So, today was the day when I left Taketa. I am truly forever indebted to Shinji-san and Reiko-san (Shinji’s wife). Not only did they let me stay for three days, bring me on sightseeing tours and grant me both expensive food in restaurants and homemade meals, but also their care and concern, my train ticket to Oita, a bag with apples, clementines, an omiyage (it’s custom to bring people you visit something. They had bought cakes from a cake shop in Taketa FROM ME), sweets, socks ^^, little handwritten notes (which I’ll admit I’m having a little trouble reading/understanding, but it’s some kind of lucky charm and happy thoughts), money, paper + envelopes and stamps; she demanded me to write them several times, and I sure will! The worst is that I didn’t know how to properly thank them… they are perhaps the kindest people I have ever met. Taking in an almost complete stranger…
Reiko-san has made me a long list of people in different cities whom I should contact, because they will let me stay with them. One of them, in Tokyo, is Reiko-san’s friend from university. How many people do YOU know, that would take in a foreigner because your friend called and asked if you would?!
I am currently residing at Junko-mama in Oita (I don’t remember exactly how she’s related to Shinji and Reiko-san), and I feel very welcome, and not like a stranger at all, despite that I’ve only met Junko and her husband once. Junko-mama’s daughter took me to an onsen tonight, which I also didn’t pay for… I barely need money! Seriously, the only money I’ve spent is those from using my cell phone; at least almost.
I don’t know how I can ever thank them… There is no doubt that I will NEVER forget them, and that I’ll be sure to visit them next time I come to Japan. They also told me to call if there was ever anything I needed or if I had any problems.
Tomorrow I’m going to Beppu, and from what I’ve understood, they are even taking me there; taking me to see different things and try out some of the many onsens there.
Right now, I’m very tired, so I’ll head off to bed… after a few pictures ;)
Today’s lunch: my first bowl of ramen, prepared by Shinji-san! It was good!
The list of people to call… written in both kanji and kana.
Shinji-san, me and Reiko-san in their shop, where I first met them.
Funny thing. A group of Japanese sightseers! There were actually two groups…
Something to munch on from Reiko-san.
My aunt collects stamps, but I don’t know if I’ll give them to her… oh, I got others to post; these are just for keepsake.
Letters from Reiko-san ^^
Something in the room I sleep in, and that I know someone would like to own. A katana. Sorry about the picture quality.
That should do it for now!
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