Sorry it has been such a long time since I posted ( I feel like I have been saying that a lot lately), but I have honestly been very very busy. Let me backtrack and pick up where I left off.
Disneyland was fun, but also really stressful. Even on a rainy Thursday the park was quite crowded, and keeping track of all the kids was a nightmare. The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves despite the rain and having thunder mountain railroad and space mountain (the most popular rides) closed down. After we took the kids back, Brittney, Shu (our Japanese Counselor) and I went back to explore the park for a bit. My overall impression of the park is that it doesn't measure up to the real thing (Disneyland in California), but that it definitely has its charms. There is an AMAZING Winnie the Pooh ride that utilizes some of Japan's most advance transportation tech (I thought Shu was kidding until I actually went on the ride). The ride moves in an indescribably smooth and fluid way, and each car has a different and unique path that it takes through the adventure--it is VERY VERY cool.
On Friday a lot of the kids were still tired from Thursday, so it was kind of a lack-lustre day. On Friday night, however, I received some AMAZING news! My adapted screenplay (for Daniel DeFoe's Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders) was selected by the Prized Writing committee to be published in this year's anthology! The anthology will be used in introductory writing courses--I am SO EXCITED! Published:ME!! When I found out I was so happy I started crying--I wish I could have been home to share that moment with everyone...Brittney was supportive but she didn't really understand what a big deal it was to me.
Saturday, the 4th of July was an emotional and happy day. Brittney and I went to Yokosuka Naval Base and were able to get on thanks to our friends at the Embassy. We had so much fun. There was a Beatles cover band there that made me think about my Daddy...and I cried a little bit (I have been really emotional lately). I also got some Mexican Food (Taco Bell...but who is complaining?) and had my Independence Day fireworks (which also reminded me of home and made me cry). Saturday night I went home with the Embassy and got to stay in their AMAZING hotel (it was seriously the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in--INCREDIBLE!).
On Sunday I met up with my good friends Rie and Euma (Mother and Son) and they took me to a small Japanese festival for international students. I was put into a Yukata (a summer kimono made of cotton) and I learned Japanese Floral Arrangement (actually...the sweet Old ladies mostly did my arrangement for me...I couldn't seem to get the hang of it), Origami and I also participated in a tea ceremony (my legs cramped up and fell asleep because I had to sit on my legs...and boy it was HOT!). My overall impression of the Yukata: hard to walk and sit in, but very pretty and surprisingly comfortable (temperature-wise). I also made a wish for the Star Festival (which is on July 7th), by writing my wish on a slip of paper and tying it to a tree in the garden of the house (did I mention this festival was in an old fashioned Japanese tea house complex?). I would say my wish...but if I do I am afraid it will not come true! The festival itself was amazing, I was so happy that I got to participate. After the festival, Rie took me to Kichijōji, a residential area in Tokyo. We went to a lovely park there that was ENORMOUS and had a part of the Kanda river running through it. The park had lovely vendors and performers, people on the river in row bots and swan boats, kids catching frogs and crayfish, tall and cool trees, a nice temple and a Studio Ghibli Museum (anyone who knows me KNOWS I LOVE STUDIO GHIBLI!). I couldn't go into the Museum because it was closed, but I got some nice pictures of the unique exterior. Rie treated me to dinner and took me to a nice and inexpensive shopping area. She also got me in touch with a few of her friends who will "help me to not be so homesick." I owe so much to Rie, I am glad I was able to see her before she left for the states (which was today), and I can't wait until I see her again at the end of the month.
Everyone I have met in Japan has been really polite and kind to me, but seeing Rie and spending time with her was almost like having a piece of home to keep me company. This whole weekend, in fact, has helped me feel closer to home. Mickey and Minnie, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fireworks and Taco Bell, Italian Food and conversation in English...overall this was the best weekend I have had in Japan...and I think it is mostly due to all of the comforts of home I have experienced. I am still homesick, but there is SO MUCH of Japan I have yet to see, I want to stay and keep my adventure going for now.
I will post some pictures of my amazing weekend and blog more about week 3 of Camp soon! Please keep in touch, I love hearing from you!
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