something else to throw into the mix,
I used to be a private English teacher, doing lessons at like starbucks and other cafes, often times after a dozen lessons or so, after the student gets to know me better, if their house is a relatively more convenient place to have a lesson, we changed to their place, always the same time each week. The guys didn't tidy much before hand, the girls always had impeccably perfect houses, spotless.

each time it happened I was surprised, and then realized that because of the professional aspect of it, it was okay (yes even with young cute girls, even more shocking is the level of trust in this country)

Some f them are crazy. Which one was that? Is that the university rape club thing?

I guess we'd all like for it to be this way, meaning we are all decent people with no "other agendas".

yeah the Super Free one... crazy shit

I had the agenda of getting 3500￥ from them lol!
At the time I was somewhat poor too... so I was REALLY hoping they wouldn't try to turn a lesson, which I would get paid for, into something I would never accept money for ><

:eek:

James, shame on you!!! :D

So, I should really feel honored that I am allowed to stay with my best friends family for the three weeks I am there?

^^ I think I was rude without realizing it, when I asked him to ask his mother if she knew if I could stay or not...Oops. I really owe a nice gift and big apology.

you owe a nice gift anyways,
and you should apologize profusely anyways, that's just expected

apologizing all the time for the strangest things is good manners in Japan ;)

Well I knew that...and I also have always done it...for a different reason.

I knew I owe a nice gift, but knowing this, I owe even nicer. LOL I am intruding on a family of 5, with one disabled son for three weeks. I hope Nyororin and others wont think I am more stupid now. LOL

Actually having a foreign guest is really nice for them.

Being a good host, or just hosting, or providing a service, is a respectful position, and you are allowing them to exercise that position. Of course being a good guest makes it all the more worthwhile for them. :)

about the sorry's, I still get thrown off sometimes for the things which get apologized for haha

You would get thrown off for me. I apologize even when giving compliments.

I hope I do well. I have known their oldest son for a long time. (If anyone remembers my first post 4 years ago, he was the first boyfriend I had that was going back to Japan. xD)

I wonder what kind of gift would be appropriate though. I heard food specialty, and books are nice, but in my town, we are known for tri-tip, and thats...mainly it. (We grow pistachios and the county holds the raisin capital of the world, it claims, though.)

I have 33 days until I leave, and as it gets closer I get more stressed about what to get. I do want to make a good impression.