Sebastopol World Friends

I just finished reading John`s latest entry and turns out Kathy and I and our respective families plus Molly`s family where also in Karatzu today (photo of the castle attached and the view from the top was spectacular). We were lucky enough to have Kotomi with us too who is the current `Tan` (American student living here and teaching English). She was able to translate for us all day which allowed for a deeper bonding and understanding. With her help we were told about the live squid specialty of the area and were able to avoid the experience. Ended up at a very nice French restaurant (very Japanese French restaurant) that served a 6 course lunch plus coffee. We did not escape squid entirely as the 3rd course was a baby squid (not alive and I think cooked) as they are `in season` right now!!!! Kathy wanted everyone to know that she ate it but didn`t feel good about it!!! I ate mine, liked the taste, but don`t need to do that again!

For the parents, one way or another we have checked in with almost all the kids today (and will catch the others tomorrow) and all are doing well and enjoying their family weekend. Many of our paths overlap, which is nice. I can`t say enough about the generosity of the families and community here who will do whatever it takes to make this a wonderful time. I think communication is the only true frustration we all share so thank goodness for people like Kotomi and Rumi who can help us ask all the questions we have with so much patience!

Kathy and I were talking today and here are a few general thoughts we had about life in Japan:
*We would like to be young and old here. Nursery school and senior day care were fantastic! Not so sure about the middle years, especially as a women.
*We are not sure that Japanese women sleep. They are awake late into the night and up early in the morning.
*Wearing short sleeves this time of year creates a lot of interest. I have nothing but short sleeve shirts and am very comfortable but am asked daily if I am cold!
*Lists we are starting are `First and Last`, `Top 10 Phrases Used by Chaperones` and `I`m Done With That`. More details on how they shape up.

Hey John - thanks for the photo proof of our manly drinking abilities and standing up for us and making sure we were served the same as the men! I was half-joking about being legendary but think maybe we are as 5 more people commented to day that they heard we drank Shochu!

Photo shows that Kathy is hard at work, even on Saturday, and won`t rest until the kids are safe at home!