Saturday I cleaned, did laundry. Was angry because as a result of leaving the balcony door open my room's floor looked nasty again, despite previous vaccuuming. Grrr. Japanese houses will dirty themselves at the drop of a freaking hat. You clean. You leave. You come home-ACK! Dirty?? From where/what/how??
Went out with Naho and Motoko that night. Had really good time. We walked about Hondori Street which is downtown. Saw lots of restaurants, but the one we were going to eat at was reserved entirely for a wedding. So were two others. A bit surprising, perhaps Fall is wedding season here as opposed to Spring in the states...

Saw a bookstore and felt that magnetic pull, it's manga-ey lure, but was strong, resisted. Saw a Subway, and that did surprise me. I hadn't been aware Subway had made the international leap. We ended up at a cute Italian place that was really small, like seven tables in all. I think the name was, no kidding, Il Suave. Funny names in Japan, let me tell you. Clothing stores with names like Octopus Army (very close to this restaurant) and a coffee shop called 4 Cats. Anyway, the menu was a brand new adventure for me. Mostly katakana, thank God, but still had trouble and Motoko had to help me. Our food was like art. It was very pretty and it was soo good. Words can not describe. Peachlike fruit atop little hams, some salady thing with hidden fish (was surprised), was our appetizer thingies. Had spaghetti with bacon in it and it was amazing. Love the food here. We shared a half carafe of the house white wine. Dessert was our choice so I had cheesecake and espresso, Motoko had a carrot cake I think, and Naho had a mysterious apple thing. Sat in red liquid that was not really sauce, and the whole thing was sweet and tasted vaguely of cinammon. Was good but difficult to eat with a spoon.

Now, I dont think this is a bad price. Good dinner and wine including dessert for 18$. Will make it a point to go there again.
We walked around Hondori's little mall like area (is mall but is not mall). There were easily 20 live performers with guitars, harmonicas, a shamisen even, in groups, alone, singing, not singing. It was really an experience. Motoko and Naho say my Japanese is really good and of course that makes me want to laugh as I hardly ever understand anything. They can almost always understand me, which is good, but I only understood when they talked to me (slowly I think). When they talked to eachother, I probably gaped like a landed codfish with wide eyes, not comprehending what was going on. They also showed me which streetcar to take to the YMCA. But... it was dark... it may be difficult.

On the way back from downtown, after had said goodbyes to Naho and Motoko, was standing in Train Station when cute guy with funny yet endearing hair was looking at me. I happened to catch him out of the corner of my eye, so I turned and he immediately averted his eyes. I had to look away. I was really trying not to laugh or smile. Saw him doing it again, failed to catch him again. Made a game of it, I would look away, wait, then snap my head around to try to catch him. Was hilarious and almost burst out laughing. Almost caught him once, but he was a pro. I gleaned from this that it will be very difficult to have even a friendship with Japanese boys as they are apparently insanely shy and cannot even make eyecontact... Told host mother and Harumi about this, and they laughed. Then they surprised me by telling me we were going to Miyajima on Sunday! Yay!

We left at 830 the next day (gahhhhh) and went to a shrine first to pray for the safety of new car. Was neat. Apparently that shrine is a famous traffic shrine. Afterwards we went to Utsukushima (beautiful Island) to see the shrine (Miyajima means island shrine I think). Rode a ferry to get there, is one of a handful of times I have been on the ocean. Got off the boat and saw probably hundreds of deer. They were just milling about among the people trying to eat anything/everything. They lay in the shade, walked around. It was amazing, figured dad would love it. The males had their horns filed off, which was good thinking. WOuldn't do to have the tourists gored. And there were lots of tourists. Was surprised at the number of gaijin, not americans only but many speaking languages I couldn't even recognize. Miyajima is well known to be a place of well-wishing, good fortune, etc. Therefore, there are never any funerals on the island. They have to go to the mainland for that.

Miyajima has lots of little stores selling basically the same things. It is mostly famous for the torii. The giant red gate in the ocean. Saw that, and luckily it was morning so the tide was in and there was water beneath. Saw the temple, also, and a pagoda from afar. Scores of giant stone thingies at Miyajima. We ate lunch on one of them right on the beach, and looked at the sea. Afterward went to the Aquarium. Was ok, as aquariums go. Saw some giant tortoises that a sign said would bite a large chunk of your hand off-so dont touch. Saw some neat stuff but mostly remember seeing some black and white dolphins of a species I had never heard of before. Love aquariums so was lovely. Entrance fee was pretty expensive, but, hey that's Japan for ya. Could not resist adorable otter keychain. Was not expensive, so was ok. We didnot go up the mountain, because the host dad couldnt make it, so I figured no loss. Was ok. Besides, Shane did that with Motoko and took pictures, so I kind of knew what it was all about.

The other thing Miyajima is known for is fresh momijimanju. , Momiji manju are a cake-like thing with stuff inside. Cream, beanstuff, chocolate, almond paste, lots of various stuff. Of course we ate some. Was so good. Of course all the stores in that cramped space, all the tennin calling "IRASHAIMASEEEE!" is kind of interesting. Stopped at some nice stores, were served green tea with our momijimanju. yummmmmyy. We went home, and I slept all the way with my mouth open. Fear the possibility of picture having been taken. Do not know if they would... Walked to rental shop after and rented Kareshi Kanojo no Jijyo and HimikoDen. Want to try dubbing while Im here, as is cheaper by far than buying... dont know if I can though...

Mom called that night and was glorious to speak in English and express exactly what I wanted to express. Have not heard from my brother since before I left... am a bit peeved. The phone call was 23 minutes. Oh my God.

Monday I did not go to class. Was sick and feverish. Slept almost all day. Was amazing feat. baby Naho-chan (Harumi's sister Tomomi's baby) came for dinner. She was sicker than I. Had a fever and a cough that sounded horrid. She always stares at me. Am trying to teach her english at everyone's request, but she wont even speak Japanese yet. But I can completely relate to that.