It's getting really cold in ol' Japan...or maybe it just seems that way since it is nearly impossible to warm up because most places don't have any heat or insulation. This is especially true at school where many of the windows are still open since the temperature is the same outside or inside. It is still November and I am almost to the point of wearing long underwear under my pants in addition to my 2 shirts, 2 fleeces and jacket. I still feel guilty being able to wear multiple layers though since the kids cannot bundle up or drink hot beverages and the girls will remain in skirts throughout the entire winter (without the option of wearing tights!) but they do all carry around handwarmers in their pockets. Up at my mountain school where it is even colder, this strange heating device sits in the middle of the room and is therefore where I spend most of my time.