What Brought You Here? My Introduction

Hello. I am Kiu Minami from Japan!

Currently

I've been staying in Canada with Working Visa since this April. I am working as a server at a restaurant in Calgary to make my living. I am having a slower life here, learning Canadian culture and practicing mindfulness.

Background

I was born in Yokohama, Japan in 1998, between my Korean parents. However, my parents speak Japanese and I barely speak Korean, which makes me just a regular Japanese guy who knows good Korean food. I was brought up in Shizuoka Prefecture until 15, when I decided to study abroad in a high school in New Zealand. For 3 years, I studied in a small town called Whitianga where there is no traffic light in the whole town. I mean zero, literally. But everything is a trade-off I guess. Instead of the city lights and construction, there were stunning view of stars, beautiful wild bushes, and disorienting chilling atmosphere. I enjoyed myself a lot in such environment as well as learning English. 

Then I got back to Japan for University to become an English teacher I dreamed of. I majored in ESL at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. After graduating, I became an English Teacher at a High School in Shizuoka. 

What Brought Me Here

People's values change as their life stages change. Working as a teacher, I was delighted to take part in students' development. Although, I can't deny that it is a demanding job. As I got married, my value changed. I thought I should no longer keep working as a teacher if I can't manage to spend time with my family. My wife was also working as an English teacher. As we discussed, we decided to take a year off on our honeymoon. While in Canada, we're expecting to explore, learn, meet a lot and make the most of it. Regarding above, I chose Calgary since it is rich in nature and close to Banff, which was in my bucket list. 

Likes

I am a foodie. I love trying new food. At Calgary Stampede which we had a couple weeks ago, I had time of my life challenging various kinds of weird street foods such as Elk stick, watermelon hamburger, alligator pizza, cheeseburger ice cream an so forth. The turkey leg that was as big as my face was unforgettable. 

I am also a hiker. I love walking more than anything. When we walk, we sense so many things like vivid and colorful flowers, berries, and other plants from the season, and their scents. The activities of inhabitants such as bugs, birds or small creatures. Those are the things we wouldn't able to notice if we run, bike, or drive. 
Despite in today's fast-paced society, I always cherish a room in my mind to be grateful to the presence. 

Thank you for reading to the end!