Golden Pavilion

Kyoto

Nara

Nara has sacred deer, who enjoy the status of National Treasures. They are quite tame -- until you buy some deer cookies.

Heron

Hiking in Takayama

Bus stop

Sister Shadows

Travelling

Matsushima

Magic Bag

Mom decided we all needed fans.

Katie and the Band

My family came to my school to hang out with my kids!

Good-bye!

On my official last day, the school gave me this at the morning meeting.

Los Midoras

A concert by Sendai's finest (only?) all-Japanese South American folk band.

Baumchan

Round layer cake is the epitome of Western dessert elegance.

Bejitarien...?

For my goodbye party, this elementary school called ahead to ensure I'd be fed. I was served so much food they accused me of flirting with the waiter.

First-graders

This photo took over ten minutes to set up and take.

Shiritori

I love this game, but playing it nine times in one week proved a bit much.

Getting Ready for Bingo

Distraction

They were supposed to be writing words on those papers.

Weird

This is near downtown. I do not know who he is, or why he appears to be readying himself for suicide by rolling pin.

Tanabata Advertising

Chorus Contest

3nen 2kumi

Reminder

Taking the photo out of its frame (to pack it) damaged it, so I took a photo to remind me to get another copy.

Kyuushoku Junbi

ie, School Lunch prep.

Tanabata

An elementary school Special Needs class gave me this as a goodbye present. I couldn't pack it, so I photographed it.

Wake-up Call

At 8.15 on a Saturday morning, I woke up to the most godawful racket. I went outside to see what in the world was going on...

Special Needs

Usually, they have this information written in Japanese. For English class, we replace it.