From Erin, by way of Brazil

It is Sunday, our first “free day” on our trip.  I only have a moment, but I thought I’d take it while I can…

I will be heading to a Cherry Blossom Party with my host family in a few, and then we’re off to a flower garden or park.  Saito-san, my host father, tells me to save my digital camera for the flowers, because they will be good! 

Yesterday we toured a sake brewery (because it’s cooked more like beer than distilled like booze) and got to try many, many versions at the end.  It put Anheiser Busch to shame as far as the taste test goes!  Of course, I think a lot of that may have to do with all of the trouble the Rotary Club members have gone to and continue to go to to make sure we have a wonderful experience.

For instance, we were on our way to watch some traditional dance yesterday, and our interpreter told us that we (amanda and I) were going to get to try on some traditional Kimonos.  Well, when we were at the dance center, Masa-san told us that he had been mistaken, and we were only going to be seeing women in the kimonos.  We were of course fine with that, but as soon as our hosts heard about the confusion, they insisted, and suddenly amanda and I were whisked away to a back room where the women literally took the kimono off of their backs and dressed us up in them.  Next thing we know, we are all trussed up, and we are on the floor, being taught the traditional dance.  And if that video shows up on YouTube, Greg will have to answer to me!  By the way, Kimono are not cut for women who are well-endowed in the breast and hip departments….

That is just an example of how generous and thoughtful everyone has been to us so far, and I anticipate, will continue to be. 

I am also getting to learn some Portugese, and eating some great Brazillian food!

I best sign off to be ready to leave for the party.