Yesterday, one of our students gave me this beautiful watch as a belated birthday present. Isn't it cute!! I have such nice students. Just thought I would show everyone. This is probably the nicest watch I've ever owned. Pinky & Dianne is a very popular Japanese brand.

Yesterday, I went to a hanami party - cherry blossom viewing picnic with drinking and food. As you can see, lots of people came out to enjoy the day - one of the warmest this year. This area is right on a small river behind the castle. It wa a really nice day. 

Here's our group. Sorry I didn't get them to look at the camera.  

Last night, I was introduced to the "new-half" crowd in Okazaki. The Pink Panther is a transvestite/gay/transsexual hostess club in northern Okazaki. My Times class and I have been talking about doing some cultural research here for a few months, so we finally decided to go. We had a lot of informative and hilarious conversations about sex changes (now I finally understand how everything works), sexual tendencies, and even English language schools. The Mama-san of the club is spreading her wings behind us. Her name is Tsubasa-san. On the couch, Yukiko and I are sitting with Rinka-san. A fun night to remember. Enjoy the pics. 

Here are Yukiko and I chatting with one of the Pink Panther staff - Rinka 

Hiroshi-san gets a Pink Panther sandwich 

Tetsuya-san, Mama-san of Pink Panther, and Hiroshi-san 

CHERRY BLOSSOM MANIA!! Sakura (or cherry blossoms) have a cult-like following in Japan, so I spent this morning taking pictures of the beloved blossoms. Today was the most beautiful, and probably the warmest day we've had so far this year. And, sakura are at peak bloom (I think - who knows?) They've already started dropping. Well, enjoy the pics. Sorry for the overkill - but, these are only a small fraction of what I actually shot. 

river to the castle - we're going cherry blossom hunting! get your gun. 

is my town beautiful or what? well, just this little part. all of these blossoms will be gone soon - maybe within 1 week or less. 

path down to the river 

sakura close up 

i think that's okonomiyaki - japanese pizza (but, not in anyway similar to pizza except for the shape) 

all around the castle, are some food booths. some of the food is really tasty looking. some is just curious looking. 

grilled squid anyone? 

how 'bout a little butter and mayo for your tater? damn, look at that chunk of fat. i bet it's good, though. 

are you sick of cherry blossoms yet? too fargin' bad. 

path along the river - castle to your left 

big red bridge 

sakura-lined castle wall 

you can kind of see the castle through the trees - oh, and that lovely power line. i think i managed to get some kind of power line in every picture. 

bridge that leads to the castle. i'm going to try to make it back at nighttime - should be lit up 

small river next to the castle 

canopy-o-blossoms 

i tried one of these hello kitty corndogs and i threw it away after 2 bites. the weiner inside was kind of a chemical pink. just not natural! 

i think this is an exhibit. but, i have no idea what this monkey is doing at the castle?