Friday- July 25, 2008

Second Goodbye to Nagoya!
I knew my time in Japan was going to be short, only an 8 day vacation to the country I already had so many good memories in. As the day came that I to leave Nagoya again I just thought what a wonderful time I had. In these short days I was able to have so much fun, eat so much good food, and spend time with a special friend. I started in Tokyo and had a good time at Disney Sea, then headed to Nagoya and watched a Japanese baseball game, went to a water park, and got to know Miho's family better.

I have been the recipient of so much kindness and hospitality. Let's put it this way, I planed to spend close to 900 dollars in Japan, but because of everyone's kindness I came back with over 300 dollars. A lot of it was due to the planning of Miho, but my experiences showed me the Japanese are such giving people and treat their guests so well.

On this last day together with Miho, I just thanked her for the wonderful person she is and the good memories we had together. We both agreed that 8 days was short as we probably won't see each other for half a year, but we both felt it was the right amount of time to be together for a vacation because we both needed to get back to work. I enjoyed all the cool and expensive things, like eating at nice restaurants and stuff but it was the simple times together like eating a cheap, delicious lunch at a department store.
It was little things like animal shaped pastries that made Japan so fun.

Thursday- July 24, 2008

Shopping and Yakiniku
After another Japanese breakfast, me and Miho went out to buy presents for people back home in Hawaii and California. We went to the outlet malls in Okazaki and it reminded me a lot of the outlet stores in America. The best thing I bought was a belt / necklace accessory for my sister for her birthday. I looked for other things, but there really wasn't too many cool things. But, we had a nice lunch together and then headed back to Toyota to eat dinner with Miho's parents.

At night we went to a Yakiniku restaurant. It was really good and what I have been waiting for. This restaurant didn't disappoint. The food was good and there was a lot of it.
Miho's mom, Miho, and me in front of the Yakiniku restaurant.

At night, me and Miho continued shopping at Jusco, a department store. I bought books for my older sister and also got free slippers from the bookstore for some reason. They were just handing them out. I also wanted to buy a kanji game for Nintendo DS, but I didn't, but I should have.

Another nice day in Japan. I actually didn't buy a lot of things from Japan. Instead, Miho's mom bought a lot of things that I requested. She bought my sister magazines and gave my brother a Seiko watch, and gave my sister's daughter dresses. She was so nice. I don't think I can repay the kindness that I have been received on this trip.

Wednesday- July 23, 2008

Laguna Swimming Pool
Today after another full breakfast me and Miho set out to go Laguna. Last time we went there we ate sushi and did some shopping, but this time we went to go to the water park.
It was pretty crowded for a hot summer day, but I had so much fun. The pools were pretty normal. The cool thing was the metal bottom floors and the wave pool. There also was a long water slide that was pretty fun. We went down it twice.
The thing I noticed was that I was really big and really hairy compared to the other Japanese guys. I told Miho I have lots of muscles, but she said she rather have me loose weight.
Me and Miho in front of Laguna water park.

After the pool we went to Miho's older sister's house to visit her and her daughter Yuna. Yuna was so cute sleeping. Miho's sister Sayaka is such a good mom and a good cook. She made really good cheese cake. She can do everything, and her husband is such a great guy too.

Little Yuna sleeping. Yuna is really cuter than this, but this picture is funny.

At night, we stopped by Eikaiwa, or English conversation class, at the church. A lot of people were there and I had a good time learning with the students. Everyone is so nice in Japan.