Outside the Gate

Dear Reader,
My original introduction to this post was quite funny, but slightly offensive to readers of varying political taste. So in the spirit of Japanese friendship and courtesy, I deleted it. I'm hoping this will inspire even funnier, though diplomatic jokes. (Waiting for inspiration....... ) OK, nothing. I'll just tell you it was a Rachel Maddow joke... and it was hilarious.

ANYWAY! Last weekend we walked outside the base gate to find this grand celebration.

It was the Misawa City Festival. The floats were phenomenal. The community creates each one- and pulls most of them by hand. They have so much detail on each one. Here children are playing their drums in the first row of this float.

I REALLY wish I knew more about what each float is trying to portray. The story must be fantastic. However... some details are highly questionable. If you can find the "questionable item" in this picture I will send you a Japanese treat (may take 4-6 weeks to deliver).

Here is a closeup. Brett says identification is impossible. Prove him wrong, I dare you.

This was my favorite float. It was motorized and spewed smoke. AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!

Also some of you may be aware that I have a strong distaste for primates. I moved to the wrong place. A short drive north will take you to a place with snow monkeys. I hate just thinking about them....

As I mentioned previously, Brett is quite the connoisseur of foreign feasts. We tried these dough balls at a restaurant. Brett gave them a thumbs up. For the record I was non committal to their awesomeness. So when we found out they are octopus testicles... well let's just stick with the squid. (Note: when I took this picture at a festival stand I officially became what the Japanese are in our country- people who take weird lame pictures. A whole crowd of people laughed when they saw the flash from my camera. Dignity, Rachel. Come on.)

Marie- ate Naan, Rachel- ordered Pad Thai, Brett- Egg slop?

In local news we are headed toward potty training. Not me, Marie. Of course. I brought home Dora undies and upon receiving them she immediately requested they be put on her head. We have to start somewhere, right?

I cannot convey how serious it was that she wear them on her head. Oh boy.

But we have made progress in other areas...

Finally embracing the glasses!

That's MY girl!