Benches and Breakdowns

Wednesday again, and Internet time to kill. I have had a good week since my last post and it is mostly due to the weather. I have endured some hardships within this time frame, but I am as optimistic as ever. Japan in the spring time is truly something else.
As was the plan, this past weekend Johnny and I ventured south to Okayama and visited the Umeharas. It was awesome. After my not being in contact with them for 2.5 years, it was surprisingly not awkward. Sleep deprived Johnny and I rolled into their house at about 7AM though, that was a bit awkward. Manabu, Chie, and the kids were awake, but Johnny and I were cold and tired.
We arrived in Okayama at 4AM, dazed but ready to party. Ironically enough, I had half a flask of Early Times Whiskey in my jacket pocket. The buses didn't start until 6:30AM, therefore we ended up sleeping on the benches in chilly Okayama station. I was prepared for the task (note the new title picture: Okayama Eki, 6:15AM) Johnny on the other hand was smart enough to bring his coat. He had no gloves, scarf, or hat. I'm pretty sure it sucked quite a bit for him because when I went to wake him up at 6 o'clock, he was asleep on the bench: suitcase as a blanket, both hands covering his face. It took me a few hard taps to wake him up (I was afraid he was in shock or something), but it truly was a sight to see. I wish I could have taken a picture of it. It wasn't until after this that Johnny found the camera that he allegedly thought was left in our apartment. After this ordeal, we managed to get to our intended destination.
Saturday was filled with three hour naps, catching up, and playing with the kids. I learned how to use a Japanese top (called a koma) from Yusaku, and Chie taught me how to make some tasty rice. I on the other hand made the kids some excellent 5 yen bracelets. I then taught Chihiro the ways of hemp on Sunday.
Sunday we planned to go to a famous Japanese park located outside Okayama, but their car died forty minutes into the trip. Thus we were stranded on the highway for a good hour, waiting for the tow truck and taxi. Apparently they need a new car, but we made the best of the situation anyways. While waiting, I learned some interesting hand gesture games; they are actually pretty fun. One involves hand beams, a protective vest, and charging.
That night we had a wonderful Nabe dinner, then hopped on the Shinkansen back to Hirakata. Slightly more enjoyable than the bus, I got to see Himeji castle (the most visited castle in Japan) through the window at one point. In the end it was a very fun weekend. I can't wait to visit them again during spring break.
The weekend being over and done with, school has been a bitch this week. A test, a forgotten homework, and two skipped classes. One of these classes being now, one more tomorrow. I unwittingly told my writing teacher that I didn't like the class, and now she thinks I'm a bad student. I don't care though, I'll do well in the class regardless. Anyways, I have actual work to do now. Tomorrow I go to the Manga Museam in Kyoto. It should be good, I'll try to get some pictures.
Until then....