February 10, 2009

Tuesday February 10, 2009- 10:02pm

Okayama, Japan- Thank you everyone for all of the kind comments! I apologize if I don't respond to everyone quick enough, but it is always comforting to hear from people I care about back home! Anyway, after being here for a few weeks, I was able to take a train a few stops a way into the country side- the town of Bizen. Are any of you familiar with Bizen pottery? Look it up on google, it is rather fascinating. A few of us took a train into Bizen and booked time at a pottery barn to make our own pottery. I made these two tile like plates that can probably be hung from the wall. Honestly, I don't really know what I am going to do with them, but it was a lot of fun to make. The rest of the town had these absolutely beautiful homes that were all decked out with pottery statues, etc all made right in the town. We also had this amazing lunch in this gallery that was also a home to a husband and wife and we were able to eat 6 bowls of rice for 300 yen (around $3.00).

The next day was a bit more stressful, but it all worked out. Monday was the first day I attempted to use my ATM book. Well, I accidentally punched the wrong code into the machine and it automatically locked my account. The people there were extremely kind and were trying to help me, but could not speak English very well and I could not speak Japanese yet very well. Luckily, there was a sweet office worker who overheard my dilemma and offered to drive me to the main post office where they could help me. She was on her way back to her own office and it was on the way. I was so relieved and surprised how much she wanted to help me. Everything was straightened out eventually, but I was not able to take pictures at Korakuen Garden where I originally wanted to go. It is a holiday tomorrow, so I plan on heading over there tomorrow.

More to come soon- thanks again for reading

-Ian