tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741572659281541092024-02-07T04:42:16.541-09:00juneau to japanwatch our family of three journey from juneau alaska to nishiokope japan and back againChandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-51261429934198651242009-01-21T20:19:00.003-09:002009-01-21T20:25:56.462-09:00Check out my new blog!More fun in photos and verse can be found right here at <a href="http://www.crazylikeakitsune.blogspot.com/">http://www.crazylikeakitsune.blogspot.com/</a> !Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-44922816074647433912009-01-21T18:59:00.007-09:002009-01-22T11:08:19.113-09:00Final thoughts on NishiokoppeLast days in Nishiokoppe.... one big cry-fest for me.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRupB9FrlqA8CR8G9zEM9blS0cW7CzVhgHr-7fCmdRiBhI4cXttONehkNp-HLhC9VIX4ARnQ0AcW3HFYdj4GleS7lBNvFSq8cH-zvFvxAeXEXTb_VJLguyT4ZnawtWVbzRsyBwaXmvEueG/s1600-h/December+10+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293975668615075954" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRupB9FrlqA8CR8G9zEM9blS0cW7CzVhgHr-7fCmdRiBhI4cXttONehkNp-HLhC9VIX4ARnQ0AcW3HFYdj4GleS7lBNvFSq8cH-zvFvxAeXEXTb_VJLguyT4ZnawtWVbzRsyBwaXmvEueG/s320/December+10+043.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last pre-school mom get together. I struggle through the dinner not to cry.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrKtKekywT18eJzXxXU6qhTMtQc34OROZN6SKhiL_IMw80k6B9uJ-_M9CdbsKb-yqqrNhy3C_I-Mu50T8Wh3w-vyKksKzLCCRL0LHUVE6Yiq_9wxLxVNkiqk3XYfiFZoQjoNH5lP38cqW/s1600-h/December+10+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293975664218507490" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrKtKekywT18eJzXxXU6qhTMtQc34OROZN6SKhiL_IMw80k6B9uJ-_M9CdbsKb-yqqrNhy3C_I-Mu50T8Wh3w-vyKksKzLCCRL0LHUVE6Yiq_9wxLxVNkiqk3XYfiFZoQjoNH5lP38cqW/s320/December+10+038.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hibiki made me the smallest origami crane and crab I've ever seen. Naturally, I cried over them when I got home.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293976793766779410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_ksBInQZFdNa4IC12YwaO8Rc9MP3hXBkgQWjMXaPDuZDCxzYEQcGbTD953aT_6dUdYDrNOZbZYej3V7NcM3qYwMnKqbv9PvZM7RxuZQxCCWugzOH5KFoGBlZ_QPbQa5K9e4eLN3Hnrcw/s400/December+10+001.jpg" border="0" />Non-chan, Hiro, and their son, Ren. Such a nice family we only just got to know before we left. Both spoke very good English. Non-chan and I bonded through our shared experience processing salmon roe in canneries. Their gregarious nature and generosity brought me to tears. Please come see the northern lights and stay with us in Juneau!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvqy1fzRUwq_kBEx6EMZGNNr1RmPpur20Gp42VnQ5u-Pohl1OWRuG1y5tPC1I3JMmqEbtjHZcW5zNZVsudhHAvELDOpHtldGYARmmsCHx5Ql4WRKSn4RLOLniUParSiH_qUg5BRUHEPQ3/s1600-h/December+10+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293975655359511394" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvqy1fzRUwq_kBEx6EMZGNNr1RmPpur20Gp42VnQ5u-Pohl1OWRuG1y5tPC1I3JMmqEbtjHZcW5zNZVsudhHAvELDOpHtldGYARmmsCHx5Ql4WRKSn4RLOLniUParSiH_qUg5BRUHEPQ3/s320/December+10+008.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nova shakes hands and says goodbye to her classmates and senseis. Shawn took over the photo-documentation as I was bawling so hard in the background I was unable to hold the camera steady.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wo5D7tOIyiuYTbXyGglHzcB0TOMCPzhf5_TpchhXX6DtSYvKmdeAqROLN6I8MTR_PfmEksEM9NSsdfp_0_XMZYkQYlonpM9X5Kjy8VKA-gdkm9GCeMcVZ2fITiNMRnclXYs7uZTZHhGU/s1600-h/December+10+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293975661014267810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wo5D7tOIyiuYTbXyGglHzcB0TOMCPzhf5_TpchhXX6DtSYvKmdeAqROLN6I8MTR_PfmEksEM9NSsdfp_0_XMZYkQYlonpM9X5Kjy8VKA-gdkm9GCeMcVZ2fITiNMRnclXYs7uZTZHhGU/s320/December+10+024.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our beloved "uncle" Oohara-san asked to have this photo taken with Nova during our board of education goodbye dinner. He wanted to compare their bellies. He and Doki-san drove us to Sapporo to catch our flight. Saying goodbye to him was very emotional for us all. Oohara-san was assigned to us by the board of education. Speaking limited English, he went above and beyond what was probably expected of him to accommodate us in Nishiokoppe. I'm crying now just thinking about it.<br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>"What's it like being back?"<br /></strong></div><div>It has been painful to look back on my last photos from Nishiokoppe. I haven't been able to unpack the keepsakes..... it's just too sad! I am surprised by the intensity of emotion looking back brings up. Much of my time there I felt isolated, frustrated, alone, always wanting more of a connection and understanding with the people and culture. Being back, I realize my struggle with those things created a bond born of the challenge itself. Stepping away from it all was the only way to see that. It makes my experience all the richer. It makes the relationships I did foster even sweeter. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>We have been back in the states for a month. Everyone says it feels like we never left. In Nishiokoppe a year and a half felt like five. Here, it feels like it was a blink of an eye. This adds to the surreal sense of lost time. It all has a very dream-like quality to it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Through my eyes, life in Nishiokoppe had it's own unique palate of colors, it's own light, it's own set of smells and tastes, sounds and vibrations. Everything was foreign to us. But a year and a half is enough time to feel a sense of familiarity in certain things. As much as I tried to view our time in Hokkaido as temporary, Nishiokoppe became our home in the end. We will always feel grateful for our time there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Looking back at photos I can see in our faces how we were different versions of our selves. We had to draw on different aspects of our personalities every day to communicate and get by.... which couldn't have happened anywhere else. We are changed forever by our experience. What a wonderful opportunity we were blessed with. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life was slow in Nishiokoppe. When will the three of us ever have so much time together? We will miss long drives in the car, past rice and hay fields, past the sea on the way to Monbetsu. Conversations along the way of how strange life in Japan is for us gaijin folk. Lots of laughing at ourselves, sharing funny stories from the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now life is fast. Everything is easy again. We can read. We can drive on the right side of the road. We can zip through the grocery store on auto pilot. It will be important to remember to slow down, something we never had to be mindful of in Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div>My heart if so full of gratitude to those friends and neighbors in Nishiokoppe and the strangers we met outside the village who put up with my often obvious frustrations. They extended their generosity beyond the famous Japanese hospitality cultural norm. Many, many thanks to everyone who helped us along the way and to those who honored us with glimpses into their lives and of themselves. I know now about life in Japan that this is a rare thing and I am eternally grateful for it.</div></div></div></div></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-10682016060469880162008-12-23T19:45:00.018-09:002008-12-27T12:15:46.435-09:00Last Week.... starting to sink in.Shawn invited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nishiokoppe's</span> best English speakers over for dinner Monday night for his final advanced adult English class. Per Japanese tradition, one's drinking glass always remains full. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sora</span>, born the day before our first day in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nishiokoppe</span>, practices his pour for dad.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283225816794964754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-7ywsD2zyqLiq2dnWQV71TeBvRRATpoTPQ-7pzUvdQo79flrJkj2pOYLxmKR_AY-dQ4HhBYYn8sdP4lUJLDj6bFZ1lD5rLSAteYInbgbqmqY7NiPGKvivVwhbtxKgNtwSCv4sGbYBGGg/s400/December+8+198.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I sat next to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fusae</span>. She works across the street at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">yakuba</span> (city office building). She has a wicked dry sense of humor and always makes me laugh. Sometimes she gets my jokes too which is really saying something. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fusae</span> has been to Juneau. Keeping my fingers crossed she'll consider another trip in the future. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283225810454644946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw7SsxW55hWlP-1zE-9uVCsbmQC6MSHbC7YIg1cSLYcedSjGvNOFr3uDZyD6jNbjYJlAEaNKzVupz4G1pwB81smonL08jWIO2wqnqL_JCadlY_BKUQmRmjijYJWJFk7zqB0se_xXJft_a/s400/December+8+188.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Miki</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">san</span>, left, is the manager of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rimu</span>, the super fancy hotel in town. He used to live in Amsterdam. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Usui</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">san</span> (former villager in the spotlight) brought a whole <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">turkey</span> over because he heard we liked turkey. In Japan they do Christmas chicken which I'm sorry, just isn't the same. Colin, right, is an Aussie who has lived in Japan for 8 years. Colin was the bass player in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">rockin</span>' band and is newly engaged to his adorable sweetheart from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shibetsu</span>. Congrats mate!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEwTGlFYwfjDXLmi3RNTFTeBNK47LpiA-B6XwxsvkjanobpMWYg5kn_8-ZM24maMOi0KXfiKft06Qk4Z0cwHg13AXTFel_js_CPnoaYINsAOXti9UwU-wKTRSKD9ro9GWG_ZjVr4svm4e/s1600-h/December+8+192.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283226582819803730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEwTGlFYwfjDXLmi3RNTFTeBNK47LpiA-B6XwxsvkjanobpMWYg5kn_8-ZM24maMOi0KXfiKft06Qk4Z0cwHg13AXTFel_js_CPnoaYINsAOXti9UwU-wKTRSKD9ro9GWG_ZjVr4svm4e/s400/December+8+192.jpg" border="0" /></a> We took one last trip to the big city over the weekend. Even the taxis are cute in Japan.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacdIkB5sZM4ej-aVIgxmEe9ozKl70O9w_ioX9SgspU5tQSKr-oMbTRhd3fSO-j3tzcwQJPS7paFWtVY-SoNS8mHoQNboerpgGOwAGhFMTYH8vTbCHwayX8u1pN_Dzldsl_TQ_YTXbyzwc/s1600-h/December+8+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283225806627140434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacdIkB5sZM4ej-aVIgxmEe9ozKl70O9w_ioX9SgspU5tQSKr-oMbTRhd3fSO-j3tzcwQJPS7paFWtVY-SoNS8mHoQNboerpgGOwAGhFMTYH8vTbCHwayX8u1pN_Dzldsl_TQ_YTXbyzwc/s400/December+8+107.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lotsa</span> good people watching.... mostly watching people who are enjoying watching us.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbLa4YWFzCgJ985_znhhAMAFjAdtmPt9R2lf_eH1jwXp016b8ydbbiguLpjMpPrEo5F_2rgfeio5qNHMke7j1b_tlQO9Vm_KfiX6NHmLZN84LTxDPHOb_t7t4kJR9OyvxYIZYuAW5LG5x/s1600-h/December+8+100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283225799183583970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbLa4YWFzCgJ985_znhhAMAFjAdtmPt9R2lf_eH1jwXp016b8ydbbiguLpjMpPrEo5F_2rgfeio5qNHMke7j1b_tlQO9Vm_KfiX6NHmLZN84LTxDPHOb_t7t4kJR9OyvxYIZYuAW5LG5x/s400/December+8+100.jpg" border="0" /></a>Window shopping. You can get seriously lost in the multi-level catacombs of a Japanese department store.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283215757706913906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKO9sj7zWiVJRMNtIT2in94w836aISKY7etj-PK2Mz-cf0shngeLXFNa4l5nYDJWHgaI3qjdPOgfcnYJhkUEwszUcl6_6dtkesX81hqSxlNmJiDeZMGzagjecyvTsRqGdRIvdRrassTCY/s400/December+8+095.jpg" border="0" />Skateboarding is not a crime my friends.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaJtAG54Tv4C-inOFn5x7jLNUzD4XcNKmy-oDOE8ka3u7M5iykDFWy8bRvZQ_aLMTlrmq6I4mgDfeb4tW0dejcYdIDSPKwI42jUesgALTwta-6r-UdHdiKF5rPGW87SM9XOAi3qYPqUod/s1600-h/December+8+104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283225794054876626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaJtAG54Tv4C-inOFn5x7jLNUzD4XcNKmy-oDOE8ka3u7M5iykDFWy8bRvZQ_aLMTlrmq6I4mgDfeb4tW0dejcYdIDSPKwI42jUesgALTwta-6r-UdHdiKF5rPGW87SM9XOAi3qYPqUod/s400/December+8+104.jpg" border="0" /></a>Many thanks to Gail, Shawn's mom, who sent a huge box of gingerbread house <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">fixin's</span> for the elementary school Christmas party. It was SO much fun!</div><br /><div>Akane, on the right has been my nemesis since we came here. She's always all up in my face and making fun of the way I talk. At the end of the party she said goodbye with tears in her eyes.... I gave her a big hug and started crying. I'm gonna miss that little stinker! Misakai on the left.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo4MDDRDM1SXEPKwaQ7fx4COLp8wOwKMDfPJkethfjzRHxB1QYPcmjUIAIR8Cj82KDYqfsV_a0V_qoVZQG3pwqiQ5zYELHHXRKYLFWfruuaI29ELI76kDEDYC50AYXb6__XpMkLn2k0_O/s1600-h/December+8+181.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283223179795090146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo4MDDRDM1SXEPKwaQ7fx4COLp8wOwKMDfPJkethfjzRHxB1QYPcmjUIAIR8Cj82KDYqfsV_a0V_qoVZQG3pwqiQ5zYELHHXRKYLFWfruuaI29ELI76kDEDYC50AYXb6__XpMkLn2k0_O/s320/December+8+181.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Hajime, Yukie, and Asushi.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDngxSROi4IPrNmTkouH5i8o8KF0IScBBlixRspVVCt9AczgEDqjC_CqaCz8VN-WKdivsruBwgesHzkt5D8fBwC7_4H9vaZTWYQstrsJkBYK0sCHziBXyLjX6if668dJBLhOpUMZI_mGOb/s1600-h/December+8+180.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283223176687124466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDngxSROi4IPrNmTkouH5i8o8KF0IScBBlixRspVVCt9AczgEDqjC_CqaCz8VN-WKdivsruBwgesHzkt5D8fBwC7_4H9vaZTWYQstrsJkBYK0sCHziBXyLjX6if668dJBLhOpUMZI_mGOb/s320/December+8+180.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nana, with the red kerchief, lives across the street from us and is shy and quiet and an excellent student. She has been a good older friend to Nova. Kakeru, front, Natusuki, and Rei.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sHHUO48yezEU1A2WR5OoyQgQV0GVsILRJJf6QSPWgeVAr8hyphenhyphendB00Le91QPGoQt18z7301MyZrLbZLb04YbG7Rhiz-voZKn7WgGErG026519M2sDTwkjBe1MD8lTeYLoV0Xhg_e7ytVMq/s1600-h/December+8+179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283221938429034434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sHHUO48yezEU1A2WR5OoyQgQV0GVsILRJJf6QSPWgeVAr8hyphenhyphendB00Le91QPGoQt18z7301MyZrLbZLb04YbG7Rhiz-voZKn7WgGErG026519M2sDTwkjBe1MD8lTeYLoV0Xhg_e7ytVMq/s320/December+8+179.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"></span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Yugi</span>, with the mask, is Nana's little bro. He's got a really charming gravely smoker's voice. I instantly melt whenever he says, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Haa</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">llo</span>". Hikaru and Kouta.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiykNt_zG6JaAGGBd3GbdySn1Pm3xw1QwxSlankUeyrIjgQlA80merKBcQZAQcc1L0U0VUVxulWnYQD4CqHUQUdv_sbAu7n760RV7820h4X9KZtBXFjFQBo-t04uB1qqgJwAPv5jLC9mN/s1600-h/December+8+176.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283221931012845970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiykNt_zG6JaAGGBd3GbdySn1Pm3xw1QwxSlankUeyrIjgQlA80merKBcQZAQcc1L0U0VUVxulWnYQD4CqHUQUdv_sbAu7n760RV7820h4X9KZtBXFjFQBo-t04uB1qqgJwAPv5jLC9mN/s320/December+8+176.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Yui and Yuki.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6UWcgIafVcx3JnTOFZEit8N7-88fYoeqM5xMPgDSJ9IA0d9Ms4yBq_3ZC975Way2LBZIPmMle859LbTYxvwHCZVyy6tdCixTa8wR5WN41Zw9Cfnc1Kfo_ER8IphAn8r8ilxPznnM2trQ/s1600-h/December+8+175.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283221922418649682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6UWcgIafVcx3JnTOFZEit8N7-88fYoeqM5xMPgDSJ9IA0d9Ms4yBq_3ZC975Way2LBZIPmMle859LbTYxvwHCZVyy6tdCixTa8wR5WN41Zw9Cfnc1Kfo_ER8IphAn8r8ilxPznnM2trQ/s320/December+8+175.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Akira (happiest kid in Nishiokoppe award), Hibiki, Maya and Haruka.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemNLprD4_eWSwcN9Y3isWzJpdmk6n4_G328GSRELH7BYpDWsZfG0ZIWI5QHMnz-xxmUS8AclYZVh1AEwIIFVe3OC36UC4VxD0I06LRVIhjTxXaaIYMeIR-S7vRvKOXZYZkW1UUd0qVRi0/s1600-h/December+8+178.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283221934127330178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemNLprD4_eWSwcN9Y3isWzJpdmk6n4_G328GSRELH7BYpDWsZfG0ZIWI5QHMnz-xxmUS8AclYZVh1AEwIIFVe3OC36UC4VxD0I06LRVIhjTxXaaIYMeIR-S7vRvKOXZYZkW1UUd0qVRi0/s320/December+8+178.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br />Nao and Nagisa.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEKZO8039Lci2-SwFavBjjrGiO7lY2LPKmyO_6OypnI47T61CMKmJQ6FPOTp6dIvNRsHF_wdn5d7lu1FYPfHbt_gkxJxxMdm7WHIT9PF1ssZBELkLr3hEmEfQpy__6T8sSISYIOhS1zsc/s1600-h/December+8+174.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283221916663798162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEKZO8039Lci2-SwFavBjjrGiO7lY2LPKmyO_6OypnI47T61CMKmJQ6FPOTp6dIvNRsHF_wdn5d7lu1FYPfHbt_gkxJxxMdm7WHIT9PF1ssZBELkLr3hEmEfQpy__6T8sSISYIOhS1zsc/s320/December+8+174.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Masataka, Ruya, and Rena.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlQl4DnqU9xr5xEcghXCwPw7hWivz0PHTGs2uTZxjUq2rUKdXLwVpovfY-t27SloBu3uol_k05oAecH3uorvu1MbXNvlFaEbY-iYPkPCmG1bQc3bvaGvU0CMV-Kkqv6Ep72IsTtsN8gg_/s1600-h/December+8+173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283220437772468738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlQl4DnqU9xr5xEcghXCwPw7hWivz0PHTGs2uTZxjUq2rUKdXLwVpovfY-t27SloBu3uol_k05oAecH3uorvu1MbXNvlFaEbY-iYPkPCmG1bQc3bvaGvU0CMV-Kkqv6Ep72IsTtsN8gg_/s320/December+8+173.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Kazuki, Mizuki, and Mai.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLWyv-w7WznoIhoDFUBQXf4U0EG688s600T6wqL2lGY2md1ofTLXtcfKZojmQNr939InJ_OxDd1gzp4Ahd7BVSBSrXOgmfN9ouoJhKB5npGxeBsdVTzi3yvfUeFWxyUHj90FCB5UMxNIN/s1600-h/December+8+172.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283220434756964578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLWyv-w7WznoIhoDFUBQXf4U0EG688s600T6wqL2lGY2md1ofTLXtcfKZojmQNr939InJ_OxDd1gzp4Ahd7BVSBSrXOgmfN9ouoJhKB5npGxeBsdVTzi3yvfUeFWxyUHj90FCB5UMxNIN/s320/December+8+172.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div><br />Akari, Yamato, and Mai.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFpt5KYG7nTeIQndvPVYgC_s6b2LLvnvkRe6FO0QArW15sRuItcnMWOHIgVluWp2j2NRscap0EL2J9crTfHT9ljtYMUhHSkM-sFK_roVMJJMDuxecSJjlRGdfsDB5rIajpxPABUxQBNcw/s1600-h/December+8+168.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283220432855188130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFpt5KYG7nTeIQndvPVYgC_s6b2LLvnvkRe6FO0QArW15sRuItcnMWOHIgVluWp2j2NRscap0EL2J9crTfHT9ljtYMUhHSkM-sFK_roVMJJMDuxecSJjlRGdfsDB5rIajpxPABUxQBNcw/s320/December+8+168.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br />"Which of these kids is doin' her own thing, one of these kids just isn't the same." Yuya and Nagisa.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fr6pmKX-rhma1sIcuf2k5WApHO9B8cpn_cPQo3YeiGA22-wZbZ1vFl7dupgcSBT6vbbx-KxACBMlALDd_4s64KCzInuMlHF600o2oiXjBRL74lzcM82OVExPT6uXHLSv7O90vAQPYZMq/s1600-h/December+8+167.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283220425996914338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fr6pmKX-rhma1sIcuf2k5WApHO9B8cpn_cPQo3YeiGA22-wZbZ1vFl7dupgcSBT6vbbx-KxACBMlALDd_4s64KCzInuMlHF600o2oiXjBRL74lzcM82OVExPT6uXHLSv7O90vAQPYZMq/s320/December+8+167.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br />Aina, Taiga, Aoue.