May 1st, 2008

On Sunday and Monday, I went out to the nearby town of Fujisaki to participate in some cultural activities intended for foreigners. I first heard about the offerings the week before, Hwang and Paku, both Korean students, came into the International Center at school to ask if I had signed up. I hadn’t, so they gave me the run down. There were a variety of events throughout the week - a welcome party, kimono, visiting local schools, a kite flying festival and making mochi, which are a kind of doughy rice cake. I was able to make the first two.
Read the rest of this entry »
April 27th, 2008

I’ve been having another great week in Japan. This past Tuesday and Wednesday, I attended hanami on three separate occasions at Hirosaki park. Situated in the northeastern portion of Hirosaki, the park is home to about 2600 cherry trees, which all have spectacularly blossomed. I’ve been told that over the course of “Golden Week” (which happens next week), about 2 million people will pass through Hirosaki park. I will now do as many other gaijin already have and cover my blog here with photos of pink trees.
Read the rest of this entry »