Woodworking Booth at the Festival
Riding the Train
Proud Grandmother
Young and Old
Blowing Smoke
Koinobori (now that's a BUNCH of kids!)
Working the Fields
Tracks
Crop Layers
Tires
Today we went to the Shiratake Kogen Festival in Emukae Town, which is about two hours away from home. We were originally heading up there to go the the flea market that's held there each month, but when Kay was looking for directions on the internet she discovered that there was a festival.
As we got out of the car, we were initially wondering if we had made a mistake -- the parking lot was full of elderly folks! But we quickly realized that some of them were gathering to get back on a tour bus and a many were simply enjoying a day away from their local nursing homes. Once we got inside we discovered that there were many other families with children.
It was a pretty small gathering, as far as festivals go and once the early afternoon rain began it cleared out quickly. We stuck it out for a little while while I helped Luna build a little knick-knack shelf at the woodworking booth. They just threw piles of wood, nails and tools out for anyone to use and it was fun watching all of the little kids (try to) construct everything from tables and bookshelves to chairs and footstools.
On the way back we pulled over countless times as I jumped out of the truck to take pictures, but eventually Hina had enough of that crap and I had to just keep driving. Along the way we stopped to eat dinner. It was only the second time that we were actually been able to sit down in a restaurant with Hina since we lived in Seoul -- nearly two years ago -- thanks to the fact that she began her "terrible two's" phase as a 1-year old!!
Baby steps, right?!
Hollering Contest
Fashion City
Fake VW Bus
Pine Trees
Rice Paddys
Cans
Recycle Center
Japanese Engineering