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffgcnmh7ybuj6vmPOFK53lk1EXDZuKESuyJD111SHFTpeik7UxHH57UGKpOnMyiGns980XjLMpinvLor3wDgINPqEcHWd029G-RLV9SeAKiWrp-Ru5Is99FGoTS89Oeb9aVyDzy_WdtHv/s1600-h/December+8+165.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283220420824511650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffgcnmh7ybuj6vmPOFK53lk1EXDZuKESuyJD111SHFTpeik7UxHH57UGKpOnMyiGns980XjLMpinvLor3wDgINPqEcHWd029G-RLV9SeAKiWrp-Ru5Is99FGoTS89Oeb9aVyDzy_WdtHv/s320/December+8+165.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Chizuko</span>, what can I say? You win <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Nishiokoppe's</span> most photogenic award.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfvI7Acp6oaTTg4mjlMZ9eVMzj4n2gzwV7YxX-Q71hVx_rK7YIgC6cJ0B2k-pVEOvTRjDQRtrgVe9eHDzeaBDYluXsC_y5rjSGY8vwZRU7ECl4MJZqRu_6oW8a7Z3zOVwR34FWIuzJzB2/s1600-h/December+7+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283215705318739362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfvI7Acp6oaTTg4mjlMZ9eVMzj4n2gzwV7YxX-Q71hVx_rK7YIgC6cJ0B2k-pVEOvTRjDQRtrgVe9eHDzeaBDYluXsC_y5rjSGY8vwZRU7ECl4MJZqRu_6oW8a7Z3zOVwR34FWIuzJzB2/s400/December+7+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some photos from my walk around the hood this morning. This roof-top looks like a snow-capped mountain to me.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAsiBpY9ETcnhmzqqfotZElrlPoqwRdqWST_QWD5bGRn2EklalZxeTeZtryKM6ZAZ7wnYiPX_ws5VP9rOOSk92PTk3s6-PqLz6pcrfCXJ5Z61qcv4NjWF0i-ows9SgHMK8XzyEwjwea5k/s1600-h/December+8+087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283215752397422978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAsiBpY9ETcnhmzqqfotZElrlPoqwRdqWST_QWD5bGRn2EklalZxeTeZtryKM6ZAZ7wnYiPX_ws5VP9rOOSk92PTk3s6-PqLz6pcrfCXJ5Z61qcv4NjWF0i-ows9SgHMK8XzyEwjwea5k/s400/December+8+087.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>I will miss the places as much as the people.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqfu_6kN6cYTdtb8u-9XTmXxLQCnYthscNMhSn3OXZbce9bE9NLszoO4Y2RAKun7fnQvprOLGw_DUZuh9RdyF5MSqo_1R9FWhWQEwjcXso_uBqxj-ECMOWnjTPrIO66CiujgxUE_NlNxk/s1600-h/December+8+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283215745468352418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqfu_6kN6cYTdtb8u-9XTmXxLQCnYthscNMhSn3OXZbce9bE9NLszoO4Y2RAKun7fnQvprOLGw_DUZuh9RdyF5MSqo_1R9FWhWQEwjcXso_uBqxj-ECMOWnjTPrIO66CiujgxUE_NlNxk/s400/December+8+004.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>It's funny the things I'm getting all nostalgic over this last week. As with Alaska Native tradition, nothing goes to waste here.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283226589235530226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62cfHpuGFGh-vx4c0Nu5Aefu324_-4MV1dnkqenS7AyRv8QOTeSqhp84s3x6Aw9gwWJbNXtuP-So10bddLeRsKjfWvpn8ky813Am5AtXsNSVF5HM4tGHzceKkgI6FlPDNHte0mcNH4Xxa/s400/December+9+004.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Our neighbors use remnants from the electric guitar factory as firewood. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283226594405949650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkgTp69g9PFMsB3w8luWiLNr9o1nBaOYEXDrirpUuwmCwNo2dU2bih35dJ9KJZlWS0GBk58Fqw0NFuE4gNGtOr28TEaswjJ4oo2l2j2FtFS5DsSvxKfR8cOuMXZqg7DiOLqwqI7ptpF3h/s400/December+9+008.jpg" border="0" />Buddha in peaceful snowy repose.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpubqCplM5nFT1UkE_CMGSUmfKv3xvaFbRytPt-Ucso09PIrlBP5qB9QEQxyQ2hnBXePe994cub5zvBq58BHCHIA-ifmZhhbb7as13LB61OcTJHXDMdO8qlmlRs1U_-DRnxEYLL_zoWjiJ/s1600-h/December+8+072.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283215734691617762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpubqCplM5nFT1UkE_CMGSUmfKv3xvaFbRytPt-Ucso09PIrlBP5qB9QEQxyQ2hnBXePe994cub5zvBq58BHCHIA-ifmZhhbb7as13LB61OcTJHXDMdO8qlmlRs1U_-DRnxEYLL_zoWjiJ/s400/December+8+072.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-9552329276437642752008-12-16T23:00:00.007-09:002008-12-16T23:49:18.344-09:00"Now, you need to make memories."Aki phoned today to say, "Now, you need to make memories". "Ok," I said. "What did you have in mind?" An hour later she picked me up for lunch with 'the make-up club'.<br /><div></div><div> </div><div>Below, members of <em>Nishiokoppe's make-up club</em>, Ayumie, Saori, Kaori and Aki. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy0OXSyVlW413tvwA27mebuBt-MK3XvJKmC9iYDJGC9NeDOqFrcR_92AEy0hopsQKzlTRH-T5F2ghFLMFNIWW_b9_fql0ySXVYxoVdYpqCKhIjyHP_1OGHE7Jx5ruAZjWvMAaesxPRQSk/s1600-h/December+6+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280668341810383010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy0OXSyVlW413tvwA27mebuBt-MK3XvJKmC9iYDJGC9NeDOqFrcR_92AEy0hopsQKzlTRH-T5F2ghFLMFNIWW_b9_fql0ySXVYxoVdYpqCKhIjyHP_1OGHE7Jx5ruAZjWvMAaesxPRQSk/s320/December+6+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> Saori, our lovely hostess, served Platinum Beauty Water with lunch. Apparently it's very expensive and contains <em>real platinum</em>. I could feel the magical youthening properties coursing through my veins and hoped it would give me the same timeless skin of the other members.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280668326819054578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGe5zOOGYi6TAH_VbF2K9fHQgKdmapI6S3AehzXVj47qZPtABOZdo1Iz8ogG89azYg5WsktOSEksEMRCOqXmSNOcrbWr6R6M21myLxvN1-2CCVAe5ujH4nqOci_VT1bdeQX12zM_wIZCH/s320/December+6+002.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Saori used to work at the make-up counter of a department store. She's way into the creme-de -la-creme of cosmetics. Here she is showing off her new oven which is HUGE in comparison to the microwave hybrid version of most Japanese kitchens. She is stylish in every way.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280677405664448930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe6Re1HFxkfmW1pJssy2pz6metDeHVeziyyISDtQJq_KqjEPY4pMENM7C-pjWXdh7vW_GfxssmEAdRE5UKclR47aicARosEPbZibNmJ4IQRiXC-ghtaFcEA6SXgHHXHaD1QWUB_I1extP/s320/December+6+005.jpg" border="0" /><strong>Where have you guys been</strong> <strong>these long past 17 months of unglamorous country living?!!!</strong> I totally enjoyed the girliness of the day. Though for me personally, there is a fine line between attractive and drag-queenesque, it was fun having Saori play makeover on me. Ta-da!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NZxudJA0UxivKftNjAj85B8QGQC0f-LqYJvL6OFNi1k5Nff3wL694U1tIzhABw_g4KJXS-5ICuOh4MP6Up0iudXVJRg6DVJLl1LD6Ppr0nM5_Ytqp_yUia0ysWILdlpDEqLxzCwTV_mh/s1600-h/December+6+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280668335587489250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NZxudJA0UxivKftNjAj85B8QGQC0f-LqYJvL6OFNi1k5Nff3wL694U1tIzhABw_g4KJXS-5ICuOh4MP6Up0iudXVJRg6DVJLl1LD6Ppr0nM5_Ytqp_yUia0ysWILdlpDEqLxzCwTV_mh/s320/December+6+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> Now, I have made memories. xxoo</div></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-40766368172038099652008-12-15T02:06:00.013-09:002008-12-15T04:22:20.311-09:00Final Two Weeks; Food-Filled FarewellsWith two weeks left in Nishiokoppe and the holidays fast approaching, dinner partying has ramped up big time. Sunday was our second annual neighborhood association children's party. Below, kids play a gift exchange game to music while parents digest.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279972978093033970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDlXaAC3v70r8yC73Gj0wBP1K6NLDkm8nSCRk0v4fLGgbrpKDzrUM4qjRl0iUI299edbQhf5MTWaShAg5fiEveduhKM4UUOQ9qW0HTIbXkdwwI6FBqmlrBS0_2PkQBAnt_XJ-1dKQuaJJ/s320/December+3+125.jpg" border="0" />The woman folk took over the community kitchen and once again pulled out all the stops. Last year this soup looked scary to me. This is actually a very tasty dish which contains some mysteries perhaps better left unsolved. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280002454239055890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGG2RDcaNK4U3CAiP3vm9h97gAUL7EH7-wAsoDGV3WRAKCQZUz801sQ4Pk_q3UArIAGSJYsmvmQsGoZKa1SvmeaD5ZHQxGQCpUSsSo0N63b9ZUY2iB9WMCxEyJvu0DsozI-q8LWKIPbLH/s320/December+3+072.jpg" border="0" />Neighbors chuckled over our surprise at shaking a handful of snacks out only to discover the fishy "prize" in Japanese cracker jacks. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279972966508079154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zSfsbGu16LDbnAzkMhoiL3RF-7fbeQU_q4BeqhJa7mQ0XIwv9fFov146yr-Z3Sq_9ciY2Zlj7wqXmJBzpkJAuAx9kuRgzffyxVs5HK-tF4HaUDiDoKGdKt2h97EyPdxR1-Ayye7zGxHp/s320/December+3+139.jpg" border="0" />Nova's favorite part, cake decorating with Maya and the Taniguchi sisters.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279972979862364738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AKw8ukU8TKycU2Q1Q6cemdXO0cN7GeH0JVJpPY1CKIY00Ap1OAlvH9EddOtHDIj54qfDQD3yShg53FSwKluRDmuYT7trntPquT48I9MltMv0_qOoNhg_HCLgDKMGySgknRAyQP4L87jP/s320/December+3+058.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Last January I started teaching Nishiokoppe's first yoga class. I wasn't sure how it would be received. That first class, 17 people showed up and the village bought 20 yoga mats in support. Since then, participation has dwindled down to these 6 awesome die-hards. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279996322387183234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy1TDLFRqp0512FFlY05enj9ZcIDiTOaBkrqW4d2iNDSK8lFmDvcXyyTfFPjwHswbD23-5NCWXpXYW99l_6HOwoumdpGNsMhppdwg0chQ9cvnKA0OHxTavhVEOB6K_E2gs2cnIr60Vek2/s320/December+5+009.jpg" border="0" />Monday night yoga has been my most looked forward to weekly event. It's a nice time to connect with people and share something I enjoy. I'm very impressed by and proud of my students.<br /><div> </div><div>Nova, Maaya, Hibiki and Sora; junior joginis extraordinaire!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280005049790844930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCp6q56T1Tuhq_quZbekbsZLeOLyNCcyHlSs9eVchZd5Cae-O3tIUC0WoKj_WOKU-BKf2CgJhw5Uw0i4kQKx6g3tdBXKgaBRDNJ1VIZpj24ZUcNu8zvhpseTsvVzyUB5yJNFNwpxdcOmn/s320/December+5+005.jpg" border="0" />Mr. and Mrs. Yaso, both teachers, hosted a farewell dinner and invited two of Shawn's other colleagues.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279974638222084706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxZuyWMY-ghbMdU-mJn8d0flqUrGDL2nMS86L1pisF8Qg8sP-yvgnvEhHI88tWbys7DrS6RHfPCiL0g6dXKpf70rZ0D7w_69Wznvu4zOP1CccBAGG7U9HbnePYp_YzLyOOzVLwbmEZFM7/s320/December+4+018.jpg" border="0" />Always an honor to be invited into someone's home, the Yasos have shown us great generosity and warmth.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279974620601857298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqEB7FoRGAy9Y4HehxMmuWBwzCK5iC3ni8StAaLBIQPTR-jCnR6dU0t6LsD6dXoZNecTL-hMZ7bn0ZJJ2CvEbrP5l3f3chPQILpg-YNSTLqavSIT2VokqHW2f1PFrHl0yM03vRUDcqR8M/s320/December+4+003.jpg" border="0" />Mrs. Yaso poured some amazing smelling Jasmine tea. The flowers start as dried buds and "bloom" beautifully in hot water. Living in Japan has at last made a tea drinker out of me. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280003582987370450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp6a_qcP0Adp5a7GA5ya9pxTBDyIvTk_em_jFujuaRxZOlxIqlK5lYWk1P-YJYJY0sfDUTUw6837p7y4zSzudXe3ZOXznBGecfgapxBvNiYJHLdv0qzVZkSjONxgpavcEbrh3uvDLAsQB/s320/December+4+012.jpg" border="0" /> Japanese dinner parties are epic in length and number of courses served. Luckily no one minded that I got up to stretch my legs every once in a while. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279997844813732450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LwBCtcyddbwyPWISyUQd_uj20D7qZ3KD2_Fl8-SY00q4VD4iWRh-2IPWZGV5um6WjqPdWJtk72QmDJZxsoM5FYOGcvXEvLQQE8hvHYcOZI37RspBhjxu5ZPOj7AG2Pk0Evu2t88nPlO2/s320/December+4+001.jpg" border="0" />Speaking of walking, here are a few photos from my morning walk with Bunta.... we like to go down to this river.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5IIV91gIV8mqhYYH8xV4noim7R2YgT0CUURZtXm67CPJ51BT9FZx5ESW9QMY-zPupZBgxAdd-RNs5xK2WxNVqTTcs6Yav-xmK-S7-rX5fRUKcnGpi7viorX-U3AmIZjsbD2mZxiyZwOG/s1600-h/December+4+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279975956980589474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5IIV91gIV8mqhYYH8xV4noim7R2YgT0CUURZtXm67CPJ51BT9FZx5ESW9QMY-zPupZBgxAdd-RNs5xK2WxNVqTTcs6Yav-xmK-S7-rX5fRUKcnGpi7viorX-U3AmIZjsbD2mZxiyZwOG/s320/December+4+074.jpg" border="0" /></a> Just the sound of wind and water..... no one around but us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X2t_plg2qAeipWlnuL8p167jpJthBbVS2LF7bWLJvjv2lzKzqiRTj5afMfdgYk1AFInHKfvxelJ5tkEceCAQ9Yyc4R0XBOH8KXiF7OK0IWK_46GEayR0kxsX-0DZcgpG_HvtpZeQ9_H3/s1600-h/December+4+091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279975948287936306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X2t_plg2qAeipWlnuL8p167jpJthBbVS2LF7bWLJvjv2lzKzqiRTj5afMfdgYk1AFInHKfvxelJ5tkEceCAQ9Yyc4R0XBOH8KXiF7OK0IWK_46GEayR0kxsX-0DZcgpG_HvtpZeQ9_H3/s320/December+4+091.jpg" border="0" /></a>Despite being lonely for U.S. friends and family, I will miss the stillness of my days as a "Japanese" housewife.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG23s2s_jbqyouQ3foAv8sq9fP_cLC2fgKmjVRzmvcWH40VW3H9rcT-eP29MJgKwEmlOF-1elLTZcj6Rf541dKXTqHEOWij8onTkj9A0Dz97Qu-erm-cVlrqYPpT_GGm9n61dSkcyOz6x9/s1600-h/December+4+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279975938350964194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG23s2s_jbqyouQ3foAv8sq9fP_cLC2fgKmjVRzmvcWH40VW3H9rcT-eP29MJgKwEmlOF-1elLTZcj6Rf541dKXTqHEOWij8onTkj9A0Dz97Qu-erm-cVlrqYPpT_GGm9n61dSkcyOz6x9/s320/December+4+084.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bunta is boning up on his English for his western debut.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Shawn and I like to play a game called "what's under the tarp?". When the snows come, all of Hokkaido's public fixtures get wrapped in blue tarp. Stationary boats, train cars, fountains.... you name it. So,can you guess what's under the tarp?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNih6vqak7l8YmMYxYY9nK4j7LuWhv4qqtqLpultBKJMat7la5IyeeDWJXOrHcaT9gwLyN1jCQ-8_lKWh-4ogvDf84zTL6eqr33tgN3DLEFpoj_BJu_RXSFjWxSIwoL-fKEbJJbItk_vWr/s1600-h/December+4+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279974646749669922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNih6vqak7l8YmMYxYY9nK4j7LuWhv4qqtqLpultBKJMat7la5IyeeDWJXOrHcaT9gwLyN1jCQ-8_lKWh-4ogvDf84zTL6eqr33tgN3DLEFpoj_BJu_RXSFjWxSIwoL-fKEbJJbItk_vWr/s320/December+4+024.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you said giraffe, you're right!<br /><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279972957835160914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KQIBz5a6wzNHRoIX6jj0dHm6CjUpRfqKDzIcuP42SkGqvks7-DENq9PH-uTfAs7-G_fH2xF7Y2oXechBQIv_6GoyxMTOXcZBXJ9WyX8K2fud0qEhLFokavTpwTG-V_0rOKcuWREcrSR1/s320/December+3+024.jpg" border="0" /> Start looking for your New Year's cards in the mail next week. Happy year of the ox everyone! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-405435272858825252008-12-04T19:28:00.010-09:002008-12-04T20:29:01.015-09:00Last Three Weeks In Japan: Keepin' It RealIn case you missed the email shout-out, we're headed back to the U. S. of A. Dec 29th.<br /><br />Funny thing about knowing you only have so much time left in a place, suddenly everyone relaxes, communication is easier, things are more fun. This time last year Nova and I felt anxious about Mochi Fest at her hoyksho. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276160112416318002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganBZ-Qd8ElP3OcDOyzpD2Yr7ShMnVQie4WoUN7VDl9cRCiYyIBQas5xB7FAKBm8J28cABo0KbNI_4iPK_1hDzvvNqdtlaMPdXBczS-5eFDiws0l0x0HmaVhaRRvW_EpaaV46wH8ucg94v/s320/december+I+070.jpg" border="0" />Today we cut loose and really let that steamed rice have it! Go girl.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276160098931642162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gzcD7Kv1lT7XdxN09b-uradTkImpBVdC4MgzYgowWBcgLINvBc1MGzTlY8L2j3RfrsSdN_-5wrF5zg4ji9V6DrayFjeZq1jMLV2vhdklCzzzPGEcf884LNLsgweBfu8rwoBJMCcLV1oc/s320/december+I+048.jpg" border="0" /><br />One of the few events involving both mothers and fathers.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276160106625741202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2trsFMzVRgYri6oVW14TbIwIzIM_mqZpPKHlXfOoA6CZMNDgbRYjijxIpSF3wBhxT-k08712Q3samK_rmgFET5F-NuJ-GHD9UIXkA4drcr2oTa0oBA8yH7lTRfQnGgc66q4FTNGbJYiR/s320/december+I+049.jpg" border="0" /><br />They are the muscle behind the mallets and the eye behind the cameras.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276160120351604018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI4tLkgXaNjQ9J9W_yyGOXkTgWIdqmRfkZoBjofjAlxo51R2iognu1Vq7E_fbAkuWiDdEMt0F-WR0ixV-pVyOGRMDVC7ijqezERsGtW0Y9M-b4yiG9x6k1lidVAtendjUchMZjgPB9nQ2/s320/december+I+132.jpg" border="0" /><br />Mochi anyone? An improvement in form from last year's attempt, don't you think?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276161451248562002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcqHmH7ZMtbg1Cbz2W0JhyphenhyphenV6m_ptPVDsGpqoF5ks6McYWhi7BI8Cj8COT62mPURozV-JA8CKDeSelR2ENzCh7ma2Ysw8xK3zdBzeDT-B0ncf9xRhe1uwhCOvpZ8UbmJmvWf07FW32E1bl/s320/december+I+147.jpg" border="0" /><br />Wakkava is Queen Mochi Cheeks in my book. She demonstrates the proper placement of anko inside the pulverized rice.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276161455555200418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G2OLtlVria5PQDfrINgtEB3KorF-I6-IhCzWFI8qm0KTQGfZgzoebMkjaA6Qmo4OFyV8sPziRf9Y1vSqAyMgdw-p3gDmedXhOttQUFykL2PdYow7MFovLxUlBvHdwyjCWggVmkhsGswb/s320/december+I+175.jpg" border="0" />Why yes that is a Cupcake Royale shirt Aki is wearing. I'm getting that girl to Seattle one way or another!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxE6SQFyQBvvranhU-xFlv-IqySKEkC8gSbVMY4k0pfM6aZTSHBDoeT567MNyh57KKWVXp46EAyMNMe_aBCHD8BTj7qu7hRoKFLA3EgsgjdTziyL1tiLXKTYHQW5W8j9dPLhL5EcoFpoZ/s1600-h/december+I+176.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276161458999182786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxE6SQFyQBvvranhU-xFlv-IqySKEkC8gSbVMY4k0pfM6aZTSHBDoeT567MNyh57KKWVXp46EAyMNMe_aBCHD8BTj7qu7hRoKFLA3EgsgjdTziyL1tiLXKTYHQW5W8j9dPLhL5EcoFpoZ/s320/december+I+176.jpg" border="0" /></a> After the mochi madness we sat down to soup.....with mochi of course. Aki tells me that every year in Japan, around the holidays, old men and children choke to death on mochi. After that heartwarming tale, I was sure to chew very slowly and thoroughly.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276161469911066178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF7881Xa5rXKNCWvy4UqRRPK-mr7q3DNvSDAVAF0DH4wavETygpodPcmo9Qy7ABHjCIWTAE0vT8RGDxX4M_0knxmTcjvB7XsOTPb5ima5bFgo2_m0-nto7dSNU8W4AB5qH1CDbi8d0Z3l/s320/december+I+182.jpg" border="0" />Chinoske has a bit of a cold and was resisting wearing his surgical mask during lunch.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9mFxIGpVucaG3GGo36YGxywsV5YJdOF5N8K-pJl7iJArcJfRSuJ6tokobCFii9tSoEiMqogf544_5Kxle1a4dPwJ-_vsLEXqGmr7gmthskMzkBmyld_mac1n-EsVu28eUWsbER2QkXNK/s1600-h/december+I+179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276161461192367858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9mFxIGpVucaG3GGo36YGxywsV5YJdOF5N8K-pJl7iJArcJfRSuJ6tokobCFii9tSoEiMqogf544_5Kxle1a4dPwJ-_vsLEXqGmr7gmthskMzkBmyld_mac1n-EsVu28eUWsbER2QkXNK/s320/december+I+179.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pickled veggies, commonly eaten with meals. Like miso, anko, sashimi, mochi, and shrimp flavored chips, I've acquired a taste for these since we've been here.</div><div></div><div>Thursday cooking class. Possibly the last.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276159049646133186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH7u-Ba04zHmFHj-1Tprx0oOR3e7Eo8fhniCP37QAhaCp9UAgxbHbdYnPIMDFHEOa9L464CtdZHxhNxgnwnKW1rp5BWP7ACGtgmzU4HgR2Nsh7cRLCUsEpsffLL1xSmi5rHf0oYZlXiJT/s320/december+027.jpg" border="0" />Here's a typical scene; me trying to teach the "English" cooking class which inevitably devolves into lots of giggling and rapid fire talking...... in Japanese. But like Michelle, the teacher before us said, this is a two year long lesson in letting go. Luckily I've felt the loosening effects in the year and a half we've spent here.