after party...

 In Japan, the after-party is a normal part of the wedding.  It's more like a wedding shower for the couple and their friends.

The couple, in yet another outfit, and I head out to the after-party or nijikai

More cake, more champagne, more pictures... what's not to like

we played BINGO for door prizes.  I ended up winning a sweet massage cushion.  I'm thinking about bringing it into work, ha ha ha.

 
Maki handed off her bouquet to Kaori and her boyfriend.  Here's hoping they are next!

After the after-party is the after-after-party or sanjikai

This typically takes place in a karaoke bar.  Shinsuke sang my favorite song, "karappo" for me.  I like this guy a lot already

Then, in the grand tradition of our family weddings [ remember Kyohei getting stuck in Canada for a month right after our wedding?] Disaster strikes.

1) I was jet lagged and fading fast by around midnight at karaoke.  Maki put me in a taxi and gave the driver instructions to take me to a supermarket near the family's house and then called her parents to meet me there.  After driving for a while, the driver asked me where he should go. 
"How should I know, I don't live here"
"Maybe if I drive around for a little while you will remember."
"There is no way I'm going to remember something I didn't know in the first place no matter how much you drive around."
...he drives around for a little while
"You really don't know where to go?"
"no"
"you seem troubled"
"I am troubled."
"What should we do?  I would feel bad letting you off here in the middle of no-where in the rain."
"There is no way I'm getting out here in the rain."
"what should we do?"
"well, if you don't know where to go, we have no other choice but to go back to the karaoke place.  I hope someone is still there.  It can't be helped."
"hhmmm"  drives around
"look, you are wasting time.  I don't care, I will pay you, just take me back to the karaoke place."
"really, you'll pay?  Is that really OK?"
"yes, I said it.  Please go."

So I get back to the karaoke place.  The fare is about $60, hand the guy $100 (10,000yen) and ask for change.  He gives me back a ten and ten in change.  WTH?  I asked where the rest was and he said, "no" 
"I just gave you a $100"
"no, you gave me $10 and asked be to break it up."
"no I didn't"
"yes you did.  Look, this is what a hundred looks like" 
[don't you fucking patronize me because I am foreign] "yeah, I know.  That is what I gave you."
"no you didn't, I just gave you change."
This went on for a while and I was eventually so fed up, I just gave him the $60 and ran into the karaoke place.

My friends were all gone. I didn't have a cell phone and I left my notebook with all the contact info at home because I had a small bag.  DAMN!  Eventually the karaoke place got a hold of Maki's friend Kaori who signed up for a membership at the club. 

It was around 2am when Kyohei came to retrieve me.  By that time, his family had already called the police to report a missing person.  We had to go to the police station to cancel the search.  I told Kyohei about the money and then he told the police.  They called the taxi co. and the driver had to come into the station.  I really didn't want to see him at this point, but what could I do?  Right after the driver shows up, Kyohei's mom, dad and sister burst into the station and suddenly the guy is surrounded by my loud Japanese family all shouting at him.  It would have been funny if it weren't so uncomfortable....and I weren't so tired.

The police just looked on while the shouting continued.  I had a moment of feeling happy I had such a fierce J-family in my corner.  Looks like you messed with the wrong foreigner, eh taxi driver?

We went around and around with this guy until after 4am.  We didn't really get anywhere.  I think my family just wanted an apology for causing so much stress, but eventually I just got my $60 back.

2) Poor Maki, what a fantastic wedding night.  After getting home at 4:30, her new husband woke up with a really high fever.  She drove him to the hospital where he was admitted! 

  honeymoon photo

That being said, they hospitalize you in Japan much more readily than in the States.  Here, if you have a baby or a surgery, the insurance co. & hospital kicks you out the door the next day.  In Japan, where they have socialized medical care, you actually get to see doctors and get treated for illness and then everyone lives into their 100s. :END GRIPE

Luckily, the couple wasn't planning their wedding trip until September when Shinsuke could get more time off of work (he works for a solar panel co., awesome, right?!)  He ended getting out of the hospital on Friday, so at least we go a couple days of hanging out with him outside his hospital room.

The joke of the week was, "at least it wasn't Canada." ha ha.  After 5 years, that is starting to get funny.

