An Unexpectadly Long Day

Today is apparently a Japanese holiday, so I did not have to so to school. I was planning on just lounging around and relaxing since I had such a long and frustrating few days. Well, after a late breakfast consisting of toast, yogurt, and fruit, I was asked to go to a shopping mall so that I could buy detergent. This was all well and good.

Unbeknownst to me, we were also going to a Buddhist shrine. Though this was a surprise, it was not at all an unwelcome one. We drove up into the mountains to get to the place, and immediately I knew it was gonna be a beautiful place. Especially after I saw the main gate.
The entire place is just as pretty.








Anyway, after we were done there, we went to the shopping mall. I got some detergent, and was surprised to learn that you can get refills for your empty jug for significantly less money. My host okaasan has a discount card, which is very nice. I also bought a towel handkerchief/sweatmop. My host faily bought a vacuum cleaner. Their 5th vacuum cleaner. Hardly enough, if you ask me. On the first floor of the mall, we had a late lunch.

What did I have, you ask?

McDonalds.

I got a Big Mac with fries and a Coke. It tasted just like it does at home, if a little better. And i certainly LOOKS better. My burger looked like a display model. Japanese McDonalds stores also sell a shrimp burger. I need to try that sometime.

A little later on we went for a walk. They didn't tell me that we were gonna be out for about an hour. Maybe more. We walked past the City Hall I went to yesterday and to a nearby river. There is a bicycle trail there that leads all the way to the sea. Across the street and on our way back home there is a large park complete with playground. Their toys are better. I'll try to get some pictures next time.

When we got back we had supper. My Okaasan made me fried rice. It was the best I've ever eaten. With it I had raw tofu, pickles, and melon. After supper we watched another Hanshin Tigers baseball game and Okaasan and I played Othello. I won!... twice...

After the game ended, Otoosan metioned that they have a home kareoke machine. It was promptly broken out and used thoroughly by yours truely. The American songs fell into a few categories: Hymns, Christmas Songs, Old Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Pop, and Everything Else. Hotel California was on there!

But now it is past midnight and I need to get some sleep. You now have the latest news.