今迄

Kyoko and Rumiko have both asked me about the expression so far.

So far = a long distance
"My office is so far from my house; it takes 2 hours by train." This sentence has a negative nuance.

So far = until now (optimistic)

Kazuko: "How many people are coming to the party?"

Kenichi: "So far, 12 people have bought tickets."

So far = yet (pessimistic)

Minaho: "How's your new microwave oven?"

Takashi: "No problems so far."

So far so good = no problems yet (happy but slightly pessimistic)

Kentaro: "How's your new microwave oven?"

Emina: "So far so good!"

元気じゃない

There is a nice English idiom to say we are not well:

I'm feeling under the weather.

When you are asked "How are you?" and the answer is negative, you can reply "I'm feeling under the weather." (= I'm not well.)

We can also use this idiom for other people:

"How's your husband?"

"He's a bit under the weather; I think he's been working too hard."

"How's Sachiko?"

"She's been under the weather recently due to a cold."

さようなら

Today, Noah returned to China; it is a sad day for London Bridge English. Noah greatly contributed to our school. He is an outstanding teacher, popular and charismatic; we will miss him dearly. Farewell and good luck with all you do in future. I hope you come back to visit us one day.

花粉症

The Tokyo government has announced the hay fever season has started. More precisely, the cedar pollen and Japanese cypress pollen season has started. Every year, millions of people suffer from pollen allergy. Common symptoms of hay fever are:
Itchy eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing

Many people wear surgical masks for protection against pollen. Many people take medicine. I believe the best place to avoid hay fever is the seaside.

バレンタイン

Yesterday was Valentine's Day which is celebrated in many countries. However, Japanese style Valentine's is different. In Japan, ladies present men with chocolate and men need not do anything. In England and other countries, couples show their love for each other by exchanging gifts. The gift could be chocolate, or it could be something expensive like jewellery. Many couples have a romantic evening together; restaurants are usually full. Most men give a bouquet of flowers to their lover; red roses are the most popular; florists sell out quickly. Some men give their lover lingerie which is considered romantic too. Many couples exchange cards with romantic messages.

Although Valentine's Day has its origins in Christianity, it is no longer associated with Christianity and can be enjoyed by all romantic people around the world. Valentine's Day in Japan was started last century by the confectionery industry (maybe Morozoff or Mary's).

Thank you very much to all the ladies who gave me chocolate.

やまいちラーメン

Today, I had lunch earlier than usual so I went with Shinichi to my favourite noodle bar.

Shinichi had つけメン

I had チャーシューメン

We didn't eat fried dumplings today.

お大事に！

Today, Sachiyo was absent because she has caught flu. When a person is ill, we say "Get well soon!"

Sachiyo, I hope you are fully recovered for next week's wine tasting (Saturday 19th, 7pm).

In passing

Yesterday, Daisuke said he didn't know Keiko. However, they've met in passing. They haven't been introduced to each other and they don't know each other. One day, Daisuke was leaving and Keiko was arriving at the same time. They passed each other, saw each other and greeted each other. So we can say they've met in passing.

お邪魔します

When entering a Japanese home we should say お邪魔します。　In England there is no such expression. However, it is good manners to wait outside the front door until you are invited inside. Your host will say "Please come in." If the home is nice, you should compliment the host, for example:
"I like your carpet."
"Those are nice curtains."
"This is a nice room."

手拭き

In most restaurants in Japan, we are given a wet tissue or a small hot damp towel. In England, restaurants always provide serviettes or napkins. Serviettes are usually small and made of paper. Napkins are usually large and made of cotton. However, they are not usually damp. Some restaurants provide a finger bowl of water and lemon to clean fingers if the food is to be eaten by hand.

アロマ蝋燭

Last week, I burnt some incense in my office; this week, I have been burning some scented candles. The candles have a subtle fruity smell, are brightly coloured and sit in a glass candle holder. The candles seem to be more popular than the incense.