Otousan's Birthday Party

We celebrated my host father's 41st birthday today with the next door neighbors. Have a look at the pics and see what a tanjyoubi party is like.

Shogou's Field Day

Today Shogou had his elementary school field day. I actually got sun burned from sitting outside all morning! I watched with my host parents and my host father's parents, who brough along some very tasty bento style lunches. Take a look at the pictures to see how field day in Japan compares to the ones we had in the States.

Osaka Castle and Aquarium

I went into Osaka with the regular crew plus my next door neighbor Rebecca and saw the Osaka castle & Aquarium. We finished up the day eating all you can eat Shakey's pizza for under $10! Click the pic on the left to see more.

Nara

Today I saw Todaiji Temple in Nara. At Todaiji, Japan's largest bronze Buddha sits in the largest wooden structure in the world. I can add it to the list of amazing places I've visited since having come to Japan!

Himeji Castle

I took a long train ride past Kobe today to go and see Himeji Castle. The commute was pretty long and expensive, but seeing the castle made it completely worthwhile. On the way home, we treated ourselves to some incredible Indian food. Click the pic on the left to see how amazing the castle is!

The Danjiri Matsuri

Today I saw the most dangerous festival in Japan that the police have been trying to stop for years now, The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri!!! It's hard to actually describe what the Danjiri festival is, so click the picture on the left and you'll get a better idea of what it was like!

Kyoto with the Girls!

I had a fun day in Kyoto today! A Swedish friend from my Japanese class invited me along on the trip, and I lucked out being the only guy in a group of six! We spent a lot of the day meandering through Kyoto doing things like purikura (personizable photos), eating new Japanese food, and stopping in pretty much every souvenir shop imaginable… it reminded me how much of a shopper I'm not! Ultimately, we made it to The Golden Pavilion. Click the photo to the left to read more about it!

My Homestay

Today I moved in with my new homestay, the Nagao family. The house is about 20 min away from Kansai Gaidai by bike. I have to cross several busy streets in route, but overall it's a pretty simple ride. Getting my one large and heavy bag into the house wasn't easy, but I managed. From there, my host mother, me, and a kansai gadai staff member sat down and discussed the homestay regulations / rules. After making our agreements, crossing the t's and dotting the i's, I unpacked my bags.

My room is small compared to an American style room - 6 tatami mats big and has a nice desk and dresser unit. When the father got home from work, we ate dinner. Okaasan made a Japanese feast that definitely filled me up. My host father even gave me a beer and told me that we were having a "werucamu patee". The kids, two younger brothers in middle and elementary school, are great. Both are into sports and want to try to learn some new English. I think they'll be able to help me and me them. I'm very relieved to finally be settled in to my new home! Check out the pics by clicking the picture on the left.