Mt. Nasu

Spectacular views from the ski area on Mt. Nasu of mountains and the valley below. We stopped at a temple for pictures and the air was full of sulfur from the hot springs. The praying statues had red hats, as did the Buddha.

Sunday Biking to the Bakery

On Sunday we biked downtown to the bike path and explored. then we rewarded ourselves with tea and a delicious treat at the local German bakery that we had discovered.

Trout Fishing at ARI

Today we went fishing at Sekine Farm Fishery. We caught rainbow trout from stocked pools with plain bamboo poles and worms. The fish were roasted and we ate all but the bones. Tomorrow it’s back to a normal schedule: Up at 6:00, exercise 6:25-6:35, chores until 7:00, animals or meal service until 8:00, then breakfast. The first two weeks were the hardest, but we are getting into the groove.

Tea Ceremony

ARI is international in flavor, but we experience Japanese culture during invitations. Toyama san from church did a tea ceremony for us in her tea house. It was delightful, except for the two hours of sitting on the floor. She was very flexible and allowed us to sit sideways or whatever was comfortable, instead of on our knees! Incense wafted around the bamboo room as she boiled water in the kettle over a sunken pit in the tatami floor. She whisked the green matcha, or tea, until it was frothy and served each person separately. When it was our turn, we said “Osakeni” (I go before you) to the person to our left, then bowed to Toyama san, who had served us. The tea was slightly bitter, and we were served a flavored rice cake and a sweet candy.

Golden Week

This week is “golden week” in Japan – holidays on last Thursday and this Monday make for five days off. At ARI, we still have to feed the animals. Japanese work campers arrived for this period, so we are meeting new young people. It’s wonderful to see so many young people interested in agriculture. This is something different from home, I think.

Japanese Health care system

Joyce experienced the Japanese health care system when her feet and legs stayed swollen for over two weeks after arrival. It’s pay as you go for foreigners, but the cost is low by American standards. I received excellent care and attention, though waiting is inevitable. At the clinic, after about an hour wait, Dr. Sudo communicated with some English, but I was thankful for my ARI translator! I had a blood test, chest X-ray, a steroid IV and three talks with the doctor for ¥11,330 or about $113.00. After some discussion of auto immune disease, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, the diagnosis was “economy class disease,” and they sent me to the hospital to consult the specialist the check my veins.

At the hospital, I saw Dr. Morito after a two and three quarter hour wait. He also used a little English, but I still had my translator. I had a CT Scan, which showed okay veins. Recommendation – fly business class or wear elastic stockings! The hospital took VISA, which the clinic did not, and the bill was ¥ 39,190 or about $392.00. I kept thinking of the cost of a CT Scan back home! My feet and legs were back to normal within 24 hours of the steroid IV. But I have been told to slow down and not work so hard, and I will comply.