What a Great Day Today.

I had fun with my next host sister today. She showed me how to get to school. Then we went to Tenoji for window shopping. In Tenoji we found a cooking/baking studio where we got a free ticket to come in an try sometime. After that we ate the most delicious Chinese food I've ever had in my life. Then we went to Namba where she took me to the "America Village." I didn't know such a place existed. It was very interesting. We talked about fun things we're going to do together like going bowling, or to karaoke, having Christmas and new years parties, baking, dancing etc. We eventually made our way back to the house where we ate good sweets and watch a little TV. Then my next host dad drove me home. When I got home, one of the neighbors stop by to drop of an early Christmas present and a card. I was very glad not only because I received the present but also because I could understand the card. It read:

“Jessany-chan, Your Japanese is very good. It’s been great knowing you. You’re always energetic. Please do your best!! I hope you enjoy your presents.” – Watanabe Nao

Today was truly a great day. Tomorrow I will go to Wakayama with my host mom and grandma for a shrine festival. This one will be really big. I’ll even get to witness Sumo wrestling :) I can’t wait!!

Tea Ceremony and Nara

My Sensei's mother does studies Sado(tea ceremony) so they were nice enough to have me and Maprang(another exchange student over). We wore Kimono's drank bitter tea and ate a very sweet a delicious red bean treat.


(Note: my Kimono is very formal, Maprang's Kimono is very casual)



Me, Maprang and Taro-kun

Me, Taro-kun, Obachan(grandma, who taught us tea ceremony) Momo-chan and Maprang.

Note: Pretty much all older ladies, that you are friendly with, are Obachan. It''s very confusing!!

Also Kun, Chan, San, Sama are all titles that go at the end of names to decribe your relation to other people.

This is in Nara City. Nara is the former capital of Japan(before Tokyo and Kyoto).

I forgot the name of this building in Japanese but it means big east temple. There's a huge budda inside.

Me and my friend chiho lighting incense out side of the temple.

Large Budda

Note: If you can't tell how large it is check out the heads at the bottom of the picture.

Nara is considered sacred and deer are considered sacred, so there are many dear in Nara. They come up to you and wait for you to feed them. It was really scary but kind of fun at the same time.

This budda is very special. It's been said that if rub it and then touch a part of your body (that is sick or injured) that it will be healed.

Me and Chiho

This hole is the same size and shape of the large budda(aboved). It's been said that if you pass through it you will gain wisdom.

Note: I wasn't going to do it but then my Sensei said "Challange?" I had to twist my body but I made it through.