Cousin Colin and Miyuki drove us to a famous town called matsushimi which was also hit by the Tsunami but the damage was less than Ishinomaki because of many small islands that protect the bay. We visited a beautiful garden and a small burial shrine which we had to walk over little red bridges to get to. The view is pretty spectacular. We had fun singing Kareoke for my first time! Singing is one of my families favorite pastimes, and we reminisced about the family talent shows at Christmas time.
Colin teaches English at many different places and he brought us to teach English at a Temple. To my surprise we were teaching English to the head Monks wife. Their children were being taught by Colin as we enjoyed tea, and we're treated to special sukiyaki chicken skewers. We were presented with bracelets for protection on our travels. After the fine conversation we were given a private tour of the inside of the temple and the beautiful gardens. I realized this was very special to have been invited into their sacred space. As well I learned a lot about Japanese culture. Our time with our Japanese extension with the family has been so short, but very sweet! Today we are en route to Tokyo.