hitobito
Japan, 2011
My relationship with Japan has changed over the past 10 years. What used to be a place of study and exploration is now a second home. That being, instead of going there to see new things and "tour" I am now there to spend quality time with the family and see old things and reminisce. A trip to Japan is now more like a trip to Pennsylvania rather than a foreign country.
This is fine with me, although it may come as a rude awakening to anyone who wants to piggy-back on my travels to the country (sorry, I don't think I can tour-guide anymore). Most of the time, I just hung out with the family and even managed to squeeze a couple of visits to friends into the week.
What made me the most happy was how well everyone seemed to be doing. Everyone has made positive progress in their life since I was last there. I even got to go visit my old dance studio which has since expanded dramatically! The place is awesome now. 
Since I was in Japan in 2009, Kazuno and her husband have since completed construction on their new home with her cafe attached.
Her daughter is so big now too-- already in kindergarten!
Her cafe is lovely! I think I'm going to schedule my meet-ups here from now on
Maki and I pick cucumbers out of her friends' garden
Kaori and her dog--cute
Notita! Never a dull moment or a lag in the conversation 
Her daughter wants to come to college in the States-- I hope she comes to UF-- it will be like having a cool foreign-exchange student that I already know!
I went to see the little kids I used to tutor... how they've grown! Good thing they are still young enough to enjoy the toys I brought.
.... and a trip to the game center!
These kids are so good at the UFO catcher-- they 'caught' all sorts of prizes for me 
Stupendous Lady Gaga display at a bookstore
Kyohei and his best friend, Sukko
Sukko is definitely part of the family (at the family restaurant again)
Our last night there, Kyohei and I registered our marriage in Japan.
Now our union is internationally recognized (as el_nor put it)! We thought we should do something special for our big 5 year anniversary.
On the bus ride back to the airport. I just really like the way Japan looks
One of my souvenirs from the trip-- lion slippers that clean the floor as you walk, lol
Other random bits
* I got a $20 facial (usually $80). I saw the ad in a local magazine. I don't know if it helped clear my pores at all, but having my face electrocuted was interesting.
* I did acupuncture again. This time Kyohei tried it too. I know its critics say it is "fake," but it really is a crazy sensation. I can feel jolts of energy/nerves run down my limbs as orange starbursts explode behind my eyes.
** The entire time I was there, I was determined to give a gift (hand out of money, food, or drink) to a pilgrim. I was given these gifts nearly everyday I was on the route. I feel forever indebted by this kindness. I really tried to find another pilgrim. We were driving along the route several different times and I never saw one. I was pretty disappointed. Then, at the last possible minute, as we were waiting for highway bus back to the airport, a pilgrim walked up the road. I was thrilled! I ran out and gave him 200 yen. fate.
