Day 6

The time I spend in the Kawakami home was the most precious time I spent in Japan. The Kawakamis were very gracious to open their home to a stranger and to treat me like a princess. The father, Keiji, has a great sense of humor, and the mother, Suzuko, has a heart of gold. Youko, the daughter and her friend, Lila, reminded me of my sisters. They were giddy and silly. They thoroughly enjoyed each other, helped me greatly and were inquisitive. They brought out my silly side, also.

Keiji, Youko, Lila and I found Nyack, Tappan and the home of the Red Sox in an atlas.

Many families collect these wooden dolls called kokeshi.

The Kawakami's kitchen is rather modern. As you can see, Youko and Lila loved washing dishes.

This shrine with folded paper symbolizing offerings to the gods is in their formal dining room.