Becca & Amy's Birthdays

Today my host family celebrated along with the next door neighbors for Rebecca's 22nd and Amy's 2nd birthdays. The party was at Rebecca's host grandparent's house and they cooked us up a feast! Look at more pics by clicking the one to the left.

Kurama Fire Festival

The Kurama Fire Festival is a celebration held at a shrine in a small mountain village near Kyoto. Each year, Japanese locals parade through the community holding torches and portable shrines. The festival annually attracts more than 10,000 spectators!

Brooke's Homecoming Weekend

After making it through midterm exams, I went to visit the family in Tokyo. I ate LOTS of American style food and enjoyed sleeping on a non-futon bed for a couple nights! It was also my sister's homecoming weekend at the American School in Japan. Take a look at the pics to see more!

Hanshin Tigers Baseball Game

Tonight I went to a Japanese baseball game! The best part about it was the seventh inning stretch. Take a look at the pics to get a better idea of what it was like!

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.