Not much in the way of updates this month, so once again the traditional apologies.

Robin and Jon came and went. Their Japanese is more than functional, and I think they had a great time fending for themselves while I was at work. I managed to get a fair bit of time off, and took a few days early-off as well, so we managed to do quite a bit together as well. The weather was very obliging: it seems to have rained just barely enough to not get in the way, and only on the days they had indoory things to do like Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima. Robin and Jon, feel free to post your own comments!

For me, there were two really big high points (one literally so). The first was that the three of us got a chance to go planting rice, old-fashioned style. I'll upload a picture or two (man it has been a long time since I did pictures). That was a great experience, and by odd coincidence a number of my icchu students were there as well as the Tomodachi in Natori bunch that was bringing us along. Once again I am very glad Jen got in touch with that group, as they have truly defined our experience in Japan in the great way it has gone.

The other high point was climbing Yamadera a second time. We went with Jen's dad and Matt in February, when the mountain temples were still snowed in. That was a pretty amazing experience. This time, it was high summer up there. Robin and Jon and I walked from Omoshiroiyama about 6-7km away along a fantastic hiking trail, through Japanese jungle to the edges of the little farming village that forms Yamadera's support and train station, all the way up the mountain to the 1200-year-old shrine. That was an experience! To make our legs just a little sorer, we explored a bit before taking off, so we walked about 8km that day. Sadly, this being Japan, most of the trail was paved, so our legs were very sore the next day. There is a more rugged trail that was closed off... Jon Ottewell and I may explore it, as the pair of us are a little more off-road capable I think, and less concerned if we have to turn around and start all over again (Robin and Jon and I arrived a little late for too much doubling back). Anyway, it felt like a real pilgrimage; it was awesome.

Besides that we had a fairly normal visit, but a really really great one. I got Robin addicted to Dwarf Fortress, one of the coolest unfinished games ever. It also has a learning curve steeper than the climb up to Yamadera, although the community wiki provides a bit of a ladder up. They got me watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which is... okay. It has its funny moments (and some hilarious ones) and it is cheesy as heck, which is more or less what I need while Jen is gone and I am pining away to nothing.

School could be better, but as usual the classes are great fun. In fact my major complaint is that I don't have enough of them lately, and spend a few too many hours sitting at school playing Dwarf Fortress on my teeny little laptop.

Today was a truly beautiful day. It was misty and warm, a little humid, and so pleasant outside that instead of coming home I meandered for a half hour or so through the rice fields on my bike, listening to the water running through the irrigation canals and watching the wind ripple the algae growing on the paddies. Wet-paddy rice is a truly picturesque crop of the best sort, with all the beauty of any farmed grass and shininess as well. It's a joy to step outside every day and be greeted by a glassy pond with rich green shoots sprouting from the surface. Yay!

That's about all I have to say. I'll go upload some photos!