time people return to their hometowns to visit family and this allows me the opportunity to meet former friends and students.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2286.html

I have traveled a bit throughout Japan but I especially like this area for various reasons.

It’s close to Osaka and the transportation is very reasonable! http://www.city.tottori.tottori.jp/top/multilang/english/getting_to_tottori/getting_to_tottori_en.htm#osaka

The beaches are splendid and you would be hard pressed to find more stunning sunsets anywhere! Scroll down on this link and look for Uradome Beach! (浦富海岸)

http://www.city.tottori.tottori.jp/top/multilang/english/sightseeing/kanko_en.htm

Amazing sights for nature lovers! http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/site/page/kanko/english/nature/

The list goes on and on…

Anyway, the point is that I love the many vacation days built into our schedule here at Smith’s School of English!

It allows us franchisees to have a break and recharge our batteries and this is important in order to maintain consistent positive results in our work and continue to provide our students with high-quality lessons!

I’m looking forward to a couple of long weekends we have coming up in September!

Though I haven’t made any plans yet…