Hair, Bowling, and Festivals.

On Friday, the home economics teacher asked me if I would come show the kids how to make French Toast because she had never made it before. The kids made a really good meal. Hambagu (hamburger with no bun), green beans, carrots, soup, and French Toast. It all went together surprisingly well! Of course we got to eat it when they were done, which is good because I am in now way opposed to free food and I was hungry. I wore my hair out and everyone lost their minds when they saw me! I don't think I'll be wearing it out anymore though because I don't like people touching me without asking and giving me the opportunity to say no. It's so rude. Even the English teacher walked up behind me with both arms outstretched with the intentions of touching my hair while I was sitting at my desk. She was talking to the other teachers about my hair and the second I felt her hands begin to touch my hair I ducked out of the way and looked at her crazy. She was running her mouth as usual but I know she got the hint because she paused then kept talking. The thing is that Japanese people don't touch each other so what makes her think she can touch me. Aside from that, I just don't like people in my personal space. It's kinda like the selfishness of some people comes out when I wear my hair out. They don't consider that it took time and effort. All they're thinking about is how much they want to touch it. The Vice principal was like, "Oh did you not have time to do your hair today?" So, I promptly put him in his place and said, "Yes, this takes time. I did not want to wear my hair up. This is the natural state of my hair. Like your hair is out now. This is what my hair looks like when it's out." Then I turned and got back to doing what I was doing in order to end the conversation.
5th and 6th period the kids practiced for the Yabe Festival. The sad thing is that they had to come to school on Sunday to make up the missed classed periods, then go to the festival. It's not even a school event. It's a community event...but whatever. I really like this picture of the sign. The natural lighting was perfect. It says Yabe Matsuri, or Yabe festival.
Saturday, I went to a surprise party for my friend's fiancee. It was a yakiniku (grilled meat) party so we all brought meat and vegetables to cook at the table. When she walked in and heard us scream SURPRISE, she took off running in the other direction. It was too funny. After the party we went bowling. I had the highest score of 9 people with a 121. The bowling shoes here look like Air force 1s so of course we had to take advantage of a photo op! (Don't try this at home. We're trained professionals!)
In a country where business people walk around expeditiously (thanx Spelman) like drones in muted colors, I'm glad that old ladies and nature are on my side. I thought this lady was wearing a purple turban when I saw her crossing the street. Nope, that's her hair. She was with a group of old ladies who were all carrying violin cases. Sunday was the Yabe Festival. I was awake on the bus ride up to the mountains so I finally got a chance to see the changing leaves. It's no New England highway vista, but there are a few beautiful trees scattered about. After lunch (spaghetti, another food that need not be tampered with), we all got dressed for the performance. I kinda like being fussed over after having tho ladies dress me in the kimono for the festival. On top of the 3 shirts, leggings, jeans, and knee socks that I was already wearing, the kimono had 4 tops and two bottoms.I think I'll be a model when I grow up so that other people can run around all day working hard to make me look good! The name of the dance and song the kids did is Furuyu. I represented wealth so I walked around and poured water into tiny cups and people put money on the tray, drink from a cup, and we gave them a fan. Mostly old folks drank the water. That's me wearing the woman's mask. The man with the big head represents Wisdom...hence, the big ol' head! Here are a few of the other outfits worn by the students.
Remember that fourth grade teacher who's job it is to tell everyone's business? That's him in sticking out his tongue. At the end I was warm but my feet were cold and wet because I was wearing straw boots. After collecting all the outfits and props, all the teachers had a mini get together and we ate and they talked about how well the day went in spite of the rain.

Glad to be finished with that...and ready for bed!