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Hanegi Park (plum festival) ↝ Harajuku (Takeshita Street/Meiji Shrine) ↝ Laqua "Big O" Ferris wheel and Thunder Dolphin rollercoaster ↝ Caretta Illuminations evening light-up
A Day of Firsts
- first food challenge of eating natto for breakfast
- first taste of yakiimo (baked yams)
- first stroll through plum blossoms
- first glimpse of Mt. Fuji through plum blossoms
- first time for three to be interviewed by reporter from TV Japan
- first time for several to initiate conversations with Japanese people
- first exploration time in the Harajuku area
- first time in a centerless Ferris wheel
- first time on a Japanese roller coaster
- first evening excursion for a light-up illumination
Drew begins the morning by practicing his Japanese by striking up a conversation while waiting for a train.
Devenere, Jeffrey and Max are interviewed by TV Japan about their response to the Japanese sweets, "karinto." They did such a great job answering in Japanese. The segment will appear on March 4 at noon!
Daniel strikes up a lengthy conversation with a painter, and soon they are sharing Japanese black sugar candy and Chicago souvenirs. When he rejoined the group, everyone eagerly asked to hear all about that experience . . . who will be the initiators of Japanese conversation tomorrow? and the next days?
Look at those plum blossoms -- we are SO lucky to be in Japan to see the beginning of flowering tree season. Wait, what's that beyond the plum branch?
Zoooommmming in . . . . it's Fuji-san!!! The ojii-chan (neighborhood grandpa) who was monitoring the view said it was hardly ever this clear, and rarely so late in the morning. Sensei's reputation as "hare-otoko/sunshine boy" continues.
Evan, Daniel, Eytan and Alfredo enjoying their first yakiimo (grilled Japanese sweet potatoes). So warm and sweet - Ah, the smells and tastes of the cold season in Japan.
More yam-eaters below: Hazel, Katie Jane, Zinta, Tiara, Yokota sensei, Keziah, and Devenere
(above) group photo under plum blossoms in Hanegi Park for the Setagaya Plum Festival.
(right) Devenere, sporting a pink hat, poses with elementary school students
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