Vending Machines

Thirsty? How about a nice cold glass of Sweat? -Pocari Sweat that is. It’s a sports drink. I tried it yesterday; it’s okay but not great. The title is the best part. Japanese vending machines and use of English (reality its Engrish) makes me laugh.

I’ve been collecting crazy vending machines pictures. Been thinking about making them a weekly feature but that seems like too much of a commitment. I have too many for a monthly picture and bi-weekly sounds funny. So for now vending machines images and engrish signs will be random events (perhaps depending on popularity I might be the only one who finds these funny).

Word Up: Oishii –taste good

Future Superstars

Yesterday we went to this amazing "entertainment complex" called Big Stage. It has a little bit for everything for everyone: pool, video games, indoor soccer, badminton, table tennis and…karaoke. You only had to pay the entrance fee and everything became available plus you get free drink refills. We went with a group of teens that come to Grace fellowship Sunday nights. Giving us a good chance to build relationships. We enjoyed some dance-dance action, and table tennis, and saving the world. Karaoke was a new experience, much fun. Steve and I rocked it out to Disney’s "Be Our Guest", we scored a 73 out of 100.

Word Up: Mushi –insect/bug

Saving the world. It's a hard job but someones got to do it. You all came sleep safer now knowing some of the worlds evil has been completely obliterated. 

The gang enjoying some good o'l table tennis 

Getting our groove on...oh you'd be impressed with the moves that we got. (Not really we both scored Es) 

Dance Dance Revolution: Shhh! Don't tell the Wesleyans or Mennonites 

Squirrel Park

Editors Note: I tried to add some of the pictures from the day last night but had too many issues. In great frustration I went to bed hoping that a new day will bring better results. And it did. Below this post are a few photos from our adventure. There are also so interesting ones posted on Steve and Tiffany’s blog. Nov 19

Another fun preschool field trip. Today we visited Squirrel Park, where you can actually hand feed the squirrels. There were also some beautiful botanical gardens and a cool play structure, which I adored. I had as much fun playing as the kids did.

In other news Sumo is back. This tournament started six days ago. Kotooshu isn’t doing the greatest, he’s the one I cheer for so that is sad. Asashoryu, the autumn tournament winner is doing really well, he was the one that beat Kotooshu in the finials last tournament. Looks like Asashoryu is going to take his seventh championship, which will be a new record.

Word Up: Risu –Squirrel. In Japanese "r" sounds almost like an "l". So it sounds like "li-su". Most Japanese words end with a vowel sound, so Liz is turned has been into "lizu". Therefore, I am a squirrel?

I thought for sure the thing would jump up and try to bite my face off. 

 

The preschool class 

Feeding Time 

Hanging around 

Climbing wall 

Just sitting around. Actually I thought I was stuck and thought a photo shoot would give me time to figure out how to get out. 

I Think I’m Turning Japan…

Our day off was spent with friends of Hitomi’s, who took us to visit a wonderful woman for green tea, cakes, and a time of dress up. Eating Japanese sweets is always fun, you never know what you are going to get. I tried one treat that had a bean-paste filling…yumm! The best part of the afternoon was dress up time. I felt like a little girl getting ready for a special party. The lady (I was never able to pronounce her name right, so she will just be known as the lady. Sorry) dressed Tiffany and I in traditional kimonos. I couldn’t help feeling very elegant and beautiful, yet it hard to breathe and walk. It was much fun.

Word Up: Yon/shi –Four

Getting Ready

Am I suppose to be able to breathe?

Finished: from the back

Lions and Tigers and Bears!

Lions....and Tigers...and Bears!


Oh my! Today we took my preschool class on a field trip to the zoo. Great times had by all, very tired but a good day. It is hard to keep track of four children (even with five adults present). Moms are truly unsung heroes!

A cultural observation: Japanese parents do not call their children’s names in public…especially not loudly. If the parent wants the child to come they don’t yell out “Tommy come!” they go get the child. If a child is doing something inappropriate the parent will either let them keep on with the activity or go an quietly get them to stop. Tiffany and I stood out because we were continually saying the children’s names.

Highlights:
- The children making me laugh. They were more excited to pick up leaves and chase butterflies then seeing the animals.
- Seeing emus, what a fun word.
- Feeling like one of the animals on display. Okay not really a highlight but it did happen. A boy about nine years old walked over and just stared at me…really close to my face (maybe he was trying to count my nose hairs?) till his parents came over apologies. I felt like I should do a tick or something.
- The nap after the field trip was over.
- Tiffany and Steve’s pictures and comments about the day on their blog. (Friend there is an obscure Napoleon reference I made that got quoted, you should check it out.)

Word Up: Itakdakimasu –I am eating, said right before a meal with feelings of thanksgiving and joy

Emu