Today I went to Kummoto Castle and the hot springs. It was so great! Kumamoto Castle was beautiful. I can't really describe it, but I bought postcards and took millions of pictures. It's got a huge wall around it, and a moat surrounding it, but it's empty now. The funny thing was I noticed these two guys that were obviously not Japanese, as one was blonde and one was a redhead. I head them talking and it wasn't in English. But I decided I would try and ask them where they are from. It ends up the can speak English, and they are from Sweden. The blonde one, Anton, is studying here for one year and speaks fluent Japanese. His friend, Sebastian, is visiting him for one month. They were really nice and my host parents invited them to eat lunch with us and come to the hot springs!
We ate lunch at a tempura restaraunt, which I can best describe as delicious deep fried stuff. :)
The hot springs were gorgeous. They weren'r so unlike a public bath, where you first wash yourself off at the small stools and showerheads and then get in the big bath. Half of it was indoor, and the other half was outdoor. The outdoor part was so pretty. It looked very natural, with a smooth rock bottom and rocks to sit or lean on. One half of the outdoor part was hot water, and then a sections of cool water was next to it. It was really nice and the Japanese people consider this a sort of spa.
Anton and Sebastian came with my family and talked for a while. They exchanged contact information and I think we are going to meet them in Fukuoka this Friday. I really only go on a few trips away from home with my host parents, so it is nice when Noemi and I get to travel with other people. I think Michelle will join us too. :) And on August 1st and 2nd, Noemi and I are going to Yanagawa to sightsee. We will stay with a friend of Noemi's host mom. Sometimes I feel I am literally being passed from Japanese person to Japanese person haha, but at least they are all close friends and Noemi is with me, so I always feel comfortable and safe.
I miss you all. Keep commenting, I love hearing from you. :)
Dear Audrey,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great host family you have! It is obvious that they are working hard to make sure you get the most out of the time you have there. The castle, amusement park, and hot springs sound AMAZING, and it sounds as though everyone there (except for the 23 mosquitos) is very welcoming to you. I have to go to deliver "meals on wheels" now, but I will write again soon when I have a few more minutes. -mrs. epp
Hi sweet girl! Love this new blog entry. I am not sure how I would have coped with your long absence without these entries. It would be hard for you to explain all this when you get home. This way, many of these experiences are recorded and we can feel like we are a part of what's going on with you. I am just so proud of you. It takes grit to do what you have done -- it takes courage to go to the unknown. This is courage and an appreciation of taking good risks. Both essential qualities to live a full life. You can do that. I hope you have learned a lot about yourself in this experience. We have learned even more about you Audrey! I love you. We all love you. -- Mom
ReplyDeleteMrs. Epp, yes my family is great, although I don't thinkour personalities always match up so well haha but we all do our best. I have had a really fun time here. I like Japan, it's different than how I thought it would be, but it is a really great experience. I will be happy to be home, but I think I will definitely want to come back to Japan some day so I can see more of it.
ReplyDeleteMom, Thank you so much. I really like the blog too, because I can record many of the details of what is going on so when I get home I can remember too! And it makes me happy to hear from you after you've read the blog. I think I am learning a lot about myself. For instance, I now know that I do not like nato, that I really appreciate air conditing, that I am really good at trying things without asking what they are (asking after is always best), that I am good at making people laugh even when they barely speak English, that I am veryy bad at Japanese verbs, and that I am closer to my family (in Missouri) than most teenagers are, because not once have I heard Cameron or Daniel say they miss their family. I on the other hand, have told everyone in Japan all about the 3 of you, and have proudly shown pictures. Everyone says I look like you, that Dad looks like a fun guy, and that Ethan is very handsome. I love you.
Aud:)
The castle and hot springs sound wonderful. And isn't it great that you are making so many new friends from other countries! Hopefully you will keep in touch, thus establishing friendships around the world. You are truly an amazing young lady who is not only enduring but obviously enjoying an experience that would tax many adults. I am so proud that you are making the most of this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great day, Audrey girl! I too, am really happy you are making the most of this opportunity. I think you have grown and learned so much. I think it is wonderful that you will have so much to talk with Shun about when he gets here.
ReplyDeleteYour new room is ready! I just finished folding all the laundry you left in the old room and put it downstairs in your new one! :-) We are all very excited that you will be home soon.
Love you sooooooooooooooo much! -- Daddy
Mrs. Engles, thank you ao much. You are too kind. I am enjoying this experience and I appreciate your comments, can't wait to show you the pictures! (I've taken 1,500 so far)
ReplyDeleteDaddy, thanks for doing so much work with my room while I am gone. I can't wait to see it!! You didn't throw away any of my lotion or body spray did you? Because remember, I need all 43 half empty bottes. :) I love you.