Cramming in the fun

Well, I'm cramming in as much fun as I can before I leave! I had just one day off this weekend, and I again spent it with Hiroko and Yumiko. They took me driving to Arita, famous for it's pottery, where they gave me a guided tour of the most famous names in pottery. Of the three names I remember, Kakiemon, Genemon and Imaemon, I liked the second the best - beautiful blues. And for a mere one month's salary, I could have picked up a gorgeous dish! We did go to some cheaper places too. And being the generous hosts they are, they refused to let me pay for my coffee and cake, and bought me a present to boot! A pair of ceramic wine glasses - very beautiful! They said it was a wedding present for when I get married!! LOL!! That's my second wedding present now!!

We toodled up to Kurokami Yama (Black hair mountain), which was stunningly beautiful. It was cool to see as well, because I catch the Kurokami bus home all the time! (obviously, getting off well before Kurokami!)

After, we headed back to Hiroko's place for a barbeque dinner. It is Obon season right now (a time to remember the dead - a big family gathering time), so I got to meet Hiroko's family! It was so much fun!! Lots of Japanese was spoken, which I loved listening to... it's a beautiful language, I reckon, and I could pick up words here and there, which was fun. But English was certainly spoken too. Hiroko's poor 13 year old neice was told to "Sit next to the Australian and practice the English you're learning at school!!" Poor kid!! She did well though, especially since I think she's only been learning for a matter of months!

The barbeque was yummy as!! I got to help a little with the preparations, and made my first onigiri (rice ball) - yay Heather! So now I know how to make them for you all when I get back! After stuffing ourselves with food and iced tea, we lit some fireworks / sparklers, and had fun playing in the backyard.

Was heaps of fun to hang out with a gorgeous Japanese family in their home! Fun way to spend my last day off! Anyway, gotta go to bed, cuz I'm going to the beach on the island of Hirado tomorrow morning before work... isogashii (busy), so will upload pics later.