Day 57

I really don't have that much time to write, but I do want to tell you about the party I went to on Wednesday night... I went to the Fukuda's house on Wednesday night for a 'young members of the church' party. I really meant to take my camera with me, but forgot. I got there by myself, using the names of line changes that Abi had written for me... I got myself back with no directions! I was fine with it, but I understand that the Fukuda's kept calling Abi asking if I had made it home yet... I really appreciate the care that the Japanese people I know take for me when I go somewhere. I think there were 15 people at the party, not including Mr. and Mrs. Fukuda. I was one of three Americans there. I believe that everyone spoke English to some degree, most spoke it rather fluently... I was the only one who did not speak Japanese... I used to wonder how Mexicans feel in America....

We didn't really do anything besides eat and talk. I talked mainly to one of the Americans who is living here with friends for a few weeks. The food was really delicious, though. Everyone was surprised (for some reason) that I chose hashi rather than a fork... I think Japanese food is easier to eat with the hashi. And besides, I didn't want to be the only one who used a fork! :) Sometimes I feel so out of place here. And the people who do speak both languages sometimes seem to forget that everyone doesn't understand everything....

On the way home I got to walk through the rain! That's something I've been wanting to do for about a month. I forgot my umbrella when I left here, and it was raining when I left the party, so I was given the opportunity to walk through the rain! :) It was really funny, I left at 10:00 when three other people left. There was one Japanese, one American, and one Japanese guy who has lived in America for most of his life... Only the Japanese person had their umbrella. I was reminded how very much like Japan that is... In the States, when it starts to sprinkle, everyone just sort of ducks their head and walks a little faster. Here, if there are even a few drops, every umbrella around goes up, and a Japanese person is rarely caught without one. We three who recently came from the States were the ones without umbrellas. But I was really glad I forgot mine. :) I never realized how much I like getting wet in the rain until now when I'm in a place where no one does it!

I also just remembered that I didn't tell you about my yukata. A yukata is a cotton summer kimono. I bought one on Wednesday! It is purple and white with pink flowers and a pink bow/belt thing. It also came with the wooden flip-flops. The only problem is that the flip-flops don't fit me. :( Oh well... I am going to wear it tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get some pictures.

I suppose I should go for now, since I have lots to do this afternoon, like washing windows and mirrors, English lessons etc....

My love to you all,

Hannah