Sayonara Ibaraki

Last weekend, I FINALLY got the chance to visit Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan (and conveniently located just a few hours away from my apartment in Ibaraki)! But the reason I've always wanted to visit this lake is because of the old fishing boats, called 'hobikisen,' you can find there. I first saw these boats on the Ibaraki prefectural website when I learned I'd be coming to Japan. I told myself that before leaving Japan I had to see them.

Unfortunately, it's not possible to ride the 'hobikisen,' but you can sign up to take a motorboat out to the center(ish) of the lake and see the sailboats. There were two 'hobikisen' out in the lake the day I was there, and our group circled both several times. We actually got to see the sails taken down because we were the last group out for the day. And everyone was given a cute little 'Lake Kasumigaura' seat cushion to use on the motorboat for free! Not a bad afternoon at all...

This little water park near the aquarium looked like so much fun!

Getting on our boat!

I'm holding a foldable seat cushion each of us got for free for going out on the boat.

Getting closer to the 'hobikisen' (sail propelled fishing boat).

http://www.city.kasumigaura.ibaraki.jp/hobiki/english/index.html

Fishermen.

Taking down the sail!

Unfortunately, it didn't look like they got much.

Boats at the dock.

The Countdown Begins

Tokyo Sky Tree Tower, under construction - the tallest tower in the world.

It will open to the public in Spring of 2012

It was just too hot...

'Fight Ibaraki!' - signs like this one have been displayed all over Ibaraki since the earthquake. All the prefectures affected by the disaster in March have their own signs. Adding 'ppe' to the end of 'Gamba' is Ibaraki dialect.

At my surprise farewell party, organized by my san nensei (third year) students. When I walked into the classroom, students started parading around me carrying balloons while dancing and singing to 'It's a Small World' in English.

Happy Summer

Today, a teacher at the high school where I work gave me an old yukata - traditional Japanese clothing - that was made by her mother. When the summer months roll around in Japan, you can find yukatas in all different colors and styles in stores here. But this one means so much more to me than any yukata I could buy in a store. And along with it came a hand bag and shoes to match! I like the shoes the best.

Only 26 more days!