Beautiful Koriyama

Obon Holiday: August 13-21

That's all I can really say. It was a rollercoaster of a week, which always seems to happen in that city. It's like jumping on a raw nerve for me for some reason. So many highs and lows, but I guess that's what makes us human. Still....there MUST be a balance there somewhere and I'm determined to find it. Thank goodness for Melissa. We went to the Five Colored Lakes, the Bat Caves, for walks around this *random* park I didn't even know existed....and of course, went out with the all mighty gods party gang.

Fukushima Aquarium Aug 13

So, I was planning to spend my week long holiday in Koriyama, my home away from home. Byran and Mieko had made plans to go to the aquarium, which we all thought was in a city nearby. SO!! Off we went, following the directions of a travel agent who, apparently, had never taken the journey herself. What should have been a 3-4 hour drive, turned into an 8-9 hour drive, through the mountains, down the coast and into Iwake. Umm oops. We DID, however, get to the acquarium before it closed thankfully! It was lovely. Not wanting to drive back the same day, Bryan and Mieko got a small peak of Koriyama and all that I love about it. I hope they will come back under a few better circumstances.

Kosho Machi Block Party Aug 12

They blocked off our street right in front of our apartment building. They layed down tatami mats. They set up a karaoke stage. They blocked off a place to do a traditional Tohoku dance in a circle while a woman sang traditional music. There was a raffle. Our landlord, who also owns a restaurant, provided festival food. There were candles on the tatami and beer for all. A perfect summer night in Yamagata