Since the weather has cooled down I've had the chance to do some different indoor things in the area. In the last few weeks I've seen a few art exhibits/shows, visited many small random bars in Nagai and done a bit of shopping. It is kinda interesting how interested in fashion I've become. It really has become evident to me how convenient all of the above activites can be in Japan when you have a car and the know where to go. Last weekend Liam and I drove to Niigata city in the next prefecture to check out the Jubilee exhibit of background paintings from the famous Japanese animation films by Hayao Miyazaki. The artworks (mostly small water colour paintings) were absolutely stunning. The vibrant pictures reminded me so much of places I've seen in Japan. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos.
We did manage to sneak a photo in front of some amazing prints in a different exhibit.
Enjoying the brightly light pet bottle recycled christmas tree decorations in the city. Kinda a conundrum though, using recycled materials but using unnecessary lighting. Although the Christmas light decorations do put an extra bounce in my step so I'll take an eco friendly decoration anyday!I noticed as the weather cooled and Japanese people have been hard at work preparing for winter in a different, particular way. Even though the winter is not as harsh and snowy as Canada in Yamagata people definitely take care to make sure they are ready for the snow to fall. Now if it just WOULD FALL ALREADY! I've got my snow tires on, heaters in check, the wooden snow fences cover the shrubbery and trees, the snow gaurds are on the sides of the roads. Everyone is ready for the snow! Check out the pictures below. It sure is interesting how well they take care for snow but if only the houses were better prepared against the bitter cold. (i.e. central heating or insulation)
As you can see in the distant mountains there really is not much snow up there. We have had a lot of precipitaion the last while but the temperature just needs to drop 5 degrees in order for the snow to stick. In the meantime, not being able to snowboard has allowed me to begin packing and preparing for leaving. It's really unfortuante that a year goes by so fast and just as I'm really settled in Nagai, Yamagata, my Lesley job and my friends I have to up and move. Especially during the holiday season. The upcoming change and good bye looms in my mind and I can't say I'm especially excited to let this adventure, this life in Japan go. I've really come to embrace the different lifestyle and understand so much about this culture. Already some goodbye's and lasts have begun. Here Takako and I are at our last French cooking class.
Two of my favorite people helped me do some crucial clothes packing and took a few items off my hands. Below me, Hikari and Takako modeling 3 dollar Giant Tiger tank tops. Oh its going to be sad to say good bye!
