14th December

Pretty non-eventful week back at my base school after a third visit to Yogo Gakko on Monday. Trying to teach the kids about Christmas but they really don't care very much and it's just an excuse for them to eat the chocolate in my advent calendars sent from home!

After a bit of a manic cycle to work (late again!) I was particluarly sensitive to the severe temperature changes I encounter on a daily basis...

1) Wake up - so cold I can see my own breath.
2)Very hot shower and kersosene heater overdose. Open window to avoid kerosene gasing.
3) Get cold again so drink 3 cups of hot tea. Wrap up in ski jacket, scarf, boots, hat and gloves.
4) Cycle to school - usually quickly because I'm late. Arrive at school feelin extra toastie. Strip off in the doorway and cool down on the walk to my office. Walk past the temperature gauge which reads 3 degrees INSIDE the building.
5) Open door to office and melt on the spot due to the fact the teachers are there 2 hours before me and have had the heater on since before I even woke up.
6) Strip off a further few layers and wait to cool down. After a few trips to the photocopier I have pretty much lost the feeling in my fingers and toes.
7) Back to the lovely warm office and make a cup of tea.
8) Go to classroom via freezing corridors and turn on heater.
9) 10 minutes later the room is so hot that I need to stand next to the door for some air.

And to think this is just the start...