Wednesday (Nov. 23rd) is Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan. I wasn’t able to get an answer as to what it is actually for, but of course, we Americans knew what to celebrate that day! A few friends from church (Courtney, Mamiko, and Charles) plus some (Ashley in Kiyosato and her friend) all went to Charles’s house for a potluck Thanksgiving dinner. We had mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, herb chicken, sushi, salad, rolls, and an improvised apple pie. It was lovely! I had planed to go back earlier with Courtney but I didn’t plan well and when it was time to leave there were many dirty dishes still and I couldn’t bear to leave them with our host so I agreed to stay longer since Charles offered me a ride home. Mamiko, Charles and I cleaned up, stayed a bit longer, then Charles took me home. We got to talking about faith so we ended up talking at my place until 9:30. It was one of the more interesting conversations I’ve had in a while, but I’m not free to broadcast it over the web. I went to bed soon after and the great thing about this holiday was that there were only two more days before the weekend!
Thursday (Nov. 24th) I made a small Thanksgiving feast for myself since it was our Thanksgiving. I had fried rice with tofu (that stuff is so great – how could I not have liked it before?), tomatoes with olive oil and basil, left over sweet potatoes, salad, and some sort of apple crisp creation. I got a happy Thanksgiving call from Downingtown and said hi to nearly all of my relatives on my Mom’s side. It’s a bit tough to be away from them this year. It’s been one constant in the midst of many changes, and I have so many wonderful memories from Thanksgiving break when I think about them being there without me it makes me very homesick! I’m glad I got to say hi, though. It was worth staying up a bit late for it!
Friday (Nov. 25th) I got a tour of Shirane town after my classes. Koma sensei took Yuko and me around to a few shrines, sights, and museums in Shirane. It was very cool! We looked at 450-year-old flood prevention structures, old and new Japanese art, and went to a look-out spot over the city. It was funny that nearly all the places we went to I’d gotten very near by bike earlier in the year!
After the tour it was time for me to go home, so did. I find it hard to stay late on Fridays. I stopped by the library to see Nikko and change our plans since I’d double booked myself. I bummed about a little because I’m tired and need to chill, but I managed to shake myself of the need to vegetate long enough to write these updates. Now if I can only get to writing about the rice cutting weekend! This weekend isn’t packed, but it has enough events to keep me busy. Actually, from now until the end of the year the weekends are fairly packed!
Love to all,Janet
