July 23 2011 Kokeshi Doll Museum and Tanbo Art

July 23, 2011: Finally a big road trip! The beauty of this one is, someone else is doing the driving! We took a tour through the base travel office (along with about 30 other people). Boarded a coach bus at 7 am, and headed West.
A beautiful day indeed. Rice is everywhere this time of year. Green fields abound.

We arrived at our destination a little early, but that is fine. Gave us more time to wander about at our leisure. That is the one downfall of a guided tour, the timetable. A little league team was out doing their warmups. I don't know if there was an actual game. Only saw one team at this point, and we had an agenda to follow....

Anyway, here we are. This isn't the museum (above) but one of about 3 shops that sell to the tourists. http://www.japanya.co.uk/Kokeshi.aspx

Starting out with our blank Kokeshi. Our instructor gave a demonstration of how to draw eyes, nose and mouth. Of course he did this without breaking a sweat, or sticking his tongue out in concentration, or furrowing his brow.

Above: Andi completed her doll, only to find that somehow the ink had gotten on her hands...how puzzling! It's ink, not paint. Fortunately a bathroom was close by, with ample amounts of soap. (no paper towels though. paper (aside from toilet paper) just isn't in Japanese bathrooms. there'll either be a hand dryer, or you do it the old fashioned way of wiping your hands dry on your loved ones shirt tails. which (I'll continue to digress a bit here) with no hand towels, makes it really hard to clean up the dirty sink that was left behind by the afore mentioned child's hands. toilet paper just doesn't hold together as well, but we got it done!) So, hands cleaned, with a slight tint to them...we continue on.

Below: The instructors finished demonstration. No, mine didn't come anywhere near this. It is unique in it's own way.

Shane had a great time working on his. And ended up with a great finished project. Our tour guide and the instructor were impressed.

After our painting class, we went on to the museum. Here there are hundreds and hundreds of kokeshi, each painted in a unique way.

Below: Some handmade wooden toys.


For those of you who are acquainted with me and my hair....yes, it was a bit humid! (will I EVER be able to tame the mane!)

Below: A sketch.

In addition to the kokeshi museum, there are also a number of little shops. It's set up like a little tourist village, shops, some eating places, a foot onsen. (I think all shopping places need a foot onsen, which I'll explain in a few pictures)
Anyway, these are lanterns. Light wood frame, covered in a heavy paper, and hand painted. Front side and back side. Oh, and it happens to look just like the one I bought! I don't have the courage to hang it outside though. I'm waiting for my perfect porch, at the ideal house of my dreams to display it. (well, it's sort of on display right now, hanging in the house, but it'll be taken to "the packing man" and he'll box it up for moving)
Below: It's a Datsun. Never could figure out the year. The only reason I know it's a Datsun, is because that's what the hubcaps had on their label. Therefor it stands to reason the whole car is a Datsun!

Ok, foot onsen! I think I've done pictures of these before. Just a reminder, an onsen is water coming from the volcanoes. It is very hot (and really nice in the winter) and slightly stinky (some more than others....think rotten eggs) Foot onsens, one just removes shoes and socks, roll up the pant legs, find a ledge, and stick the feet in. Did I mention HOT! But oh so nice! Even Andi and kids younger than her were loving it. Can you see the pinkness of my legs? The water is very therapeutic. A full onsen requires a bit more work, and a lot more nakedness....and yes, I have been to one, and didn't die of embarrassment or anything!

Above are taller lanterns. These are free standing, but they are inside the showroom. Outside they hang as well, so they are at eye level. And below are a line up of the type that I bought. Some of them come with electrical already set up, so that you can put in a bulb and light up the night. I opted for one with no electrical, but a nice chime. Paper and light bulbs just don't seem like a good mix to me.

A parade float. (above)
Andi and our tour guide hamming it up at the onsen.

On to the Tanbo Art! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanbo_art

The wall poster shows examples of previous years from this particular field.
It wasn't bad getting up to the viewing area. There was a long line, and stairs. Well, only half the stairs there could've been. The first part of the line was to the elevator to ride up 4 floors. Then out for 3 floors worth of stairs. But it wasn't like we could sprint up the stairs, due to waiting in line.
I will say, that as always the Japanese are very efficient. In order to prevent the line from stalling completely there was a security guard on the balcony who would periodically ask people to move along. (I assume this is what he is saying, as we all know my language skills are somewhat lacking. but since the line was in constant motion....)

