Japan update #3!

It's been way too long! Sorry it's been a while since I've updated you all, I've been busy, busy, busy (more like lazy, lazy, lazy). Anyways, I am at the two week mark until I leave Japan. I can't believe I've already been here for 5 weeks! I'm very sad to even think about leaving, but I have a feeling it won't be my last time here, and I have many good things waiting for me in America.

Lots of things have happened since the last time I updated!

First off, Sean and his dad got a new kitten! Possibly the cutest ever. I believe they settled on the name Luna.

What a cutie!

Another exciting thing is that I learned how to windsurf! It was a little rough the first time, but after a break and some hydration, I got the hang of it a little better! It is so tiring! I can't wait to try it again, though. It's been a little windy for an amateur like me to go out again, but I'm determined to go out again before I leave. No pictures of me windsurfing yet, but here's one of Sean! 

I totally look that intense when I windsurf, too.

Another fun adventure was going to observe Sean's Taiko group. Everybody there was super nice and welcoming to me. I had the pleasure of taking pictures while they rehearsed. It was definitely loud, but very cool! I think every music major should at least attempt an ensemble or genre of music that requires no printed music in front of them. It definitely would be out of my comfort zone, but good nonetheless! They were all having such fun, too. It seemed like a really great stress release at the end of a long day. Taiko is probably the most physical music making I've seen. 

They invited me back to observe for the next rehearsal, which will be tomorrow! Can't wait!

In addition to all this fun stuff, we've made two trips to the shrine near the house. It's only about a kilometer away, so it's easy to walk to. The first time, we went to visit the shrine and so I could see what it has there. 

Here's me with the horse that is right at the entrance to the shrine. 

The second time we went, was for the hike up the mountain that the shrine is towards the base of. It's actually two mountains, and by an accidental wrong turn, we ended up hiking both peaks! The mountains are called Miyajiyama and Arijiyama.

I'm insisting that we continue to find mountains to hike before I head out, since it's fun, beautiful, and a good source of exercise. 

The very beginning of the hike.

The view through the trees on top of Miyajiyama.

Sean on top of Arijiyama. 

Day to day, I continue to practice, run, read, study Japanese, enjoy the beach, avoid massive insects, and apply copious amounts of sunscreen. A life that will be difficult to give up...

I'm looking forward to being here to celebrate Sean's 21st birthday on Saturday. Send happy thoughts his way!

Will update again, and this time I won't wait so long!

Love and miss you all.

Brianne