Circus Act

There are $3000 kimonos in existence. And I tried one on. Of course, it was at the secondhand store, and had been marked down to $500. Still- I was shocked to discover that I'd worn such an expensive garment (and probably never would have put it on if I'd looked at the price-tag). We went out shopping to look for yukata (the summer version of kimono) to wear to the Saku-shi fireworks last Friday. I didn't find a yukata (I did find an awesome, not-quite-as-expensive kimono), so I ended up attending in regular western gear. The fireworks here are AMAZING! The local festival we were at had almost two hours of impressive fireworks! They're all sponsored by local businesses, and they interrupt the show to tell you who sponsored each part- totally worth the wait to see all of them. There's supposed to be an amazing show over Suwa Lake in early September, and I can't wait!

Yesterday was my first day at the Junior High. Classes aren't in session until next week, but there are kids all over practicing for extracurriculars and studying. Word must have gotten out that the new "gaigin sensei" was in the building- as the day progressed, more and more groups of students were walking past my office door. I thought I was making it up until I saw the same two kids (one on the other's back) walk past, peek back, then run past, then run past again, then peek back... It's kind of cute- they're all really friendly and curious. Other than that, not much to report from the Junior High.

Today was my first day at Saku Chuo Elementary School, and it was so much fun! A couple of introductions (staff and students), and then I basically got to wander the building all day and drop into classes (elementary starts earlier). Not many of the kids know much English, but they're so cute and friendly- they paraded past the office at the end of the day to say "sayonara." Had my first bento lunch, which was good, but not really what I was expecting (Japanese food): it had gratin in it! Also was given a little welcome reception by the staff, who were all trying their best to understand me and communicate. My gifts went over really well: rice krispie treats and a birchbark canoe (thanks Mom!).

Oh, and I totally took those pictures. Seriously, the fireworks were sweet.