Travel Diary: Japan: What a glorious feeling I'm happy again

Another week gone by and scant few left in my stay in Japan. Looking forward to seeing the family and a few friends when I return home, but still like being here. Anyways, here’s the update.

The weekend before last was my choir concert which was well and good in and of itself. That is to say, it was indoors. There seems to be two things in Japan that are out to get me as seen in previous posts: the weather and the curving roads that make it difficult to get a feel for direct. So, yes, the rain fell like no other on that Sunday. This was really sad because Tokyo University was having a festival that day complete with more booths than you could shake a stick at. Luckily, I have acquired an umbrella and use it. The problem being that with my height and the wind, everything from the waste down ends up soaked no matter what I do.

Me and my friends spend the day dodging in and out of building and visiting the booths for whatever victuals we can find. I had a really decent okonomiyaki for only 300 yen. I also sampled their French toast which is really more of a desert here and is served with ice cream. We also got to stop by a stage that was set up for the express purpose of hosting a cappella performances. The day was finished out at a nomikai (drinking party) just like every other Sirobara event.

So what did I actually end up doing this week? Well, not a whole lot to tell the truth. I’ve been trying to catch up on my studies and this means staying indoors and avoiding the above 80 degree heat. I did, however, visit a cold stone creamery today. The employees even sang for the guests while mixing the ice cream. For those of you who remember Columbus’s Cold Stone, they managed to keep up the singing for about one entire day before becoming mute again. Not here in Japan. I am always impressed with how good the customer service here is compared to the states.

So to make amends for not too much happening, I have pictures!!! And more on the way as soon as I get the password for Sirobara’s website (the camping trip pics).