The geiko Mari peforming the role of temae,preparing the tea slowly, mindfully, with utmost grace.
The good news is that Miyako Odori began today, and that I was there to see it! The bad news is that spectators are no longer permitted to photograph the performance without a special, expensive license. (ioi)
At least we can still take a few pictures during the tea ceremony (^_<)
As Mari finishes preparing a cup of tea, Katsuyuki brings another.
Just checking in to let everyone know that after a few excellent days in Ena, we've finally arrived in Kyoto! Despite what these images might imply, we did not spend our first evening here chasing geisha, but we couldn't help running into them everywhere we went! The cherry blossoms are blooming, and hanami season, Gion's busiest, is in full swing.
Ichiwaka, one of the 13 new maiko that have made their debut so far this spring.
I recently received this email from one of my old students who graduated from junior high on March 11th.
Dear Melissa,
Hello,Melissa!¡¡How are you?¡¡Of course I'm fine! Tank you for giving a e-mail. I was very glad!
I graduated from Kita Chuu,but I'll nevre forget a lot of things that I learnd from you.
I came to like learning English since you came to Kita Chuu. It is very interesteing for me to read, listen, and speak English.
You were always cheeful and kind. You always talked me kindly. I was glad to talked with you. And you tought me a lot. About songs, foods, places, and world problems... All was interesting for me. I always looked forward your English class. You came to Kita Chuu as ALT, so I was interested in International Relations. You gave me an oppotunity that I want to know many more things.
I don't have specal talent(*_*;) But I want to know a lot, so I studied hard.Only this.
Through studying English,I learned language. But I learned much more. If I use only Japanese, I can't communicate wiht English-Speaking people. Now I can speak English a little, so I can communicate with many more people. I'm glad of it! So I want to study foreign language and culture more.
I'll enter Chukyo high school's International course. I can study English more. And I can go to Canada to study. I look forward to it very much! My dream is to help people who suffer from war, hunger and ill... Therefore I must study more. I do my best for my dream!
May I send an e-mail again? You are my best teacher! I want you to teach me many things! And I want to teach you recent situation(^^)
JMA's prediction of cherry blossom blooming dates is conducted by applying the relationships between temperatures and blooming dates in previous years to the temperatures observed since last fall and those predicted in weekly, monthly and three-monthly forecasts.
After the crazy Cleveland winter I've been 'enjoying', I'm really looking forward to some good old hanami! Can I get an amen?
Ah, the joys of winter in Cleveland.
Ah, the joys of being the lucky JET who gets to visit the Beautiful Mountain School in spring.
The rusty wheels make a shriek Carrying our bodies to the station at dawn
As I peddle The thing you transmit as you lean against my back Is definite warmth
Up the hill along the train tracks “A little more, just a bit further” From behind your voice sounds like you’re having fun
The town is way too quiet “It’s like we’re the only people in the world” you grumble softly At the moment we reached the top of the hill We were at a loss for words The sunrise that welcomed us was way too beautiful
Then I think you laughed behind me I couldn’t look back because I was crying
I don’t really know the town The most expensive ticket on First end of the ticket machine goes to
The cheapest of all, the platform ticket Even though I’d use it immediately I carefully put it away
The big bag you bought The day before yesterday Caught on the wicket and, Unable to pass through, you looked at me
I nodded without meeting your eyes And my hand freed the bag’s stubbornly caught cord
The resounding bell announces the end The door opens only for you Having stepped forward, One step with more distance than many thousands, you say
"I promise! We’ll definitely meet again some day!" Unable to answer, with my eyes cast down, I waved my hand
You... You weren't wrong that time...
Down the hill along the train tracks,I fly Faster than the wind I catch up with you and The rusty wheel shrieks With all my might, I line up with the train but It slowly gets further away
You were crying, weren’t you On the other side of the door Even though I didn’t see your face, I knew because your voice was shaking
I promise. We’ll definitely meet again someday As you got further away, I made a big wave with my hand so that you could see
The town was bustling but “It’s like I’m the only person in the world” I grumbled softly
The rusty wheels shriek Left behind, I’m carried along A faint warmth
As Mari finishes preparing a cup of tea, Katsuyuki brings another.
Peace from lantern-lit Miyagawa-cho! (*^_^*)v 
Ah, the joys of winter in Cleveland.
Ah, the joys of being the lucky JET who gets to visit the Beautiful Mountain School in spring.
