First Week in Japan: Weekend with the Okamotos

     I have had a busy week. With one activity following the next, I have had little time to compose my thoughts and reactions. In the interest of catching up, I will attempt to compile my week into a few posts.

Wednesday, Aug 25 to Thursday, Aug 26
     I woke at 5:30 am MST to get ready for my flight. After driving to the airport with my mom and older sister, I had an uneventful flight to San Francisco. During my longer flight to Narita International Airport, I was able to amuse myself by watching three in-flight movies and sleeping.
     I was a little anxious after landing in Japan, as to whether I would be able to pass through customs and find my connecting bus. However, customs was easy, (interestingly enough, I don't think there is a customs official alive who is friendly, since even in the famously polite Japan, the agent who reviewed my documents seemed put-off by my presence.) and I successfully met up with my teacher's niece, who was holding a sign bearing my name.
     My teacher's niece-who's name is Emi-was a great help when it came to buying a bus ticket and finding where I needed to go. Three hours later, I arrived in Takasaki, the town next to Maebashi. I was met by Okamoto-sensei, and together we drove through the rain to her house in Maebashi.

Friday, Aug 27
     I woke up on Friday thinking I was waking up in my room back in Colorado. It was a little odd at first, but I decided the only thing to do was to go with the flow. After an excellent breakfast and meeting Okamoto-sensei's very nice husband, Ken, the three of us set off for a day in the mountains.
     Our first stop was a natural onsen (hot-spring). This was my first experience with a Japanese-style hot-spring so I was a little uncomfortable at first, but soon the fresh air and beautiful mountain view put me in high spirits.
     After the onsen, we drove to a family owned soba shop. I've had soba before, but it cou not compare to the amazing flavor of the hand made noodles I was given. The meal and bath were refreshing and so was our next stop.

     This is Tanigawa-dake, or Mt. Tanigawa. This picture cannot accurately capture the imposing atmosphere the mountain gives off. We have large mountains in Colorado, very impressive mountains. But seeing this mighty peak helped me understand better why the Japanese worshiped the spirits of natural features.
     The rest of the evening was quite laid back. We drove back to the house, ate dinner, and went to bed. I am so grateful to the Okamotos for opening their house to me, and for showing me my first day in Japan.