Vacation Days and play galore

Well, we have had 3 straight days of vacation from school. With the exception of a beach party, I really haven't seen the kids and so, I guess, the blog updating is up to me. Here are some of the adventures happening over the last few days...

Colton ran a pretty high fever so we had to go see a doctor. Even at the hospital they have doctor and nurse 'shisa.' These are traditional Okinawan protectors. You see them everywhere... on rooftops, outside of homes and even on cars. Colton and I both thought it was funny to see this at the hospital.

Here Colton is after visiting the hospital. He was lucky enough to receive an influenza test that was taken by swabbing waaaaay up into his nostrils. He was a real trooper. His reward? A cool mask from the vending machine in the lobby!

Ayami, Maiko and Makoto are cooking for us at the beach party bbq. The yakiniku (meat) and yakisoba were FABULOUS!!

Hiroshi Sensei is the teacher in charge of us this trip. He is great! He has organized many field trips and unique experiences. For all of his hard work, he will be rewarded with us showing him some Iowa hospitality when he comes with students in March.

The ocean here is unspeakably beautiful. At first, because it was a school function, we were not allowed to go in deeper than our ankles. My kids deserve a lot lof credit because, although the water was deeply inviting on such a hot day, they resisted.... until the principal left, that is!

Once the principal left, students were cleared to swim. They had a great time. The was was warm but refreshing. Here are Katharine and Brianna with students who came to Wash in March of '09. Ayami, Yukke and Manami.

It is nearly impossible to fully convey how crazy the streets in Japan are. There are no real street names unless it is a really big street. The roads all intersect in weird ways and the house numbers are indecipherable. They are numbered by the order in which they are built. So, houses in a row might be numberd 1, 7, 15, 3, 6. Here is a sample of a map that you will certainly find at every police box. It helps you find your way around new neighborhoods. I should mention that individual homes are not labeled. You just have to know landmarks!

I could write volumes about the Memorial Day celebrations of today. Quite honestly, I'm hoping that a student writes about it in their blog tomorrow...