Japan - Day Seven and Eight (a more modern Japan)

Spent alot of Day Seven (Friday) wandering around town and reading. A typhoon is about to hit Japan so we headed out for some walking before the rains hit. I was invited to my old dentist's house for dinner. Didn't have dinner, but did have a wonderful time catching up with them. When I lived here, the insurance system gave me the opportunity to fix some minor dental problems (those of you who oppose Socialism should try living without medical insurance for a while).

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After my visits, he would take me up to his house (behind the office) and teach me about sake. This time, I got to see his kids (all grown up) and sit with him reminiscing. He also taught me about Single Malt Whiskey of which I was ignorant. That stuff is quite strong! We joked, hugged, goofed around, and then Chika and I excused ourselves and headed to the local Reggae bar to visit my good buddy Mitsuyuki (prefers to be called Bob after Mr. Marley). I spent a many hour here when living in Ninohe so we had an incredible time drinking kamikazes and listening to good Roots Reggae. Laughed it up with the other patrons who enjoyed practicing their 5 words of english (I taught them some slang like "ssup?") and snapping pictures. I came home drunk and passed out.

Then, on Saturday, Chika's friends finally showed up (busy working all week). Miyuki, Rie, Yumiko, and Kumi all came over, then we headed out for a big sushi lunch. Afterwards, they took us to the new Ninohe museum which was remarkable. First floor was historical artifacts found int he area from the Jomon period. Second floor was an art museum dedicated to the old Ninohe artist Fukuda Shigeo whose work is similar to Escher and Gormely. Third floor was a hands-on science museum. I'm so proud of Ninohe for creating this free learning annex. We all enjoyed it alot.

Then, another of Chika's friends Shinobu took us up to Hachinohe for the night. Hachinohe is a big town north of Ninohe (near Misawa Air Base) with a few malls and such. We did some clothes shopping at a store (Uni Qlo) which is a cross between GAP and Old Navy. They even sold shirts by Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat! Of course, none were big enough to fit my giant shoulders so I settled for some oversized sweatshirts. CHEAP!!!! The rains have come and while I am leaving for Hanimaki onsen tomorrow, the plan is alot of staying in for the next few days. I can only hope this weather problem doesnt affect my flight home next week. I'm finally not thinking of work everyday (it takes a week at least) but I do look forward to getting started in my new role. It's very exciting.

Lastly, we now have intermittent Internet access (hence my being able to post this on my site while in Japan). If there is anything you want to know while I'm here, post it in the comments section and I'll be more than happy to oblige.