Some funny videos

Here are some great videos from a series called "The Japanese Tradition". Please do not take them seriously, they are merely poking fun at their own culture. Sushi Chopsticks Origami

Suitcase Races

April 28 was our final preparation before flying to Japan. It was
time for the suitcase races! Steve and Helen loaded up everyone's
suitcase with 32.5 pounds of bricks then set off on a course around
campus. After hiking hills and stairs, some people were rethinking
what they would pack.

You might also want to check out our illustrated itinerary at:
http://helenrindsberg.web.iglou.com/IDS_360/IDS_4-28-10/ids428101.htm.
We are going to have a fabulous trip!

Mass TXT

Helen can now txt the whole class with a flick of her cel phone. No rest for anyone from now on!

Three weeks and counting

On our way soon! The last class is Weds 28 April and then it's Japan.
Bring your paperwork and vocab questions.

I AM ONNA ! Hear me ROAR !

Kanji practice ...livelier than you'd think.

But how can you tell the difference between onna no squid-hats and otoko no squid-hats?

Migi. No, HIDARI, HIDARI! Your OTHER hidari ... STOP STOP TOMARE!!

After learning some basic "direction" words, we took turns guiding a blindfolded partner
through a maze. Using ONLY Japanese.

Class dinner at Matsuya

On Thursday February 4 we all met at Matsuya Japanese Restaurant in Florence. Those who'd been there before knew what a treat they were in for. Newcomers to Japanese cuisine now have an idea what at least SOME Japanese food is about. We missed Angie, though.

Matsushita-san and his staff served up a tasty kaiseki meal featuring:

- Appetizers of konyaku and gobo, tamagoyaki (omelet) and shumai (dumplings)

- Sushi, including ebi (shrimp), maguro (tuna) and tako (octopus)

- Nimono (simmered lotus root, bamboo shoot, potato, carrot and other veggies)

- Tempura

You might call the formal kaiseki style "high end" cuisine. When we meet for the noodle-tasting, we'll take a taste of the other end of the scale. Inexpensive but delicious noodles of different types.