Christmas Aftermath..

Sorry so late everybody, but Merry Christmas!! Above is a picture one of my kids students drew in class that I couldn't help stealing from and exploiting to the world. But aside from this, I've been busy and, well, lazy. Not to mention that the Japanese really know how to do the new year. Since about the 20th people have been drinking most nights at Bonenkai (forget the year) parties. I think this is tied to a Buddhist tradition out here of ringing a giant bell on new years to get rid of all your desires and start the year clean. Think of it as a kind of nationwide Mardi Gras.

There's that that got in the way of me remembering my X-mas blog, and there's also the problem of not having all the audio/visual cues. A lot of people decorate out here. And a lot of people say Christmas and sing carols etc. But not in the Hollywood overkill way only we know how to do. Strangely, I miss the usual Christmas three-month bender of trees, santas, and consumerism gone rabid. There's something about it that really does feel special. I can't quite explain it.

One plus to Christmas in Japan though, no War on Christmas bullshit, from either side of the fence. The idea of saying "Happy Holidays" seems a little crazy to people I explain it to. "But you mean Christmas, right? What other holiday is on the 25th of December?" Then again, they probably don't expect to be told Merry Christmas in October. Most people I talk to also find the anger toward secular Christmas (the "Put the 'Christ' back in 'Christmas'" crew) a bit ridiculous too. Religion over here is something that people take or leave. The Buddhists don't get mad at the Shintos, they just have to remember what kind of shrine they're in and how many times they should clap before praying. It makes me wonder why so many people are fighting (if not killing each other) over one book.


But, anyway, I finally did get a Sandisk card for my phone so heres a whole lotta pictures!!!

Here's some pics from a small Bonenkai party I was at. We're at a Yaki Tori resturant near my work. Everything in the place (all the food, all the drinks) cost about $3 a piece. And if you have a big party, you can pay around $30 to drink and eat all night. Yet another thing I love about Japan. :) On the top pic you have Yoko on the left and Aiako on the right. On the bottom pic you have (from left to right) Tamaki, Kiyonori, Yasuhiro, and Tony.






























Here's another picture from another bar where a friend and I were eatting raw octopus. After a few beers he had the genius idea of testing out one of the tenicles, and I caught this miracle on virtual film.























Here's some pics from Kyoto Round 2. I went with some friends (Kiyonori, Shiho, and a fellow teacher Tony). I am gratful to Kiyonori for the invite. He'd planned this trip for a month. It was a beautiful trip. He's a great tour guide and a wonderful friend.

More of Kyoto Round 2!!!!