HUGE WORM

So walking back from the school today in the rain, I came across an enormous worm, almost small snake-sized. I have never seen a worm that large. About 10 inches long and extremely plump for a worm. I wish I had my camera with me at the time.

another blimp photo

Another blimp picture...just because it was outside the window with more leaf-lookers.

I have numerous pages of writing to do, so haven't spent much time writing blog pages lately, but hopefully I will be catching up with some photos and such in a couple weeks.
I love the fall colors here, but have been spending much time working on homework and such, so mostly what I see out my window is what I get. Thankfully, the leaves in this vicinity are quite beautiful, thus the frequent visitation of the blimp since the color changes started occurring.

Blimp

This is what I saw out my window yesterday and today. I recognized the sound today, so was able to get a couple of closer photos. I haven't seen a blimp in a long time. Apparently some people view the fall leaves here via the blimp, as it made several passes over the obligingly beautiful hillside next to where I live.

in my room doing lots of homework this week

Lots of studying this week. I can't say I've seen much of Japan other than the block between here and the school, which thankfully means a pretty walk, at least. Oh, and on Mondays, I attend Reiki class, which means a lot of relaxing and a long bike ride, and thankfully is required for my independent study class or I probably would have skipped that to do other homework this week, but I needed to go relax even though I had a large amount of stuff to do this week. I can write more later, including explanation of Reiki.

Some random photos --- just for fun. These were all taken on the field trip we had a few weeks ago. These particular ones are from Naoshima.

Chiiori

I haven't had much time to write, but as I was asked to write something for the school website, I will post the same thing here in reference to part of the amazing field trip we took. Chiiori is a 300 year old farm house that has been turned into a place where people can come visit and stay there and experience the life there by joining in with the work and life at Chiiori and in Iya Village on Shikoku Island.

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The Chiiori experience touched my heart and mind in a way that I will remember all my life. I love nature and beauty, anyway, so I expected to like it there, but the whole place feels as if many of the people who have lived or visited there through the years have had a deep and abounding connection with the universe via that amazing vista. The building, itself, with its construction in such a fabulous spot and with such natural materials, speaks of those who love the land, love the mountains, love the mist and sky and do not mind making sacrifices to be in that place to experience it. Certain places draw me to them with the feeling I get from the energy of the universe that exists such as ocean beaches with waves crashing against the rocks and waterfalls raining down in playful joy, whether natural or man-made. Chiiori, to me, had this kind of vibrant energy of the universe that pulls at my heart and makes me want to visit again, bringing family and friends to share in the delight and joy with me.

Korean Festival

Today, as requested by one of my teachers, I attended a Korean Festival with some other classmates. I looked forward to tasting the food, and hearing the music, and was not disappointed.

Korean food tastes fabulous! This was what I ate for lunch. No, I do not know what it is, other than delicious! I think the white stuff may be some kind of pasta thing, but none of us ever really decided what it was other than tasty.




I bought gifts to take back to family, watched some simple judo randori that were just for fun to see who could be the first to take down the other person one time, and then listened to great music, including singing, various instruments, and Taiko drumming. Also, at the end, many people joined in the revelry and dancing together. I quite enjoyed it.

Oh...and the crabs...I have to show pictures of the crabs they were selling. Apparently people keep them as pets, though if you get tired of them I am told you can eat them, but they are way too tiny for that in my opinion!