September 8, 2010 - Enjoying Kobe

The heat is definitely still on in Kobe. We have set records for highest temperatures recorded (hitting 99) as well as most days in a row of being above 90 degrees. I grew up in Alabama and lived in Orlando for 5.5 years. However, I have never been so hot in my entire life! Japanese folks carry umbrellas to guard themselves from the sun, as well as handkerchief-like cloths to wipe the sweat. Even the locals are talking about how hot it is. Atsui desu ne. (It's hot, isn't it?) The hard thing, too, is that electricity is very expensive, and the air conditioning is by unit by room. We can only really keep the air on in the bedrooms at night and sometimes in the kitchen/breakfast room while eating. So, we are hot even in our apartment!

Despite the serious heat and humidity, we are enjoying our time here. On August 29, the Maloney family attended our first Japanese festival here on the island. All of the apartment buildings made floats that were judged. The Japanese folks dressed up in summer kimono (called yukata), and the kids wore happi coats. (Our kids had them on just long enough to take pictures!) The day kicked off at 1:30 when the Americans at our apartment building had appointments for Japanese ladies to dress us in our yukata and tie our obi (the big belt). The parade started at 3:30. The river mall area was lined with vendors with games and selling food and drink. There were stages for live performances. Lots of music and dancing. It got very crowded by late afternoon. We had a great time just hanging out with the Mang family and enjoying the culture. The festival went on until very late in the evening. Yet, everything was back in perfect order Sunday morning.

Phillip and Tina in yukata.  Kids in happi coats.

As they say, when in Rome..., or rather Japan!

Wonderful ladies from front reception: Kawada-san, Ishimori-san, Naka-san, Sakai-san

As a side note, it is very interesting to me that you can get alcohol via stores or vending machines any time and just pop them open to drink in the street! There are no open container laws. However, they have a zero tolerance driving law. Therefore, the people here drink in the street and on the train. Then, they just walk, ride bikes, or take the train to get home.

Jacob has now played 4 baseball games with CA and pitched in 3 of them. He is doing very well and enjoying his teammates. He is currently away at a middle school field trip until Friday afternoon (like Camp Kern) so that middle school students can get to know each other.

Matthew played his first rugby game last weekend. Check out the picture I got of him with a few teammates! He got to play 2 games, and in the 2nd one, he scored on a long run! In rugby, a score is called a "try". The coaches speak very little English, but they were saying "Nice try, Matto!". Matthew explained to me that it took him a while to get that one.... you know, nice try.... but it was really a score! :)

Matthew and teammates after first game

We are still trying to find gymnastics for Jessica, but there is really only one good school on the island, and it is completely filled. She is enjoying school and playing with friends. She is still a trooper going to all of her brothers' games.

On Monday, I went into Osaka (the Chicago of Japan) with a friend. It was nuts. Crowded trains, people everywhere. Lots of shopping. She took me to a place called kitchen street where many shops sell anything you need for your kitchen (from personal to restaurants). It was completely overwhelming. I bought a few Japanese plates, bowls, and a serving tray. But, mostly, I watched people! That night, I made miso soup, rice (in our new rice cooker), and chicken with soy. We even used chopsticks!

Thanks to all for messages and calls from Terrace Park, Mariemont, Denver, and Farmington. I must admit that the first day of school pictures on the Terrace Park School website brought tears to my eyes. We miss you guys!!

Peace and Love.

Tina