Maki and Shinsuke's wedding

6-19-2011

(Photo BOMB!)
I have so many photos from this and it's hard not to share lots with you, so.... here it goes

at the reception desk, cute!  Nice work with the sunflower theme

After doing make-up at home, Kyohei's mom and I headed over to the hotel/ event place for our hair and kimono appointment.  Here, one of the stylists opens my kimono!

Half-way done.  After the joys of being undies and nipples with all of Kyohei's and Shinsuke's female relatives.... good thing that is only awkward for me.  I was annoyed that I couldn't wear a bra.

Also, I wish they would have set my hair with Diet Coke cans, but alas.  Here the stylist is fastening a rolled up towel around my waist (how NOT flattering, I thought).  It was a good thing it was there to soak up all the sweat from wearing 6 layers in the summer.

Finished product!

Kyohei's grandma told me over and over again that I looked nice and that a kimono suits me.... because from behind you couldn't even tell I was foreign!  I'm just going to decide to take that as a compliment.

After getting ready, we all met in a big room so the families could face each other and give formal self-introductions.  This was a bit nerve-rackingly formal, even some of the Japanese people messed it up, so I didn't feel so bad.
When I first saw Maki though, I couldn't help by cry, which Kyohei made fun of me for.  Whatevs!

We love this ridiculously oversized blue sofa that turned out to be a secret door into the photo room.

GORGEOUS, am I right?

During the photos, some family played games in the waiting room

The Ceremony! 

I was, regretfully, cringing the entire ceremony.  It was one of those fake "Christian" weddings in a fake "Chapel" I hope the priest was at last real, even if he is a total sell-out.  GRIPE: Ok, I just went to a fantastic and beautiful wedding the week before where two non-Christians had a very lovely and moving secular wedding ceremony.  This proves that you don't need Jesus to have a wonderful wedding ceremony.  I really don't understand why Japanese people want to have a wedding absolutley dripping in Christianity.  I mean, there was more Jesus and "before God" than there was in my wedding and I AM A CHRISTIAN.  We prayed to the Lord, we prayed to Jesus, we read from the Bible and sang 3 hymns!  WTF!!!  I was so irritated that everyone was just nonchalantly saying Jesus-this and Jesus-that and using something that is profoundly important to me as mere theatrics.  END GRIPE

Did I get some fantastic photos or WHAT!?

Grandma and I pose on this amazing leopard print chair in the lobby.  If only this would have fit in my suitcase.

Kyohei, his dad and Kaori: one of Maki's best friends who came to Florida in November with the family. It was good to see her again

Kyohei's cousin and Aunt "Ha-chan"  I stayed at her house for a few nights when I was doing the Pilgrimage (her house has since burnt down)  I was so happy to see her again and hear that she is doing OK.

Kyohei and his best friend forever, Sukko

himawari

Kyohei giving a speech.  He was so nervous, he stayed up till the wee hours with Sukko practicing.  He did great, though!

Good work on your speech!  This is one of my favorite photos of Kyohei!

Mom & Dad

The cake!

the paparazzi of friends I had to fight to get a photo

Time to eat

Outfit #2

Adorable

I should probably have my head checked for posting this online, but here is the video:

Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E" Yes, I chickened out and did an English song.

Disclaimer:  The sound quality is not good and I am NOT a singer.  Also, Kyohei stopped the recording right before I did a little impromptu dance with the fan and before I REALLY broke it down in the second verse.  Just saying.

I was so nervous because the wedding planner told me my song was after they changed into kimonos.... yikes!  Here I am relieved to be done.  People cheered a lot and told me it was good... so I'm just going to choose to believe them.

The next act was Shinsuke's friends.  He likes horse races, hence the costumes

More food!  After the song, I hurried through the rest of the courses to get to the cake

icecream of sorts

In Japan, the couple goes around and lights the candles at each table together

At the end with parents

Before this, though, the video crew had already put together a short film of the wedding.  It was unbelievable that they already had something edited and ready to show.  I was impressed.

Happy couple in outfit #3

Grandma and her sister

Kyohei's relatives

I love this photo

After that, we went back to the house to get changed.  I headed out with Maki and Shinsuke for the after-party!

I'll stop there for now.  Hope you enjoyed!

home again (already?)

 I didn't get back until almost 4am last night and I was up and in the office at 8am today to start off the week.  I am rockstar tired today.  If only it didn't take a full 30 hours from door to door.  Alas.  With any luck I will have some photos up soon. 

japan again!

