Japan...

Well, last week, I left Hawaii.

I landed in Japan and pretty much shot out the terminal door. No customs, thank goodness, although I was prepared. Per Anne's instructions, I had wrapped everything separately in plastic bags to make customs easier and less embarrassing, but luckily, I didn't have to go through that at all!

In the Narita waiting area I tried to use the payphone while waiting for Anne... and failed. Still, she showed up soon and whisked me off to Tsukuba, the "science city" two hours away. I practiced deciphering kanji on the way, and freaked out everytime we turned into the left lane (while waiting for Anne in the parking lot, I also sat for at least 2 minutes on the right, driver's side of the car - behind the wheel - without realizing it!) Fortunately, everyone else was driving on the wrong side too, so we didn't crash!

When we got to Tsukuba Alisa was absolutely THRILLED with the Stitch cup I brought her -- she's crazy about Stitch -- and Toshio was welcoming.

I slept like a rock that night -- not even waking up for two pretty big earthquakes. On Friday, I was welcomed with a tremendous evening earthquake that sent all of us downstairs to watch the TV -- all the satellite channels were down and only the emergency channel still worked, though rather fuzzily.

But on Saturday Toshio, Alisa, and I went to "Summalando" basically a gigantic swimming pool/theme park. Alisa had a great time... and it was interesting to see what kind of things the Japanese wear. While women's suits are much more modest than in America, many men, especially younger ones, run around in TEENY-TINY...er, briefs. They obviously think they look very macho... but while there I just couldn't help laughing to myself about the reception they would have in America!