Parting Shots

In a few days I'll be leaving for my next adventure in Asia, but before I go I thought I should give one last parting look back at my time in Japan. I actually sat down and wrote a long blog entry about all the things I would miss and all the things I learned...but after re-reading it, I just decided to delete it all. So instead of trying to write a bunch of sentimental, introspective (and most likely confusing) garbage, I'm posting some pictures...less is more, desu ne?

This is Kenrokuen in Kanazawa (supposedly one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in all of Japan). During the winter, the trees are tied to prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the snow.

Young protesters at a Peace march in our city.

Fire and Violence festival in Ishikawa...super intoxicated men bashing a portable shrine, lighting it on fire, and throwing it in the river? Best damn festival in all of Japan if you ask me...


Nagashi soumen at a restaurant in Kanazawa - water runs through the bamboo while you try to catch and eat noodles that rush down the slide...of the plethora of "Japanese interactive eating" events, this one ranks in my top 3

Dinner with friends...all-you-can-eat (tabehodai), all-you-can-drink (nomihodai)

Crazy boys from Nonoichi Jr. High

Crazy girls from Nonoichi Jr. High

At my final going away party thrown by my teachers...they we so excited to show off the big banner they made me...then of course, after drinking for 2 hours at dinner, they insisted on bringing the banner out in the middle of the street yelling "bonzai!" over and over