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Kurashiki With The Masakis

My first (and amazingingly awesome) host family, the Masaki's took me to Kurashiki, Okayama. Ten bucks says that you have never heard of Kurashiki. I certainly hadn't until the 9th when I did a little research on the place. And wow- what an awesome place! At 10am, Otosan Masaki picked me up and we headed back to the Masaki apartment. We met up with Okasan and went for brunch at the same place we went on my last day with them. It's funny because every time I order a coffee around my Otosan he cracks up and says "16! An adult now!" I guess ordering a coffee makes me an adult. Anyways after breakfast we rushed to Kochi Eki (station). I've been to a few stations before, including Tokyo Station (one word: amazing) and Okayama. But Kochi Eki is a bit of a joke in that respect. It's about the size of a my American room... well not that small but when comparing with other stations. We boarded the train bound for Okayama Station, located in the Okayama-ken on Eastern Honshu. The train ride in a 2 and 1/2 ride thru 85 tunnels of Shikoku's unspoiled green mountains. it also makes for a very bumpy ride. The worst aspect though is the toilets. They are traditional Japanese squat toilets located on the train that is doing more bumps a speed ramp. Well I can't say that was enjoyable, I couldn't go even after an orange juice, a coffee, and a full water bottle. At Okayama we arrived and met with Naoko, who had taken the nice non bumpy Shinkhansen to Okayama. Lucky girl. We got a locker and put my books that I was supposed to use for studying inside. We then jumped on another train, only about 10 minutes bound for Southern Okayama and Kurashiki. On the train I caught up with Naoko and told the Masaki's all about my lovely new family. I feel so lucky to honestly say that I have had to best first 2 host families I could have ever dreamed for. Naoko told me that when she was a Ninensee in Middle School her Shugakkouryokoo had been to Kurishiki. When we arrived at the station we quickly got out and walked on the main road. We also did some Gaijin spotting. Otosan found this really fat gaijin that sounded British. Ew... I wasn't exactly sure where we were going, But then... oh my god! A Seven Eleven! Japan is truly destroying my American 'normality' mindset. First gaijin spotting, then I nearly have a conniption over a convience store. I can't imagine what it is going to be like back in the states seeing a Mexican or one of those enormous RV's everyone drives. I might not make it home alive. haha. Anyway as we walked along the street, we turned right into what appeared to be the movie set from Memoirs of a Gaijin. So it wasn't actually the movie set, but it was Bikan Historical Quarter, an area of traditional homes, storehouses and canals that date back to the Edo period. It truly was like walking back in time to oldstyle Japan when Samurai were still around, houses very traditionally built, and canals lined with willow trees. Plus a Japanese wedding was taking place in the back scene, so many people were dressed in Kimono. It was magical. The canal was filled with fish, some were pretty huge. (prompting Otosan to yell "JAWS" and me to hum the dreaded music.) Still we walked along the Quarter taking in all the sights and sounds, as well as posing for a bunch of pictures. We did some shopping, including visiting the Hello Kitty store. I'm turning into a Japanese girl because everything was "Kawaii" We also visited a Christmas store, where I got a pang of yearning for home. Christmas is so small and nearly insignificant. At least there's next year. After some more strolling around Bikan, Otosan brought us into a traditional Restaurants and bought us all Blueberry Tarte Cake. I actually had to eat fast... something I'm not used to doing since living with my current host cousin Eri for a nearly month. I also got another coffee and recieved another "16! An adult now!" haha. Leaving the restaurant, we headed back to the station and then thru to the Kurashiki Tivoli Park. Perhaps you have heard of Tivoli Park in Copenhagen, Denmark, the famously old amusement park that survived World War II and has a special place in a Danish person's heart. Well like most things, the Japanese wanted a little stake in it. Thus Kurashiki built Tivoli Gardens smack dab in the middle of the city in 1998. The park is very traditionally Danish though, which rides bestowing the Danish flags. The park is a small kiddy park, that is gorgeous is spring and summer because of the many flowers. In the winter time, night time makes the park glow with Christmas lights. We arrived at the park at around 4. First we rode the Ferris Wheel, which was very very slow. But it was nice to look out at Kurashiki surronding area in the day time. To scare Otosan and Naoko, I tried to swing the cart. It was pretty funny. We made our way down and next to the Jet Coaster. The Coaster was significantly small but nonetheless very fun. I sat with Naoko behind Otosan and Okasan. Naoko and Otosan are big chicken. So as the chain pulled us up, Naoko shuddered in fear. Then when we were realeased from the chain pull, I laughed my butt off as Naoko screamed her head off. The ride quickly ended and we then headed for the Log Flume. Okay yes it is December, nearly freezing weather, we are all bundled up in Sweatshirts and jackets and are still cold, but we still went on the Log Flume. Thank god for that. I sat in the front with Naoko behind me, followed by Okasan and Otosan. From the first drop Naoko was screaming "Tsumetai" (cold!) referring the brief sprays we were receiving. Then we were taken into a dark cave and we all screamed as the final major drop approached. As you can see from the Ride photo, I screamed my head off. Off the ride, Otosan nearly wet himself looking at the picture. Next we moved into the Teacups, where we got majorly dizzy. Then on to dinner. In a amusement park were all the restaurants serve Danish food, Otosan managed to find the one Japanese restaurant. I got Tempura. After we went Omiyagi shopping, the Masaki's bought my current host family a chocolate cake. Surely enough night had fallen and the Tivoli Gardens was glowing with Christmas lights. Blue trees lined one area, while red and green lights lite another. In the middle of the park a huge blue and red tree was the main center piece. It was beautiful and it reminded me a lot of what American families do at Christmas time. We took one last ride on the Ferris Wheel and then hurried back to the station. The train back to Okayama Main was a crazy. We would have only 2 minutes to switch trains. Otosan had to get in the front of the train and sprint to the lockers to get our stuff. We rushed to the next train and just as the conductor blew the whistle, Otosan reappeared running for his life. The JR Trains was bright pink and had Anpanman Characters all over it, but I couldn't admire it. We were in a great rush! I didn't even get to say a goodbye to Naoko, but I did text message it. "I Miss You!" which I got a reply "I Love Julie!" The train ride home was me attempting to study while sending about 40 text messages to Yurie, Kaho, and Naoko. Back in Kochi, the Masaki family dropped me off the Oono's. Then me, Mari-chan, Eri, and Yohei ate some of the Omiyagi chocolate cake. Like I said earlier, why did I get so lucky with 2 incredible host families? Something even I can't answer... one