We're Going To America

[Oyaji]

On Tuesday my youngest son (12) and I are heading to America. My wife has to work (she's indispensableB)) and the older two boys have classes (yes, during summer vacation) and basketball practice. They each went with me when they were around the same age as well.

So we two men will drive around the western USA for two weeks visiting family, camping, river rafting, eating steaks, watching a baseball game, and doing whatever else we can find. He is looking forward to seeing some favorite cousins he hasn't seen for a couple of years, and he will be absolutely spoiled by his grandmother and aunts and uncles.

I will be checking e-mails and such now and then, so I don't think I'll completely disappear from here, though I may be scarce. Hopefully I'll have some fun stories to report when we get back.

I have a request for those of you who will be staying in Japan for the summer. At Obon time, please attend a neighborhood 盆踊り大会 and eat some oden and dance around the circle once for me. If they let you, beat the drum once for me too.

Cheers (though I'm not leaving for a few more days).

[hyperconjugated]

Don't worry about TJP on your vacation,
it's gonna stay right here as you left it,
ready to hear about your wacky adventures
in the States when you return. Y'all come
back now!

[Sumi]

Welcome to the USA & have fun!

[tanuki]

Seems like you have fun plans! I hope you have a great time!

[clay]

Sounds like you have a great family vacation ahead of you! Have fun and stay safe. Keep us updated when possible.

[anikaliki]

ooh river rafting I just did that last week its real fun. I hope you have a good time!

[keatonatron]

hyperconjugated wrote:
it's gonna stay right here as you left it

Yes, we will all promise to not make a single post until you come back

[hyperconjugated]

keatonatron wrote:

hyperconjugated wrote:
it's gonna stay right here as you left it

Yes, we will all promise to not make a single post until you come back

Starting...now, no wait a minute...Now.

[two_heads_talking]

too bad you aren't coming to the east coast.. We could could some good old fashioned hamburgers and corn..

[Harisenbon]

Have a good time, Oyaji!
Enjoy some of that blistering hot Western weather for me! (as opposed to the blistering hot Japaense weather).

[clay]

Harisenbon wrote:
Have a good time, Oyaji!
Enjoy some of that blistering hot Western weather for me! (as opposed to the blistering hot Japaense weather).

I arrived in Fukui in August. Man that just about killed me and I am from Florida! I didn't know a place could be that humid. Maybe I just wasn't used to living without an air con. I hope Gifu isn't as mushi mushi.

[billy-jay]

Have a good trip, Oyaji-san.

[Oyaji]

Thanks everyone, I'm sure we're going to have a great time.

As far as the heat, I guess it's a choice between baking in the dry heat or steaming in the humidity. We've been steaming for a couple of week now, so I think we'll enjoy the change (I don't think "enjoy" is really the word that fits). We're taking LOTS of chap stick.

[Shibakoen]

Bring lots of Pocky, please!!:p

[Harisenbon]

I hope Gifu isn't as mushi mushi.

Gifu proper isn't TOO bad, but then again, I lived in Memphis, which is pretty humid. However, now I live in the inaka right outside of Gifu, so I'm surrounded by sweltering rice patties all day. Somedays I can't take paper outside for fear of it turning into mush.