These wonderful people, Ken and Raiko, took me into their home for a little more than 24 hours. All I can say is, WOW!
I was on a wild ride around Iida.
The hospitality of the Japanese people is indescribable.
Thank you Ken and Raiko!
We visited Raiko's parents' house. They have an apple orchard.
Then off on a "leisurely" walk to the temple. The path was beautiful.
You could hear the water from the river near by.
These statues were all along the path.
We made it to the Temple. The Temple is not locked.
According to Ken, even the worst thieves would not steal from the Temple.
We then headed to an orchid garden. I felt like I was in Florida.
It was a huge greenhouse with fountains, ponds, and all sorts of plants.
A puppet museum
This is the floor of a 100 year old schoolhouse.
Chrysanthemums..
Iida High School Rugby Game
Ken is a teacher at Iida Senior High.
This was their semi-final game. They won 54-10!!
Ken and Raiko's wonderful family.
Sushi in a bird cage. This was the first course to a 7 course meal.
Raiko is very crafty, so she was teaching me a complicated beading activity.
She speaks very little English, but I thought we did well together.
Gondola ride in the rain to the top of a mountain, above the clouds.
I tried to eat everything put in front of me but I couldn't eat this fish.
The skewer is going through the tongue!
Tea Ceremony #2
Lion Dance Celebration in Downtown Iida.
Our dinner for JFMF. Very nice.
We literally crashed a Japanese party because they had Karoke.
We sang Sweet Child of Mine from GnR and YMCA.
Everyone was yelling and cheering for us. We are so cool!
This is Jessica calling me a Loser from across the room.
Thanks Jessica!