I Agreed to do What?!?!?!

団子：On Supply and Demand

One of Japanese people's favorite traditional treats is dango （団子）　Dango are mochi balls (basically pounded cooked rice into a chewy gum-like texture) and stacked on a skewer. Based on the season, there are different varieties. For example, in spring light pink and green cherry blossom dango can be found while in the fall, chestnut dango is popular. In Kyoto especially, dango are popular because Kyoto embraces all things traditional. Of course, following the Japanese mindset, it was essential to try Kyoto dango! (As a side note, Japanese people like to label everything as "famous." For example, "Kyoto is famous for dango." Thus, when visiting an area, according to them, it is important to try all the famous foods associated with the regions (meibutsu)) Okay, back to the dango. Since I visited Kyoto with Mariko (the former home ec. teacher from my school), she really wanted to try Kyoto's famous dango. I am always up for desserts, so I didn't mind her request! While browsing a street-stall's menu, we were both surprised -- the selection included chestnut flavored, green tea, black sesame, anko (sweet red bean), and chocolate!!! Being American, I had to try the chocolate because that just sounded normal to me and the black sesame with gold flakes because that was just too novel! Being Japanese, Mariko had to try the green tea because that just sounded normal to her and the chocolate because that was just too novel!! Whereas I loved the chocolate covered rice balls (they tasted like chocolate-covered marshmallows only not quite so sweet!) Mariko found them literally repulsive! "Why would the storekeeper sell something so gross?" she pondered. I had to laugh. "If they want to attract tourists," I explained, "they are going to have to sell something that doesn't look like spinach or tar!"

Fall in Kyoto

There is a saying that goes something like this "You haven't seen Kyoto until you have seen it in the spring...but you haven't really seen Kyoto until you have seen it in the fall." Okay, maybe I just made that up, but it is totally true! This past weekend I had the chance to check off another one of my "While I'm in Japan, I want to ~ List." For three Falls now, I have wanted to see Japanese momiji (maple). I used to think that cherry blossoms were the most gorgeous of God's plant creations, but now that I have seen his fall palette, I might just have to rethink my decision. While walking the streets of old Japan, I questioned why I am so enamored with the change of seasons. I think that it is because I grew up in Florida where the seasons were labeled "Tourist Season" and "Off-Season." I now can understand my mom's pining for the North's fall -- it's beautiful! A word of warning though, I got a little carried away taking pictures of leaves. Enjoy (^~^)

Happy Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe that I have now officially spent my third Thanksgiving here in Japan. After the first one being the most difficult and unique (there is nothing like being treated to raw tuna in a school gym) and the second one being equally entertaining (Sarah's attempt at making mashed potatoes with essence of banana will always be an edible memory I won't want to relive) I actually wasn't expecting much. In fact, I tried not to think about the holiday too much just because I knew it would make me sad being here "alone". However, my attempt to avoid it was short-lived. Not only was I greeted by an adorable and entertaining Thanksgiving sign made by Sarah...




..but I was invited over to the American pastor's house for dinner. Because they have lived in Japan for thirty years, Thanksgiving isn't really part of their family tradition. However, their youngest daughter, Joanna, decided that this year she wanted to try her hand at making Thanksgiving dinner, and I was blessed to be invited. Feasting on chicken and gravy (turkeys are almost impossible to buy here) buttery mashed potatoes, real Southern iced tea, green beans, and apple crumble pie, it was almost as good as being home. (Okay, not really, but it really made me realize that I do have a lot in Japan to be thankful and I am never really alone).

Me and Joanna

Harp Playing and Awesome Teachers!

I finally did it!!

This past week, I had the chance to play for my teachers, students and their parents at my school's cultural day. The best part was when the curtain rose and there we sat! There was a unified gasp and then complete silence (after the third-year characters' cat-calls). For most of my students this was the first opportunity to see and hear a harp live. I was so grateful that I was the one that could share my love with them.
The next day, I performed at the elementary school in a community-wide concert! I was especially tickled that my awesome Japanese teacher and his wife (below) came to hear me. Dr. Takeyama had been gracious enough to teach me how to request a "harp-car" taxi (and bailed me out when I got completely overwhelmed on the telephone).


My vice-principal (below and left) also came to the concert as did Ms. Nakamura, the elementary-school's head-teacher (middle). Both of them were so kind in helping me in all-things harp.