JAPAN! Part One

On friday, five Moriokans left their home of Iwate to travel 500 kilometers to Tokyo, the first destination of their adventure. Late in the evening, we arrived and was welcomed by our friend Kunino's family. We said goodbye to our Tokyo-bound friend and the four remaining enjoyed a night of eating nabe, raw oysters, and countless amount of Otosan's sake.... Early on Saturday, we made the second part of the long haul to Osaka, the real beginning of the voyage.

OSAKA

After battling the confusing toll roads of Osaka City, we found our way to the port part of the city and enjoyed our first Tourist sight... the Osaka Aquarium, known to be the largest tank in the world- 15 stories tall, and housing two whale sharks. We took the elevator up and wound our way down to the bottom, appreciating all forms of ocean-life. We ended the night with Osaka's famous Okonomiyaki and the largest Ferris Wheel in Japan.

~Going on a Road Trip~

This Friday four friends will be making a long two week journey through the main island of Japan and the small unknown island of Japan- Shikoku. Our 19 day excursion will start Friday morning when we go to Tokyo and stay the night at Kunino's. Then, the next day we will go to Osaka to see some big fish. Next stop are the whirlpools and old temples of Tokushima in Shikoku. Then we will visit Iya Valley and work as old-style farmers in a refurbished thatched-roof house. Then we will visit the oldest onsen in Japan in Dogo Onsen. Soon after, venturing to the Hiroshima homeland for Christmas. Then scooting back to the traditional worlds of Kansai for a couple days with drunk middle-aged men. Eventually making it back to Tokyo to celebrate the new year and on a very sad day, make our way back to the snowy tundra of Morioka. Bliss, sweet bliss.

Year End Onsen Party

This is year two of going to one of the famous onsens in the area. Here, we cook dinner, exchange gifts, and drink until the night is young. Of course along with many many baths. It was a very different group from last year which made the traditional gathering new and different. We had a delicious Greek Chicken dinner and two beautiful Christmas cakes. Ron and I ended up with a random Froggie set of goodies and we enjoyed our evening with baths, massages, baths, card games, baths, and great conversation.

Our First Skiing Weekend

This past weekend opened up the Skiing Season for Iwate... Finally! So we took a couple of friends to the famous Appi Ski Resort, known for their powder snow and family friendly courses. I was really nervous about going since it had been a year. Luckily, I readjusted quite well and soon went to the very top of the mountain to ski down below. I took some pictures, but I realized that taking pictures of people bundled up with a white background does not make for award winning pictures. But, for the fun, enjoy!

Amazing News!

This past week, Ron was accepted into a teaching program in China. Once my diploma gets sent to them, I too will be accepted. We have been waiting for two months for this answer and finally it is certain that we can teach in China for a year.

This was a really new idea that started in September when Ron and I were planning out our new JET year. With so many of our friends leaving because they don't/can't stay in Iwate, we too were thinking about our options. We really love Morioka, but we knew that after this year, we would be satisfied with it and leave on a happy note. That was when Ron looked on the internet and found Appalachians Abroad. This program starts in September and finishes the following June. We will most likely work at the same school with free housing and a month off for Christmas. Being in China just gives us an opportunity to travel more, which was the main reason we left the States. We are so happy and even though this secret was not well kept by us, I am happy that I can finally talk about it, now that we are accepted. The next problem is figuring out how to tell my school.