Obon Festival!

So Tuesday night, I went to the Obon Festival here in Sasebo! It was really neat! I went with Jenny (who works with me at the Board of Education, Nicola, Claire (who both work at high schools in the area), and some guy from the navy who Claire was friends with. We didn't really know where it was happening or what was going on...but we heard lots of firecrackers and the like going off - so we followed the noise. Families were bringing their "floats" (boat like tributes to honour the dead in their families...from what I gather) to a park where they had them all lined up and made a procession in the area. Then they all seemed to light firecrackers - the Japanese are crazy about them! Some of the floats were really small that you could carry in one hand, while others were huge and on wheels! It was really neat. Some families were also all dressed up to match...good times.

After the park, we walked down to the Albuquerque Bridge (can you tell I live in a town with a navy base??!!), which was all lit up with lanterns. They were also putting lanterns into the water and they floated down the river – it was really pretty. Unfortunately I can’t really give you the low down on what the significance of everything is…maybe I’ll ask my Bachan and get back to you later. But it was really nice!


Last night I went down to the arcade to run a few errands, then met up with Kevin, Jenny and Brent to go to a going-away party for two third-year JETs at an isakaya. It was really nice! Lots of people (both Japanese and foreigners) and pretty good food. It was nice to meet some more people in the area as well. The only thing about these types of places is the seating arrangements! It’s sooo hard to get used to sitting on your knees, or attempting to get comfortable in a skirt! Thankfully everyone was really laid back, so we were all kind of lounging around…but I suppose I should get used to it sooner than later!

I have officially had my first typhoon warning! First really loud sirens went off in the middle of the night the other day – and today they said it will probably strike around 2pm on Friday. It’s not supposed to be a really bad one – but I’m a little excited! Although I suppose they can get really dangerous, apparently it’s really neat to watch! Unfortunately though, although the summer camp I teach at will most likely be cancelled, I still have to go into work at the Board and sit around all day! This also means I have to go outside and bear the storm! These are the times that I am really going to appreciate the fact that I have a car! Although I get to put my Crocs to the test…..I get lots of looks when I have them on…probably because they are bright pink….I’m such a loser!

And for some reason I can't seem to upload my pictures...it's probably my terrible connection. But I will post them soon! Take care!