Fireflies

Remembering you . . .
The fireflies of this marsh
seem like sparks
that rise
from my body's longing.

Izumi Shikibu

A few weekends ago I got to go to Misato, a place out in the country famous for its many fireflies. There is a stream up in the mountains where they like to gather in mid June, just before rainy season hits.

When I was younger we used to see fireflies out by the pond near our house. I remember trying to catch them occasionally, but Nic and Zac were better at it than me. Aside from that, though, I'd never seen them amassed in such big number before. 

A couple from church invited me to their house for dinner one night, a lavish spread of delicious Japanese food on display. Karaage (fried chicken), cabbage salad, Tokushima barley soup, tofu, and potato salad. They showed me around their giant farmhouse with the wraparound porch and tatami floors, explained what all the plants in the garden were, then drove us out to the mountains for the lights show. Unfortunately it was raining, so many of the performers stayed indoors, but we still got to see a good smattering of them. The bridge above the stream was lined with umbrellas, protecting all the spectators from the pitter pattering raindrops. Down below,  tiny lights floated about the stream like a quiet scene from a fairytale. Sometimes they tried to climb to the pines above, and other times they flew to inspect us watchers.

When the rain started coming down more heavily, the darlings flew for cover and the cars drove home. Just before getting back to their house, we stopped by a stream where fireflies like to hang out. At first glance it seemed dark, but when we got out of the car, could see them hiding shyly beneath glowing blades of grass that overlooked the water.

Despite the rain, it was a beautiful night. 

OOC

Out of Character?

No, no, no.

Out of Commission! Or so my computer has been for the past, nigh, 2 weeks now.

I can boot it up properly, but as soon as it gets to the desktop and I do a couple clicks (to cancel internet connection and exit some of the auto-startup programs), it simply freezes. The mouse, the clock. If I wanted a lovely picture of a bamboo forest to decorate my apartment, it'd be no problem, but I'd actually like to use this device for things other than the wallpaper decoration.

The timing was a real bummer because I was just about to get on and have my biweekly chat with Miss Steen when it started it's freezing fit. Aside from that, it was a bit refreshing to have a forced break from the internet. I've gotten addicted to watching random youtube videos (particularly Ellen) for hours on end. It's a pretty petty hobby, and just leaves me feeling cloudy headed and unaccomplished at the end of the day.

In this past week, though, it feels like a whole new world of time has opened up. I've begun studying Russian, wrote some more letters, and mainly worked on making my first quilt! I had lots of time to think about Grandma Romfo and how great she is at quilting, then about Grandpa Romfo and how he would criticize some of my corners.

Hmm. Well however nice it has been to have a bit of a break, I'm really itching to get it back up and running again. Can't skype with people, can't post pictures here, or watch family / friend's videos, and must squeeze emails between classes at school. I guess there's nothing like an absence of something to realize how nice it is to have around. Let's just hope it isn't too much longer.

Shimanami Kaido Bike Trip

I woke up this last Saturday morning at 4am. Not because the humidity was too sweltering, or because my slightly crazy neighbor was out in the street shouting, but because there was a loooong journey ahead that day.

14 of us ALTs & friends took the 3 hour drive out to neighboring prefecture, Ehime, so that we could suit up, mount our rented bikes, and hit the road. There is a well known bike trail from Imabari city to Onimichi in Hiroshima prefecture hosting beautiful, scenic views along the way. It's a 46 mile route, crossing 7 bridges and 7 islands, with a well marked bike trail on the road.

It was hard work, but we stopped plenty of times for snacks and rests, stretching it out to take about 7 hours. At about 4:30, we arrived in the port town of Onomichi. Refreshed with ice cream, cleaned up at an onsen, and stocked up on plenty of carbs with a delicious, filling round of Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki. That night we all slept in a big tatami room on futons. Not sure about everyone else, but I slept like a rock, and woke up perfectly refreshed 8 hours later.

 In the morning, those of us who woke up at 6 went out to explore the town, climbing up the hillside to see the abandoned, castle-like art museum. Half the town was situated on that little hill, and seemed to fit together like a puzzle. It would have been the perfect town to roll up into a giant Katamari...

Breakfast at a bakery, and got going again at 9:30 to cycle back to Ehime and drive home. It was a great trip!

Here's a video compilation of the weekend. :)