A rainy day leads to friends at play...

On June 10th our family met up with a new friend of mine, Miyuki and her son Kotaro. We met at nearby Komaba Park. The park has a Japanese-style house and a Western house to visit. The luxurious homes were owned by a wealthy Japanese family who has since donated them to the park. The houses are surrounded by Japanese gardens, ponds, and a field encircled by cherry trees. This is the view from the back of the Japanese house. Look at those huge bonsai trees to the right...

On our way home the heavens opened up and there was a total monsoon-like downpour. We took refuge in the tatami room until it calmed down to a torrent.




Miyuki insisted that we dash off to her home-2 minutes away, instead of walking home in the rain. She then made us lunch. Here is "okonomiyaki", otherwise known as Japanese style savory pancakes. The batter has eggs, taro root, cabbage and usually meat. She made a veggie version for Aaron.

Here's my cuz Travis near the griddle. This was his first okonomiyaki and he loved it. It was tasty and a lot easier on the taste buds compared to sushi.

After a splendid lunch, we took out the yellow balls and went wild. We did an anti-rain dance with the balls. This modern-day ball crawl had the kids laughing non-stop.

Aaron, Mia , Rhett and Miyuki kicking up their heels!

We had so much fun. Before I came to Japan, I was warned many times that I would never be invited into a Japanese home. I was told that it is not customary, if friends want to meet, they always go out. I was also told that I would never have any Japanese friends, as the Japanese don't want to invest in a superficial friendship with someone who will be leaving Japan. Well, so far those stereotypes are invalid. Thank goodness! Here's to more ball-crawls...