Part II

Monday was another adventure, but this time to Ito. It's another beach town down the penninsula. It was one of the most beautiful days I've seen in Japan. We started out with ambitious plans to go sightseeing. Ended up on the beach with a sushi lunch (no edamame), kids and dogs to watch and our books. Truly it seemed like we were on vacation. I have to mention the train we took. I have never been on one like it. The seats were facing the windows, so you didn't have to turn your neck if you wanted to be mesmorized by the passing trees. At first, I thought it was a waste of space just to have the 2 rows down the middle. Then I realized what a waste of space it is to have seats at all. It's amazing how many people you can pack into a train if there aren't any seats.

After a few hours, we headed home. We went to Kayla's and had some Mexican food-a real treat. Watched a little of Amelie before I was starting to nod off a bit, so we left. I was up at 5 am the next morning to take the bullet train home in time for class. It's about a 4 hour trip when all is said n' done, so I'm generally a little stressed on those Tuesday mornings I leave from Frank's. I have a class that begins right at noon. I usually miss a train or two, so I get there in the nick of time. I love standing on the platform, waiting for the Shinkansen. The train is really impressive. It looks like a plane without wings. The platform is generally sheltered, but outside. And there is always a glass room full of people smoking. I do a double take everytime I see it. I should really take a picture. I suppose it makes sense. It forces all of the smokers to then breathe their own and other people's second hand smoke. I'm perfectly happy to breath the relatively clean air. Still, it's a strange sight to see coming from a home where people are forced to smoke, not only outside, but far away from the entrance to any building. I guess we all have our own way.