Update on Moka/ Ashikaga!

Hey y'all!! Its been a whirlwind since I last updated! We have had so many new and great experiences. I stayed w my host family in Moka (ie, Momma and Poppa). They were great!! I had eel for the first time with them, as well as uni (sea urchin), dancing shrimp (shrimp that are fresh and still moving when u eat them) and lots and lots of sho chu (Japanese alcohol). And kareoke! So much fun.

Here is my Japanese momma & I singing ABBA ( obviously)

We had a tea ceremony (complete with kimonos) & flower arranging ceremony. Pics below.

My flower arrangement:

 The Rotarian teaching both had the most adorable dog that reminded me so much of my dog Chip. I miss him!!! Lots of toy poodles here.

 

We have been enjoying much sho chu here (this is a picture of me and my previous host father, Dr. Kurosa, with our sho chu). Oishi!!!! It is a potato liquor, stronger than saki. I highly recommend it.

 

At lunch the other day, I told my host father (Poppa) that my sushi / sashimi wasn't spicy enough & that I loved wasabi. The sushi chef proceeded to make me a wasabi sushi roll, made not of the normal wasabi served with sushi, but the freshly ground plant wasabi. I didn't think it would be so bad, but I immediately turned bright red, and tears started running from my eyes. It was SO spicy. I could only have one piece. Others helped me finish the roll, including Givon, Kelly, my host poppa and other Rotarians. All cried / showed a similar face to Kelly below:

 That's what I get for asking for more wasabi!!

My computer is about to die, but will try to post more pics / stories in the AM from Ashikaga (our current location). We had a fabulous kareoke night tonight, complete with our interpretations of Journey's Dont Stop Believe, and The TEmptation's My Girl. Will hopefully post pix in our AM :-). We also had a spectacular farewell party from Moka on Sunday night. All of the days are blurring together and our trip is going so fast! I will be so sad when its done. Post soon! Til then,

Mata ne!!! Katie