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D01EnWibu7NtSVMC67kdFUAdlohWa-rFIMBr4H197a15s34CdF3TIwpxM3o4_dcXY7ZqCEWM4ByfMdFOfz-t23F1mzMJYR6OWKEr38n-3Lk5tFF25dqaYtd31RaUUvGQEJp0DTxvQssk/s1600-h/december+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276159057812980834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D01EnWibu7NtSVMC67kdFUAdlohWa-rFIMBr4H197a15s34CdF3TIwpxM3o4_dcXY7ZqCEWM4ByfMdFOfz-t23F1mzMJYR6OWKEr38n-3Lk5tFF25dqaYtd31RaUUvGQEJp0DTxvQssk/s320/december+042.jpg" border="0" /></a>Group shot for a successfully made Sweet Potato and Spicy Peanut Stew. Oishikatta!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmeXqk8YWonsPAQn9Yd24wrsacPd78NOGFVFvmWi6RLlR_EfrAW-fiAXzVHb0LOKuaO5cqvEkoJEFhu40YqSU7vMsTEoyYBo4yo2NmEs3vay7IUh5hr4ll5GQq4sm9qP1dC6E1W-Oc2Uu/s1600-h/december+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276159045603448034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmeXqk8YWonsPAQn9Yd24wrsacPd78NOGFVFvmWi6RLlR_EfrAW-fiAXzVHb0LOKuaO5cqvEkoJEFhu40YqSU7vMsTEoyYBo4yo2NmEs3vay7IUh5hr4ll5GQq4sm9qP1dC6E1W-Oc2Uu/s320/december+024.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nova and Sora enjoy one of Chizuko's homemade curry rolls. Seriously woman, start a bakery already! </div><div></div><div>Had a blender-drink party at my house last week. First time I've had the English class ladies over for social hour. Juneau ladies, you would have been proud of me.... I unloaded a ton of clothes on them, old school clothing-exchange style.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ioVW4mGWLG0cifyoj7PqDZFnbfIRP6Fdvjv0rnA5XqUkuo9QljJQs8fINi3GFP7fwRGHzfPjH4RgVwZXgiHuE0rLzCNuAUXOQXbCB7LVRpwnjnxj-BYNhOKn1zi2rlQtnZmehEXlhGmF/s1600-h/december+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276159038036485282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ioVW4mGWLG0cifyoj7PqDZFnbfIRP6Fdvjv0rnA5XqUkuo9QljJQs8fINi3GFP7fwRGHzfPjH4RgVwZXgiHuE0rLzCNuAUXOQXbCB7LVRpwnjnxj-BYNhOKn1zi2rlQtnZmehEXlhGmF/s320/december+007.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>In turn they prepared a major feast of super-oishi J-food. I'm going to be hitting up the Asian market on a regular basis when I get home.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276159027784509218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9xMnaDt2xmX2TxrGcaDgahGcq5ylK64n_QSknsVDAFd1qut60LKRQN_zam-ysrkxpLnRLGvelzu430Xt8qfdhiSjPTUzmXCReVfPwMdlrMqyxXVdL3TNQST0QAKo95f6iNcmpHW6-Abt/s320/december+001.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />Documenting more fun in our last weeks in Hokkaido. Kiotskete everyone! xxooChandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-30106916347324510912008-11-09T15:47:00.019-09:002008-11-09T17:37:09.955-09:00I Survived A Japanese Rural Hospital<div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266825360303000738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMTFkzjZVSdy_f-xbAdNVA8Gxrd5OMqGkABteHoBarJbaQjLpCjkykOs78rREpDSeY1cCQVVL0eftDvgBgnEwKKtXzhYbOsymWhzRr5X0MuvuflSh0M_nSDHOnIgM8i7Z4h0BwMOk67Wx/s200/Hospital+003.jpg" border="0" />I heard there's a new US tv show called <em>I Survived a Japanese Game Show</em>. Maybe I could start a new series based on my adventures with the Japanese medical system! </div><div><br /></div><div align="left">For those of you who didn't get my email, here's a recap of the week's events and all the gory details. On my Thursday, your Wednesday night, I wake up with maybe some of the worst pain I've ever felt. It's right up there with back-labor pains except radiates from under my sternum. The dreaded can't-stand-up-can't-lay-down kind of pain that makes you just want to end it all. Though we've chuckled about Japan's emergency number being 119 not 911, it isn't so funny when we actually have to dial it. An ambulance whisks us away to Nayoro, normally a 40 minute drive from Nishiokoppe. Our driver makes it in half the time. Along the way I practice yogic breathing and go to my "special place", Shawn has crazy Thailand mini-van driver flashbacks and prays we don't perish en route, Nova enjoys the sirens and is generally thrilled with being inside an ambulance, wiieeeeee! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGzQ_6ETPMIb5HGxLVwWuneOoaNhlGD5XYn67Ym0kK9dWWkBBVuXN-J7wpqufT6yYyP-C-O7D6jySgpvRnQ2uRtq5s6aECVw_VQG3rYV9HY4NtPvMo6AmBHvfHDID5aPGfnOe5FVEtwLn/s1600-h/Hospital+001.jpg"><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266825353602511218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGzQ_6ETPMIb5HGxLVwWuneOoaNhlGD5XYn67Ym0kK9dWWkBBVuXN-J7wpqufT6yYyP-C-O7D6jySgpvRnQ2uRtq5s6aECVw_VQG3rYV9HY4NtPvMo6AmBHvfHDID5aPGfnOe5FVEtwLn/s200/Hospital+001.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Speeding past dairy farms and rice paddies I am apprehensive about the state of Nayoro's emergency room. But this is Japan after all, an extremely civilized, clean and well educated society and I am relieved to find very good conditions and care while there. Also a relief, our "assigned" Board of Education member, Oohara-san and the kyoto-sensei from the Jr. High school who speaks a little English were on hand to help. An ultrasound and CT scan show a gallstone attack is underway but the doctor is perplexed as to why so much pain. (Really? I always heard it hurt like a mother-*#@#*!.) Once I am sufficiently doped up, they send me home with an appointment to go back to Nayoro in the morning to see a specialist. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning in Nayoro, I'm feeling better. We, with Oohara-san, proceed to wait for my "appointment" for 4 long and boring hours. We are told nonchalantly by a non-English speaking doctor that my liver enzymes are "dangerously high" and I need to be admitted to a major hospital immediately. What?! What does <em>that</em> mean? Why is this <em>happening</em>? We have so many questions. As Oohara-san, the doctor and a nurse contemplate in the slowest of slow motion how to proceed, I feverishly flip through my Japanese/English dictionary. I find the word and thrust the dictionary under the doctor's nose, jabb at it and look at him imploringly. "Death?" The doctor gives me the Japanese "maybe no" head tilt and hmmmm-ing sound which I, until now, had come to be ok with. Without details, <em>maybe no</em> was still <em>maybe yes </em>in my book. So we race back to Nishiokoppe and gathered our things for a hospital stay. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oohara-san, ever by our sides throughout this ordeal, and Kurata-sensei who speaks excellent English lead us to Engaru, not Asahikawa where we initially thought we were headed. Why we are going to a town so small it isn't even listed on road signs, instead of to a major metropolis can not be explained. We spend a grim 2 hour drive lost in our thoughts. Shawn, looking grave in the driver's seat, is wondering if he's made the right decision on a recent Fantasy Football play. <em>I,</em> am saying mental goodbyes and imagining the anguish of death by staph infection so far from home. Nova, when told she will be spending a few days with Shawn while I am in hospital answers wistfully, "So dad and I will have a good time while mom struggles for survival. I think they should give her a numbing solution." She is <em>so</em> my daughter!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOilnCSEoLsz0ubhchKh0QNlU95sMIfGn0g-CdQnEDiIwUxn66u5kt_UE5HPIlfF2E1uxy-9dG1EHkl5l0SbGpH6xtjoyDtsoCK3ZEnm0MZT5CzBUZcGVcSYG9WyViJgmqWFvcEAGeb-M/s1600-h/Hospital+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266846346584715042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOilnCSEoLsz0ubhchKh0QNlU95sMIfGn0g-CdQnEDiIwUxn66u5kt_UE5HPIlfF2E1uxy-9dG1EHkl5l0SbGpH6xtjoyDtsoCK3ZEnm0MZT5CzBUZcGVcSYG9WyViJgmqWFvcEAGeb-M/s200/Hospital+004.jpg" border="0" /></a>Engaru proves to be a very small town with an amazingly well appointed and skillfully staffed hospital. They admit me quickly. Kurata-sensei effortlessly helps translate all the intake paperwork and now knows how often I go to the bathroom and how regular my periods are. My Engaru doctor speaks good English and is very thorough. I spend two and a half days there, with nothing but a bag of goo on the end of an IV pole to eat. They test and re-test me. I watch Knight Rider and the OC dubbed over in Japanese and rest comfortably in my futon style hospital bed. I am released as an outpatient with lower enzyme levels and pain free.</div><div> </div><div>Why did all this happen? The culprit may be a long and over- fed trip to the states and one McDonald's double cheeseburger meal during a shopping excursion on Thursday that tipped my gallbladder over the edge. The attack may have stressed out my liver and spiked the enzymes. We'll know more in a week and half when I go back to Engaru. Until then the entire Village of Nishiokoppe will have a good laugh at my expense over how I hurt myself eating fatty American food.... Oohara-san says I should stick with Japanese soba noodles. I have to agree. </div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgoSl3I8I8fdADDmw5bJvgWllVyw224IfQWzXfPrIE5NKoof7VWvCB0DULCjWXA2WXy0gDYhzNYZu8gKLGMN3PCj2q7CRkTLqVMrqDHR5cEzNrwVT6GJiAT4Kq0YaE02gET395_J0z6Gc/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+208.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266846355148012418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgoSl3I8I8fdADDmw5bJvgWllVyw224IfQWzXfPrIE5NKoof7VWvCB0DULCjWXA2WXy0gDYhzNYZu8gKLGMN3PCj2q7CRkTLqVMrqDHR5cEzNrwVT6GJiAT4Kq0YaE02gET395_J0z6Gc/s200/United+States+Trip+208.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>PS: The photos; me and my best friend for 2 and 1/2 days, the view of Engaru from my room, me and Mr. Kamaya, the superintendent of schools. He and two teachers from Nishio popped in for a visit. Very kind. And a waffle I ate in Seattle. Yes, I know I have a butter problem. <br /></div><div> </div></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-40138762428758687442008-11-08T12:02:00.011-09:002008-11-29T12:51:52.633-09:00God Bless America!<div align="justify">Many thanks to everyone who provided Nova and I with shelter, good food and hugs during our trip to the US. We feel reinvigorated and ready to enjoy our last months in Japan.<br /><strong>San Francisco<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxwkMMzhSYsNVlcYQGIt2dy3ee-eqgc9suPyIjHf9hSs7S4Ev-jeiR0wrnjGWU4LHVwegP9BcJX8T7jiqcfdcnXfTOH3UoxDhwtxxOyjDdzi3hxmN6uwoIN1NtUSVKELLqolGYI7DEnHB/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267140138378058930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxwkMMzhSYsNVlcYQGIt2dy3ee-eqgc9suPyIjHf9hSs7S4Ev-jeiR0wrnjGWU4LHVwegP9BcJX8T7jiqcfdcnXfTOH3UoxDhwtxxOyjDdzi3hxmN6uwoIN1NtUSVKELLqolGYI7DEnHB/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+014.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVYSq5Xq-FjQcPTH_N5LN8KfuXfkYLXJ5FRz2TStIndlw91Yw6qLAO7bFespUPoVuB-P8WX2kfSV0R6eE539bXzJKn05-b-eQl_gHjFxMibcwXqfl8pTcwrKlxJWCEvXsaUAa0nbJZ5Mk/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267140143972558002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVYSq5Xq-FjQcPTH_N5LN8KfuXfkYLXJ5FRz2TStIndlw91Yw6qLAO7bFespUPoVuB-P8WX2kfSV0R6eE539bXzJKn05-b-eQl_gHjFxMibcwXqfl8pTcwrKlxJWCEvXsaUAa0nbJZ5Mk/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+018.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Seattle<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaeAoofcBE090VM4qYwz7Agxq2w1egRJuFm0e_FuGjQSQ9B19d3WG6UNK-DsKXTg32P1tfMH24_jEQmW-2pSkS9osGA4ptw-2TXXQSa7VzuBsuU26oPeuT3NMZoGxWK10qdgtPc8GhnA5/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267146684144954754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaeAoofcBE090VM4qYwz7Agxq2w1egRJuFm0e_FuGjQSQ9B19d3WG6UNK-DsKXTg32P1tfMH24_jEQmW-2pSkS9osGA4ptw-2TXXQSa7VzuBsuU26oPeuT3NMZoGxWK10qdgtPc8GhnA5/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+047.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dBxrMSEZdi45fJKlT5muhywlyOR_wgLit7u4lgWWu69SXPsgdhhEM46_sa-8C_RFvgs76hDWYZ8T0RoGWamYWPTDbI1LRVjXJLelEgKkE0QV7KFbiq2ck-atMOUFoqBxC_JHG160HvX9/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267145988081590722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dBxrMSEZdi45fJKlT5muhywlyOR_wgLit7u4lgWWu69SXPsgdhhEM46_sa-8C_RFvgs76hDWYZ8T0RoGWamYWPTDbI1LRVjXJLelEgKkE0QV7KFbiq2ck-atMOUFoqBxC_JHG160HvX9/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+083.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0RIm1wbgetspFmGizbpirpGD51pFqoG09f3QHgIa-HNyedHR587hYpAHRQyzja26eRYJBS0VYJJua7FjlCILvV7-SYBpPxfDilnz2gtg38wFnjtDCSiCKe5ZetltkTeOn4ge4qxaGVck/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+182.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267138349316697090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0RIm1wbgetspFmGizbpirpGD51pFqoG09f3QHgIa-HNyedHR587hYpAHRQyzja26eRYJBS0VYJJua7FjlCILvV7-SYBpPxfDilnz2gtg38wFnjtDCSiCKe5ZetltkTeOn4ge4qxaGVck/s200/United+States+Trip+182.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnypLX9mwMz6pEXPeu3z8S2oUSPKw0SbGHqmQeGjQ2u00k5tgM0fCKOV3g36IhyMwgPZ0xIHv4rE3PLq0BeopWfh3ubxc0nyYuU2BdVvcvOAqWwIJ6HmJVeFW4ErORo_t57jw9uJlCBzO/s1600-h/Chandra"></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnypLX9mwMz6pEXPeu3z8S2oUSPKw0SbGHqmQeGjQ2u00k5tgM0fCKOV3g36IhyMwgPZ0xIHv4rE3PLq0BeopWfh3ubxc0nyYuU2BdVvcvOAqWwIJ6HmJVeFW4ErORo_t57jw9uJlCBzO/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267142354820240082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnypLX9mwMz6pEXPeu3z8S2oUSPKw0SbGHqmQeGjQ2u00k5tgM0fCKOV3g36IhyMwgPZ0xIHv4rE3PLq0BeopWfh3ubxc0nyYuU2BdVvcvOAqWwIJ6HmJVeFW4ErORo_t57jw9uJlCBzO/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+097.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3x59VqoY7aLFQB3n3anRSmrOjjBxefNHeyq28dgHGYx6dWuftlCGZiA6QBt1DnQQn1kMw_CbOAAR86aF9dvn4rQAoeXzudC5my-uVB-uHhQ2usX1i5BMsjgzFS3pLtQGG6x2WBmAF5sk/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267142351659351650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3x59VqoY7aLFQB3n3anRSmrOjjBxefNHeyq28dgHGYx6dWuftlCGZiA6QBt1DnQQn1kMw_CbOAAR86aF9dvn4rQAoeXzudC5my-uVB-uHhQ2usX1i5BMsjgzFS3pLtQGG6x2WBmAF5sk/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+076.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Mow0Zo_8c6ZPxYvdF-rYBxkDDuxjMh1a32rI_BIEaCJ0jEsFsK6eYVlTSzZy3ctN7rGaBIer6FKPeMlHu1zDlNUGOmEiojc5NDawi1x04PUOjetlHPvQvgGbbL2sj6KAlZ3w9DbP4NL/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267140125294604850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Mow0Zo_8c6ZPxYvdF-rYBxkDDuxjMh1a32rI_BIEaCJ0jEsFsK6eYVlTSzZy3ctN7rGaBIer6FKPeMlHu1zDlNUGOmEiojc5NDawi1x04PUOjetlHPvQvgGbbL2sj6KAlZ3w9DbP4NL/s200/United+States+Trip+061.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Ohio</strong></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFROM3mCK-uec4K2jDoSZKEldYyBj53OTuEz4UXcQb197xzl_jeZw2kcI0L-GENjllhra50dQkz9lumXHTfHlDT5K0lwXIxnJILQuuWfsSYP0LOPrE6dEYB5AWO4UgY2seitUrYciTqIU/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267145994426045922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFROM3mCK-uec4K2jDoSZKEldYyBj53OTuEz4UXcQb197xzl_jeZw2kcI0L-GENjllhra50dQkz9lumXHTfHlDT5K0lwXIxnJILQuuWfsSYP0LOPrE6dEYB5AWO4UgY2seitUrYciTqIU/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+119.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3phyFa6luiLneNZ-TK3eMkryCaZZHmI65rY2OG1YYuA5xbNSXjBgZJwjWTG3kMg2xm00vaLX8N3qWK6TOLD2due9uaeBjVIY7KoC5ubbBoNMrXr_zz7sKCbR0rXuXG5q0uOSXd7F2WwP/s1600-h/3generations.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267138323216463810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3phyFa6luiLneNZ-TK3eMkryCaZZHmI65rY2OG1YYuA5xbNSXjBgZJwjWTG3kMg2xm00vaLX8N3qWK6TOLD2due9uaeBjVIY7KoC5ubbBoNMrXr_zz7sKCbR0rXuXG5q0uOSXd7F2WwP/s200/3generations.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgDZqYuLd9kf5FUKI14mDFY0gehDQQiZDitWBYza7BOOyvfkS5dGPNdUWj4_WmxiTbjO7BtxbVDd8af7MdSV3pFi9JXsL6pfmdQkyvT1ETBiPdQzA-PjPfa9rBhR7-BRpGWa7JZwsG4aE/s1600-h/Chandra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267146694636887570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgDZqYuLd9kf5FUKI14mDFY0gehDQQiZDitWBYza7BOOyvfkS5dGPNdUWj4_WmxiTbjO7BtxbVDd8af7MdSV3pFi9JXsL6pfmdQkyvT1ETBiPdQzA-PjPfa9rBhR7-BRpGWa7JZwsG4aE/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+132.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267140131950882834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh5Bf-slqXd0ju2t_Iq1s8OiBpH8rAa6TgWAt3KiW17DnLTrV42wZE8-BSvYSOT8RN2Lk3CHYe4rBGH6f__w9GEHOVnY55ZvCSJ6CNlImz2UxKxjMn-0Uftc7kSazT89UbDHmMrJW7qy4/s200/Chandra's+Ohio+trip+003.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPuHIScz6ibdJAmpwCSOX1WSDZPQwdt5RoSZwSO6ZxVdW0q5hV-cRc-adNWUEP5etjovIyG9PuU67IBr1BwZEA2pSKTbpw5so-J6mNh48kA7fxDtb8OtGwzg8t6vBDvmfCUM2fyEvacis/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267138344189313778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPuHIScz6ibdJAmpwCSOX1WSDZPQwdt5RoSZwSO6ZxVdW0q5hV-cRc-adNWUEP5etjovIyG9PuU67IBr1BwZEA2pSKTbpw5so-J6mNh48kA7fxDtb8OtGwzg8t6vBDvmfCUM2fyEvacis/s200/United+States+Trip+021.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGk9lLl72E9ZEClx6GZmwQbIJmbojBmpp6Yz3M8LVyXDINli3tJjjrqrtVXLwuLWB3Y3P5ZQrYLbiBG-SRjsayICdkNvawHRdSaz0e4hxoXr1lcTkHgK2GV9b0ifG55lM9Kq2wBw1Bzc8/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+070.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0AVhe95cyBmDREHuobJL88jTEpBIUTcfye4G_24OkaVVHD5ueq-uvmueAV2OA0bCaKI2BcgxLZYOFD0b7CL81enK85QLElfwM1pTpX67KByuaPqh5e405iEp6lTXqIk8fq_rD8A-Gt32/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+223.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJI30iPB36StmhZopFynqiPCCjEhYuH-aV7jA73xv6735OkJakC042eF2avkaErTrhYcB8anJ8DR76bM2m0retpjUAChSU2DliiwD9NDMSz4djBH8GGzeytsFv0lpKGEdZ87-pDizg7a4/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+243.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><strong>And back to Seattle</strong></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0AVhe95cyBmDREHuobJL88jTEpBIUTcfye4G_24OkaVVHD5ueq-uvmueAV2OA0bCaKI2BcgxLZYOFD0b7CL81enK85QLElfwM1pTpX67KByuaPqh5e405iEp6lTXqIk8fq_rD8A-Gt32/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267138355229073346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0AVhe95cyBmDREHuobJL88jTEpBIUTcfye4G_24OkaVVHD5ueq-uvmueAV2OA0bCaKI2BcgxLZYOFD0b7CL81enK85QLElfwM1pTpX67KByuaPqh5e405iEp6lTXqIk8fq_rD8A-Gt32/s200/United+States+Trip+223.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGk9lLl72E9ZEClx6GZmwQbIJmbojBmpp6Yz3M8LVyXDINli3tJjjrqrtVXLwuLWB3Y3P5ZQrYLbiBG-SRjsayICdkNvawHRdSaz0e4hxoXr1lcTkHgK2GV9b0ifG55lM9Kq2wBw1Bzc8/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267138334482991314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGk9lLl72E9ZEClx6GZmwQbIJmbojBmpp6Yz3M8LVyXDINli3tJjjrqrtVXLwuLWB3Y3P5ZQrYLbiBG-SRjsayICdkNvawHRdSaz0e4hxoXr1lcTkHgK2GV9b0ifG55lM9Kq2wBw1Bzc8/s200/United+States+Trip+070.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJI30iPB36StmhZopFynqiPCCjEhYuH-aV7jA73xv6735OkJakC042eF2avkaErTrhYcB8anJ8DR76bM2m0retpjUAChSU2DliiwD9NDMSz4djBH8GGzeytsFv0lpKGEdZ87-pDizg7a4/s1600-h/United+States+Trip+243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267149415695794274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJI30iPB36StmhZopFynqiPCCjEhYuH-aV7jA73xv6735OkJakC042eF2avkaErTrhYcB8anJ8DR76bM2m0retpjUAChSU2DliiwD9NDMSz4djBH8GGzeytsFv0lpKGEdZ87-pDizg7a4/s200/United+States+Trip+243.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-37386554892519765402008-09-22T21:11:00.007-08:002008-09-22T22:25:09.169-08:00Our Second Jinja Festival (video coming soon)I promised last year I would try to get more info on the origins of this festival but a clear definition still eludes me. Nonetheless, here are some photos and descriptions of the day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP0A_niHT2N3z7pEEzm20O9TDmBE7Bi66mTlPIpTioSofNGyKslTPtBOCePweOXqpV08k8hwR5SyRP4pcjEqtqEkYhR_jwQwyIIW5tWimSRiMpXDqIl1KwRtFoWaUxQg-JaNWL_ScsXb_/s1600-h/September+II+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249086562707845186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP0A_niHT2N3z7pEEzm20O9TDmBE7Bi66mTlPIpTioSofNGyKslTPtBOCePweOXqpV08k8hwR5SyRP4pcjEqtqEkYhR_jwQwyIIW5tWimSRiMpXDqIl1KwRtFoWaUxQg-JaNWL_ScsXb_/s400/September+II+051.