Today we all trekked to this amazing waterfall located about 20 minutes from my house by car. There were about 10 or so of us from the area and it turned out to be a nice day for a swim. Stopped for lunch at the grocery store and found out that Japanese potato salad is much better than the American style. The water was cold as ice but felt really nice once you dove in. The current around the falls was crazy strong but fun to swim in. The area reminded me of the waterfalls that I have seen in videos of Hawaii, which kind of makes sense considering Japan is a series of volcanic islands.
That evening we came back to Nakagomi a part of Saku along the Chikuma River where there was an amazing display of fireworks literally above everyone who sat at the river. They were to celebrate the return and sending off of everyone’s ancestors. A little different from our fireworks is that here they announce each set and there were about 100 sets of fireworks, some small, some huge displays. Each one has a sponsor and a message that is said before they go off. After a while, I stopped trying to listen and just looked up when I heard どうぞ (Douzo) which means “Here they are.” Ate some food that they had there, yakisoba (fried soba noodles) and a melon flavored shaved ice. I love how they have melon flavored everything because it is so おいしい (oishii) [tasty]. I saw one of the students from my school at the event. He was sitting nearby where we were sitting and was excited to see me there. I, likewise, was happy to see him too.
After the fireworks, which seemed to last forever and dazzled everyone, we walked to a local karaoke place and had several hours of sing out heart out action. Embarrassment was only the beginning. As people drank and got past the “I look like a complete fool” stage, the fun really began. Personally, I love the whole concept of karaoke and jump right up from the start and really get into it. Come to Japan and we shall do it together sometime!!! Promise, it is great fun!
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