Day 9 Thoughts
As Keiji and Suzuko Kawakami drove me from the hotel to their home, we attempted to communicate with each other. I feared that the phrase book I had with me would not be sufficient for the weekend. To my surprise, they had invited their 27 year old daughter, Youko, and her friend, Lila, to spend the weekend. Both of them spoke English. I had a wonderful time with my family as they explained items to me and took me on a tour of their city and golden shrine which is a natural treasure. I later learned that I was one of the few teachers in my group who had a host family member who could speak English. The Kawakamis are a very loving family who interact with each other in a joking and honest fashion. Youko works as a secretary in a city that is about an hour away by car. She and Lila will become roommates soon. Lila, is a free-spirit who loves to travel. She is working as a caddy at a golf course and will be spending a few months with a friend in Brooklyn beginning in November. Youko is planning on visiting her,and I have already made plans to have them tour Nyack and Piermont. Keiji and Suzuko are retired now, but they worked in Ofunato City Hall. Suzuko is a fantastic cook who loves gardening. Actually, she runs a plant hospital of sorts. Neighbors bring sick plants to her to have her bring them back to health. Keiji is an avid baseball fan. They are both very involved in their community.
We took a walk to a nearby river. I learned to bring a towel with me on walks on humid days.
Name:
Anne O'Brien