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is a lantern outside what could be a restaurant or perhaps a meeting place for a secret society (we've never been brave enough to check it out). A rare sight on the usually dark and deserted village streets. A sign of things to come. <em>And</em> I like the photo for it's Japanesey-ness, don't you? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCFyAidA4xkB7ED3Q_3fG1pw0v6uVDzly-FzCvbQk4CQozw5aHs9Ig_2rGlo9AwBnT7k6J9BlhVDXlQmTDTaIq59pw86A6YPkwJU5NwqP8CkirZhFbEtRx-1cZ8wr65mKpqaw5PlnptWH/s1600-h/September+II+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082167816951346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCFyAidA4xkB7ED3Q_3fG1pw0v6uVDzly-FzCvbQk4CQozw5aHs9Ig_2rGlo9AwBnT7k6J9BlhVDXlQmTDTaIq59pw86A6YPkwJU5NwqP8CkirZhFbEtRx-1cZ8wr65mKpqaw5PlnptWH/s400/September+II+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> Volunteers were up late into the night making hundreds, heck maybe <em>thousands</em>, of mochi balls for the morning's festivities. Along the parade's procession route and after a ceremony at each stop, onlookers are pelted with these sticky rice balls. For live action mochi pelting see video. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nXL6wVH40dM4Jp2xU233gBMTeCsd-yn0Iwn2fmwXHFizini_lRPVifbxIdMheOzMjsuK8pA6MX8wVBesz1-gOmTmmAEg4B6kzRoFQIM2heSE96Cjb813OYU6D9TAzuSZNSzP5beoRBnh/s1600-h/September+II+026.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7Y_WFiyJZJNm_FEtRrFd24jCqGX3Zz3Twzo_vJpWgdr3jhI11T3QuiJLChLiePlCOiLDj7Lbw1cqVzkhpYKNN28TojWw5t-oU6EHP1twoUMV-OBwJmpDKupwM4z6oOxu_xyq87_bk_8i/s1600-h/September+II+099.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082174703319538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7Y_WFiyJZJNm_FEtRrFd24jCqGX3Zz3Twzo_vJpWgdr3jhI11T3QuiJLChLiePlCOiLDj7Lbw1cqVzkhpYKNN28TojWw5t-oU6EHP1twoUMV-OBwJmpDKupwM4z6oOxu_xyq87_bk_8i/s400/September+II+099.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was another September scorcher and Nova's second time to dress up for the 3 hour procession. The crown, a cause of much drama and discomfort was ditched not long after this photo was taken.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249085314551050962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu34XORoV_M18ky4QYvoDhHEZR5G3s0lG3POmPlS8mPVqNlCdQ201xcGWQeYph9CfMEjY_tJoe8VJMZH_IYy-kuuI5Bz0ES7tsZpxYtAu4D8R0iJy7ad0JLeqs3ij59lFayIbfXd_k7GBO/s400/September+II+229.jpg" border="0" /> Shawn was invited to ride the flatbed carrying the shrine replica along the route. He helped hoist the massively heavy artifact to the blessing stops. These guys start pounding the beers at 9:30 am. By early afternoon they are sleeping it off for phase two later that night. For Japanese style alcohol consumption see video.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ltkexq3Nl3LOFlrI3zSAYA6NZ8n8iYJ4-W-gq1d0IMfDaoQMjV11AYp0jZ7-qSK0Q3ZqE5K8eT4Vj3AuOAGbQto7KIDzwimLDy1st-XfXxtSJ7J9j1YZsQnMFMhPKSZrs5hiF2RHCLfM/s1600-h/September+II+153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082181175290242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ltkexq3Nl3LOFlrI3zSAYA6NZ8n8iYJ4-W-gq1d0IMfDaoQMjV11AYp0jZ7-qSK0Q3ZqE5K8eT4Vj3AuOAGbQto7KIDzwimLDy1st-XfXxtSJ7J9j1YZsQnMFMhPKSZrs5hiF2RHCLfM/s400/September+II+153.jpg" border="0" /></a> School kids followed shrine heavers with fans to keep them cool.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249085308289192386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU1T4XgU9zmtzzlYZ0RofZR8ew1jQ3SulCHqTCcwr8pz93bxuJL9YhzuY-LHpsioHXdVrQAdu0BiNpQPLG-5uK2DHV28Fm8PbstYXEOmNIXdtoRU5bgoVaeyWamnrDJXFUFQQY5JhuE7b/s400/September+II+188.jpg" border="0" /> This year's deity gets some air between gigs.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TNGCq0-4DWz0bM4ZV5l3W1eqHzL7MtTjSNmN50TpyWd3CKiiZmZH-6GrIp9-olPfca_VUjFp1KSEB8JRETNU12rzMEv1CCDzKnNuX8-avUCZ6SjLl1takn1z7XdAOFyqzuEVVL_xwE0p/s1600-h/September+II+173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082190182625618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TNGCq0-4DWz0bM4ZV5l3W1eqHzL7MtTjSNmN50TpyWd3CKiiZmZH-6GrIp9-olPfca_VUjFp1KSEB8JRETNU12rzMEv1CCDzKnNuX8-avUCZ6SjLl1takn1z7XdAOFyqzuEVVL_xwE0p/s400/September+II+173.jpg" border="0" /></a> One of the dozen or so offering tables that each neighborhood association presents for a blessing.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249085311681159330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx6uAzJ5ks-ViMHF4ZIPyFf4KOfCxbFNmYx86pizJ32TIqxm0fKott3d0OGeN-ds20qDBAfLW7sER0fIqNucaOCRE5IS5yTp4ycn4UBmMe8ECfcOehrKTCa33HMdilEkwoVw9ONYhJkWb/s400/September+II+212.jpg" border="0" />Onlookers from the stop at the nursing home. When I grow old I shall wear purple.....and a giant sunhat just like this one. <br /><br /><br />A friendly sumo competition takes place after the day's long walk. To see Nova's arse kicking sumo debut see the video.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249085313625572146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ55iH5tn5nmzlwPtFyg-7cN40apwuawParAfkdKW2CQTOjpmQcWqdW4haPf8YURx8rWEPDwBgGI12Sf0_UsPX94YD06WSJicFg6YkqbKF-C6bpOq8b63N2GddmJLxHm5eDkopHEW1uK5/s400/September+II+279.jpg" border="0" />Despite generally not knowing what was going on and why, for these seasoned veterans this year's Jinja Festival was a total blast! To define confusion and total blast see video.Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-50566881791854274022008-09-09T17:15:00.008-08:002008-09-09T19:06:44.681-08:00Grandparents and Recreation DaysNova's school hosted a grandparent's day event this month.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244205627859799138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBfPzIUMbCggqkU-TKMukNTnUiPzv8Z5j-BTnBY6xjfFOgU_H0omPZCTHCWjbVWeCyzfI6gnzlum1ky_fmr3fu63vUlZn54o_lLPBJIcXQXldVXfNM91DBWIN1iE93XK9IM3F78fnaO8S/s400/September+194.jpg" border="0" /><br />Grandparents lined up for formal speeches by the children.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQfcPVOD1e504QMcQ8EWMOrFIW0eAfF16Uoz2Ut3FerDLYKld3RkpAQcKonw-9vjGlzBzSJ3S3NWueBqPKZ2PKtnMx5c_x_HugYi5sVKBkgyDqsdh1-1io1othJc7fKKcXsvjDt9yzPrG/s1600-h/September+188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244205622195819138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQfcPVOD1e504QMcQ8EWMOrFIW0eAfF16Uoz2Ut3FerDLYKld3RkpAQcKonw-9vjGlzBzSJ3S3NWueBqPKZ2PKtnMx5c_x_HugYi5sVKBkgyDqsdh1-1io1othJc7fKKcXsvjDt9yzPrG/s400/September+188.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nova's bow has nice form here. I'm impressed that she recited the entire speech in Japanese though she refused to tell me later what it meant.<br /><br />Students and teachers worked hard to prepare hand-made ring toss and pin ball stations. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244204209223917826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSP3JNw7FibEWM9FjxoUKwmClPhyUa2wcbsDN3VNbll0qg05rtgA66EivW6tRm8G7lMWhSl9WeIMutedWUzSUaIZBn2x67jMZThzAMBWtc6gnccQdNdGNwGoddj2lkxTuKV8B0qOafonyC/s400/September+140.jpg" border="0" /><br />In an adjacent room Nova, Kurumi and Takayuki man the food stand, calling out <em>irashai masei</em>, how can we help you?! <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244204220381518018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag2pVf5kQf5HOsQmvtI24Mikcv-_XcAufeLLasnsOsbghTFKYxTM1D-2y6X03yyvE4UO478iYg5ZlXQTcamhh5WEvWzoaopLbU6VKqkd99qVEcybpzApAkohhCJfKI2yopcFjrovTHXKI/s400/September+152.jpg" border="0" /><br />The curry and rice, and "hamburg" were the first to sell out. These plates of construction paper food looked good enough to eat. <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244204215735222850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6CVYP-FHIGLKdlomxf8Us8HFMwoENuhsx08V2wy_2pqYm-_f1tIV3gHwtI18lgHqFkVEX7ehTdRLSPoJFH84w5xT7D9HeRRVr2pVVvtBSAXq3Q45aIliRUZwX6bGVPkT5Q9p8S1aKwag/s400/September+159.jpg" border="0" /><br />Grandparents sat down to their paper meals and some real refreshment. <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244204215427432722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKVaX9-fjXGuimXMj9Y5qcuYnTk6hED_F_GlBYhC0EDFQ8XS6oDk9k-EvBYAWJT25OVJuvDNI-X5G8jKycXVSM19nCakhNFbY2DFWVHa2jORj5Yrxq0RfnG0MPfhv_QdO9cwr4XVfVVyK/s400/September+147.jpg" border="0" />Grandmothers and grandfathers played along with such pride. The camera phones were out in force.<br /><br />Another feature, an art show of portraits of their new teacher, a young university student doing his internship in Nishiokoppe. If you're curious, here's what he looks like. <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244204206181913282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtoDW4KpytdxMuegL4XL6xqnZ0Zp2XAAfxljUBuwc7rz_O0R_1obL-v7nzzd7QfNSWrJ5f1BtMiuoRipOBMcrM5qoaNUjrKkMFKtFUfjWBtb8KOc-69y1esuZlUC6MEvdxQd5pZmi14IA/s400/September+137.jpg" border="0" />Nova's classmate recites the opening speech to eating real snacks at the end of the day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaNXyWnMSG__6LGwESwH6dOgAnCgDB-uyXOm2fLlWJ115RTbM2c0DDBcNsa7vEp2lKRhEMvxNNWiuTnmbN1LdQ1tDtyBJ14l3iErPiEogiJHthyr4J-RvShknJMUOcLjjxi5lzWweJQci/s1600-h/September+228.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244205629627089250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaNXyWnMSG__6LGwESwH6dOgAnCgDB-uyXOm2fLlWJ115RTbM2c0DDBcNsa7vEp2lKRhEMvxNNWiuTnmbN1LdQ1tDtyBJ14l3iErPiEogiJHthyr4J-RvShknJMUOcLjjxi5lzWweJQci/s400/September+228.jpg" border="0" /></a> Loved this woman's smile.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q7y3ygo_dt6Vb45tMRgVvmKJPISIkD86J6utpEzHxPGg8ynXpWr0HQkvjVqi_eYyp3V_lPFp01cNdlbkzvxhFAxXmRPcwbxBH2xFo_xD9-yHm0EEz-oammJmXVkLmUaxO5ruOardKjIM/s1600-h/September+280.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244205634454006306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q7y3ygo_dt6Vb45tMRgVvmKJPISIkD86J6utpEzHxPGg8ynXpWr0HQkvjVqi_eYyp3V_lPFp01cNdlbkzvxhFAxXmRPcwbxBH2xFo_xD9-yHm0EEz-oammJmXVkLmUaxO5ruOardKjIM/s400/September+280.jpg" border="0" /></a>Grandparent's day! What a great way to honor these family members and show off the kid's talents. Wish we had something similar at the schools in Juneau.<br /><br />Then there was recreation day..... I have to admit that I <em>dreaded</em> the prospect of spending 5 hours of my Sunday doing relay races with Nova's classmates and their parents. But as you can see, it ended up being pretty fun.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-0AofoTWxw0eFhMuW9Htu1fzLKbE5vuD2jT0wbMFs7DP536LUaOE01JaTYs3UZXcgZdj7ea6Kj2surgkPWHxqPjI6BnTQfSaet0ipc3uM3YYB7N6UOb_LxbdYfnKz8mN7O_7XirapdmB/s1600-h/September+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201656697091122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-0AofoTWxw0eFhMuW9Htu1fzLKbE5vuD2jT0wbMFs7DP536LUaOE01JaTYs3UZXcgZdj7ea6Kj2surgkPWHxqPjI6BnTQfSaet0ipc3uM3YYB7N6UOb_LxbdYfnKz8mN7O_7XirapdmB/s400/September+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> That's Nova we're dragging in the blanket. The goal, to whip your kid across the floor and around the cone without them flying off. <br /><p>It seems that every public event has to have a strange sweet bread element. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quU-Cz2rIANIRWC_KwSpKvvWtfX3Yk2y_9I3C8A2sEEj1MhHWMGJ2QWPflyGY1dAs52Pq-86Q4UgvVXM7LAqgstLmSuTzCNrrLk14n_lBxqCQeHTDCk3DO42lLDjnC19sRggbUIluV4n/s1600-h/September+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201664257843186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quU-Cz2rIANIRWC_KwSpKvvWtfX3Yk2y_9I3C8A2sEEj1MhHWMGJ2QWPflyGY1dAs52Pq-86Q4UgvVXM7LAqgstLmSuTzCNrrLk14n_lBxqCQeHTDCk3DO42lLDjnC19sRggbUIluV4n/s400/September+048.jpg" border="0" /></a> Students and parents have to run up and grab a bag of anko bread with their mouths.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3iHvYHzgVDDwnGY01JDCDQGalgs2moR8ApxGPGDjUNV9IlowEYGL5z00twi2srwaP5kjyaGlnz1IOEYQSM-fFeqxxL-c73NZLDDH39K6wt7RiH8nM0Hyt1TcpsHYD56NK8dALBO-Pt5y/s1600-h/September+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201665534510514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3iHvYHzgVDDwnGY01JDCDQGalgs2moR8ApxGPGDjUNV9IlowEYGL5z00twi2srwaP5kjyaGlnz1IOEYQSM-fFeqxxL-c73NZLDDH39K6wt7RiH8nM0Hyt1TcpsHYD56NK8dALBO-Pt5y/s400/September+058.jpg" border="0" /></a> Not humiliating at all. Nor is being pushed across the gym on a tiny tricycle by your daughter.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiiJ3nJg7VycaIUQB2RmMBhzJ_Ioy6yvllnDhg7xGM4uqKhAcaetZcvHgNUyXeU1HgBYBoql33xCCjmqI1wtyexRTOAMija7NtR2NR6hLaHGi_0I8GVlSNpqzu1EJoWXbZA5uaWOHZzgD/s1600-h/September+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201671020214514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiiJ3nJg7VycaIUQB2RmMBhzJ_Ioy6yvllnDhg7xGM4uqKhAcaetZcvHgNUyXeU1HgBYBoql33xCCjmqI1wtyexRTOAMija7NtR2NR6hLaHGi_0I8GVlSNpqzu1EJoWXbZA5uaWOHZzgD/s400/September+049.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Ganbate</em>, Nova.... you can do it!</p><p>Chinoske takes a rest on his dad's shoulders after a long day of recreating.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5ClWmr-2DftVD-G6dJMuUiaXKaGdnhHHlu1h3CcGLSoE_lLgPe7-q0POYhUftVmZHyosFzJKGCz_aYOaglp9jCdKg8E1m6CgKydKDGMgupE-GEFDUaUqtKddIqw86_VbXETT9ePBp0hE/s1600-h/September+104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244201675346537378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5ClWmr-2DftVD-G6dJMuUiaXKaGdnhHHlu1h3CcGLSoE_lLgPe7-q0POYhUftVmZHyosFzJKGCz_aYOaglp9jCdKg8E1m6CgKydKDGMgupE-GEFDUaUqtKddIqw86_VbXETT9ePBp0hE/s400/September+104.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Oh, and our team won!Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-37016860840775140882008-08-11T00:32:00.008-08:002008-08-21T00:17:38.230-08:00Remembering Emily FrugoliSad news today. Our dear friend Emily Frugoli has passed away. She was 32 years old.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236881007673069826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn5NE6WUiCcoB4ve68B6CosyV88hRnlFU1L__4VEoODHIAvnET8_Ll27lnskVzm_1yV-jnsxY_F1_KJsrOjSxspDeLPQkHRyRsvcKcjcjDfwoE1mTiOjZc9DzntTlyq6-rpFHq5Mcx61h/s400/Emily.jpg" border="0" />Some of you will remember her from your visits to Eugene. She was certainly unforgettable. Emily was one of a kind. She had a childlike spirit that was contagious. She had a magic about her that never stopped. She loved to play. Emily gave the best hugs. She squeezed you tight, and released you covered in body glitter, her wonderful trademark scent on your clothes for days to come. Emily devoted a huge part of herself to her work with children with special needs. She was a great teacher. She loved children. A friendship with Emily was like falling in love.<br /><br />Some of my favorite memories are trips to the hot springs, trips to the Oregon coast. Hours spent primping for nights out on the town. Rearranging furniture and redecorating our apartments. She lived in our garage for a time, covered it in tapestries and her sister’s artwork, images of the goddess everywhere. Sharing nachos in the Santa Fe Burrito parking lot. Her garden. Her friendship with Shawn. Her love for Brody. Riding bikes through Eugene. Spending days together simply talking. Laughing, laughing, laughing. <br /><br />Her friendship supported me through my pregnancy. She loved to rub my pregnant belly and talk to “the Sea Monkey”. She was at the hospital after Nova was born. Nova went home with a fleck of body glitter embedded in her bald head that stayed there for months, (maybe it's still there) baptized by an Emily embrace. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236881007045515522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSXN90D5hvC-55z-uiBZe0bvhZunwCdD-MJVh5dedbhyphenhyphensa6pOwELMzlO5jVIsuqBwmB7FqE5IEhN9f2jhZerCIH3BDqrmqRTbXbpmj36hdDHvnVbht5HeaASNXjWUgMWJJOA4jyv8BXyz/s400/Emily+and+Nova.jpg" border="0" /> I will never forget that smile, or that laugh, or her voice singing out songs of the earth, the goddess and everlasting friendship over and over until I too knew them by heart.<br /><br />We miss you like crazy Emily, you are always with us.Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-7856510700090796782008-08-10T00:32:00.000-08:002008-08-21T00:00:49.518-08:00What we did on our summer vacation....The Japanese school year takes a three week break in August. Since Shawn is technically a city employee, that meant he had to spend those three hot weeks in the B.O.E. (bureau of education) office. Too much for any sane person to bear, we broke free with a few paid vacation days and borrowed the village tent to go camping.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQwSb0vw3zBLFy9HazMaS5BMtTmn-7AiIb0HSlR9SeF_fckJYriAQTYhdhHccfDVB4C5eJ74gXUjCwuVCS-xTylDgimDFBaLwNadEryZYsukDWJviMjSb4MRchkWcQxIrUOuS-nVutWPv/s1600-h/August+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235629277048675010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQwSb0vw3zBLFy9HazMaS5BMtTmn-7AiIb0HSlR9SeF_fckJYriAQTYhdhHccfDVB4C5eJ74gXUjCwuVCS-xTylDgimDFBaLwNadEryZYsukDWJviMjSb4MRchkWcQxIrUOuS-nVutWPv/s400/August+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is what our tent had to say about camping in Japan. "Putting yourselves in Nature is one of the best ways to reflect on yourselves, to soften your heart and to refresh body and soul. We know how great nature is and how nice field life is." Here, here!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5diotO2cDipya2zHF0zHnH_h8M9IwuG0DnqLMubaG6PoyK5ImwUjGRgWNU9hd28cjhn8tfN6TCUZ7qziIfFKcKLAo_ETJpVjK2moY1T8t1y8TRJB7JUAoUJ5_hpQkH7RcQ50YUtCy6jB/s1600-h/August+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235629280331256546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5diotO2cDipya2zHF0zHnH_h8M9IwuG0DnqLMubaG6PoyK5ImwUjGRgWNU9hd28cjhn8tfN6TCUZ7qziIfFKcKLAo_ETJpVjK2moY1T8t1y8TRJB7JUAoUJ5_hpQkH7RcQ50YUtCy6jB/s400/August+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> We didn't realize that borrowing the "village tent" meant it was big enough to fit the entire village inside! This campsite was free and a half hour outside of the big city of Asahikawa.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XxapLggJGn-VsHpbGep0bBfsaNVLe0BRotUqUEWEdGtmZLQt5vXnQjsTg41HQETBUiVbIo3Q9-ZOM8u8vWTHaLXxmg8n4rqhp8aO3T0hcSQkVTSXshiRq6MeFzkkCxOc09PDlMcvEYOx/s1600-h/August+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235629289080877538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XxapLggJGn-VsHpbGep0bBfsaNVLe0BRotUqUEWEdGtmZLQt5vXnQjsTg41HQETBUiVbIo3Q9-ZOM8u8vWTHaLXxmg8n4rqhp8aO3T0hcSQkVTSXshiRq6MeFzkkCxOc09PDlMcvEYOx/s400/August+033.jpg" border="0" /></a> A day at the beach. Most beaches in Hokkaido are littered with these ugly cement pylons. Despite unseemly anti-beach erosion devices, this is our favorite coastal stop, a 20 minute drive from Nishiokoppe.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KrqA0T9a76qxvOPJcegbgwJzOL2yKOQIZ89SzWqu24G4agG5d0VGqN4JXZ_EnPLLMY1SxchRjuTjhU_H8vQy2gjzLmlTh4r1B8IYgW5DXTkONAK2fxWvlFMtKEaKw0SRfhbUf6WFRJkX/s1600-h/August+135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235629293448014114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KrqA0T9a76qxvOPJcegbgwJzOL2yKOQIZ89SzWqu24G4agG5d0VGqN4JXZ_EnPLLMY1SxchRjuTjhU_H8vQy2gjzLmlTh4r1B8IYgW5DXTkONAK2fxWvlFMtKEaKw0SRfhbUf6WFRJkX/s400/August+135.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kelp laid out to dry. Nova's favorite snack is nori (dried seaweed). Sure beats Dorritos.<br /><br />Tanabata Festival was held over the school break. Our very generous neighbors, the Otosakas, hosted us for our first "star festival". It celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair), across the Milky Way. They are allowed to meet only once a year across this river of stars on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZF84RHGS7uAn3Vhz-atGbzUSLwe73WS2CxZ7w82BxVuITpRiLwNaF-8orpayr3VEuQSHHSAhXeYjStNZyQ3I9eTqUFOFxm3hnZUj5ejpIgB0XZJBXTfydt5zgo6ARN1H7kpGMhCDcfgJ/s1600-h/August+II+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233177793226526834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZF84RHGS7uAn3Vhz-atGbzUSLwe73WS2CxZ7w82BxVuITpRiLwNaF-8orpayr3VEuQSHHSAhXeYjStNZyQ3I9eTqUFOFxm3hnZUj5ejpIgB0XZJBXTfydt5zgo6ARN1H7kpGMhCDcfgJ/s400/August+II+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sachi and Ruyua's mom, decorates a tree outside the house. It is customary to attach paper wishes to branches for Tanabata.