Hisaeya Ryokan Fujioka

... we were young and it was always fun to share stories with them and to get a fun cultural expereince for those 2 weeks. I was very excited when I was able to participate in the program and with a bit of planning with the cities, we were off! Coming from California, my first impression of Japan was surprise that they could smoke in the airport (!). Also, the airport was not the most impressive, but going into the city ...

... and street repairs- so a trip to the quiet 'countryside' was well-received. This was Fall after all, so we also went to out 3rd trip into the mountains to enjoy the changing colors. The weather ended up being very nice the whole trip- global warming does have its benefits!

We flew Korean Airlines, and actually it was quite pleasant- even though we got stuck in the middle seats. The seats had more leg room than I think I've ever had, and boy did I use it. The bibimbap was surprisingly good too. The flight took 11.5 hours, and the bus was ~3 hours, but luckily we were able to sleep enough to not be very jetlagged. It was nice to fly out of the smog of LA ...

Some pictures from my new home town Higashimatsuyama. I am going to stay there usually all the time during my stay in Japan. This week we were playing Baseball and Futsal together with some new japanese friends. Have also a look at the videos! The horse riding video is very, very funny! Enjoy!!! :-)

Awesome 3 days summer camp in Gunma with Kokusai High School. We spend our time talking, walking, exploring and enjoying the great hotel. The scenery was awesome, the food was delicious and the students were "genki" and adorable. Honestly one of the best times I've had in Japan so far.

Exciting to see this fall. You can approach very up close to the fall. Of course, you have to be very careful because the rocks are very slippy. Like Niagara fall, huge amount of water is falling which create dynamic sound and mist into the air. The fall is located on rocky valley. So, you could also enjoy walking and viewing great rocks around the fall.

... of Kokeshi, Mr. Usaburo has been challenging new style of Kokeshi. Usaburo Kokeshies are the great harmony of traditional and modern style of Kokeshi which produced by the greatest designers. http://www.mustlovejapan.com/area/gunma /usaburo_kokeshi/

Day 2 March 13-21 The first week has passed by quickly and its official, I still cant speak Japanese! Although, I have slowly started to pick up words in Japanese while I do my daily tasks of going to the supermarket, work, and sometimes eating out. I started working or otherwise known as training the first day I opened my eyes in my new house. It actually feels like a suite compared to the room that I had in Xalapa, Veracruz. Anyway, I'll post some pictures of my new ...

4/6/2007 Osaka to Takayama The train ride was smooth and fast. As the guide book indicated, there was a little space for big suitcases at the back of the car. Next time I swear to God that I'm bringing a little hand satchel and that's it!! I thought I had stayed in a traditional inn before, but actually I had stayed in a youth hostel. The youth hostel has tatami rooms and a permanent futon set up. Our room at the Sumiyoshi Inn had a short table and two 'Japanese flat chairs' set up ...

Been having a great time here. Ups and downs on this trip. Was worried I wasn't going to do well. Gotten a lot of jobs, but a lot not paying very well. See the key to Japan is you have a contract of gauranteed money, but if you earn over it is bonus so I obviously wanted to earn more. today's job put me over so totally happy and want to celebrate!!!