Hotel South Garden Hamamatsu

... before last week, that I went to Karate, was the night before the Typhoon. I don't know why I went. It was dangerous, no one showed up, it was raining cats and dogs (never used that before, but '*******' just wouldn't have cut it), and I showed up. Even the main sensei, whom I was expecting his own Karate-gi from, didn't show.<br>Anyhow, it was a wonderful experience. Before and after the session, there is always about 30 seconds of meditation ...

So I managed (scold-free) to pay my second visit in an Onsen.<br>Now the reason why I did not post up my first visit (at least I think I didn't...) was due do a growing fear of being discovered for all my gaijin tendencies, which includes some body art.<br><br>For those who are not informed about Japan's general policies on tattoos, let me fill you in. Now I'm no Japan-encyclopedia here, but I'll do my best. Traditionally, the Yakuza (Japanese mafia) were the ...

... The course wasn't too difficult, with winding roads, long bridges overlooking a green lake (they don't call it Midori-ko Marathon for nothing), and surrounded by mountains on all sides. I almost tripped three of four times, Run Fat Boy Run-style, while trying to take all of it in while jamming to Enigma or screaming out Coldplay through my iPod. I tried to say 'Ganbatte' (Good luck! Try your best!) to everyone that went by ...

... tug-of-war competitions. The first was a wild one where the kids all had a bunch of short-length ropes, and they had to grab the rope from the middle and bring it back to their side, fighting all the way from any other kids who try to compete with this. It almost gets violent.<br><br>Much like the hat-flipping game, where the kids, with their inverted white-red hats, would run around trying to flip-off the other teams' hats. Hilariously funny until someone ...

... I came across on the middle of this road. I saw one pair of red eyes glint back at me in the darkness reflected by my headlights, glaring at me with pure hatred (as much hatred that is possible in a jackrabbit). "Jackrabbit?" I hear you say. Yes, and how could I tell this? Well, I'm not sure who ran away faster, but I could swear it was the jackrabbit who was on top who ...

... the last few steps to the temple.<br><br>I saw this same procession on a much larger scale in Toei's festival, which, if you recall, involved a larger number of people and a larger temple. Toei has hilly roads, too. Ask me what I prefer, and I couldn't tell you; there's no way I'd willingly like to participate in the Taguchi festival's shrine-tugging practice. That might either make me feel bad for drinking them all under the table, or really sick. Probably a combination of both ...

... only 1 hr drive from Toyone Village). Him and his wife had wanted me to stop by for awhile at this point, and I was more than delighted to accept the offer. Boy, was I in for a treat. It was my first time trying sukiyaki, which means has the unique translation (depending on the used Kanji) of "Celebratory Sliced-meat", or some glorification of the such. What it is, is a bunch of vegetables like cabbage, diakon, carrot, onion, potatoes, etc. set into a table-top cast-iron ...

... the sun too long that day. There was no panic, but there was a lot of concern, and she was quickly brought back to consciousness and taken care of.<br>The whole thing was sort of ceremonial, where the principals had all the students form neat lines in front of our field, and addressed the families and the students and thanked them for coming and working hard. This sort of address happens all the time, for the Japanese are meticulously attentive to formality, something that has its ...

... place where her dad was giving a Shorinji Kempo lesson. On my last visit, he`d demonstrated the form of self defence on me, and I`d expressed an interest in watching him in action. Well Yumi and I did more than just watch, and were summoned to take part in the warm up routine, and I soon realised just how inflexible I am...and lots of cracking of the bones could be heard! It was fun though, especially as there were a few incredibly cute little Japanese kids running ...

... skin, brown eyes, similar height. They even dress the same! (most of the time on purpose) I'd never thought of the concept of people-watching in other countries. Cali is definitely cool for that - everyone looks/acts/dresses really different. Well, mostly different. Not the barbie dolls or frat boys that are rampant in SB.. Anyways, i'm curious if people watching is really that odd here. I'll have to survey and get back to you. And go to bed. it's super late. Oyasumi!