Now if you listen carefully, I'm sure you can still here me silently cussing as my camera shut down due to extremely low batteries! (of course I have back up batteries....way down in the bus!) But my camera loves me, and managed to cycle on for a few pictures. (what a good camera!)
Now, as to the theme this year. First, the writing. If you recall back to the last blog and the "Let's give it a go Japan" banner. This is also what the writing says here. They used a traditional Japanese fairy tale as their inspiration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_the_Bamboo_Cutter

The rice as seen at ground level.
The City office building (built to look like a small castle) from which we viewed the Tanbo.

And the last stop of the day: Seibien

http://www.jnto.go.jp/webmaga/en/feb/insight.html

Now, the water faucet that everyone should have. The valve was around on the other side.

It's very nice to find one of my many dream houses is being so taken care of so nicely! (oh if they would only let me move in)


Above: One of the sliding panels inside the house.

Below: Did somebody say they needed the potty? Yup, this is for both genders! Ladies, can you figure out how??? Oh, let me just say, it sounds like a treat. "Step in" to those porcelain slippers (now I don't know if those are just porcelain for show, or if a person would have real slippers, and maneuverability to get the angle). But essentials, you stand, straddle (facing the wall) and hope it all goes where it's supposed to go.
You know, sometimes I think I'm an old fashioned type of girl. But at times like this, I am sooooo glad that I was born in the age of flushing toilets!

So, that about covers the outing for the last week. Not sure what I have up my sleeve this week. It is usually a surprise to me as well.

Field trip and Tanabata Festival

July 22 2011: So Andi has been in a summer school class for Japanese Culture, put on by the school's culture teacher. This last day of class we had a field trip to the Asamushi Aquarium in Aomori. A 2 hour bus ride there. Luckily, there are potty breaks on the way. Parking areas (aka rest stops) can be fabulous places, complete with my kind of horses!
The aquarium isn't that big. But it does have some interesting fish. I like the sting rays. Some look like they are smiling, others...not so much.
Now, those who know my history with jelly fish will know just how much I shudder to have to look at these things. Why would anyone want to light them up to make them look pretty is beyond me....they are still gruesome. I think I'd rather have a pet rat....

The dolphin show was pretty good. I thought these two were pretty cute. I don't think I've ever seen markings like that on a dolphin.

Above: A Flower Horn Cichlid. Sometimes I think scientists are drunk when they name things. I think I would've called it Brain Horn Pink Fish.

Below: One ugly fish. Yes, that is all one fish. It is called a Pirarucu, is freshwater in the Amazon region. It can grow up to 10 feet long and 400 pounds. How would you like to have that nibble on your toes!

When we returned to base the Tanabata Festival had started. What better way to end the day then to stroll around, with your shaved ice, enjoy the breeze and the smell of so much good food!
Friday evening (the 22nd) had beautiful weather. A slight breeze....I think my child is in there somewhere....
there she is!

"Issho ni sore o okonatte Nippon o ataeru koto ga dekimasu" This is the motto for most

celebrations this year. It will show up later this week when I take you to the Tanbo art display.

Below: The local pizza delivery vehicle. Pizza in town can be a great adventure. Especially if you can't read...it might be squid, octopus, or is it just plain sausage?

When a store is closed, there are roll down doors that cover the regular doors and windows. I like it when they are painted.
Looking in a store front. They must be getting ready for another parade later in the year!
A couple of locals. I did get video of the fellow playing, but I am having difficulty getting it to upload. So for now it'll just remain a mystery.

Above: Waiting for her ice cream!

Below: Stringing up some more decorations. They are taken down each night as the road is reopened to traffic til late the next afternoon, when it starts all over again.

And now for our dinner! Our favorite festival food, Ankur India Restaurant. We love the curry, (chicken for me, mutton for Shane) and the bread that it is served with. Andi just goes for the bread. Especially when it gets cooked right there!

Taking the bread out of the cooking kiln. If you look closely it's just possible that Andi is drooling. Oh, then the topper, brushed with melted butter! Yum, yum, yum....the perfect way to end our day.
The festival runs into the evening hours, I think around 9 is when they close up shop, it starts again the next afternoon. But I think Andi and I had a lovely time wandering about (Shane was working).