<br /><p>Sachi lent Nova a yukata she hadn't grown into yet. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233179225338780898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Iu2R9O737MRQp-nc_4_nPxX33w8f1iO3FZTMI0S5-jXFTLdoQ8cXdLXClPISHRiOhhytCWPG7MkVQzgrKzMsMHIhUaBErSgYDWqPwD6hXMT_9TE_fwBIMVVeOTkJdjdAdmKhU50_zfx3/s400/August+II+097.jpg" border="0" /> Nova and Wakkava patiently allow themselves to be layered and spun and cinched by the obi, a very long and wide sash. Both boys and girls wear yukata to summer festivals, a less formal and lighter form of the kimono.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPH3jXt9AlU_ENxxRj_JxVM-iqrVcQRpkFHJZVqE52jrMfIvRRLhFAk21hEqOmc3HW__WCBzRimXaPEhhJmLOmjOc-bLo7Lt6OHiTApOMjtjBlKHwrwWBC4RBarm3IyCVPji4VcQbEgeB/s1600-h/August+II+093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233177799420827698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPH3jXt9AlU_ENxxRj_JxVM-iqrVcQRpkFHJZVqE52jrMfIvRRLhFAk21hEqOmc3HW__WCBzRimXaPEhhJmLOmjOc-bLo7Lt6OHiTApOMjtjBlKHwrwWBC4RBarm3IyCVPji4VcQbEgeB/s400/August+II+093.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nishiokoppe street's notorious band of merry makers. "Kawaii, ne?"<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233177806711261730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_onpfUZQ2EYCCM_3VmLXgE2sTT0eNTcRSU6McsXlxu4fLP7bjThFAdz3SK7KgsYeMSCesxmayPD1egDMm42Muo2J7juKuwwUg0aNMClCGfM6aOiLDINDMrKK8rBOsi1LiglIBzaeBD-n/s400/August+II+141.jpg" border="0" />Nova's sensei gave her these traditional shoes which despite being uncomfortable, Nova was thrilled to wear. Chizue-sensei also kindly offered me her own beautiful yukata for the night. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235629267599037394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoI-Z0PlmzrYepo-P871nYe8Fayj2LidRb7LDVeqZZ4foIqA_rfdJnwT4tIrz7Hpw84HWYgBia_A5M0TAYT8IKg2mN03P8fw7eXziKK58OAiy8FS-jnDYE0AcPKA5eH63DlpYUo47O1eA/s400/kimono.jpg" border="0" />Incidentally, I was the <em>only</em> adult dressed like this at Nishiokoppe's Tanabata festival. A year ago I would have felt very self conscious and a little pissed off that no one gave me a head's-up. After a year of feeling this way, I'm over it...... I felt pretty and proud to be the only grown up in traditional clothing.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233177814755523138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRSDz1yP1oaxp1bUJ8tkkrMsR0TdhpV5sQCRZTlpoECIioa977eNxDG0cCsDAALkUJMvDMDPEGu6ii0wKpMaGR1kPkhhfImFcrLlfVl5qMx9suw2AGu3Eb9xeH_jbm8HCrY4my04chvz3/s400/August+II+175.jpg" border="0" /> The village put on a great fireworks display. Lots of oooohs, and aaaaahs.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswzxiSCkoOtH00epKIp4V16kaE2xafE4Mot4JdoySULSxX0kx-joBE6hf5QR8qe7VgSEmOvivpjU3uH3us_yJGBZOYGvgUzcb7qPac_4PUxGKfWhsFCUrcUkHgN09PqAZ3ELnqv6K3oVb/s1600-h/August+II+171.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233177803341799922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswzxiSCkoOtH00epKIp4V16kaE2xafE4Mot4JdoySULSxX0kx-joBE6hf5QR8qe7VgSEmOvivpjU3uH3us_yJGBZOYGvgUzcb7qPac_4PUxGKfWhsFCUrcUkHgN09PqAZ3ELnqv6K3oVb/s400/August+II+171.jpg" border="0" /></a> And then the kids went to town for I swear, an hour, with these giant sparklers. I seriously kept expecting the burn unit to rush in and extinguish some of those long yukata sleeves.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235631628084200034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GBbMGixabLF2IYpo53fDIVSCdx9K9LSj0fg8r6diXB5HMU9W8F0OorHECK8U0_nPQYPja2XVDguDC24sLsibic40yy8HF0CqquDlGboLzFR77_xhcB-hJsfedfGlbIGSNpmqocBXlhOm/s400/August+II+194.jpg" border="0" />After fireworks kids teamed up with parents and roved the streets of Nishiokoppe. Wearing glow in the dark bracelets, they were on the lookout for homes with a light on, to signal fair game for the Japanese form of "trick or treating".<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233179228794233058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMnfNAMeDtSSu0ALRuevzJC_Er4mflccCjm6L45sF_GUVBk4RyHwZS48xdgFeJcLNTQEs92yLNBsIApvjmm2oDpGs55k-NM37jpoZSQJI-OKZfsIuykQxx5IS6SBjy2x73tcrzJa30sve/s400/August+II+206.jpg" border="0" /> Nova's bag-o-loot. Lots of shrimp flavored crackers, cookies, even a can of green tea.</p>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-63045398617811486352008-07-30T17:35:00.007-08:002008-07-30T18:55:51.224-08:00Staying Cool<div align="center"> The power of UV.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRlWi565ZitHxb98RJPakStdpg7tNOnQxG4Tt76Y9YZLxG3t3u3ssn3ztPp3AwNod-6e4GfkkCqO0NtAIimAVCYQ4ATEbe4ECtgD_ie4T9vtdtyDqTYk-efw-ocH7lsJuIBe4EoUj-gE7/s1600-h/July+004.jpg"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228988654618253346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRlWi565ZitHxb98RJPakStdpg7tNOnQxG4Tt76Y9YZLxG3t3u3ssn3ztPp3AwNod-6e4GfkkCqO0NtAIimAVCYQ4ATEbe4ECtgD_ie4T9vtdtyDqTYk-efw-ocH7lsJuIBe4EoUj-gE7/s400/July+004.jpg" border="0" /></a>I always wondered how they clean the dirty kid grime off the balls in the Komu (indoor wooden playground). Like futons, which aren't laundered, they let ultra violet light do it's thing on a sunny day. Cool!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvHzYUuUMJEkhgrklmRcuHoW2AFNkCpRW5HTMZLRVxoefHnArEChxv6R0DruDeW4YC_nL7QMjbHKPHOV0FpTkHpMElsEnFMhueyceqj0EJItqdkN8E-UNOgs1uWJNAqrRjefedo0Ro_LD/s1600-h/July+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228988658595105154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvHzYUuUMJEkhgrklmRcuHoW2AFNkCpRW5HTMZLRVxoefHnArEChxv6R0DruDeW4YC_nL7QMjbHKPHOV0FpTkHpMElsEnFMhueyceqj0EJItqdkN8E-UNOgs1uWJNAqrRjefedo0Ro_LD/s400/July+050.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sachi and Nova, the princesses of Nishiokoppe Street, get the royal treatment and cool off in their backyard onsen.<br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Ohara-san took us to an ice tunnel and we were on t.v..... again. The camera man asked me to describe how I felt when I looked at it. I frantically think of all the adjectives I know in Japanese and string 5 together. One of several mortifying television appearances in the last year. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTRc1I70Y-_b2fOpCN8-78g_TON-OgxH-svsID_ELyPqNqj72dbeCfNFSVv1rgWaMqqdriaD4Kra33g4NbYqxN-etdytfoHkwGEmyYVuqujF7V0xkEsW-RHkPQQvmoyDheZ6Gpsq4FKTo/s1600-h/July+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228988663578882162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTRc1I70Y-_b2fOpCN8-78g_TON-OgxH-svsID_ELyPqNqj72dbeCfNFSVv1rgWaMqqdriaD4Kra33g4NbYqxN-etdytfoHkwGEmyYVuqujF7V0xkEsW-RHkPQQvmoyDheZ6Gpsq4FKTo/s400/July+074.jpg" border="0" /></a>Snow falls between the mountains on either side, the river melts a hole through the middle and <em>voila</em>, ice tunnel in July!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228988673371382914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq0P2XGBfDZ0THnd5sregsTJPiJWweaDEHxE1D6-zWo-lwR5SsCK0j14AQdpS8N3d9UOUb3p0_xi3tEk09sFe8AZeIQMCmoFXgdcKGtsRZ98EkOk-cxEhfXbaYDob8Iz7LIS_5hFqsQS0/s400/July+121.jpg" border="0" />A breezy wetlands hike on the coast of Monbetsu.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228995901461071106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_849GNEW_ohK4hCD52KXaGPuM0kHLvt34Arg410NCxryXz-TpQTLatcYPKtY6mbBZNCdwrCHYmfZsscSJCkSc6uI9r7b0QK3qAZfZYUtenJx8g-9j_YwU4yI21y95IWbQNgKQFeQMCPv/s400/July+106.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228995896527300834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrsc0WGSyyJvGt-jw01MlBFD6rLC6BrM7Alo1zEBiPJ-3wuUKGxFdkoEhRfpQ7zpGT37KNDDtioooVdw9yOTKN0H0evcp0RuNXCkBncZ8DLC-JUzA3oX7hHxakezX6o2JJ3qnGYCqBdkU/s400/July+090.jpg" border="0" />Stay cool. </div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-71672034063368630202008-07-22T16:23:00.015-08:002008-07-22T18:08:11.611-08:00Summer Love<div align="center">He loves me.....</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6bV2RERjcCASOvBEWiRz9AHlkEQzSAGm5NZeA_ND5A5rN6MuBQU1t7frikggcF9HPWUOSnzEvmC3bnNZscCqHHsVAw8JfIMHeMXggbTYyVEv90vhD2rJjteppxnTJgXmcsDVUI2WgMhA/s1600-h/July+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226024296076561778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6bV2RERjcCASOvBEWiRz9AHlkEQzSAGm5NZeA_ND5A5rN6MuBQU1t7frikggcF9HPWUOSnzEvmC3bnNZscCqHHsVAw8JfIMHeMXggbTYyVEv90vhD2rJjteppxnTJgXmcsDVUI2WgMhA/s400/July+018.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ok, he loves me not.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIEa0nNMNYFXK9vrweaKEzDbkZ6Z_akhyswNOtEpkyr1DHZ9utb-O4Jx97TQHrCW4Y9NOUGDugZDmcbQs0HOiZ7I053XxUIK8Q0lwINnxXUbe7VF8DacBG6OgczxwGwrDcq2kjtuN4FCO/s1600-h/July+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226024304615177298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIEa0nNMNYFXK9vrweaKEzDbkZ6Z_akhyswNOtEpkyr1DHZ9utb-O4Jx97TQHrCW4Y9NOUGDugZDmcbQs0HOiZ7I053XxUIK8Q0lwINnxXUbe7VF8DacBG6OgczxwGwrDcq2kjtuN4FCO/s400/July+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nova, clearly bewildered has finally met her match. </div><div align="center">What will become of these two neighborhood friends? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">To be continued..... <br /></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-69241828156110703322008-07-22T16:23:00.006-08:002008-07-22T17:27:57.487-08:00Villager in the Spotlight<span class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOa5bt62RmkYut1RFNiKnVdjhFyI4_edAW7GUlB6KdHHUq3IYSr1-vICIEK0n_Vd-zXIluZr4dxNFFcsrvq8VDiCM3Jd3I_76niYJby4_-nKuCi7EZobpsIgMNr4L-fD48bjd5mzgME4S/s1600-h/July+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010369070842274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOa5bt62RmkYut1RFNiKnVdjhFyI4_edAW7GUlB6KdHHUq3IYSr1-vICIEK0n_Vd-zXIluZr4dxNFFcsrvq8VDiCM3Jd3I_76niYJby4_-nKuCi7EZobpsIgMNr4L-fD48bjd5mzgME4S/s320/July+022.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Mayu</span> Tao (my-u <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tau</span>) and I sit in her living room with sweating cups of iced tea in front of us. I've asked for 10 minutes of her time to capture a little of her story for my blog. Our 10 minute chat turns into an hour long journey into her family's history with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nishiokoppe</span>, cut short only by the fact that I have to pick up Nova at school.<br /><br />In Japan you are only to call someone by their first name if invited to do so. Otherwise they are forever known to you by their family name with the respectful form of <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">san</span></em> or, if they're a teacher, <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sensei</span></em> attached to the end. I see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mayu</span> Tao and her husband every morning at the local convenience store. From the beginning they have felt to me like the older aunt and uncle who quietly look after you. For this reason I address them as Mr. and Mrs. Tao, an Americanized endearment they don't seem to mind.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPiprXR0lsOE5oVW1vKo2nMEIr4nQ_G6HdxK_ob23YMmlru1jlUypbkBEaYopIZCMl7GwZo-AcBQDDbbK69CdqOz83FYUFDfTbbroF1_EIekp2byB25BjOTLSbCfcOpS2Ud-UlQsnHE4f/s1600-h/July+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010377530872370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPiprXR0lsOE5oVW1vKo2nMEIr4nQ_G6HdxK_ob23YMmlru1jlUypbkBEaYopIZCMl7GwZo-AcBQDDbbK69CdqOz83FYUFDfTbbroF1_EIekp2byB25BjOTLSbCfcOpS2Ud-UlQsnHE4f/s320/July+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Taos are successful entrepreneurs and one of the village's oldest families. Mr. Tao's grandfather started the first local store here in 1919. He and his family, bravely migrated from the southern island of Shikoku to the vastly undeveloped wilderness of Hokkaido. The store they started, the first in Nishiokoppe, stands in a different location now but is still in business. Nine years ago, the Tao's decided to manage a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seicomart</span>, part of a large franchise chain of convenience stores that dot Hokkaido roadways every 10 miles or so. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Taos</span> also own a home heating fuel station, a car wash and a gas station.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IT8bNUYCL6E_WcCR2Gh6iG5zDUodyyX4QsT9Ui9GJrqf8BZeFGOXqxZXwQnFj_LSyF3E6XBVM54yQRCVJOLMsuF2kEbjYu8obCUI5nizVN5vAzc2adPRDBBfrn14wzLcsmJL_ZVU7kHx/s1600-h/July+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010380342852930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IT8bNUYCL6E_WcCR2Gh6iG5zDUodyyX4QsT9Ui9GJrqf8BZeFGOXqxZXwQnFj_LSyF3E6XBVM54yQRCVJOLMsuF2kEbjYu8obCUI5nizVN5vAzc2adPRDBBfrn14wzLcsmJL_ZVU7kHx/s320/July+028.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mr. Tao walked into the living room, which is attached to the back of their shop, and handed me a heavy picture book. We thumbed through pages of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nishiokoppe's</span> history in photos. In many he pointed out a long-passed family member, then himself as a boy, then as young man, eventually I was able to pick him out of a crowd myself.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Toa's</span> love to travel. They proudly list the places they've been; Germany, Thailand, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hong</span> Kong, Singapore, Switzerland. Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Toa</span> speaks fondly of his time in Juneau chaperoning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nishiokoppe</span> middle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">schoolers</span> . He said his favorite thing about being in Juneau was "it's heart". Mrs. Tao's most favorite were her two trips to Hawaii.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PS7Re5_WNFYvz9A6NGCJHN_wS5_b4NSSL8vbT1X_JDhcCHorGq1N3v-d_oCz_L1roqB1tbpIun2rPM9jvVVCT39y6jdE3YlIrsMAkYiQ1n43WfDO3iYm5DKR6AE_whGIzAOs1I7EmL9C/s1600-h/July+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226010358074980066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PS7Re5_WNFYvz9A6NGCJHN_wS5_b4NSSL8vbT1X_JDhcCHorGq1N3v-d_oCz_L1roqB1tbpIun2rPM9jvVVCT39y6jdE3YlIrsMAkYiQ1n43WfDO3iYm5DKR6AE_whGIzAOs1I7EmL9C/s320/July+021.jpg" border="0" /></a>Of the two, Mrs. Tao speaks the better English. With no help from my Japanese dictionary she told me she moved to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nishiokoppe</span> 39 years ago when she was 20 after she had met Mr. Tao in Sapporo. The two were married at the local shrine. She wore a traditional kimono. She learned English <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">grammar</span> and writing in middle school but her conversation skills, which are impressive, came from talking with visiting English teachers over the past 10 years. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Toa's</span> son <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Tsukasa</span>, his wife <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Hiroko</span> and their newborn son <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Ryoto</span> live with them and help manage the businesses.<br /><br />I look at the clock and can't believe an hour has gone by, my tea untouched. I've been captivated by their stories. This is the most anyone has shared with me about themselves in one sitting since we've been here. The Taos have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">extraordinarily</span> friendly and helpful to us and many of the visiting Juneau families. Every morning as I groggily shuffle into Seicomart for milk and eggs, I am grateful for Mrs. Tao's smiling face and kind words. <br /><br />Thank you for sharing your story.Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-44933496258921891612008-06-11T00:38:00.001-08:002008-06-12T01:44:47.327-08:00May's Best of Hokkaido; Part IMy mom's much anticipated arrival in Japan was finally here ! Her first week was spent in the village and touring neighboring towns. A hike to the top of the ski hill gives May a good look at our home for the past 10 months.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210835224007435394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7oklqJdVLXRt0DYFYAI29j8mz51eWus4WvEsSfk4udHtelZu3TZkdfR_apLim9uXwP8GL6lgvLoo6vKcqBIelNnKDggzDSu6gIh-KPEVcQpSpoTS_kMNfn65Jy1ev7WSEBMYrwxl058A/s400/May+014.jpg" border="0" />Shawn's Board of Education workmates threw a welcome party just for May.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210835233854604434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmQImFoOw4Df4M_myvLL04la3qr2OsQLQC0jmEyqxkmi9ICqOL2aNtZGXfGW0CrtdHpEe9_PhhFqT726jau8ul53ZPI4hLQyZBPJmuimtHq3ab6_A-eBKkzu-OdyEOtZf6ld0t_aF_L8N/s400/May+463.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Jinpe, the local deer hunter, keeps the Sapporo flowing and cooks up some delicious wasabi venison. The shika was taken that week by his wife Ryoko.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210835241472904866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNvSh4zbIqIJMMf7qdVTs7t7Gg7NcMZ-P2hGmYMOPLXfzniSSwNxZDt-teLsqReBdW8pA63afcsQKtkH99g-xTfeE71F-KlUoDPiokfS3yX24m5EZ6iLjQeY4BTrwEK3dk2WHhIK4ziy1/s400/May+492.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>This was a great introduction to Japanese social culture complete with sake hangovers the next day. </div><br /><div></div><div>I was happy to have May here for my Thursday English cooking class. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210835247008981330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW21-MSZdeYo4rtkITQTc5YqdafTHQiNRe9X9pkBfr3crl6Bv0Jl1W8JfsZd4ovFzsXhsdv-EdmPvObCnR2L0fOVrVVov7ApMVZCE_a21NT_hEdRBp9CVY0bmEKqExBReFIbdQHn97iduE/s400/May+427.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>May holds Sora as Chihiro teaches her, "Itadakemas", spoken before meals which means, "I gratefully receive it".</div><br /><div></div><div>Today's recipe, lasagna. Here's me going over the recipe before we get started. I refrain from telling them that I myself have never made lasagna before.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210835253015201138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwL0p3Fyv7nK7zNmENRTOPcEuE4PpGrg2HtUZWzfCoCBhVIAB7Tp20BAgdf3xAWPGG0Q7u4CEsRbGTl0h3AegAhCzGxSuF2HGKJaHT2mjRqDeZHmmDnuYgmndIJbyj1AmKMM-lK2_yA1E/s400/May's+Photos+114.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Chizuko surprises us with a home-made pasta and cottage cheese demonstration. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64KtYLbTnuSKoJ85QEhhnleMWex83lN_hTErpLucidEGviUYFgJKsLbYt6Gbbzp19sVDcav7SI8kAcdEG0u0aPoSllkpwza0I87Zwca6XVd_tBL_BRd-rnNsCk18Rfk1KzqXn7DHA3Px7/s1600-h/May+440.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210860758424833234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64KtYLbTnuSKoJ85QEhhnleMWex83lN_hTErpLucidEGviUYFgJKsLbYt6Gbbzp19sVDcav7SI8kAcdEG0u0aPoSllkpwza0I87Zwca6XVd_tBL_BRd-rnNsCk18Rfk1KzqXn7DHA3Px7/s400/May+440.jpg" border="0" /></a> Chizuko pretty much rocks and has become the darling of this blog, second only to Nova of course.</div><br /><div></div><div>The lasagna was a delicious success.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2PSveV8bgjyCAkZ_G7olyrPo3V7Hv-hj0KE0jYt0uCJwOZeYTbQjl0rlGLrbCqnyj9JZwx-RxiGbFN3rM9TE1Yu0MAn7nRGMWDUudGQcw1yT326fUDcGPO6uKjFMeVzXFMJdEByJBK_X/s1600-h/May+447.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210860779630087378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2PSveV8bgjyCAkZ_G7olyrPo3V7Hv-hj0KE0jYt0uCJwOZeYTbQjl0rlGLrbCqnyj9JZwx-RxiGbFN3rM9TE1Yu0MAn7nRGMWDUudGQcw1yT326fUDcGPO6uKjFMeVzXFMJdEByJBK_X/s400/May+447.jpg" border="0" /></a> May spent her birthday in Japan this year. Her only request, that we spend it outside.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBIa3C7DhPAxuqmMQDrsNwDLiPn2ZLq5H0ewidDUyuwMp90ddgwKwTuY_1_BQLpapSDGzWwJnj3vvVYJg02j5nXB76_331-VdKehXXWH5jTh3Rfr_p2i90enjmFyJ38HEW51zHPmt3p8m/s1600-h/June+210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210860791185221010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBIa3C7DhPAxuqmMQDrsNwDLiPn2ZLq5H0ewidDUyuwMp90ddgwKwTuY_1_BQLpapSDGzWwJnj3vvVYJg02j5nXB76_331-VdKehXXWH5jTh3Rfr_p2i90enjmFyJ38HEW51zHPmt3p8m/s400/June+210.