Ryokan

Emiko, Ty and Kazuko walked me to the ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn that I was to stay at Sunday night. I became attached to my hosts very quickly and was sad to say sayonara to them. They have a very busy life which includes working six days a week yet, they gave me the gift of their time. It was hard to sufficiently thank them for that.

A banquet was held for the FMF group at the ryokan. The room had tatami mats, low tables and chairs with no legs to sit on. I believe it was at least a 10 course meal. The Japanese serve their food in separate small bowls. If you are one of those people who do not like your food to touch….Japan is the place for you! The dishes for my meal alone would fill a dishwasher! After dinner we had a great time with karaoke.

Ryokans are known for their hot spring baths which are called onsens. Onsens are a part of the Japanese culture. At the ryokan you share a room with others of the same sex. My three roommates and I slept on futon mattresses on top of tatami mats. It was like a pajama party!

The school superintendent, board members as well as city officials came to say sayonara to us. They lined up outside the ryokan doors and waved as the bus pulled away to take us to the airport. How nice is that! We took a two hour flight back to Tokyo and then drove an hour to our hotel. I used the travel time to work on the presentation for the Japanese officials on Wednesday. A Takeo city official will fly to Tokyo just to see our presentation on their city. No pressure there, right!

You are not going to believe what I did that evening. Do you see the picture of the maiko (a geisha in training)? Guess who it is!!!!