The next time I talk to my Mom - it will be in PERSON! I'm SO EXCITED!!!!!!! We have a busy week planned, with trips to Nagoya, Hamamatsu, Kyoto and Tokyo. I can't wait to get started!
Since I won't be near my computer for a while, I decided to upload the rest of my pictures.
The first (and biggest batch) is from the Iyeyasu Parade. A famous Japanese leader (named Iyeyasu Tokugawa) was born in Okazaki and so....every year Okazaki hosts a parade to celebrate him. Many of my students marched in the parade, playing music or performing. And of course, the parade included many...many Samurai. A few foreigners are given the opportunity to join the Samurai and, thanks to knowing the right people, Dawn and I were given two spots. I wasn't sure what to expect but.........I certainly never imagined this. Dawn was put in the gun squad (they actually "fired" their guns!) and I was placed at the head of the band of foreigners. The armor was heavy and the shoes were made of straw and we walked for HOURS but it was certainly one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences of my life.
Second, I uploaded pictures of the cherry blossoms. I had hoped to get to Kyoto to see them - but unfortunately the blossoms are only around for about two weeks and I didn't have a chance to go during that brief time. But thankfully, Okazaki is a hot spot for cherry blossom viewing. And now, so is your computer screen.
Lastly, I uploaded a few pictures of my school classroom and my darling children. You can see those here.
That's it! I have to get to bed. I have to get up early and do some last minute cleaning/shopping before my Mom arrives.
Feel free to pray that she arrives safely.
3 comments:
I've got to be honest: seeing you in samurai garb probably made my night.
Do you think you could smuggle some samurai gear back to Chicago for me? I would be eternally grateful. Also, were the swords real?
*EXCITED FOR YOU*
be blessed
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