Time & Place & Island Babies

Konbambwa. Good evening. This evening, on the eleventh - outdoor - floor of a stunning building reminiscent of the star ship in the original Star Wars movie, looking across at the moon, and down at colorful sculptures and moving escalators, I felt unsure of myself in time. We have moved quickly through so many places, people, and experiences. Tofu skin and tofu custard; train after train after train; the swirling architecture of a private Protestant school. Broad streets and cigarette smoke. At certain moments I forget where I am, then remember Oh! Japan! Then again, Oh! Kyoto! Or tomorrow, Nara. At this point I cannot remember which little souvenirs I have bought for family members and friends and I certainly cannot sequence the trip without my itinerary next to me. Naturally I do not have it right now! Yet I am here with my dear teaching partner, looking at Japanese pickles in small stores, learning and relearning Japanese phrases, and spending time with an excellent crowd of people.

Our main guides, Mari and Jonathan, are remarkably conscientious, knowledgeable, and kind. Mari is Japanese and Jonathan is from the states. They now live in Pennsylvania, but they also conduct tours. They have found us opportunities to do many activities that were only available because of Mari's many friends. A few nights ago, before a traditional Japanese feast, she told us a Japanese creation story. The islands were born when two spirits decided to create a family. "She said his name, and then he said her name." Eventually there were 8 babies, like the 8 islands. It was a detailed folktale and she had over 20 people rapt listening to her tell it.

Japanese hospitality: The concierge allowed me into a spare room on a separate floor so I could communicate a bit more with you. Aregatu Goziemas. Thank you very much.