IrishOboe

On the long weekend (Sat.-Mon.) I went with two families from Hippo to a condo in Nagano. Biki and Piccolo (Hippo nicknames) and their three children (Achi-kun (7?), K-chan (5?), and Tomo-chan (2?); and Ikumi (Hippo nickname is Stitch – yes, from the movie, she’s in 6^th grade and is the girl who really likes me for whatever reason), her brother (Ritsu?) and Mom (Japanese names are still hard for me to catch). That makes nine people and we went in one minivan. I was shocked, but I guess in Japan, it’s okay to load five kids and a baby in a car without seatbelts and travel at top speed. I wore mine, but I felt bad for the kids!

It rained all weekend so we didn’t do as much hiking as we’d hoped, but we had a great time anyway. Once again it was really great to see more of everyday Japanese life and I learned more about how to fix meals, though I didn’t help too much since they viewed me like a child. It’s so hard not to think of someone who can’t speak your language as dumb or incapable. Our language is so natural to us that we don’t know what to do with those who don’t know it! I had a great time anyway, even though I didn’t feel like much help. There was conversation the whole time on the drive up (about three hours) and it was great practice for me. I answered a few questions, but I didn’t talk much. There’s much less responsibility to carry conversation when you don’t know the language. I’ve kind of liked that being here . . .

We stopped for dinner on the way, set up the condo and just hung out that evening. We went to the ofuro (Japanese baths – I’ve just learned the name for them!), relaxed and I went to bed first because I was so tired!

On Saturday we of course had a Japanese breakfast (rice, white bread buns with lettuce and mini hot dogs – I passed, tomatoes, something else I’m forgetting), and I helped make onigiri for lunch. We “kids” played cards and hung out while the adults did more prep and planning. I also watched some TV. It’s still hard to understand TV, but it was fun to try. I’m glad I don’t have a TV here, but it can be a good way to practice.

We went to a paper shop and made Japanese-style paper. That was way cool! Over a great big tub of milky water we took a wood frame with a screen the shape we wanted the paper to be then we scooped up the water solution and jiggled it as the water drained and bits of papery stuff remained. We did that three times. I don’t know if that’s how all paper is made (looks like I’ll have to have another chat with my Grandpa!) but it was cool! We then decorated our textured paper (still very went) with bits of colored paper. We left them in the shop to dry while we went hiking so I don’t know if the drying process is something special or not. What fun!

The hiking wasn’t as much fun even though the scenery was beautiful because we had to always look down at the muddy path to avoid falling into a puddle of water. It was fun to listen to Achi-kun pointing out different plans saying “This is rare” or “This is common.” I’m sure he said more I couldn’t understand. He brought some books on beetles and plants and he obviously cares about them! I was thrilled that during the walk I cracked a joke in Japanese and it had its effect with the kids. Achi pointed out a slug to me and I said “oishii soh” which means “It looks delicious.” Not terribly complicated humor I know, but they talked about it for a while, so I felt special.

After we picked up our paper (the kids did a great job!) we went back to the condo and went for a swim in the pool there. Oh, it’d been nearly a year since I swam! It felt so good. I can’t wait for our pool in Florida and the Maggie P.!!!

The pool was heated to much to enjoy laps, but it was good for playing around in. Most public pools are quite shallow (about chest high), which I find to be disappointing. I enjoyed a little rough housing with the kids, but I think the Japanese aren’t so used to that kind of pool play. Oops, stupid gaijin. The kids loved it.

This is a good time to mention something about Japanese public pools. Everyone wears a cap and goggles, but not a water proof cap. I think it’s just to keep your hair from getting in the pool, because it doesn’t keep your head dry and many kids let some of their hair leak out strategically (especially my high school kids). You shower before getting in and after getting out. I had thought that mean there were fewer chemicals, but either I’ve forgotten what pool chemicals feel like, or they use plenty here, too. My eyes and skin were hurting after our hour or so there.

We went out for dinner and had some of the best tempura and soba I’ve had. Yummy!

We came home the next day after breakfast. It was a nice time, though I’m afraid I wasn’t too genki since I was a bit stressed and depressed over the end of school and my time here in Japan.