Dear YC,
Thank you for the beautiful Christmas card which arrived at my flat in Tokyo in time for the holiday. I was absolutely amazed at the image of the books when the card was unfolded. It certainly felt so privileged to be remembered. Thank you. I felt as if I could smell these old books and touched their leather covers just like I did while I was browsing through stacks of antique books in the Minster Library in York. (Well, my imagination cannot reach to Cambridge, but I believe it is probably even more fascinating.)

Now the card is sitting in front of my desk to make up for a missing bookcase, which I would love to have but couldn't.

I have been busy with teaching, but everything has been going well in general . How about yourself? I hope you have felt less stressed by now being surrounded by the warmth and love of your family.

After the last class this year, I have been remembering the time when we were colleagues back in 2003. It was the first year of teaching for both of us, I guess, and we shared both fun and upsetting experiences about teaching during that year. I remember I was always easily annoyed by students who did not care enough about the class. While they were chatting, sleeping, or doing something else in the class, anger was burning in my eyes. Ha! For several years afterwards, I actually thought that I was stupid enough to be annoyed in that way at that time. As I realized later that perhaps in my case it was rather a sense of insecurity that was induced by my own lack of experience in teaching.

It might be the detached viewpoint, which I have gained by leaving the position, that has brought me to this conclusion. Surprising to myself, however, it seems that I am still struggling with the same problems of teaching even now. The facts that some students simply do not have motivation to learn and that some would ignore classroom rules, still bother me. The lessons that I have picked up from that year of teaching prove futile especially when I need them to console my other self as a confused instructor. I simply do not remember how I overcame the difficulties, it seems.

Or may I say that there is never such a thing as an 'experienced' teacher? Every teaching is a new experience, considering that every learner is a unique individual with his/her special needs.

Sorry for whining! It is just that I am usually very nostalgic and reflective at this moment of year.

You mentioned that you are thrilled at next year's theatre productions in Cambridge. I am very envious! I am still very far away from the time when I am able to understand and appreciate in depth the theatre here.

I wish all things well with you in the rest of the academic year. I was very pleased to know that you said you love the place in your first email. Enjoy it!

Hugs and warmth.