 After a mere 30 hours between our apartment door and Kyohei's parent's restaurant for dinner, we were back! I was so tired during dinner last night though I could barely hold my eyes open.  I ended up sleeping from 11pm-8:30.  I wonder if being so impossibly tired, I beat jetlag completely?  Usually I was up at like 5am.  I guess we'll see if I fall asleep in my dinner tonight.

Kyohei with the luggage

"American Dog"= Corn Dog, my favorite!  Only 105 yen!  Which with how weak the dollar is right now, costs about $2.  Ridiculous.  I almost cried when I saw how much my $500 got me. 

Anyway, we visited Kyohei's grandma and his grandpa's grave today.  I already got the first, "I'll probably die pretty soon, so give me a baby," from his grandma out of the way.

grandma and I in her garden

because I love hydrangeas

ha ha, Kyohei and baby's breath

I also tried on the zoori (traditional Japanese dress-flops) that I'll wear tomorrow with the kimono.

They are worried about my feet hurting.  Honestly, how could these possibly be as bad as heels?

Kyohei's mom made these little guys to hope for good weather for the wedding tomorrow.  Wow, people really do this.

Despite Kyohei's mom sticking giant signs that say, "drive on the left side" Kyohei still forgot and went down the wrong side of the road.  American has ruined him!

I also went to the place the reception is being held to practice my karaoke song.

Seriously?!  How gorgeous is this place?  Notice the bar in the back? 

 
I found my place setting.  If you can read kanji, then you have a guess at my real name.  No publishing, please!

 Anyway, that is what is going on in Japan today.  In a little bit we are going to meet up with some family for dinner. 

Being back, as expected, is really bringing the nostalgia out.  In Kyohei's room is a framed photo of him, his best friend, my group of JET best friends and I from this disastrous beach clean-up advertised as a cruise and artwalk.  On the other wall hangs my hat from the pilgrimage.  I saw a route marker for the pilgrimage already and I had a dream about my host mom.  Being here makes me ache for those times so much.  I'm only 30 and the pain of nostalgia is almost too incredible.  I should definitely drink more with age.

Boston for El_nor's and Nigel's Wedding!

 Lot's of photos; beware!  This past weekend, Kyohei and I went up to Boston on Thursday for the celebration of our long time friends' wedding

We got there too late for the cookout at her house    But we did make it out a little bit.  Here is a section of the album where we stand by things in Boston.  Above:  me in China town

Kyohei by Macy's

 We got a fantastic Ramen shop recommendation from fukuoka_stars, thanks!

It turned out to be a whole group of little Japanese shops!  How cool!  Even though Kyohei and I would be in Japan in a week, we couldn't resist these great eats.  Here is some green tea cake.... delightful.

Friday's photos = 'things that are red in Boston'

Here I am across from our hotel, The Langham.  This hotel was sooooo nice.  We had such a comfortable stay.  I am not accustomed to such good service.

We stopped by the King's Chapel Burial Ground too.  I really liked the old tombstones.  I want something dark on mine like a skull or skeleton.  Nowadays we go for angels and hearts.  When did we get so soft?

Lobster for lunch.  This was actually SUPER delicious.

that afternoon, I completed my Beer-pilgrimage to Sam Adams.  It was everything I dreamed of.

sampling the different barley and hops that go into the brewing

Kyohei in front of the barrels where they age special beer

Whoh!  Isn't that the guy from the commercials?!?  I was so starstruck.

After the tour and info, we got free glasses and samples of beer.  Of course they were all delicious.  We even got to try a new kind they are testing before the put it on the market. 

cheers! 

Before the rehearsal, El_nor gave Red (the other bridesmaid) and I these great clutches!  What a great surprise

Flowers in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel where the wedding and reception were held.

the happy couple at the rehearsal dinner

the day of the wedding, I was itching to go and see Boston Commons and the gardens.

You know, I'm ALWAYS up for seeing some gardens

I was not disappointed.  It was beautiful.

I want to re-create this planter.  I love pussy willow. 

The bride!  El_nor looks soooo beautiful.  Her dress was spectacular. 

So was her fastinator!

I just loved her flower arrangements and bouquets too.

roses, peonies and MINT, what a cool idea

newlyweds + justgotspaid (aka, awesome bridesmaid!)