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our amazing and stunningly handsome chauffeur, Chaunces (aka Shawn), drove us half an hour east to Takinoue to view the famous Shiba Sakura, pink carpet flowers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXhRwtFSaGaf0Mz7ndbU9YaM8CqMbaTsQSq4CsrEDF-HzPIm_PI-psfJvGsn7VnasXK5P8BH-XWRWPFDR-uYlwWGqAXwiQ_xxzalD8VuSkFzj4nGVgc0B6IEnGKg0PTLln-Pu87WAQbDK/s1600-h/May+319.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210860811362478626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXhRwtFSaGaf0Mz7ndbU9YaM8CqMbaTsQSq4CsrEDF-HzPIm_PI-psfJvGsn7VnasXK5P8BH-XWRWPFDR-uYlwWGqAXwiQ_xxzalD8VuSkFzj4nGVgc0B6IEnGKg0PTLln-Pu87WAQbDK/s400/May+319.jpg" border="0" /></a> It really does feel like a carpet! This place was amazing even after peak season.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyTk69TtyO5nI0ZDSougB3WPRMy1dh6HM2bli7wHn5b4lW_KmgJVkrk_cjWLSp3CO0TjtswI95tMzVMvymU1h5LVedIAMB0125L5cbnPLG2nhH9FC0muYvvEnzRreeH3KajD-WeGr_FFb/s1600-h/May+293.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210860828414078018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyTk69TtyO5nI0ZDSougB3WPRMy1dh6HM2bli7wHn5b4lW_KmgJVkrk_cjWLSp3CO0TjtswI95tMzVMvymU1h5LVedIAMB0125L5cbnPLG2nhH9FC0muYvvEnzRreeH3KajD-WeGr_FFb/s400/May+293.jpg" border="0" /></a> Lots of Nova/May love-fest action throughout the trip. We just couldn't get over the fact that she was <em>really here with us</em>!</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ChyO9R-oS8JtdUivHoOcOAaPM8TlXvJV2zd38vNnCYJ7CZ8z61hWDCECG8AZhRNLvXkkkynlgNwcQB0g_g_MaAoA2cVEr5eNi0uLk6YsFo6DhcBlHgDP9jiRgYIfoUSPEQMNSKxGWl18/s1600-h/May+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210854881171409298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ChyO9R-oS8JtdUivHoOcOAaPM8TlXvJV2zd38vNnCYJ7CZ8z61hWDCECG8AZhRNLvXkkkynlgNwcQB0g_g_MaAoA2cVEr5eNi0uLk6YsFo6DhcBlHgDP9jiRgYIfoUSPEQMNSKxGWl18/s400/May+052.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was told that these flowers were planted by one man starting in 1957.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgA8ONeq1DJRc3vvOmumhx7ti1sYeHZWJXgg9PuIPiV37-GlM6rr1FuFVK2b3bOUqJIYnTGimgNYxCJvR6y0A_EWsVLuQT6EKHBppMXS7i4BZuabw6o9Rh8qUFJwjP1n6Lk3X244jbKH8/s1600-h/May+334.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210854891247711522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgA8ONeq1DJRc3vvOmumhx7ti1sYeHZWJXgg9PuIPiV37-GlM6rr1FuFVK2b3bOUqJIYnTGimgNYxCJvR6y0A_EWsVLuQT6EKHBppMXS7i4BZuabw6o9Rh8qUFJwjP1n6Lk3X244jbKH8/s400/May+334.jpg" border="0" /></a> In Takinoue we visited a Shinto shrine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKp2hD5LinMBCmNTgc28e91SdSUc8ukiExHMYuWgPhGnptTKfRDbO3hCsRR4RzUquh9wcH81MnraAKIo474chkJfGAdlgboonx965gMZt_XaLyQtNJB6FKIC9S1fryeFoinF7iCrAYepu/s1600-h/May+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210854904458600514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKp2hD5LinMBCmNTgc28e91SdSUc8ukiExHMYuWgPhGnptTKfRDbO3hCsRR4RzUquh9wcH81MnraAKIo474chkJfGAdlgboonx965gMZt_XaLyQtNJB6FKIC9S1fryeFoinF7iCrAYepu/s400/May+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> May observes the custom of washing her hands before entering the shrine grounds.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUyXCMw_78RHPXyDHsH9PYVNZnHSWyQsXhgaKUVWGOj5cT2iNb72rDPK1vcBxLniXrcefHbZij9a3wK9mpAguOBXl1ACkoIvlVJkV8vQEqrj-IhHXulQyxFUJDMf-4i_NIpns9EaDgBI-/s1600-h/May+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210854913548761314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUyXCMw_78RHPXyDHsH9PYVNZnHSWyQsXhgaKUVWGOj5cT2iNb72rDPK1vcBxLniXrcefHbZij9a3wK9mpAguOBXl1ACkoIvlVJkV8vQEqrj-IhHXulQyxFUJDMf-4i_NIpns9EaDgBI-/s400/May+084.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nova crosses over a bridge flanked by her two spirit animals.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hqYpoSsfWfbPNpGKPgrnKiUShTmoPCFv_CFDKbHPaQMY8gHLUERBxXSQxC1ocOy72wKmsd7I8_IWWIoilVXJkANyYcz3TYOOY2DlFDa3nzZwS5-xMzKgcr941qpYvv4Or7IhsdA_otCa/s1600-h/May+086.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210854925712169122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hqYpoSsfWfbPNpGKPgrnKiUShTmoPCFv_CFDKbHPaQMY8gHLUERBxXSQxC1ocOy72wKmsd7I8_IWWIoilVXJkANyYcz3TYOOY2DlFDa3nzZwS5-xMzKgcr941qpYvv4Or7IhsdA_otCa/s400/May+086.jpg" border="0" /></a> Born in the year of the horse, on the left. And under the sign of Taurus, the bull, to the right. A dynamic duo of strength for sure.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3CcMRccv8h1vm4RGI7QD3czle66erC1vzO1IXOQ-TztOtHB-4P3MTOrM8ZyaXiofWXV-pEnZJhtq5IPnukb3OQ23fdT_6GZWaYifS4clWUN6pLF6owO4XOP2rFMyz-s0Z-8laRCB-pi-/s1600-h/May+125.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210850724196556354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3CcMRccv8h1vm4RGI7QD3czle66erC1vzO1IXOQ-TztOtHB-4P3MTOrM8ZyaXiofWXV-pEnZJhtq5IPnukb3OQ23fdT_6GZWaYifS4clWUN6pLF6owO4XOP2rFMyz-s0Z-8laRCB-pi-/s400/May+125.jpg" border="0" /></a>Her special connection with shrine deities continues. </div><br /><div></div><div>The superintendent of schools, Kamaya-san, invited us to his home to welcome my mom. It was a great honor to be invited. Mrs. Kamaya put on an amazing spread of traditional Japanese foods. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210850735372211266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0RXGAnk_CmIsrlbBJN7BJjC9X2hzJW1l6o9ESERy1KMzgdFXaR7TKwgLAU3i3aAfAIGKZO4ZpQy8CuyErCycF__1TFTHkAvBMiCKEjfjyFp9z9DP20DYhRcLAbi78Q00-HsqC4ETRDri/s400/June+012.jpg" border="0" />Mr. Kamaya and May share a passion for birding. It wasn't long before the Guide to Birds of Hokkaido was being referenced. Sharing bird calls soon replaced the awkwardness of any language barrier. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndoGEgg_2IMeVpq3QsCgL-4Iwazx2waKW-BUA6dqm9PcKgshHYQedrCW7VAXqmqpsjonZ7c-28Z30El5GnpZ_2qcUeU-ACqA4KF85tOeHEVsQcHtnApRyvQKmF2dI7lS-cdnB-IkUsHqv/s1600-h/June+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210850746352726674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndoGEgg_2IMeVpq3QsCgL-4Iwazx2waKW-BUA6dqm9PcKgshHYQedrCW7VAXqmqpsjonZ7c-28Z30El5GnpZ_2qcUeU-ACqA4KF85tOeHEVsQcHtnApRyvQKmF2dI7lS-cdnB-IkUsHqv/s400/June+032.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Kamayas ended the evening with Macha, green tea, preparation. I got to show off my Macha whisking skills for May. She took a special interest in the ritual of it all. </div></div><br /><div></div><div>Here we are admiring a display of plastic food at the mall. A true art form and easy way to order. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hdVj49ObczwEtMZhebgddVXdM4yMboRuq5Cq3EzEo7DI967eU1TEZHKdGPO_aMww6I0YoeJQ4jyLrnHaJl9BEf6aS2eNbOkoxUmJXWMQ22A77Y8Zaj7HtOVyP9CPqFjjwBykzgNd5Cy7/s1600-h/June+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210850757632486610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hdVj49ObczwEtMZhebgddVXdM4yMboRuq5Cq3EzEo7DI967eU1TEZHKdGPO_aMww6I0YoeJQ4jyLrnHaJl9BEf6aS2eNbOkoxUmJXWMQ22A77Y8Zaj7HtOVyP9CPqFjjwBykzgNd5Cy7/s400/June+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Jr. High school English class surprised May with a wonderful welcome presentation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-SZa5URiDHKYlgGvj0csIdvMWI9e6kd6jm1ukpByv7a_g7aOxnsvPhyF9ON5lNABIr4nPcziYHWMhI6XUnCCNT08GuoKuwIcKS1sDQjyFv4sB28NFKn62oAuwiVZwEE-uri-jPKBUjvs/s1600-h/June+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210850760191878962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-SZa5URiDHKYlgGvj0csIdvMWI9e6kd6jm1ukpByv7a_g7aOxnsvPhyF9ON5lNABIr4nPcziYHWMhI6XUnCCNT08GuoKuwIcKS1sDQjyFv4sB28NFKn62oAuwiVZwEE-uri-jPKBUjvs/s400/June+038.jpg" border="0" /></a> Saki wows us with her excellent English in a warm welcome speech. Afterward, students were invited to ask May questions about American culture. What is your favorite anime, what is your favorite baseball team, what are the biggest differences between American and Japanese culture? May did a wonderful, gracious job in answering.<br /><br />Kikuchi-san, one of the middle school teachers is also a Kendo-sensei. </div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210897495472014354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif-kVCbWIAQZkX7i1IqNvR-P3SmSpfNJcWrKgg22SSrwobADN51oDjnvBrEyOal0d_U5VPLdnITDN57IT7Fdk-0O3z7QuroVZYybuJ03ToftWVK8F5mPPAEMkrXLkeYz4KAJvfRbQuV-3/s400/June+172.jpg" border="0" />She and her students put on an awesome demonstration for us.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBHt03MuStzetnUX3w1WJ2c2LD0mA5yffHh7uteG0235r6x4a_buM2Pgdox9NsVk7zp4VyKDDDVhp9SX4ccWieIt2gjWAoS9V3NLa2dQUYBD47Has-bWB873aThwCYumSkbr0iWH9VTmo/s1600-h/June+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210846059276001154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBHt03MuStzetnUX3w1WJ2c2LD0mA5yffHh7uteG0235r6x4a_buM2Pgdox9NsVk7zp4VyKDDDVhp9SX4ccWieIt2gjWAoS9V3NLa2dQUYBD47Has-bWB873aThwCYumSkbr0iWH9VTmo/s400/June+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kendo means "way of the sword". Its purpose, among other things is to mold the mind and body, to cultivate a vigorous spirit and forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. Very zen.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgjiXVYAm-oxtPeMEVTn_6UfMuaVicmKyfTekoXhaYnydURQHEMXbjrbutzMgKgwXoPqLP1nPZLW-Nwj7Bc_x__-WQkrKjinQyI1rqEzXlPua9tEsEIheFwv1Y8vWl2HkdAch_6aVtYKi/s1600-h/June+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210846066881454162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgjiXVYAm-oxtPeMEVTn_6UfMuaVicmKyfTekoXhaYnydURQHEMXbjrbutzMgKgwXoPqLP1nPZLW-Nwj7Bc_x__-WQkrKjinQyI1rqEzXlPua9tEsEIheFwv1Y8vWl2HkdAch_6aVtYKi/s400/June+055.jpg" border="0" /></a> Surprise, now it's your turn May!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQIj7zQYKo7Ux4N-EXEfCX4rT-EsTmCfm5Y9R6g-fi_ilmDTLC1JsWKbo5o1B1Y4KtPhEJPJPwsTYhwtEq4v__bsWcsfg8sxVRUdHyF0RKVxDkj2527cpc8uqOddprAUbZytszKZaQbrx/s1600-h/June+092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210846076591333474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQIj7zQYKo7Ux4N-EXEfCX4rT-EsTmCfm5Y9R6g-fi_ilmDTLC1JsWKbo5o1B1Y4KtPhEJPJPwsTYhwtEq4v__bsWcsfg8sxVRUdHyF0RKVxDkj2527cpc8uqOddprAUbZytszKZaQbrx/s400/June+092.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kikuchi-sensei helped May don traditional Kendo clothing as Kurata-sensei looks on.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahpbxk3cZ98d-hq2jiIjTFVIfIwlfr8o8-SR6OcOvgTE5qfgu5fkytEABc7CT_pL1ietN2NFXWsO6fSxkwt3oybMI-tlTybMIgLANdSRTBXr0RBVDlODo5FGA4NauyOQFhhlUHsXjlR37/s1600-h/June+106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210846081387959394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahpbxk3cZ98d-hq2jiIjTFVIfIwlfr8o8-SR6OcOvgTE5qfgu5fkytEABc7CT_pL1ietN2NFXWsO6fSxkwt3oybMI-tlTybMIgLANdSRTBXr0RBVDlODo5FGA4NauyOQFhhlUHsXjlR37/s400/June+106.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bogu, protective body armor is worn. The torso (do), head (men) and forearms (kote) are the three Kendo strike zones. Before a strike, the name of the intended zone is strongly cried out.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2D7WlJgMJEz2SX3RU_q4Ed1abyrKcwb_skczRiYp2E6ocftloSEnuEHL-n8Dwg9CbR1BMz8ec5zMD7gvTOxd8lMZGLB5_hxJhQXg6ruZLc-xVWJkMebKP_BkPfozuq08u4MKb5XBC7Kb/s1600-h/June+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210840975739414002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2D7WlJgMJEz2SX3RU_q4Ed1abyrKcwb_skczRiYp2E6ocftloSEnuEHL-n8Dwg9CbR1BMz8ec5zMD7gvTOxd8lMZGLB5_hxJhQXg6ruZLc-xVWJkMebKP_BkPfozuq08u4MKb5XBC7Kb/s400/June+116.jpg" border="0" /></a> May gets strapped in to her helmet and face guard. She was such a good sport and giggled with Kikuchi-sensei the whole time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk7wfz32167HpCajFTm9SY5h_DUONd6TSCwmebI5P4X3Jz7th08nrau_Shu3lz8u2s8dxIk0QCrIlZ_H2wVIPOJqv_TFQDFkF5h-AaD2SbBbhaEeDba8RgQ8I7EzYX6jdCStu26ddmpbP/s1600-h/June+131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210840983249635730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk7wfz32167HpCajFTm9SY5h_DUONd6TSCwmebI5P4X3Jz7th08nrau_Shu3lz8u2s8dxIk0QCrIlZ_H2wVIPOJqv_TFQDFkF5h-AaD2SbBbhaEeDba8RgQ8I7EzYX6jdCStu26ddmpbP/s400/June+131.jpg" border="0" /></a> The shinai, bamboo practice sword, is held at an angle while one foot slides forward followed by the other in an advance toward your opponent.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFyVC3JTmDlnXP8EWzdvhcu-1qhwsKQ2gFcFaqS-BJzBdJD0S0DrZa0TYykfWu7JsaMYk_IvlrYyRJRBCqs81iJ-09bRN8PtXD5KNc8sDhDRuM4InxEix7BtqfDvNEwqlE4NJNMSX11v7/s1600-h/June+134.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210840998930442306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFyVC3JTmDlnXP8EWzdvhcu-1qhwsKQ2gFcFaqS-BJzBdJD0S0DrZa0TYykfWu7JsaMYk_IvlrYyRJRBCqs81iJ-09bRN8PtXD5KNc8sDhDRuM4InxEix7BtqfDvNEwqlE4NJNMSX11v7/s400/June+134.jpg" border="0" /></a> We cheered May on as she delicately tapped her opponant on the head, tentatively calling out, "men!". I think her adversary got off easy this time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJi-aqhemV6ghbHQD8-afs-R39wtYEr5NXnuzFtrRkLWz-U-04pxvnG4m3gMRw-Ey8RzrCRq7XXIsJHyWIR_rD5nVg23xC8bekjLJRMTTBAbs_YTtzN5Ed7CRfj_itDTJD6JNtBacnMlV/s1600-h/June+135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210841001287292530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJi-aqhemV6ghbHQD8-afs-R39wtYEr5NXnuzFtrRkLWz-U-04pxvnG4m3gMRw-Ey8RzrCRq7XXIsJHyWIR_rD5nVg23xC8bekjLJRMTTBAbs_YTtzN5Ed7CRfj_itDTJD6JNtBacnMlV/s400/June+135.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yatta, you did it! After the practice, May was presented with a garland of origami cranes made by students, which brought tears to her eyes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-91XtYv7U5kdL7Rio5rfLUDs7TXgWi0QKugWAS0xv4OvJRzn3owR4Q8MEkEIRr5aRgaD6R3w4r3pLZLAFy13w24CiF4NU27u12gP97o3uNyeY4IPG-NVSjFfzbHf2UlLsXoAKkiFoZuzK/s1600-h/June+158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210841020320380146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-91XtYv7U5kdL7Rio5rfLUDs7TXgWi0QKugWAS0xv4OvJRzn3owR4Q8MEkEIRr5aRgaD6R3w4r3pLZLAFy13w24CiF4NU27u12gP97o3uNyeY4IPG-NVSjFfzbHf2UlLsXoAKkiFoZuzK/s400/June+158.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thank you so very much to all the Jr. High school English students,their senseis and all the people of Nishiokoppe for making my mom's time in the village an unforgettable and heartwarming experience. We felt proud to call this place home and introduce May to the friends we have made.</div></div></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-24688914875305716202008-06-10T15:04:00.001-08:002008-06-12T19:01:10.980-08:00May's Best of Hokkaido; Part IIMay says <em>sayonara</em> to Nishiokoppe and <em>konnichiwa</em> to a good old fashioned road trip south.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsvknywhlkkPC4k5z-koOJEUq7yU1mR-7QMsnk3Yjuu61yMQiQ2kgg-zp0ABndCV-K1zY1Adw5Hz5BzquXpk52ghCKwlOP9dPmPtmpXXnJFPdxK4nErhAwHstkTH55evyeMJ6TXFYuHH6/s1600-h/May"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211171725017826930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsvknywhlkkPC4k5z-koOJEUq7yU1mR-7QMsnk3Yjuu61yMQiQ2kgg-zp0ABndCV-K1zY1Adw5Hz5BzquXpk52ghCKwlOP9dPmPtmpXXnJFPdxK4nErhAwHstkTH55evyeMJ6TXFYuHH6/s400/May's+Photos+424.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our first stop, Furano. A place with a very beautiful Italian sounding name and landscape to match. <div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211170508963439506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mdSHKNY6MpEqNlFPujgM9JhVTyWnS3d1ELsAX_JtJdyJ9q72PdHUS6w541ijydxo6x6HmoiiP2MhkTDov0idwjWQDilytg4W8Iw9xs5aI2g2hspBtymiLA0aV-uKF7WTfVeNQ8iqHGtU/s400/June+239.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We bunked two nights at the incredible Furano Youth Hostel. Our room was it's own cabin with a loft and amazing view of the valley. A country style breakfast and dinner was included. I give this place 5 stars for comfort, cuteness, and affordability.</div><br /><div>Furano is famous for it's agriculture, especially lavender. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211170498813053202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio70NlVmA7OzIX3BGwSVVVwQvpTAgLgH39Ah0tIufJRNGwcDFgXsvuiezKbccCJvgerRnkSNoZ92LRivOPgt-IzOCR-sd8y_0WMOPDKbJZbJq0Z9GeeyBA9guHtYarL3aHGj0M4fc9GAbx/s400/June+287.jpg" border="0" />Shawn shows us off the richness of the soil at Farm Tomita, a lavender and flower farm just down the road from our diggs.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211170493852006770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajnoYTdcR14t0BXoiXLdfjTY6rIEkFDqZDD-g_b1nCK3LeaT-x_9NIUNedV7DHB0MBUrs8BzTxg6mVYGjSObEUjqmt6vXG3KMb1Z0huw2Id_QdqE-NWpZ_FIvPIbKzP_pT2yRfkUg-2mp/s400/June+306.jpg" border="0" />Workers were busy getting ready for the flower explosion of peak season, the end of July.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211170484179906242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DbcPV49dlFaPTnp1zqhlNo8YpvcgJGiORmUAE8_apPhdOzBYdbqbET4rWoIpqmqg7XWbBQOTo33Bh7DwvociZ1rZLfpjln18KRD4vDSLH3clxOwpCOhlYQHEePpLP1RvA6xS_02xwL_-/s400/June+291.jpg" border="0" />The fields were still beautiful and the lavender smelled lovely despite being there a bit early. </div><div><div> </div><div>Next stop, the Furano Cheese Factory.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUVmOZnRwbIqpb__tTnrc2rFaFuvqlgEgHR6nRoPFeRgqQo7My1ezRK4XTobdbdT8BBgYU91k0viffTzSoU0ammUxbr1LAKgYxPBbgLq5ruajbWoXeo1bHQh4vmHlfSLErq4PJbIyjJZ/s1600-h/June+324.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211170480423612914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUVmOZnRwbIqpb__tTnrc2rFaFuvqlgEgHR6nRoPFeRgqQo7My1ezRK4XTobdbdT8BBgYU91k0viffTzSoU0ammUxbr1LAKgYxPBbgLq5ruajbWoXeo1bHQh4vmHlfSLErq4PJbIyjJZ/s400/June+324.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had to try it, and you know, it wasn't bad!</div><div> </div><div>This Jinja shrine was just outside Furano. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnH0Xi-LpeK7yObcFc99xJc8V_1wt1rQzHi_KH7JMXjTgK1u2Z1Es5aY7-iRt3EKV2dCj3M9xKhVtIkbu84UfV0L7b9qtwJMTnPgYnK8kfXGEDhnPAdIhtO53UCv1B1azLbOnY-CcJXv3/s1600-h/June+344.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211167864356276050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnH0Xi-LpeK7yObcFc99xJc8V_1wt1rQzHi_KH7JMXjTgK1u2Z1Es5aY7-iRt3EKV2dCj3M9xKhVtIkbu84UfV0L7b9qtwJMTnPgYnK8kfXGEDhnPAdIhtO53UCv1B1azLbOnY-CcJXv3/s400/June+344.jpg" border="0" /></a> Visitors can choose a fortune. If the fortune is a bad one it is tied to these strings along with prayers for support. Our English class interpreted the message on this wooden card, "West Asahikawa high school asks to pass exams". </div></div><br /><div>The Hokkaido countryside is full of surprises.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MaLLztque_pgsIMwfkdyYlP1PFs5gAYInQyHxtjbJRWJaV7WNOg3gTf4qFy-cpOQEe5N4q12SDhlzyq2ei_0uC6XZH2N1hbpYCeavIdDcTWXA6_OGcmawfzdGPCQUxT3K_5I9aegt5Mp/s1600-h/June+411.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211167875236447554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MaLLztque_pgsIMwfkdyYlP1PFs5gAYInQyHxtjbJRWJaV7WNOg3gTf4qFy-cpOQEe5N4q12SDhlzyq2ei_0uC6XZH2N1hbpYCeavIdDcTWXA6_OGcmawfzdGPCQUxT3K_5I9aegt5Mp/s400/June+411.jpg" border="0" /></a> You'll drive for miles and miles and see nothing but fields and trees and then come across a giant mudra hand sculpture and an old style pagoda.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGkdp-Nw9H9O3cestR4oL-Sy8M2m1UdSFgb02PrVv-bFfLPlFAjTRjuHyxg7zhUCCSQl9vWLCVwj8XW8n3yKJhPISJMuFhb5brQrb71SRKrTOd1njvVbhZM0Ic-PvGpJ1pgTm8ld4cVb-/s1600-h/June+414.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211167879042838034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGkdp-Nw9H9O3cestR4oL-Sy8M2m1UdSFgb02PrVv-bFfLPlFAjTRjuHyxg7zhUCCSQl9vWLCVwj8XW8n3yKJhPISJMuFhb5brQrb71SRKrTOd1njvVbhZM0Ic-PvGpJ1pgTm8ld4cVb-/s400/June+414.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a refreshing change of scenery to go from Northern Hokkaido's dairy country to the rice basket of Japan's central Furano valley. