Sayonara

Well, that's it folks. We spent our last night in Oita at a giant festival in our traditional Japanese yukatas. It was a bittersweet night and a perfect way to culminate our year in Japan.

Shawn modeling the more casual summer 'jinbei' with a sweet fan given to him by his teachers.



Me modeling the woman's yukata. I put it on AND tied the obi all by myself! It was a very proud moment.



Saying goodbye to Japan.

My Birthday

As most of you know, my birthday was last Sunday and Shawn and I celebrated in style. First, we woke up in the wee hours of the morning and Shawn gave me a birthday present. He wrapped it so beautifully in this cool silver confetti, so I gave a celebratory throw!



He got me a CD of a Japanese Band I wanted; their name is the “Rad Wimps.” Cool band name! Also a handmade Japanese tea pot. Thanks, Shawnie!

This year it has come to my attention that Shawnikins has never ridden a roller coaster! I knew that situation had to be rectified immediately so for my birthday we went to Kijima, an amusement park. It was so fun! I had forgotten how much fun amusement parks are.



This is Shawn just before his first upside-down-loop-roller coaster. He looks scared.



Shawn found a new friend.



Cool lego guy guarding this awesome lego castle.





Shawn tried to get out of riding some rides because he was too short...but I saw straight through his tricks.



Good thing he was tall enough! This was our favorite ride. We rode the swings five times!





His horse was way more exciting than mine.



The Japanese touch to the amusement park, a hot foot spa for your tired toes. It felt great.



The park at night. Check out Shawn’s muscles! He’s been working out, you know.



Our ferris wheel umbrella.



And now to commemorate our experience here is a short video.



Thanks to everyone who sent me their birthday wishes!

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!