So I just arrived back in Takko last night from a VERY short trip back home. I remember leaving for Japan about 5 weeks ago reassuring everyone that I'd see them in a month and the time would fly by. Well, I was right about one thing: time is certainly flying by. However, the amount of time I was able to spend visiting with everyone was a little less than desirable. I certainly did my best, but being pulled in about fifty million different ways makes spending a considerable amount of time with anyone a little difficult.
But despite not being able to spend more than a couple of hours with everyone, the trip was (I hope) a success. We got to see nearly everything they wanted to see (the garlic fields were already harvested..bummer) but really the only thing I left off the schedule was time to kick back. By day three of the trip, people were making comments on how tired everyone looked. For the group, it was a constant "go go go go" and they were always the center of attention. For me, I just didn't sleep at night. I was too busy visiting this person, attending that party and savoring my American foods. I accomplished so much, so why do I still feel like I forgot something?
By far, the high point of the trip (aside from seeing family, of course) was the Garlic Festival. After last year's festival was over, I kept asking myself how I would survive next year's festival without somehow being involved. Well, I certainly solved that issue after taking this CIR position. Even though I was exhausted from our intense schedule and the unavoidable jet lag, I was ecstatic to see the entire G-Fest crew, especially my Queen Mommas (one of which is no longer a Momma!) and MY President. My facebook buddies and those who attended the Queen Pageant this year were aware of my new position in Takko, but everyone else I ran into at the festival was at first happy to see me, and then confused: "Oh so...what are you doing here?" It was obvious that I wasn't attending the festival as a simple visitor; I was donning a green polo (different shade from the GGFA) and hanging out with the Garlic Lady (she was wearing a yukata, so she sorta stood out). So after explaining my current situation in 20 words or less, the recipient of the information would inevitably be overjoyed (whether it was always so genuinely enthusiastic, I'm not sure), wish me luck and be on their way. If said recipient had hosted a Takko guest in the past or had visited the town themselves, it was certain that they would say, "Oh and please let __________ san know I say hello!"
I also ended up explaining myself to complete strangers as well. About four out of five reporters who interviewed Yurie (Garlic Lady) did a double take of me and said, "I remember you...you were the Queen last year. What are you doing now?" So again, I would roll out my 20 words or less explanation and be done with it. Overall, we covered a good amount of ground that day and I'm about 99% sure that I saw everyone I needed to see and I'm absolutely 100% sure that the group had a great time at the festival. I am so looking forward to next year's festival and even more excited to figure out how to get myself as equally involved if not more...anyone need a co-chair? Hint hint?
Our day, however, was far from over. Every year a group from Gilroy throws a "Friends of Takko" party to greet the guests during the July trip. The guest list included past CIRs, GTSEP girls and their families, choir alumni and most of all, host families! I was, of course, very interested in talking with the past CIRs...one of which brought along a photo album of her and her husband's time in Takko! It was absolutely fantastic to look through old pictures of the apartment and the town and it was equally refreshing to see that it has barely changed. So I've made some promises to update my Takko pictures, specifically pictures of the apartment, for the benefit of those who used to live here. Looks like I'll have to speed up my decorating progress to the point where I'm comfortable enough to show it off. The party, just like the trip overall, was a success. Everyone had a wonderful time catching up and the Takko group had a chance to speak Japanese with several of the guests. I didn't screw up introducing the Takko group and their affiliations and I remembered what the TGIFA acronym stood for (with an affirmation from Wendy...thank you!).
The rest of the weekend just seemed to fly by after that. We took a tour of Gilroy with the Sister Cities group on Saturday and enjoyed a day in San Francisco on Sunday. In between my obligations, I had dinner with the family (immediate members, grandparents, cousins from Mexico and an uncle thrown in there for good measure) and just to overwhelm everyone even more, there were introductions to be had of certain someones. Mexican food was on the menu and to cap the night, we headed over to Cindy san's house for Catchphrase and lots of wine. Again, laughing and lots of talk with the G-Fest crew was so incredibly refreshing and I have to say that even though I averaged 4 hours of sleep each night, every moment was worth it. It made coming back to Japan that much more difficult and although I'll miss everyone, I'll be missing some more than others. I've already started the countdown to the October trip.
Now don't get me wrong; I was excited once we landed in Narita. The atmosphere of this incredible country came rushing back to me. So it's back to the daily grind. I have two trips to plan for October so I should technically be busy, but I'm taking a couple of days to myself. I have yet to unpack, but I did go grocery shopping today (only because I have to pack my lunch for tomorrow). So instead of spending yet another day at the office, I'll be spending the day in Aomori city with the hoikuen kids at the Asamushi Aquarium. I'm currently charging my camera in preparation for what will most definitely be a day of photo opportunities. In the meantime, enjoy the moments I captured today at Takko Hoikuen. It may be a bit ambitious to be teaching how to write the alphabet (lower AND upper case) to 4-year-olds while keeping in mind that it's a second language, but they did surprisingly well (good job Pato chan ;) ) and they were really into the coloring aspect.
To update everyone on my Japanese progress, I do believe that my language skills improved a great deal while in Gilroy. There were a couple moments that Yasuyo (the #1 translator...ever) was MIA due to other translating needs, so I was left to struggle with my very minimal Japanese to make sure that the communication lines stayed alive during the trip. In the process, I learned some necessary vocabulary/phrases that I was later able to utilize with the hoikuen kids today. I think I threw them off today in class with the amount of Japanese I started throwing out...last time I was with them, I stared at them blankly with every statement they uttered. At least this time I know how to say "I don't understand" (which still confuses them).
And so, with 89 days to go until the Jr High trip to Gilroy, I begin this new journey called independence. But to note a shorter countdown, Kate Cell arrives next week! Another American in my life here in Japan makes it that much sweeter. And what's more, I remembered to bring my collection of Sex and the City DVDs and no matter how many times I've seen each episode (which I'm estimating to be about 10 times each), it's always funny and informational. By the way, Nana, your blanket with the perfume is making my living room smell just like you.
So while I'm planning on laying low for the weekend, I'll continue to keep you posted. And as I count down the days until the next trip, I keep Carrie's words of wisdom in mind: isn't delayed gratification the definition of maturity?
Hmm..is it?
Minasan mata ne!
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