Number 2

Let's see, where to begin?

Driving is quite an experience around here. Aside from the obvious of driving on the left side of the road and the signs being in kanji, there are a few other things to contend with.

Most streets are narrower than western alleys. The rule for parking on these streets seems to be 'Don't park where another car can't get by your car otherwise if you can fit, you can park!' There are also signals on these very narrow streets where you least expect them. They use strategically place mirrors to help you see around the many blind corners.

The drivers are what I would call passive/aggressive. They will stop to let you pass in a narrow area and bow to you, but when it comes to making a right turn (think of a western left turn) they will jump out right away. It keeps you on your toes. At any of the major shopping locations, there are many men to help keep traffic moving in an orderly fashion and of course bowing as each car goes by.

Sunday we went to mass at the Shrine for St. Frances Xavier. It was nice to meet a couple of people who spoke English although mass was in Japanese. There was a book that helped us follow along and all the readings were printed on a flyer in English. The girls were asked to help bring up the collection. The only thing that seemed unusual was that at the sign of peace everyone bowed toward one another rather than shaking hands. There were other times during the mass when people bowed.

The church was recently rebuilt because the old one burned down. It is rather modern in design, yet the pews are all still facing the front and have kneelers. There is a Eucharist reservation chapel off to one side that is separated by a 5-6 foot high glass wall. It is a stark white and the doors are metal. Although it is different than what I am used to, it is beautiful nonetheless.

When we were leaving in our car, a lady in an electric wheelchair came over to us and gave Christina a cloth. We gave her a set of sacrifice beads in return. I want to get the story of the sacrifice beads translated because it is rather difficult to explain them, but she was thankful.

The type of cloth Christina was given, most people carry with them all the time. It is used for wiping the sweat, which you do a lot here and also to dry your hands after using a public restroom. The bathrooms do not have towels. Only one bathroom I have been in had a blower for drying your hands.

Renting furniture was another experience. One of the men from MELCO went with us as an interpreter. I had in mind we would go to a place like a Rentco in the states. I was rather shocked (but I hid it) when we pulled into the parking lot for this old warehouse that was packed to the rafters. It looked rather like an antique shop. It turned out that it is a second hand store that also rents furniture. I would like to go back and explore the treasures it holds. We basically said what we needed and they told us they would deliver it on Monday. The furniture we received today is very nice.

At first we were going to rent beds, but when I went shopping for linens, I discovered I could buy tatami (learned later they were actually futons) mats and comforters for very little and we would be able to take them with us to our next apartment in Mito. I also think they will be wonderful to have in the states for guests at our home.

After mass, we drove to Hofu. When I was driving down the street I saw a sign that said Hofu Science Museum, so I turned in. It is a children’s interactive museum. We all had a wonderful time. I think for many people WE were a bigger attraction than the museum, but it was fun. We got some good ideas for teaching geometry to the girls.

Today was spent packing and moving our stuff over to the house. We will be staying here in the hotel one more night, but I wanted to get most of our stuff moved. The girls also had an opportunity to play with some of the children that live in the building. They really enjoyed running around.

Guess that is it for now. I am so thankful for email and being able to keep in contact with all of you. It may be a few days before I can access email after tomorrow morning. We are still working on the phone situation.

Blessings and prayers,
Marion