Mom, Dad, and Yahiko Matsuri

My parents arrived in Japan the last week of July. They were here for only one week, but they were a big help in helping me move apartments. I felt bad since I really couldn't show them too much of Japan, but they really seemed to enjoy what they did see - esp. the Yahiko festival!


The last time I saw my parents in Japan. They were seeing my off to Fuji Rock at Niigata Station.
My Mom - Faith.
My Dad - Ron.
This absolutely spectacular lantern procession dates back to one thousand years ago. Big and small lanterns are paraded into town on people's shoulders. The paraded lanterns create an image of a one kilometer long flame. At the climax of the parade, the lanterns are fiercely crashed together. This is one of the top 3 lantern festivals in Japan!
My Mom, Dad, and I went with Paul, Phil, Step, and Grace to the festival. Exciting stuff!!!

Farewell Party - Niigata City Style

KARAOKE












SHAME

Group B: TOA stuff and Newbies

Our TOA duties started Saturday afternoon, where out of the 50 of us working - 10 got to stay at Keio plaza and the other 40 got taken to Narita to prepare for the incoming ALTs. We stayed at a Holiday Inn and found a bar called The Barge Inn - REALLY COOL! Narita is either full of Gaijins or Flight attendants all ready to party/drink. This is a picture of Josh from Toyama-ken. He was one of the fellows I did my Japanese Et. Presentation with!

The orientation was like all others - went pretty smoothly.

This year for Group B we had only 13 new Niigata peps.
Can you find me?
Big banquet of food and beer! Remember we all had to wait to Kampai last year? Well, this year it was changed - we could drink as soon as we wanted...just wait for the food!
Niigata Night out at an Izakaya called Ninja. We had all you could drink for 3 hours and 6 dishes of food (including making our own okanomiyaki and yakisoba) for only 2,500 yen.
My Texas friend Shaady joined us!

Akemi and I - Group B TOAs
Our Izakaya also including free Karaoke!
Welcome Group B - Hope you're all settling in okay!