counting down

had an indian thali last night with some of my favorite people, and then couldn't resist taking what will be one of my final puri kura.  We are leaving Kagoshima in one month . . . on July 26th ! ! !

orange

I swear my hair isn't as orange as it looks here!  but I did lighten and cut it last weekend. 
took these purikura last night after seeing the new pirates of the caribbean.  I had low expectations, and thought it was entertaining enough ;D

お母さん

happy winter

went to the movies last Wednesday and took advantage of the ladies nite price of 1000yen ($12) instead of the regular 1800yen ($22.)  we munched on a huge bucket of caramel corn and laughed a lot at Due Date (I was really surprised it was released out here~ it's not the usual blockbuster or 'failing in the US romantic comedy' that we normally choose from.  Then to commemorate the eve, we took some purikura ! ! yesss !

what a wonderful birthday. 

and how crazy is this . . .  it was the 4th one I've celebrated in Japan!

My day started early when about 40 third graders sang me *happy birthday* after class.  So sweet!  then some of my co-workers wanted to take me out to for a lunchtime slice of cake at a cafe that overlooks the bay; what a gorgeous day it was for that; and such a surprise!  then my parents called at the perfect time after lunch (it can be so challenging with the time difference,) it was so good to hear their voices.  to end my perfect day, we ate dinner at my favorite restaurant, oro di napoli.  then did some celebratory purikura shots; one booth we chose made us look a bit off, as you can see...

森

my cousin visited over this past week (his 3rd time since we've been in japan!)  we took him to some of our fave places around kagoshima.  Over the weekend we caught the brightly colored leaves up in the mountains, not to mention hiked the tallest peak up there. We also went to maruya gardens and found a few new little cafes on the top floor... tried passion fruit italian sodas and riceballs (quite a combo!) . . . and of course he couldn't get through a visit without taking some purikura snaps :D

10.10.10 プリクラ

can you find us?

7 い ろ

full up...

just found these in my wallet...

purikura

a wedding in Japan

we went to our first Japanese wedding reception last night. Ben's co-worker, Rina Nakazono (or Nakazono San as we call her) tied the knot at a ceremony earlier in the day, and we were invited to the reception afterwards. It was held at what I consider the most posh hotel in the city, the Shiroyama Castle Park Hotel. We were treated to a special seven course vegetarian meal while the other guests chowed down on foie gras, miniature lobsters and smoked salmon, amongst other unknown French~Japanese fusion foods.

This is how our meal went, as far as I can remember (the plates just kept coming and coming:) First, a "caprese" type tomato appetizer with little crustini-type bread. 2nd, a vegetable plate, with a carrot-raisin thing, with mushrooms, tomatos and endives, and a japanese seaweed noodle glass, garnished with slimey mountain potato. 3rd, a sauteed daikon (japanese radish) with yummy flat noodles atop it. 4th, a steaming hot five bean soup. 5th, glazed, fried tofu with asparagus on the side. 6th, a green salad with cucumbers, potatoes, and mushrooms. And finally, a mochi dessert with fresh berries and melon + coffee on the side.

In between I'd say about the 4th and 5th course, all of the English teachers were called up for our turn on stage to perform! We sang "Stand By Me," and were led by Ben, and another teacher, Kurt, on guitar. It's customary for some friends and/or relatives to do some kind of performance at these very formal wedding receptions. What a contrast! One minute, very formal speeches are being said, and the next, a group of sequined dress wearing men come up to lip-synch a Korean pop song (that is what followed our song!! I'm not joking!)

It was a very beautiful reception and I enjoyed seeing the bride in her many outfits- all four of them! Two ornate kimonos, and two glamorous western style wedding gowns. My favorite was the closing video showing highlights of the evening, including our videotaped messages to the new couple and even some shots of our song earlier in the evening.

Before catching the train home, I conviced Ben to take some Purikura photos together, since we were all dressed up. Enjoy!
*Just remembered another course... in between the 3rd and 4th we ate a plate of tempura with a selection of different dipping salts, matcha, curry, or plain.