T here seems to be a common thread running through some of my travels; if I've visited a place enough times there's a good chance that I'll end up living there for a bit. I lived in San Diego for almost four years after having visited there four times before. Now, I find myself sharing a flat with my wife Hannah in Musashi-Sakai, after having visited Tokyo three times previous.

We got married in May of 2001, and took a full year to plan our honeymoon, choosing Japan, Thailand and England for our month long nuptial celebration. For some reason, Tokyo left a lasting impression on both of us. It might have been the people or the food, we're not entirely sure. But, upon our return to Montreal we immediately set off trying to find how we could go live there... and teaching English was both the easiest and the most immediate option.

THE DEAL

We were aware that applying as a couple could backfire so we agreed that if one of us was hired, the other would give their blessing and stand aside. We recognized that an opportunity for one could actually benefit us both, so we made our applications. The first school we interviewed for seemed promising, but ultimately we were both politely rejected. Undeterred we tried another, and as it happened, Hannah was hired. She left for Tokyo in October of 2002. I stayed on as my dad was quite ill, but shortly after his death that November I packed a bag and headed to California, where I eventually settled in San Diego. It was the closest I could get to Hannah while still being on North American soil. I didn't immediately join here because we had a flat in Montreal, cats and it was just not logistically possible to 'up-n-move' at that time.

THE DEAL - ADDENDUM

Most English-teaching contracts are for one year renewable, but Hannah was doing well and was being promoted so we decided that a second year apart would be ok, for her to get further ahead. We adjusted our deal so that after two years apart, the person who was making less money would leave wherever they were to rejoin the other. Suffice it so say that I was making almost double in San Diego what she was making in Tokyo, so Hannah left to be with me where we hung out by the beach for the next year and a half.

I understood that Hannah had given up something she loved doing. Not only did she enjoy teaching, but she was apparently VERY good at it as well. So I told her that when she got tired of San Diego, or wanted to leave, than we would make plans to return to Japan. As it turned out, it was I who decided it was time to leave San Diego, so while we made our plans to return to Montreal, Hannah was also diligently securing herself a new position in Tokyo. We headed back to Montreal to visit family and friends and to regroup before for our eventual Tokyo return.

Hannah again left for Tokyo in late August while I waited until the end of the year, arriving in Tokyo on Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day, to start my new life, as a Gaijin in Japan .

BEING BACK!

And it's good to be back! Since arriving, and with Hannah's help, I have secured a Dependant Visa as well as a Part-Time Working Visa, so I am as legitimate as I can be. I've also taken some beginner Japanese lessons but I still can't hold a decent conversation. My plan is simple... armed with my camera and my curiosity (and the money I brought with me from working in San Diego) I am here to wander aimlessly throughout the city, and hopefully the countryside, as well as the many other places I know Japan has to offer. I want to learn about my adopted home, and record it for everyone who is interested in our little adventure to witness. I am very fortunate to be able to be the proverbial fly-on-the-wall, watching as Tokyo's days and nights unfold before my very eyes, instead of being caught up in the maelstrom of it's daily life.

I find Tokyo can be both very intense and quite serene. You can be 'sardined' into a train on the Chuo line during the morning rush only to later visit a quiet temple or shrine later that day. Tokyo can move at breakneck speed when navigating Shinjuku Station or slow to a crawl when taking the time to appreciate the blooming Cherry blossoms. It's a place where exhausted people nap whenever and wherever time permits, or eat, drink and shop until the wee hours. Where tradition and technology meet daily, on every train, in every shopping mall and at every temple. It's truly like no other place I've ever been.

So come with me as I try to discover Tokyo and its environs, bit by bit, day by day You can also read of my adventures, or see my pics at: www.tokyorub.blogspot.com.

Photos by Stephen Lebovits