Two days in a row?

hard to believe... its almost like this thing is broken, but as i said, my roommate ben got an internet connection recently so whenevr i get a chance i will try to write.

Lets start with Hanami. First off, its still going on. Which means that my liver will need quick recovery for the next few days as i have parties lined up the next three nights. See, here in japan, people actually have a great love for nature. When holidays come, people flock to the peace and tranquility of the mountains, natural hot springs, and the forests. but during one special brief time of the year, people skip work, get their junior officers to scout around and claim, for the use of the hanami party, the perfect drinking area.

I guess it really signifies the beginning of spring. the cherry blossoms, of which countless stories and photos have been recorded, open towards the end of march and last for about one week. Once the flowers on the trees open, they start to blow off. some as early as one day, and if it rains, its all over. The japanese have a brilliant tradition of celebrating this beautiful and delicate time by finding a prime spot under a cherry tree (they actually bear no cherries), and drinking, eating and drinking. then they drink more. and vomit. and lie in their vomit in the park. and they give drinks away to unarticulate foreigners trying desperately to speak japanese. (heh) "Biiru o ute kudasai" that one line netted kiyoe and me a can of beer, a bottle of shochu (think vodka at 25%) and a large bottle of green tea. Thats enough alcohol to kill an ox.

Drinking aside... the cherry blossoms are beautiful. I have already attended about 4 hanami parties, met many crazy japanese, and the flowers just officially opened FULLY yesterday. Beautiful. Photos will follow.

About the Kanamara festival... It will take too long to put into words, but disclaimers will be abundant.

take care all. I will write again soon.