Tsurusaki Festival!

Monday night our little town of Tsurusaki transformed into a bustling festival! For three hours, and three hours only, there were food stalls, festival games, live music, karaoke and dancing all along the main street. It was really really fun. Of course, since it was in Tsurusaki, Shawn and I felt like proper movie stars as we wiggled our way through the crowd. It's always a shock to students when they see us around town and when they see us together it's an extra bonus. We couldn't take a step without hearing, "oh! Shawn! Tori! eeeeh!!!" We were full on attacked by a few groups of students who were that excited to see us. Those of you who have been in Japan can imagine these sounds of shock and awe, but those of you who don't know, please ask me to demonstrate when I get home. It never gets old. :)

At the festival there were lots of things. Let me show you!

Many many people:



Plastic masks that are really popular with the kids:



Fried squid. It wouldn't be a festival without it:



Yukata! Yukata! Yukata! The choice summer wear for festivals and celebrations. They are so beautiful:



Baby Yukata:



Crazy mobs of students sporting the all important 'peace sign':



Which reminds me...my Dad asked me what is up with that peace sign in pictures. To be honest, you'd be lucky to have a picture in Japan without it! It's as essential as a smile for young people and old people alike. I have no idea why, but now I can't seem to take a picture without flashing one myself!

Low light for taking cool pictures:



The festival atmosphere is awesome and during the summer there seems to be some kind of festival every weekend! Shawn and I are both equipped with Yukata that we recently purchased so before we leave Japan we will get dressed up and sport our traditional Japanese wear. Will post pictures of that momentous occasion soon!

Then, to top of the night we headed to a dinner in Oita to say goodbye to the Longs! We'll see you two soon. The awesome group picture:



All pictures courtesy of the Fabulous Shawn. He manned the camera and I, the video camera. We are quite a spectacle with all our gadgets!

Ciao!