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211178456006116962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL-kYBOZDxgAWszB1njGaKE6fgbdx_rGYK-CDjFgfngaJSvXxdzB7m5hENx5Y4XrMrHRD-v4x27Mjj3xstS7Xm2WACjfGt0IaVnhHIBAwralLDJTh9ouN3JXh4T14M4d1T9Sz-JocFI3W/s400/June+327.jpg" border="0" /> Very pretty. Very classic 'Japanese' looking lanscape.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1Wo8uWp8Sbc4keYPGvyW8KXFFFFtnqTP4aFnZCx2i1Tkpxm1B9arOAguqGz1LgpTjdLw5349v2MIwqgGNH10uwNIU2A1Xi9-bRM_OB3fTsgf9YmGC_QxfUgdO13loZTP7euKS9zE8YaU/s1600-h/June+339.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211167886810902066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1Wo8uWp8Sbc4keYPGvyW8KXFFFFtnqTP4aFnZCx2i1Tkpxm1B9arOAguqGz1LgpTjdLw5349v2MIwqgGNH10uwNIU2A1Xi9-bRM_OB3fTsgf9YmGC_QxfUgdO13loZTP7euKS9zE8YaU/s400/June+339.jpg" border="0" /></a> We quickly transitioned from country to city life with three nights in fabulous Sapporo.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211162207578286610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF096sJb1ksUltjRWwaSo4yX3FDWL-SU-RxUUY5Z3Q0H7cUQDJb0tW2Mrd2N24nYb5rN4iX4g2cjJNGQbBmTxdOZ3bp4RCwql1JR6S0Kv30GQlf176ozKiaqgBNbAeCCHsYUk6Dmq1eLT/s400/June+573.jpg" border="0" /> Odori Park runs through the heart of the city and was the site of the 2008 Yosaksoi Soran Dance Festival.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqHOOk_pb6QSFWHEpSxvGnib0eDqP2kE4l2gf-t6e1RZRtHZ6HdZLwBxnuOyDky68lemQcCq2Ead7cv_Hi_06b7_v4nat-s5CcwJIBzITTHFViDGP8xO84-mlQ_hG41JLg_FhYFo_AQSq/s1600-h/June+549.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211162200966100370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqHOOk_pb6QSFWHEpSxvGnib0eDqP2kE4l2gf-t6e1RZRtHZ6HdZLwBxnuOyDky68lemQcCq2Ead7cv_Hi_06b7_v4nat-s5CcwJIBzITTHFViDGP8xO84-mlQ_hG41JLg_FhYFo_AQSq/s400/June+549.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yosakoi dance originated in 1954 from a traditional summer dance called Awa Odori. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211181493653386994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrO218Z3gcyvE-7dgsP3w-8PB0YN6e2Gt3nxDadJxGReHxe4EQDcz3K-HxcTBVUrujDBWM0y689AzZJJi01GmKMsEQ1s7ICc-cAzSAjxGFC0hBAWtbLtQWmWyQ2hzXNxGYi6Z66ph3WGj/s400/June+539.jpg" border="0" />Teams from all over Japan and the world participate. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211162172652101522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fenS13sGa6d_PeH2wrzk-gZ1HYq3Oq671hwcWIhWZ-Lpa5TouC4sEyG9WbM4NGgceePTC2bXsVg_vZDlxtCWLDanqyZWlixseEaCS3Eg9fytCNOwWsuFD2i8rT9XmO4TLa_hth1Iv_lY/s400/June+519.jpg" border="0" />There can be as many as 150 dancers on a team. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211162177873000146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZHa0wZcutcmtPO-RD8-LOkt8LlecNhkvh0tuYCmaEhbZAxyNpwROTKC1W1NZ-yIXwMZ9wZS2ABIzixSZCC3szWlqKKH_HARtN9xzUY51BRFwC_GW-7lUa1b1MXXUIIC-_NkV3MHDo2t3/s400/June+522.jpg" border="0" /> Costuming and choreography were impressive even for smaller teams from rural areas. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2miGssAq2cRYiWslEBlfFu1i7XY59VWe0S0-ROmFD_Qh87LW-nBIeaUramy6FhukNjCT5DpYCLexzHk64P3y0037xJEfJVG6N_ltGlTbX3oDL5JPT5cHu-boGTaIwo-mIvZrcp6Bq6NiI/s1600-h/June+476.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211159496109343394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2miGssAq2cRYiWslEBlfFu1i7XY59VWe0S0-ROmFD_Qh87LW-nBIeaUramy6FhukNjCT5DpYCLexzHk64P3y0037xJEfJVG6N_ltGlTbX3oDL5JPT5cHu-boGTaIwo-mIvZrcp6Bq6NiI/s400/June+476.jpg" border="0" /></a>So different from the subdued emotion we've grown accustomed to. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt5UT12mA9uTGMbqWAoPt6sr_jHNxc_AfCRhlZBUF9GzdVpV3MSMDIgPbFOizrQ5haOjOBirBnE2g7n7XDLfX_fp2biROcLLG6a96kMYnUq88g5pGdQrkWSOOPY9E73IojR-zRUBRNByC/s1600-h/June+451.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211159498741792306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt5UT12mA9uTGMbqWAoPt6sr_jHNxc_AfCRhlZBUF9GzdVpV3MSMDIgPbFOizrQ5haOjOBirBnE2g7n7XDLfX_fp2biROcLLG6a96kMYnUq88g5pGdQrkWSOOPY9E73IojR-zRUBRNByC/s400/June+451.jpg" border="0" /></a> We could feel the passion and joy from these dancers in the audience and it drew us in.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVatkkuQhmvJYXpIeXGQ5KaRrschd5bP_-BcseDMFQFhTQIxoQboD8Eu8m7J5Pin1JV248YqP5s-2N8CYIgeiSgY_7-Gi-e2VvnSmzlwHecUpTH-ZVgWxTDEEIQeSx82al7_bD0RUTEQfU/s1600-h/June+449.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211159503477834258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVatkkuQhmvJYXpIeXGQ5KaRrschd5bP_-BcseDMFQFhTQIxoQboD8Eu8m7J5Pin1JV248YqP5s-2N8CYIgeiSgY_7-Gi-e2VvnSmzlwHecUpTH-ZVgWxTDEEIQeSx82al7_bD0RUTEQfU/s400/June+449.jpg" border="0" /></a> Men and women of all ages danced side by side. Also a departure from the somewhat gender segregated lives we are used to seeing. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOoQtvd2Jb7AqrYTlQxfpqi_BhOSwDoArz521zt5GF8EPkQ-qH8DhHRUeMkBynBj8RnJk2WAc-LZdhtbO-NxV38e0vJ4nylkSckUVcXe99ZcmVVxFiycWFNpQm-IbnsBxWj2GT02nQb9A/s1600-h/June+486.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211159519490070626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOoQtvd2Jb7AqrYTlQxfpqi_BhOSwDoArz521zt5GF8EPkQ-qH8DhHRUeMkBynBj8RnJk2WAc-LZdhtbO-NxV38e0vJ4nylkSckUVcXe99ZcmVVxFiycWFNpQm-IbnsBxWj2GT02nQb9A/s400/June+486.jpg" border="0" /></a> Naruko, small wooden clappers originally used by rice farmers to scare away birds, are a key element of the Yosakoi dance.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211159488986911474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMIJyMHdQTV8kam_VoeoOpV5nOP0CEVOiEphfGWAX3B2Oxx1R7gvqogXymhihR4jhMy_fZeb0xBTc2qCjd0aNYe5ONZoJDZuJKgFqkxUZNY9zMqc2CBsrYmXxofkXEP5pOwMtcX1lRPfA/s400/June+431.jpg" border="0" />This festival with it's pounding drums and spirited movement was such a breath of fresh air for me. I would love to participate in this next year if I can find a team to practice with close enough to Nishiokoppe.</div><div> </div><div>Since Shawn and May had been indulging in daily beer breaks for the past 10 days, we thought it appropriate to tour the Sapporo Beer Garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbFFRflDMyb54bRd6SztJzSGJ8cUYPkZF39q893AojuPmU8IIGT_1z7cKVnCiyIXzb6Whyphenhyphen-jjWItg6yYAU1tepNixmKWYPlifMAN1id1A1v2djT5wGKVA0_N1uKj6Po8cQBvHRsxyGLqn/s1600-h/June+654.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211156217657151954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbFFRflDMyb54bRd6SztJzSGJ8cUYPkZF39q893AojuPmU8IIGT_1z7cKVnCiyIXzb6Whyphenhyphen-jjWItg6yYAU1tepNixmKWYPlifMAN1id1A1v2djT5wGKVA0_N1uKj6Po8cQBvHRsxyGLqn/s400/June+654.jpg" border="0" /></a>For all you McCaffertys and Irish stout fans. </div><br /><br />We hit the streets of Sapporo's famous Suskino district for a taste of the city's night life.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8VhuWyVnzFD1PTLjwdaQwI5RfAPfjsjHM8jXZvIH6nmaQdYZ4d4FMuF0eXY4iDc6hfnjbJz6IJty2oYHUbGgFYCkcuUReoPujFqhZJxGxLKbW_XL1iNPi2NyHJDtuXGKyTw18c9bef3n/s1600-h/June+598.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211156225898746306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8VhuWyVnzFD1PTLjwdaQwI5RfAPfjsjHM8jXZvIH6nmaQdYZ4d4FMuF0eXY4iDc6hfnjbJz6IJty2oYHUbGgFYCkcuUReoPujFqhZJxGxLKbW_XL1iNPi2NyHJDtuXGKyTw18c9bef3n/s400/June+598.jpg" border="0" /></a>There's nowhere I'd feel safer walking big city streets late at night with my family than in Suskino's red light district. This city is incredibly clean and safe even in it's racier sections.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AFayfGk_-_YtE9mHAUheVjp6_x3zPaGu-CeJ5Mmoc8qL7Pb3HDajtnPAZG9DQE56Icg80Ih_7g5h3UuWj-hpeK4fPAf8HudYkaYIGOB5ZTAnRD3ykCgnAXBpQJo65lOsNkaOAbiyb6By/s1600-h/June+607.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211156232394097170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AFayfGk_-_YtE9mHAUheVjp6_x3zPaGu-CeJ5Mmoc8qL7Pb3HDajtnPAZG9DQE56Icg80Ih_7g5h3UuWj-hpeK4fPAf8HudYkaYIGOB5ZTAnRD3ykCgnAXBpQJo65lOsNkaOAbiyb6By/s400/June+607.jpg" border="0" /></a> Who let the Japanese boy band memebers out? An inordinate number of these big haired, leather clad rockers flooded the sidewalks this night. <div><div><div><br /><div>Our last day in Sapporo and May's last day in Japan was spent at the Botanical Gardens.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRjAHkwo6zqahXSRIb6yP-XikyplHskIfmdIZCMCOAI98N4HBhcZxWi8ePJwOszH1cYo6U8h54LHBHxGJN5tS5nLrM2DlhAx3IyEQDP0Fyh69sePNwnDWdPoViIBjo7WmLjKIiHO6yETC/s1600-h/June+678.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211156239977371378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRjAHkwo6zqahXSRIb6yP-XikyplHskIfmdIZCMCOAI98N4HBhcZxWi8ePJwOszH1cYo6U8h54LHBHxGJN5tS5nLrM2DlhAx3IyEQDP0Fyh69sePNwnDWdPoViIBjo7WmLjKIiHO6yETC/s400/June+678.jpg" border="0" /></a> We'll miss you May! Thanks for giving us a great excuse to discover more of Hokkaido. Your visit helped us see how far we've come and made us feel a little closer to home at the same time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IZODRvXBIvkrEskhAD4PAktoBOXZu5Op30yN7VVz_ezWqGyaQA79vG6hjZlzCMS-HCHyfaqX9l74ft6_g-3mW8W5UGIj80iHx7JJdGxv3sSopYtaInhiv-VBS_29nfz4-bgnYxX_Axl-/s1600-h/June+724.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211156246620107938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IZODRvXBIvkrEskhAD4PAktoBOXZu5Op30yN7VVz_ezWqGyaQA79vG6hjZlzCMS-HCHyfaqX9l74ft6_g-3mW8W5UGIj80iHx7JJdGxv3sSopYtaInhiv-VBS_29nfz4-bgnYxX_Axl-/s400/June+724.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>As for the rest of you, our tatami room and futons are always open for guests. Matta ne!Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-34736921800789032008-06-01T19:51:00.003-08:002008-06-02T02:46:36.652-08:00Villager In The SpotlightVillager In The Spotlight will be a recurring blog post featuring the folks we see nearly every day here in the village and want to get to know better.<br /><br />Nao Usui graciously granted me the following interview. He has been a good friend to us and is rightly the first to be in the spotlight.<br /><em></em><br /><em>Nao stands in front of a giant console of televisions in the Atomu where he works.</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQcSKEeAusSriBQcjfj-b9z2ZOjOWoSP-xAYRb3losgCCy5ZvqlkwQS3wCJeqg81TfJCPA1IMEz3HeOwb4842WFGEcbaTT3sya2cCAVHOdSodDxuGGjS9n51AMRmbScnardzHN1PD2klq/s1600-h/May+262.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207127171730101442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQcSKEeAusSriBQcjfj-b9z2ZOjOWoSP-xAYRb3losgCCy5ZvqlkwQS3wCJeqg81TfJCPA1IMEz3HeOwb4842WFGEcbaTT3sya2cCAVHOdSodDxuGGjS9n51AMRmbScnardzHN1PD2klq/s400/May+262.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Nao Usui (now ooh-sue-ee) grew up in Tokachi on the island of Hokkaido. After high school he moved south to the island of Honshu where he worked in Osaka as a computer systems engineer. After thirteen years on Honshu, Nao quit his job, packed up his car, and spent two months road-tripping around Hokkaido, returning to his roots.<br /><br /><br />Nao and his wife Nagisa eventually settled in Nishiokoppe where he is the communications guru at the village's technological hub the Atomu. Atomu, he says is the name of a Japanese anime robot but also means 'information technology dreams'. His most important jobs at the Atomu are to make local television programs, and to coordinate the village telephone, cable TV systems, and high speed internet. I silently thank Nao every day for keeping my internet connection to the outside world running smoothly. At village events you can expect to see Nao wielding a TV camera or snapping shots with his digital camera, skillfully capturing the spirit of Nishiokoppe for the local TV channel.<br /><br /><br />Nao has a good eye for photography, especially landscape scenes, which is one of his pass-times. Nao also enjoys hiking, golf, and playing electric guitar. His favorite music genres are jazz and rock. He says Van Halen and The Eagles are two of his favorite American bands.<br /><br /><br />Nao is a regular at Shawn's Monday night English class which has moved from the classroom to the Rimu bar as of late. He told me that many years ago an English speaking tourist asked him for directions and he felt badly that he couldn't help. Since then he has learned English mostly through practice conversation with other foreigners. He enjoys the cultural exchange. I asked Nao his advice to people coming to Japan. He answered thoughtfully, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." I think Nao's grasp of English idioms is very good and will serve him well when he visits his favorite American cities, San Francisco, New York and Boston someday. Of course we'd love to see him make a pit-stop in Juneau where we could continue the cultural exchange over a few Alaskan Ambers.Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-22225340854290104242008-05-17T13:01:00.013-08:002008-05-17T16:00:37.470-08:00Kamiubestu Tulip Adventure<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GiTL5EJNLBiy-X7T1-O6Xq14rdwMSRvlFN5SQT89w3CzPGCB_qJsMv-pu4_G8ERB7ptdQiK-M8Qer4POK_Vu6tDpeOOWV-NLgW8FMzYmagiuSJOEdiN_l9qp8UeXcvGVFiNNQW-UVDnB/s1600-h/Ma+(30).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201460990761414674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GiTL5EJNLBiy-X7T1-O6Xq14rdwMSRvlFN5SQT89w3CzPGCB_qJsMv-pu4_G8ERB7ptdQiK-M8Qer4POK_Vu6tDpeOOWV-NLgW8FMzYmagiuSJOEdiN_l9qp8UeXcvGVFiNNQW-UVDnB/s400/Ma+(30).jpg" border="0" /></a> Remember my very first friend in Japan, Aki? Aki told me about Kamiubestu, a tuplip farm an hour and a half from Nishiokoppe. Not knowing exactly what to expect, we hopped in the car on Saturday to check it out. Look who we ran into there.... hi Aki!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CzCbuBEx5LZh_7WmErFRiuto6RwqXsUtwcgo7f5JPjVA1mBuuIhn7JqPe0tRUtur-5rnz0uamCsUYgIS63C46wKX91NILTVItch7ILQiNBcdgRa18OZh78SUKIzlYQS3t9Z-rWYRLdbb/s1600-h/Ma+(35).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201460999351349282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CzCbuBEx5LZh_7WmErFRiuto6RwqXsUtwcgo7f5JPjVA1mBuuIhn7JqPe0tRUtur-5rnz0uamCsUYgIS63C46wKX91NILTVItch7ILQiNBcdgRa18OZh78SUKIzlYQS3t9Z-rWYRLdbb/s400/Ma+(35).jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Not knowing what to expect</em> is kind of the theme of our time in Japan. We were surpirsed to see so many people, huge tour busses, even a helicopter tour of the tulip fields. What a strange place to come closest to feeling the "crush" of humanity so synonymous with Japan. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201461020826185810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnON4aY-fMV1098X0lNLuLbThd9K-8AgbqPMaRA260l7EWeBkW2LLiE9_-Go1DDG-DuNxd8Du4hMKearMWyTbBusDWPdWPwYud_tSIEdVC3mKQIZ7AdlnOG7HP4BGptNt0dd-mEFcAftk5/s400/Ma+(52).jpg" border="0" />Nova, feeling the crush of tulips. I have great memories of my mom taking me to the Skagit Valley for tulip viewing when I was a kid in Seattle. It was flashback city, watching wander the rows and rows of color.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201465234189103218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpc_I1g1MutiQzDq2rok7YimoD67HgJQZEKJl9p-imolWB4kg4sgvhW8EOuNqxZoWSA12tBUa6Ow6jnoxI8_wy32oUtWImYy5PMkjytstJ1QxZGGblaW1icTzEcXf4Pjkd2Agzyj5DG5/s400/Ma+(77).jpg" border="0" /> Great view of the valley from the windmill.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VP7y3YQwc0us6SW1ajv3cudTN709PNJ2fOEGu7th-JosuSIPMzUdNETO314hVRv7doONvtzUHObYuTSd4WF2C5Hx8M7JrDd4hm8hrdgFQB-Fzh0LhFDZr8vrcjIt_f8I2H9OOv2-XP15/s1600-h/Ma+(25).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201461007941283890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VP7y3YQwc0us6SW1ajv3cudTN709PNJ2fOEGu7th-JosuSIPMzUdNETO314hVRv7doONvtzUHObYuTSd4WF2C5Hx8M7JrDd4hm8hrdgFQB-Fzh0LhFDZr8vrcjIt_f8I2H9OOv2-XP15/s400/Ma+(25).jpg" border="0" /></a> Where tulips bloom today, Japanese soldiers used to work at a farm camp on this very site. A couple re-enactors try their hand at fire-starting the old fashioned way with a wooden dowel and a piece of string outside the Kamiubetsu town museum.</div><div> </div><div>This museum was designed by famous architect, Watanabe Toyokaz. It was a surreal sight as backdrop to the tuplip fields.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201497051306832066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIN7REg0t4DYuD2FLtIQrjQHX8uxGL-8EEbR4FlDciED_Gkm5Kk1Z5lIV8rVp-k7Nl79vNReRqwkrHmSGQjTYGgfSQTkEWDlnn6bns8-HM1cEoTv21gd1Z0d2wNCZ4dQQInvx3yYN_yuK/s400/Ma+(61).jpg" border="0" />Ainu ice skates maybe? Brrrr! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9PZZLczuksYBFYiAQ-8eXejdP77-lCW071bsKUzERIndi2gEOukSwSTdguZgmOxxec2AOwhtSMOr1CE9vVDXM8kCw50L56Q3WBGlGyPsaVshnqwjSp0MZzxEusMesrrkgggJa2R2fioD/s1600-h/Ma+(21).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201461012236251202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9PZZLczuksYBFYiAQ-8eXejdP77-lCW071bsKUzERIndi2gEOukSwSTdguZgmOxxec2AOwhtSMOr1CE9vVDXM8kCw50L56Q3WBGlGyPsaVshnqwjSp0MZzxEusMesrrkgggJa2R2fioD/s400/Ma+(21).jpg" border="0" /></a> On our way back home we stopped to get gas. Despite the word "diesel" on our gas tank the service attendant pumped our car full of "ni ju litters" gasoline. Luckily our car decided to stop working right in front of the Monbestu airport. And that is how we ended up at the ANA service counter.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201465247074005138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuyjZ3ab9mBKwIQe4G_PHJXvnPhFxnb-AxYsct3lz0Z4KXlcoclbtWTbECZ6URxBxjEe6s-wEyCUAYWS_DP7g8XRlAtMQPEpY2Dlif6pAnDxhPwblRmB6-7UqjNwt-Y9yhNGI-iPBFfUZ/s400/Ma+(80).jpg" border="0" /> Emi, spoke excellent English and helped us phone the superintendant of school's wife, Kamaya-san for a ride. Emi is SO getting a thank you card!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Killing time at the Monbestsu airport looks a lot like killing time at the Juneau airport.</div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201499074236428530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQHN6sTjE652LRusS1GCqxD_i7lJIsDkBQcewyrzXGVHzAwCgs-Tl7NANQnFZdd6OabMOsV46STIl7o7keUgfPGZuuqrcLKvrzyNhqogChXZiWUG4nEJjw96DFgtZdzEksk9DtfFVl36T/s400/Ma+(79).jpg" border="0" />We think customer service in Japan might be the best in the world. The service station manager from Kamiubetsu drove the 1/2 hour to Monbetsu and waited with us until the tow guy came then waited until our car was repaired. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201498052034212066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDbe9hiX-Pf539jpnr9xkXFIYVOapVUgKms0I81aENuSXDDJeGf9mDqlj4NRASAG0nTROve-dxk6d-yeb9-Z2z3N0G3g8Q2yvD2_8dTFib5xGnSQ8B2REPf1YAJwCCr7axlwhHelHGki-/s400/Ma+(81).jpg" border="0" /> Luckily our car was ready within a few hours and we made it home safe and sound. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201497055601799378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCFJwjdHwvCFa46kPCEQUsNV6TMWZcAPqCNyDA8bF0KXuSA9AX9XJ7szJnU-FJcn-DBsPjcibIo_EqPGuqRSKIyqg8jzz42rz1hLzTt1NAoevVuDar2B6RMnrDA5tIAmg5aM-rvtzLj8m/s400/Ma+(83).jpg" border="0" /><br />Lots of JapAffirmations today!Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-24715435493828653452008-05-11T16:40:00.024-08:002008-05-11T22:55:41.343-08:00Tanjoubi Omedeto Nova!A day of flowers, showers, sugar and fun for Nova's 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> birthday; her first of two in Japan. This year Nova's birthday fell on Mother's Day. I can't think of a better way to celebrate being her mom than with birthday love.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZkrUr1hO_KeVoMeyrTkISuTO3P18xQ4D941jvBfvPqkYjNx6h9Wy1VnyxHyESShzrEaVGzpvUMXWBL28UbR_V90EXohdwo6mGh139lPMgKirxN0Cl0CcgxORN27QM5xIJtKDkNT-v2-4/s1600-h/May+156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199347579088973634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZkrUr1hO_KeVoMeyrTkISuTO3P18xQ4D941jvBfvPqkYjNx6h9Wy1VnyxHyESShzrEaVGzpvUMXWBL28UbR_V90EXohdwo6mGh139lPMgKirxN0Cl0CcgxORN27QM5xIJtKDkNT-v2-4/s400/May+156.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nova spent the morning hanging out with her future husband <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ryuya</span>. Watch that arm there, buddy.