Yesterday I ate simple foods prepared for tea ceremony. They were very tasty and healthy.
After eating, I learned more about the tea ceremony. I practiced whipping the tea. Green tea tastes so much better when it has frothy bubbles on the surface.
We talked a lot about how to look at the tea bowls. Because they are very expensive and precious, it is important to keep them safe while we are holding them.
Have you practiced tea ceremony? Do you like thick tea?
Today I learned a lot about Japanese culture. At my favorite restaurant, I heard about traditional hand towels. At my friend’s house we practiced playing shakuhachi and making pottery.
Japanese pottery is very elegant, but it is very hard to make. One must concentrate if they want to do well.
The Autumn weather is very lovely. It was quite comfortable sitting outside at the pottery wheel.
Pottery is a term we use for things made from clay. Many Japanese people get confused because some pots are made from metal or stone. Also, many things other than pots are made from clay. For example: plates, cups, vases, decorations, and even tanuki. Regardless, we use pottery as a general term.
Today I went to Iga and Shigaraki. I learned a lot about Japanese pottery and history. Also, just by chance, we met friends there.
I had a pleasant day yesterday. First, I met my cultural arts teacher and a Noh actor with their wives. We ate at Maki no Ki, a restaurant in a former Daimyo’s house. The eel was very good.
Then we went to see an annual pottery exhibit. Last year I bought two pieces for my mother and sister. This year I really liked one piece that was 35,000 yen, but I didn’t buy it.
After that I visited Joli Mama and Joli Papa in Ichishi. Later, I stopped into Ichishi Junior High School, where I used to teach.
It was nice to talk with people I haven’t seen in a long time.
君の為に 