Mar. 15th

Wow, in just a couple weeks it feels like a lot has happened that I wanna write about, but compared to what's happening up north what I have to say seems rather insignificant o_0. So I guess I'll start there. Off the north-east coast of Honshu (the largest of the islands that make up Japan) there was a giant earthquake that triggered a massive tsunami that completely destroyed several small coastal towns and washed away hudreds of people, homes, vehicles, etc, into the ocean. I saw the footage on the news and it was pretty incredible. Horrific, but incredible. The ocean is mighty indeed. It demands our respect and fear. The earthquake also damaged a couple of nuclear reactors in the region, and now the areas around there and Tokyo are suffering from a shortage of electricity. Those of us in the south west part of Honshu didn't feel the earthquake at all, not even the slightest tremor. We are, however, also being encouraged to conserve electricity in an effort to help out our north-eastern neighbors. Despite the tragedy in the north, life here in the south continues as usual, except that the TV shows nothing but updates about the tsunami cleanup effort and the state of the nuclear reactors, and we are trying to use our electricity a little less. Our hearts go out to all those that are suffering from the tragedy, and we are praying for all the victims and recovery workers. We also made a small donation to the cause, we don't have much to give but I guess every little bit helps.

In other news, Braden got a part time job! Starting Friday he's going to work every morning (but Sunday) at a place that makes bentos (ready to eat lunches for those salary men on the go). The job is early in the morning (6 to 9 I think) which is good since Braden will be starting classes again soon and they shouldn't get in the way. He still needs to get all the paperwork done before its official, but hopefully that will go over smoothly. We could really use this extra money o_0.

Another fun thing to note: today, for the first time, I went to a Japanese onsen (hot spring). Japan, since its seismically active, is just FULL of hot springs. Just in Matsue there are about 4 of them I think. I see hot springs featured all the time in Japanese anime, movies, manga, and other cultural stuff so I've always wanted to visit one. I've been to hot springs in America (like Lava Hot Springs) but Japanese hot springs are different, because people actually bathe naked in them o_0 (and they are always split into a men's side and a women's side). It was a little awkward for my first time, but I was with a friend who told me where to go and what to do and the hot pools were very relaxing :). Before getting in the spring everyone has to wash themselves in a little showering area, then you get in the hot spring for a nice hot soak. They had three different pools, some hotter then others, and one of them had two little waterfalls coming down that you could sit under for a relaxing water massage. It was nice. Afterwards we ate lunch there, and they even had a little shop with local produce that was really cheap, so we bought some oranges and mushrooms and returned home. All in all a very pleasant morning and afternoon :).

P.S. The picture above is from a parade practice meeting that we went to. Braden and I are going to be in a Warrior's Parade! On April 2nd we all get to dress up in traditional clothes and march around Matsue like we've gone back in time! I'm very excited :).