<br /><br />Birthday Cupcake Challenge: For some reason I've always been intimidated by making cupcakes from scratch. When relayed this to Shawn's grandma Rosie over the phone she said, "Well honey, it's just like making a cake." I didn't have the heart to tell her, I don't exactly whip up cakes from scratch either. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1g4Lm3xDPFnmxbVTxg_8snuw50IyNnVzN61iOWUUIU7pG-zyA4qj6IcW7LE_74_Xi1LGgx7rQglWRNBCH6QXsuxUzsX5Xxp-mstLYayB3hVRBdqDmx2l55oeDRa59OWGiuheWT0-Ox5U/s1600-h/May+161.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199347587678908242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1g4Lm3xDPFnmxbVTxg_8snuw50IyNnVzN61iOWUUIU7pG-zyA4qj6IcW7LE_74_Xi1LGgx7rQglWRNBCH6QXsuxUzsX5Xxp-mstLYayB3hVRBdqDmx2l55oeDRa59OWGiuheWT0-Ox5U/s400/May+161.jpg" border="0" /></a>But thanks to this awesome food blog, <a href="http://www.52cupcakes.blogspot.com/">http://www.52cupcakes.blogspot.com/</a>, I managed to make some pretty darn good cupcakes. See how pretty? Eat your heart out Cupcake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Royale</span>.<br /><br />We took a break from easy bake and went for a walk up these steps to the shrine behind our house. A beautiful trail system winds around up there along the side of the ski hill. Little Buddha statues line the trail in stations of the cross like order. When we discovered this trail a week arriving in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nishiokoppe</span> it was swarming with dragonflies. We've called it The Buddha-fly Trail ever since. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ka7A1YkUGDhW1JZHg367LgI0KFgw1XKsgFIdp_-pk_bk1wUjNE0G2uh9uxVLnzu_lHhjI9-4JYp3anc2CdtKVFcwzpTj8e4JpazhcD4ILWebXDYGlYdpd4g5KJXPkfsKBXrMB9hApWho/s1600-h/May+163.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199347591973875554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ka7A1YkUGDhW1JZHg367LgI0KFgw1XKsgFIdp_-pk_bk1wUjNE0G2uh9uxVLnzu_lHhjI9-4JYp3anc2CdtKVFcwzpTj8e4JpazhcD4ILWebXDYGlYdpd4g5KJXPkfsKBXrMB9hApWho/s400/May+163.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nova has a special relationship with the Buddhas. She's formed her own tradition of reverence and bows to each as we pass, saying respectfully, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Konnichiwa</span> Buddha". Here she is communing with one along the way. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199347604858777474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo_pTu7OAjIRnKeyjozUkrPPEjpaKYikIEcov2rfnP1gbhsyAIQpOqcm6f5xpJH4DA0qpKLeHEUMP4F88bVhWEYr8J0ygSkBia45gHNW5t9FX37JfCEe9BQ7il6RBKFCObf7xD76hbVTP/s400/May+173.jpg" border="0" /> They are in varying states of natural erosion. Some are completely covered in ivy. Some have broken in half.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW-mq9L0PhDWtMZdfO7y6117NbYJ9Fd4Vs5yoL-HAlUsPSUq95Wy6qji5dPX7Yy0JwXxJBjoPEkJshRPAD9tVQLGP8qsdN-NoEqpHMN95tUsVT-00aq1YA69uFA2pz76fEcVVfa4a5vV-/s1600-h/May+169.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199347596268842866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW-mq9L0PhDWtMZdfO7y6117NbYJ9Fd4Vs5yoL-HAlUsPSUq95Wy6qji5dPX7Yy0JwXxJBjoPEkJshRPAD9tVQLGP8qsdN-NoEqpHMN95tUsVT-00aq1YA69uFA2pz76fEcVVfa4a5vV-/s400/May+169.jpg" border="0" /></a>Each one depicts a different pose. I'd love to know more about the significance of each figure sometime. We've never seen anyone else on this trail. Everyone I've asked has said they've never been back there. Our own magical Buddha-fly sanctuary. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199351066602418098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4X3VJnM6dTAHRwtRWNh8Ruby5Nqgemvqnvhivbth39YsJYuM8M36yYj4533lKPur-zas6612zg04Q85Lx0xExhVoWq6KgTRX_YfI5J9l8rrircg93NSlY9bG0zo1jOghWnOCleBHXowJ/s400/May+210.jpg" border="0" />We were caught in a rain shower half way through. Everything smelled lovely and green.<br /><p>My happy mother's day bouquet.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199351058012483490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0woc-SP9pXEDgBt4urAovVxnUm2ASSijnluTgzHgt3t80kz340rnltE883hB3Errm4XZ-ehIF6wVgreZKYUQZMCKduMqhF4dmzJx902luauBp4h3aqgDPMnxDSsg1jsZJvfcNsgFDWHM4/s400/May+190.jpg" border="0" />These little trillium flowers were everywhere. They always remind me of hiking in Oregon.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199351053717516178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDtkGQkr41LSt2b33hJjZwFAvvDm_27bOaeIEt5y1GBF6Yq3Ym8r0ACj5_6YV_j2BwWRJfAfFrjeDOGTJ2x5-4zbGBNY_W92QWMvzOx2OCm2In7agID-MhAHe5SmTKU3PuTHvc8UPq4Of/s400/May+181.jpg" border="0" />After our hike it was time to get ready for Nova's party. Nova invited our neighborhood friends the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Taniguchi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Otosaka</span> kids. It was a sugar induced frenzy of cake eating, dancing, movie watching (with the Japanese dubbing turned on), and fireworks. I saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Yugi</span> bashfully stick popcorn he had dropped on the carpet into his pocket. I had just assured him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bunta</span> would eat it up later so not to worry. I was impressed with how polite (and tidy) all these kids are. They were a lot of fun.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199351075192352722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjhuchoemBFhjC2hltwpug0PyXTMbq_rggU29RN8yPDpCxiQtmGh01xCx1dUTeT6uLfpNe0v2h1_2zbcGTwCm9GgRrNf_ZV7azxxhJxBckKGCVmMqZxKMpaDF_ww2jUCW83YrqZwnWbHj/s400/May+221.jpg" border="0" />We were all missing our usual crew of Juneau friends and family this year. But Nova had a great birthday here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nishiokoppe</span> with her new friends and we're looking forward to one more before we head home.<br /></p>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-68592163396319292922008-05-02T14:22:00.013-08:002008-05-05T02:18:56.364-08:00Cherry Blossom ViewingCherry blossoms are blooming early in Hokkaido. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195917320177621762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j3o4DMY5lsxldzRbPwJi9_bosbJh_SkSurp2xcN9gyX62V2bqcPYEL2ak_lqwHef7athI7kW3BQMs_qhmyK7wlE8b-wW1u4UU7PQYf7DQBBDJOEmaaQJBKNWtjGSpddEKLLTXBXSxdPs/s400/May+012.jpg" border="0" /> Usui-san took us to his favorite cherry blossom viewing spot on Nishiokoppe grazing land.<br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195912303655819970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH87B9BhOdSbhXE1eo1EUvUpiRSBKOdN5G7UvMYfGjEvDEhJAuOPxDMblZql1apKggrefgFgkwOa-WxIEhB8IYTlb1xoyjKXvdDSvgabFM-whdNDv_xIZ96P2QV5QY2IHWQqxgkW_7JNF/s400/May+007.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>A few solitary trees jutting out of the rolling hills made for a lovely first viewing experience. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195912295065885346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8q2OuAOsR7oh6rN3Js6KsHcJEy_EnRft0rOWe4vj67u-PwoGou4fdAdoUymWnSdMfBnLpQ-uUTxWmnESOx6ym_vwVR4JboFbfYz2Znlo6MMTxCzNS7noySPYZfO4VwB-YV2tIYDo1emz/s400/May+032.jpg" border="0" />WikkiAnswers told me this about the significance of cherry blossoms in Japan....<a class="h2heading h2" style="COLOR: #000" name="The_meaning_of_Japanese_Cherry_blossom"> </a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195912299360852658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UOZbfWZv00U089be_2R06BYWXwkhtLsxINheaY2dUTRgkGQO1Khll9t-tgfSeLSTsPNHA_abtU1yty9rSifjKC-CuKhhXMEktYbkz7rvDwE9aB-qRF_CRkKP2aLuvu_tcgvuD9o6TC6u/s400/May+051.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>For the Japanese, the beautiful period of its flowering and then the all too soon fading and subsequent scattering of petals on the wind, symbolizes life itself - </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195920266525186850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa8yum9K9i8twn8pPiuRZ4MlFnXCVDE41FBcgM3ZjwmdIOnXD6T6VMH3PkTsZKtEuXpPUK3ca4s8fMjHRZ1CXoaU65jPTkAO063K4fWPCTQKFyHXDfIcz2tYTJmaJn4itWIvGpP-PNtfC/s400/May+038.jpg" border="0" />but not life in some abstract and distant sense. The fragility of the cherry blossom is the fragility of human existence; its brief period of life, like our own; its implacable movement toward death. If it has five petals, it means luck, because five petals (much like a four leaf clover) is very rare.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195920262230219538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiTKYKU_kbwkPglFaiMFiDo5gF41T_iGRCF2mUePqHsFf3kUWIOT9fQh45-1-kCsa4gQ9gf1Z6CosP1slPPLJ4n7XG3SGX8BWpbDOKxvcyIdjjMHemOHx4uT2tdV4WSIpz1czp7vCqBPd/s400/May+047.jpg" border="0" />Thank you Usui-san. We had a great time!<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195912286475950738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIWNYzjVIJ8rLEoVpwXANkRqH1UDKov-_WIRMG6iZyG9d8Si3qUDCKRo_YrI1Luw2EYtnqTkPbvMG4IPa9JtUgclM0HT_r4P-6YMlLSajdb20rz8MGCNigsTZdslFsqQSjhLwx5bV16TB/s400/May+066.jpg" border="0" /></div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-18454541404347062392008-04-15T23:57:00.007-08:002008-04-20T02:04:15.602-08:00nova's nishio, short film<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhgqHJXCJwcXNNYEoFsp0DwOewKp6tcKzpeqIierlmscJUTc8W1Vlc-ihK2kb8i6plAF54D9fzDxvW2-i9Bw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>If your internet speed is less than lightning fast, you'll want to let it buffer through once and then pull back the little tacker button thingy to the beginning. </p>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-32710201033021698882008-04-15T20:45:00.013-08:002008-05-05T01:29:18.937-08:00Jenglish DictionaryOur family has always crafted our own language, being here has inspired us with all kinds of new word combinations. Here are a few that might come up in later posts and are staples in our daily de-briefs.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">JapAffirmation</span></span></strong> - a warm- fuzzy thought or feeling toward living in Japan.<br />Example: "I'm having a good Japan day today!"<br /><br /><strong>J-Ball</strong> - stemming from the word 'odd-ball' and used to describe a moment in which wires of communication are completely crossed.<br />Example: My favorite are when I have proudly managed to put together a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sentence</span> in Japanese and in response I get a quizzical head tilt and a polite "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nani</span>?", which means "what?".<br /><br /><strong>J-Rage</strong> - an extreme reaction to a particularly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">frustrating</span> J-Ball incident.<br />Example: see the blog post entitled 'BEHOLD....'<br /><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">JapOpposites</span></span></strong>- Newton's eastern <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">equivalent</span> to his law of opposites; for every Western stereotype of Japan there exists an equal and sometimes quite surprising opposite.<br />Example: see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">JapOpposites</span></span> featured in blog posts to come.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Gaijin</span></span> Alert!" </strong>- calling attention to the presence of another westerner in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">vicinity</span>.<br />Example: At the grocery store Nova spots a white face in the crowd and alerts us with, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gaijin</span></span> Alert, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gaijin</span></span> Alert! Mom, there's a white person here!" 1.5% of Japan's population are foreigners and that includes other Asians.<br /><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gaijinators</span></span></strong>- our general term for a native <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">English</span> speaker.Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-58056135640326580812008-04-15T02:19:00.009-08:002008-05-05T01:33:43.858-08:00BEHOLD.....<div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NISHIOKOPPE'S</span> FACE OF TERROR</span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibldLBoTfidVktuTwnkrmM1rWDtHnzZ6xKN9R_5_RFi5EhVSkSdis3-B5sl4coGDO0dy_Li7Ox3nZuSFJJPM2BPXbzP1vyE9bC9OJQ9YR0-hvr_ra6lxgRPopd6iCDMtgem2l1O9N9pyzn/s1600-h/April+091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189415584473893538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibldLBoTfidVktuTwnkrmM1rWDtHnzZ6xKN9R_5_RFi5EhVSkSdis3-B5sl4coGDO0dy_Li7Ox3nZuSFJJPM2BPXbzP1vyE9bC9OJQ9YR0-hvr_ra6lxgRPopd6iCDMtgem2l1O9N9pyzn/s400/April+091.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bunta</span> The Destroyer</span></strong> </p><p align="center">Women and children weep in his presence. No mortal man can tame him. The Village's only hope? </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189415575883958930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeH-MHIx_ePqInVAPmhQyIZ_7mo73-7vAGekD0hQ2rUQ1bRDXpCR3y5K06KUOcGVK5AxIYxMoOB_8zJyPWRIT_1p7u45Rm1lW1Kumstg6q0TAECgopESkLXmwbYcZzNoFVgjITfmkzOgx/s400/April+072.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">The amazing calm-assertive, Pack Leader powers of one small child. </p><p align="center">This blog post is serving as catharsis for the bad day I had today. Shawn was told at the Bureau of Education office that there have been complaints that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bunta</span> is a "wild animal" and is "scaring people". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bunta</span> is about my only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hobby</span> here. I try very hard to be an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">uber</span>-PC dog owner. I try very hard to remember that Japanese dog culture is different. These complaints spurred something in me I like to call, "J-Rage"; a nasty little side effect of culture shock which just when you think it's subsided, rises like a bile in your subconsious and <em>slowly drives you MAD</em>! It stems from not being able to have a proper conversation about such matters of importance. Sometimes we simply can't explain with our meager Japanese and the phrase book. Deep cleansing breath..... </p><p align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ok</span>, now I feel better. :) </p><p align="center">PS: A neighbor in Nishio emailed me about this post. She wanted me to know that she sees how hard I'm trying to be a responsible dog owner and that sometimes she too feels frustrated with communication here.....and she's Japanese! It was nice to get her feedback and some perspective that there are aspects of small town life that are the same wherever you are in the world. </p>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074157265928154109.post-1247625288572509562008-04-14T19:00:00.007-08:002008-05-05T01:40:17.219-08:00What's New?<div>The adult English class now starts with the question, "What's new?" This is a chance for me to hear what the ladies have been up to and for them to practice easy English sentences. I love the way they hem and haw trying to think of something from the past week and then inevitably come up with something great and entertaining to share.<br /><br />I can't guarantee you'll find the following great or entertaining, but here's my family's "What's new" for the weekend.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191263951423025154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66sGX1hwbS8w1GY7MB8ens68naPPbmTQRAqrztnRt0AB4sYNU9zzfciMaTH17hRoLQ_UNIQqzk_pzgkGTBsrNH2x77Yd1hwmsrBGDoBN4lBarugniwqmhb1BOmIYnskuCpM_DFsolToUp/s400/Chandi+and+Novs+Tulips.JPG" border="0" />Saturday, Nova and I joined other villagers for tulip bulb planting along <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nishiokoppe's</span> main strip.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191230158620340098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfCAeTJ8DULjIBhgZjknAlLXEPx4D_8duO12HfNcMy7ms2_OX9EskKHgIceN2lAEA0KryBL6YfZS_-r1VvCYiunC5XgWE0NsoJPHRDo7bEpZEZs_6tByDDcnG0LLyZDoTk5MFn8EvMeeC/s400/April+121.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZK-FdZNTA2QqbZ6KhmmLSNhd2yuvA_qBX7NOIemorxFEeIAsh-HaHnt9hqVxBLbkufOgTibeAXcBaTjfOpxPse-Y3hEpTbgviUonIS87XDkwgZ6cFSOMWlZJJz0s6-nRcT6JOHzJsPnP/s1600-h/April+190.jpg"></a> I love that city beautification is open to everyone. There's a lot of pride in this tiny community and it shows.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191230162915307410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2qk0pFvLN-F7Wa4qKzcMcKzbK1q_BVMJkRK_ulOXSzovl-PT8e265kE_NX75Q2QD0OHbUIPXJL-byselxvBEZ8ApDw4MNDmFfG9Jx5mm-pRLMShscdVf35vCiR1p8M7upsRm82CST4Sf/s400/April+134.jpg" border="0" />I like seeing more traditional Japanese <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ensembles</span> such as this woman's gardening outfit. There is a mix of old and new here in many things. In the city I've seen women walking around in traditional kimonos. It takes me back to my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">childhood</span> Holly Hobby sheets and pillowcases. You children of the 80's will know what I'm talking about. :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZtgO1ZIsfoRSwxG4YnlcgIBnyYX9CnJsdE70Ya-D9H5qhX8O34FLhcGH1OBwYpYZfDdTXHsG4qVo_Yv-_-SwsA4eaBT7_-AUEw76GgSmQH2_hZvl2Ua-F6S6vNANWZj7yZ1BQbUZdiD4/s1600-h/April+175.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191230167210274722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZtgO1ZIsfoRSwxG4YnlcgIBnyYX9CnJsdE70Ya-D9H5qhX8O34FLhcGH1OBwYpYZfDdTXHsG4qVo_Yv-_-SwsA4eaBT7_-AUEw76GgSmQH2_hZvl2Ua-F6S6vNANWZj7yZ1BQbUZdiD4/s400/April+175.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sunday; visited a new beach outside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Monbetsu</span>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVOs0u6PAfMerjdTuFF9KyMWIL8gqQvsNNlC8iq7SESpQBVfrtFM7-d-j-9Ky99I6T_Ks6xhpjSQ_3dFSoTx753rB08KZaFIkySzc1yaz3aW67ntsCDiPEoAbvS0Ir7ZBGw_J-6zEiuDo/s1600-h/April+188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191230171505242034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVOs0u6PAfMerjdTuFF9KyMWIL8gqQvsNNlC8iq7SESpQBVfrtFM7-d-j-9Ky99I6T_Ks6xhpjSQ_3dFSoTx753rB08KZaFIkySzc1yaz3aW67ntsCDiPEoAbvS0Ir7ZBGw_J-6zEiuDo/s400/April+188.jpg" border="0" /></a> Took this cute photo of Nova and Shawn having a love attack.<br />Went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ramen</span> House. And for the millionth time.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191241587528314866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAIt_sJj116YnqkrkZP2jiu4_Iph3T-4xgW0-8fIR04fRp7fo0FXc7ptFQMvDeVZbnmtCbYM43sdsqB1bfzDWmxsQoqGxxD8HmdUfnCaLYeBoKLq0bsqB5jUhGtuKFDVWnlJXrhwevBRS/s400/April+201.jpg" border="0" />YES WE KNOW HOW TO USE CHOPSTICKS!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196826045063142194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMfAM1qZmX7iTUw4ZRfreae2zG1ciR9ic9cCWvnAr1Bncg00xG7jOSeeNQJlJ6uNvmxzcuuvLsfHWDHFFXUAcnlZN9bn8JXcXCDEma2-Ts3h-1-zVfkzGt7yy_MqAyYvzZGc1frrUq3We/s400/April+190.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error">JapOpposite</span> at the video store. The Japanese, ultra conservative in many ways. Yet, porn in public places..... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191231580254515170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1QLPrn5wmxbutHsGExJ0c6KqM18DqsFoPYp_4rU6I8g72bh8afsBTs4CuwESfUt7DmK5zRvxnShjLnNBD4cCUa68v2khDTV9q9qWDeym4ZZBCn6ULCdSTMGGZniBPiAbWf6cE6v3Eg9Q/s400/April+195.jpg" border="0" /> No one seems to mind that in the video store at the end of one aisle the XXX are displayed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nonchalantly</span> with the action and even the children's videos. What gives? Same with bookstores, convenience stores, and <em>the Sunday paper</em>. Classic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">JapOppopsite</span> if ya ask me and just another weekend in Hokkaido for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">fam</span>. Until next time.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ne</span>!</div>Chandra Travershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962645405808402822noreply@blogger.com