Now, it was a busy weekend. There are more pictures to come this week. Didn't want to put 50 plus photos all in one posting....spread the joy out. My goal is Wednesday to have the next bunch up.

Now, off to be productive in the house...I feel a nap coming on.

July 11 2011

July 11 2011 - WOW! Where is the time going? Last time I looked at the calendar it was at least last week. And once again behind on the blog. But that's ok, I have a good excuse this time...I had strep throat last week. The sensation of knives in the throat and the need for pain killers won out over everything else.

As a result of said illness, no updates last week, and very little in the way of outings. I have no desire to drag my camera along to take pictures of a bleak urgent care facility in the basement of an equally bleak building.

Though a couple of weekends ago, we did bike into base. I think the above pink flowers are known as ice plants, going crazy on this wall.

The purpose of this ride was to base, and to the base nature trail. Signs of which we have seen the entire time we've lived here (well, I have, some of us have never noticed the signs til just a few months ago)
Anyway, about 7K bike ride to the trail. We had hoped to bring our bikes with us on the trail, but were advised that some of the turns might be to much for Andi. So we walked it. Not a long trail, maybe a mile in total. Of course it's the woods, with lots of itchy plants and the sort. Nothing in bloom at the moment, so no pictures of flora and fauna, aside from the above.
The trail ends at the base beach on the lake. (the one with the long name that I can't remember how to spell, and just do not feel like looking up at the moment) The ring is the communications area that does a lot of "listening" to the rest of the world. It's on the internet, so I can say that. Below, despite a 7K bike ride (one way) a mile mini hike, the girl still has boundless amounts of energy. Jungle gym break for at least 20 minutes, before walking back up a steep hill to where our bikes were tied up.
Now, random things. Here is something I just don't see every day!

A slug bug! "Punch buggy green!" Needless to say we all got to punch one another, as a classic bug just isn't seen all that much. The occasional newer bugs are around here and there. The other day I saw a classic VW van....I was astonished!

I liked the post office mail drop box. The times on it are so precise. I am positive that the mail man does indeed come at those EXACT times posted.
The above sign was posted on a restaurant door. Ok, the no smoking, I understand. Fire prohibited, goes with the no smoking....not a problem. But what hazardous materials have been brought in before that there is now a sign prohibiting them?
Ok, the above kills me. We went to the farmers market this weekend (uummmm, fresh fresh fruit!) There are various vendors...fruits and veggies, some fried stuff on a stick, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, fresh seafood, discounted shoes and purses, seeds and planting implements, and this guy....get your toilet here! One is out on a folding chair for the outside display.

Below, is just random vending machine options. The last time we were in Hachinohe we came across a vast amount of options. There are 7 machines in this photo....you can't see the other 4 that were around the corner from my shoulder.

But, one should never be thirsty. Coffee's galore...hot or cold, all in a can.

Real gold is an energy drink that tastes remarkably like cough syrup that the Dr. used to give us in the 1970's. Didn't like it then, don't like it in this form either!

German brand hot cocoa...also hot or cold. (tastes better hot)

And my favorite....drinkable fiber. I really wanted to try some, but both selections were out. This is the only time I've ever seen this selection. Now I am keeping my eyes out to see if I can find it. The label guaranteed I could get my full days dose of fiber in this one small bottle.
So that is our slow few weeks. Have no fear. Mom will be here visiting eventually, that always picks up the blog a bit!

And yes, we have had a few good rattles. One yesterday (the 10th at about 10am) that was a 7.3. Enough to perk us up a little, but not enough to trip the circuit breakers on the gas line (which it will do, as we discovered on our last good jolt a 7.2, trips the kerosene...just have to reset the box, and all is good to go again....) Always glad to know the safety features work...especially since the kerosene tank sits right next to the house....right....next...to the...house. (I have found that odd to have the kerosene and propane tanks are within inches of the house, but there are quite a few safety features...I feel safe, yet exposed...)

Anyway, the aftershocks happen. Most of them are centered in the area of the big quake. We feel a lot of them (not nearly as much as the weeks following the big one), but are coping with them, and moving on.