It seems like whenever I have something planned, my hormones decide to bless me with a migraine. After two and a half days of suffering through a thick migraine, and after swallowing enough Imitrex to surely melt a sizable hole in my stomach, the migraine was subdued.
Sato-san had invited me to go on a "tofu lunch" with her over a month ago, and I have been anticipating it ever since. The day finally came, and with my headache miraculously subsiding, I was all clear to go.
The morning started at 10:00, went we left Sato's house by car, and drove to a friend's house about 15 minutes away. They were really nice, and showed Sato and I around their large garden of ocha bushes, kumquats, broccoli, and lots of other things I can't quite remember. In the back of their property was a huge bamboo forest; they showed me the new bamboo shoots they sometimes harvest to eat.
That was only the beginning, for next we got into the neighbor's car and had a long ride ahead of us.
Let me just say- if you know me, you know I get car sick easily. I'm actually quite a pansy, and can't handle just about any car ride for too long.--
That being said- the constant back and forth chatter in Japanese, the slam stop and go traffic, the curvy, twisted roads, and the warm, stagnant temperature of the car, all added to my "excitement."
By the time we reached our destination--all the way across town-- I hopped out of the car, and really thought I would lose my breakfast. Everyone (4 Japanese friends) was very caring and worried about my "condition." Just when I was feeling better, it was time to eat lunch and fill my queasy stomach.
We had a great lunch at a tofu restaurant that specializes in locally made tofu. I love tofu. It pretty much absorbs whatever flavor or sauce you put on it, not to mention it is pretty healthy. What was not so healthy was the TOFU ICE CREAM! Yes... it DID taste like tofu, and it was actually pretty yummy!
After lunch we went on another not-so-flat car ride directly UP a mountainside full of orange trees. One of the friends had a "mountain cottage" on the mountain, which was basically a well maintained, one room building. We stayed there for several hours, picking oranges and consuming more snacks. The view was pretty amazing; we could see all of Hamamatsu.
After an eventful day, or at least more eventful than I'm used to these days, I am finally home. I feel so thankful to have Sato-san taking me places. I pretty much follow her around like a giant puppy, and she doesn't seem to mind. It was no coincidence that Zac and I were put here in Japan right down the street from her, or that her son is Zac's boss. Although I'm super tired and really just want a nap, it is getting about time to start dinner.
Until next time...