hisashiburi

long time, ne? gomen...

I have really slacked on this whole blogging agenda I had. I thought it would be easy to just throw my thoughts out into empty space; to record my life and update friends and family simultaneously. easy, right? not for me. I am such a hands on girl. this idea of the internet is a lot for me to wrap my head around. I would much rather, write in a journal. growing up my mom always had us keep travel journals (side note, I have some FUNNY entrys in those!) and that has always stuck. although I have trouble recording everything, it keeps my most precious travel moments, favorite foods, artwork, troubles, the new sights. in one small hand written book I have the essence of adventure. its amazing. but, how do I transform that into this blog? I haven't figured that out.

with a finish line on my japan time I have really started to treasure my life here. although school is still challenging, I have begun to make the most of remaining time in this beautiful country. the bucket list is made, and already has a few checks on it! yesterday, was perfect. after an early morning of laundry, I met jessica and katsue for an aso adventure. the day started at parche, then we were off. we took the back road to aso, which was a bit congested due to a circus that has been set up in a local shopping mall parking lot. it is quite funny to see things like this is japan. I dont know why, but it makes me laugh every time I see it or think about it. it just doesnt seem like a cultural fit to me...whatever that means? we stopped at an amazing cafe called walet. aso has all the best eateries in kumamoto. seriously. its a bit unfair. they have the best atmosphere and food. if I could have a house I would want it to be walet. it was the cutest place ever, with a roaming dog- perfect. after that, we had to hurry to make our sausage making reservation at aso milk farm. yes, we made sausage from scrath. when I first got the invitation from my japanese friend I giggled thinking, "awe, that is cute, she mixed up eat and make..." no, she didnt. we made the sausage, sheep intestine liner and all. weird and cool experience. after the sausage making, we explored the grounds complete with sheep, dogs, pigs, goats, cows, and goats. we were able to feed and pet whatever we wanted. and see way too much milk exposed with the dairy cows. the weather and company was just what I needed after a LONG week at school. we finished the day with fresh milk soft cream and a visit to a vintage kimono shop. these are they days that make life in japan so special.