Catching up...

After two weeks of travel in Japan, I have lots of pictures! But that means I should probably fill in the blanks between now and Thanksgiving...


This first picture is from the bounenkai (forget year party?? - party at the end of the year, which involves summing up everything that happened in the lab that year, then going drinking.) This is my tutor, Nishigaki, and another guy in the lab, Ichiki.


And this is that same party, about two hours later...


And then at karaoke afterwards...


This was the "before everyone goes away for Christmas" dinner, at this really good buffet-style restaurant called Hinano. Lots of different types of Japanese foods, all made from fresh, and I think, organic foods.


From the other end of the table - but I am hidden behind Eric (guy on the right).


This is picture of my suitcase, when I was packing to come home for Christmas - before I had packed any of my own stuff - this is just presents and japanese snacks for other people to try...


Here is my Japanese Christmas tree, sitting on my kotatsu!


On my way home, I met up with Sam (Samura Yoshikazu), who studied abroad at Drexel two years ago.


Apparently, this is the only picture I have from New Year's Eve. I was really happy that I got to see everyone though!


Mike's method of peeling potatoes.

The following three pictures are from Mike's 24th birthday - and should be viewed in a flipbook format if at all possible...






Aww, Dad and Leo are getting along!


A picture of Erin, by Erin.


I did come home in order to visit everybody. I just wanted to read for a little. Just a little.


The view from my front porch!


House, I missed you! And this is the only picture I got of Momma! (And the only picture I got of Erin, was the one previously posted...)


View of Sendai from the top floor of the electrical building, on Aobayama campus, where I had my Electricity and Magnetism class, every Friday morning at 8:50. From the dorm, 15-20 minutes by bike, then a 20 minute walk up a mountain. But the view is pretty nice.


More karaoke! With guys from the lab, after the shinnenkai (new year party), I think. Starting in April, we will have four new guys, so now I have kouhai! (A sempai is someone who started at a school, company, club, lab, etc. before you, and therefore should be respected, etc. Kouhai is the opposite. Not that they don't need to be respected. Just that now I am their sempai!)


Endo!


Dontosai! A festival that takes place in early January, which involves burning all the New Year's decorations, since they are religious, and should not be just thrown away. Also involves guys, and sometimes girls, running around in very little clothing in the freezing cold, with a piece of paper in their mouths, although I am not sure why. And my camera battery died, so I will have to get some pictures from friends!


On a field trip to see Zuihoden, the memorial place of Date Masamune (in Sendai). We were invited by the museum to come see it, so we were first invited up to the office. That is probably the most people they have ever had in that office.


The actual memorial/burial? place.


The stairs leading up to Zuihoden.


The family crest of Date Masamune. (Two sparrows)


I think these were grave markers for the servants of Date Masamune, which I am not sure whether they were erected after those people died naturally, or if they all did seppuku when Date Masamune died.


The mountain of beer for Randy's birthday party, at the cabin. All but about three cans of this were finished, with the help of 28 people.


Playing with a manikin head.


The Japanese 2 class - after our last class!


Making dinner together with people from China, and I think Thailand and Korea. But maybe not. I can't remember.


Lee's going away party. We miss you Lee!


Part of the meal that Nishigaki had to make for me. (Because he lost a bet!)


Leaving for Hokkaido! If you look past the reflection, you can see the ferry!

But I think it is time for me to go to bed now! So I will continue updating tomorrow!