I loved the cake toppers el_nor made-- inspired by her elementary school art project.  too cute

1st dance

me, enjoying the heck out of some champagne and cake

our obligatory self-shot portrait of the night

Kyohei looking studly

The after party!  By that time my hair was sufficiently rained on and it went back.

El_nor with her husband and brothers

I took this shot for you, HT

Nice entrance

Paul Revere!  Someone had put jerseys on all the statues in Boston.  It was awesome.

I took this shot for Sarah Stupid Palin.  No, Paul Revere did not fire warning shots at the British so we could keep our arms, you idiot.

All in all, we had a great time at the wedding and in Boston.  There were no major disasters or drama.  It was so much fun to see friends and dance all night.  I was really glad that I was picked to be a bridesmaid, the day felt really special for me too.  Amazingly, El_nor was just down here Monday and Tuesday (yes RIGHT after her wedding) to defend her dissertation.  Now she is Dr. & Mrs. El_nor!  What a big week for my friend!  Congrats!

this is a completely unrelated moth outside my apartment yesterday.  This is the first time for me to see one of these beauties in person.  I was thrilled.

Tonight Kyohei and I pack up and leave for Japan!  I JUST got unpacked from Boston last night.  Feeling a little bit insane, but what can you do, eh?  This weekend is Maki, Kyohei's little sister's wedding!  No promises, but  will try to post while I am over there.

sigh, I can't believe I will be in Japan again in 36 hrs.  Just two years ago RIGHT NOW I was somewhere in Kochi walking the 88 temple pilgrimage.  I wonder if I will see any kindred pilgrims on the trail?  I long to be walking again myself......
 
But for now 1) finish up this office work  2) pack  3) hit the road

This is from a statement by the U.S. Dept. of State about the U.S.' committment to human rights in Norkor.  It was super long, so I cut the two most interesting paragraghs out and posted them here.  I have to wonder how much the U.S. is accomplishing

Implementation of the North Korean Human Rights Act
Testimony

Since 2004, the United States has resettled 120 North Korean refugees and their families [that's it!?]. We remain actively committed to ensuring that each North Korean refugee who is interested and eligible gains access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. We continue to coordinate closely with host governments in the region to pursue every possible viable avenue to facilitate the admission of refugees from North Korea. For many individuals from North Korea, where to resettle is one of the first meaningful choices they are able to make, and the United States respects their decision on resettlement.

The United States remains deeply concerned about the plight of North Korean refugees and asylum seekers. Reports of the involuntary return of North Koreans from China to the DPRK, including victims of human trafficking, remain deeply disturbing, as these returnees often face serious consequences, including the possibility of imprisonment, torture, and even execution. We continue to urge China to adhere to its obligations as a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, including by not expelling or forcibly returning North Koreans who should be protected under those treaties. The United States is further troubled by the lack of access afforded to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to North Koreans, particularly in Northeast China, and we continue to urge the Chinese to cooperate with UNHCR in exercising its functions, including allowing access to North Korean asylum seekers. We regularly engage with other governments, NGOs and private groups who share our concerns.

last weekend; Hair & Beach

 Wow, I am really on top of things-- NOT!  Anyway, here are some images from last weekend in Tampa

ah!  So excited to see this!  I was not disappointed.  It was amazing!

Even the dessert at dinner was Hair themed (and delicious)

Oh, how I love cool bars with all small-brewery quality beer on tap!  AND a clever name.  Flash back to my mom always saying, "You kids are going to put me in the poor house!"  and "You kids are driving me to drink!"  Well..... how appropriate.

I love taking random beach shots.

Part of the joy is the surprise.  It's usually so bright I can't see the screen on my camera.  It's reminiscent of the days when you can to use film and get it developed.

After getting a tan, we went for pedicures.  This is my most fancy one to date-- check out the hand-painted flower detail.  Awesome, right? 

so sad, yet funny in a twisted way.  I guess they figured too many people had seen the green grass in China to lie about it.   ha ha ha

North Korea Is the Second-Happiest Place on Earth, According to North Korean Survey

• 6/1/11 at 5:15 PM

A North Korean propaganda outlet recently reported that according to the results of a survey that they made up like all of their news, North Korea is the world's second-happiest country, while in dead last, at number 203, is the United States, where the appalling lack of forced-labor and reeducation camps has left the populace completely despondent. Oddly, the survey names China the happiest country on earth. North Korea can't win even in its own fantasies. [Newsfeed/Time]