My host family, Ty (8 years old) and Kazuko (Ty’s grandmother) picked me up this morning to bring me to their home for the weekend. We walked from the hotel to the grocery store, stopped at the bakery, and then walked to their house. Emiko, Ty’s mother, was working. Emiko teaches English from her home six days a week in the late afternoon and evening. Kazuko teaches koto, a Japanese string instrument and is a professional kimono dresser. Kazuko helped me make origami.
Emiko and I walked to a Shinto shrine. They purify their hands and mouth with water before going up to the shrine. She explained that they purchase a fortune sheet to see if they will have good luck. Then they tie any bad fortune sheets to a tree. The wind will carry the bad fortune away. The Japanese toss stones at the horizontal beam of the gate. If the stone stays there, they will have good luck.
Emiko and Kazuko practiced the koto with their students for an upcoming performance. The music was beautiful. Justin, an English teacher from Chicago, came to hear the music. It turned out; a group of us had met him at the festival. This added to the small town feel of Takeo.
I slept in a traditional room with tatami mats (thick wicker flooring). They placed a futon mat on the floor with a down comforter over it for me to sleep on. I was very comfortable. I noticed that they had one western style bed and a kitchen table and chairs set in their home. In the traditional room, they had the low table with cushions for you to sit on. The city chime rings and then music is played over loud speakers in the street at 8 am, 12 noon, and 5pm. One the chimes let me know it was time to get up, we had breakfast (clams, rice, salad with squid, and raw salmon). Then Kazuko dressed me in three different kimonos and took pictures. I hope I can dress myself in the kimono I bought when I get home.
The home stay part of the program showed me how a typical Japanese family lives. I am very grateful to Emiko and her family for the generosity they showed in opening their home to me and sharing their culture.
2 comments:
I'm looking forward to seeing you all gussied up in your new Komino! Will you be able to walk when you add the new socks and wooden flip flops? I wish I was there with you - Marion
Cindy, you look great and seem to be having a great time. We can not wait till you get back to hear all about your adventures. Talk with Allen last night and got to your site today. Take care and be safe. You know that Tina found this for me. Love Mom// and Tina
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