Thanksgiving in Japan

Hello all!
I figured it was a time for a holiday update!

Last week I was in Kagoshima City (aka the mainland) for my Mid-Year Seminar.

The seminar was on the 24 and 25, but because the 23 was a holiday I arrived a day early. Which, was early enough to go with some fellow JETs to see the new Harry Potter film! It was so great to be in a movie theatre with fellow English speakers watching an English movie. For a few moments after the movie I definitely thought I was back in the states.

I won't write all about the vacation, but I'll highlight the good parts for you all!

1) Lots of yummy foreign food: Indian, Chinese, American, and a Thanksgiving dinner. Check out facebook for videos of the dinner and photos!

2) A group of us went to Ibusuki for the sand baths! It was amazing! Check out the sand baths here ! You change into a yukata and walk outside (in the freezing cold) to the beach. Where tons of old ladies tell you to lay down, then drape your head (to cover your hair) with a towel. They then start burying you in sand so only your head is out of the ground. The heat is a little intense, but not bad. You can feel your pulse in your arms and legs, and can feel your body sweating. Also, the soles of my feet got a little warm but it was nice. Stayed in for about 15 minutes. And afterwards, headed for the onsend where I soaked in hot water for 30 minutes. SOOO nice. Especially because it was so cold!! Had to break out layers, and a jacket, and a heavy scarf!!

3) Went to an international festival on my last day and had Guarana (a pop drink from brazil) and some yummy Brazilian meat.

4) Bought Amazing christmas cards--they are so extravagant and I CANNOT wait to mail them out.

5) Climbed Mt. Kaimon ! (Well, we only got halfway up before it started getting dark and we had to head back. It's on my list to go back and finish the climb, supposed to be the Mt. Fuji of Satsuma!)

6) Had an amazing Thanksgiving dinner with friends from America and other countries. While I have always loved Thanksgiving with my family (definitely my favorite holiday), this thanksgiving will hold a special place in my heart.

7) At the international festival got to meet some of my other JETs' students. Their English was amazing, I was so suprised (and jealous!). At one point, one of the female students pointed at me and said "Big!". I was a little offended, but she kept saying "Big", then she pointed to her chest and said, "small". At which point, my friend kindly said, "She means your breasts." I was so suprised! BUT, this girl went on to ask: "May I touch?!" And before I could reply, she groped them! Then, she asked, "Switch!". I have to say that was one of the funniest yet most awkward moments in my life.

8) I love being able to get to the airport within 20 minutes of my flight taking off and still making it onto the flight with time to spare. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get back to the U.S. and huge check points and airports!

9) Got some girlie American magazines!!

10) AND SOME MINT CHOCOLATE!!! I miss mint chocolate so much. There is none here. Had to go to the foreign food store to get it.

Well, those are the highlights from the trip. The seminar was actually really useful (which is a huge change from the last two orientations I had to go to for JET). But, I won't be back on the mainland until March when Mom and Dad come to visit!!

Hope you've enjoyed the post and the interesting experiences!!

Miss you all and chat soon!