Sayonara to Friends in Utsunomiya.......
by Donna Charles on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 6:24am
The day was spent going to Oya, a small town with a giant stone Kannon and underground quarry that provided much of the greenish stone that distinguishes Utsunomiya's architecture. A lot of hotels, stores, places to eat have this stone within their premises which I find very interesting. The stone is used also to make various pots etc. I already have one pot that I have a bamboo tree in and its very nice. : -) We walked several feet within the underground quarry, now I had flip flops on and it got very cold in there the farther we went down. Can’t tell you how far we went down inside the quarry but there sure were a lot of steps. We made our way into the dimly lit quarry/cave and looked around and talked about the history of this place. I guess during the war they would hide their planes inside the quarry to keep the enemy from spotting them. Good idea never figured out how they got in and out of this place but then again we weren’t allowed to go into a lot of the areas.
Once we made our way outside the gift shop was close by so of course we had to go check out the place. Nobody bought anything but that’s OK it was nice just looking around.
Outside the gift shop down some steps I saw a huge Buddha made of oya stone. What an amazing sight, Becky and Sue had already been here so they knew what to expect. My mouth dropped open as I gazed up at this huge statue. Time to leave and I have wanted to go see Central Park so we take off to find it. Becky tries to find the park; we go over by the Art Museum but still cannot find the park. OH well if I make it back to Japan I will go there then. Becky wants to stop at the grocery to pick up a few things; she has invited hubby and I over for some good home cooked American food……….YUM YUM thank you Becky. ; -)
At Becky’s and Chris’s apartment Becky starts preparing the brownies which we are going to have for dessert tonight. Love it she has decided to top with some ice cream delish……. While she mixed up the brownies I entertained myself with watching a good Numbers show yippee in English again Yippee……….. TV in English is wonderful if I haven’t mentioned that yet. LOL
Becky poured me some chardonnay that I had purchased at the market delish I’m relaxing and having a great time watching one of my favorite shows.
Chris and Marlon have arrived and are happy to be done for the day, the car building is done and talk with the designers is done for now. Dinner was some great pot roast, potatoes and carrots………OMG so good……….: -) Thanks for being so thoughtful Becky and Chris. You helped make our trip wonderful.
Things I learned about Japan:
HOT washcloths delivered to U before you eat
Some Japanese language- when I think of the language I think of Sue…..do you remember the no thank you phrase? LOL
Girls in Utsunomiya love big false eye lashes, and after they leave for school roll their skirts as high as they can get them. Love to dress sexy…….
Food Utsunomiya is known for is gyoza which I love the taste of them.
Teresa Rick-blessing over the food before we eat……an .enter and exit sign in Kanji, tea ceremony is so important to Japanese history and it’s an honor to partake in this activity. Many adventures together thanks for making this adventurous, we so enjoyed spending our weekends with you as this gave Marlon an opportunity to see more of Japan he thanks you both so much. : -) Dressing in a kimono and getting me 3 Happy Coats was a blessing thanks I so wanted to do this. : -) I feel special that Teresa honored me with this activity. Loved Tochigi City and and having coffee at the coffee house so special, thanks for showing me the place to buy my sandals and my big toe socks LOL
Becky ~ learned that the walls around the homes show that is their property. Hotel Feel LOL now the history behind this building is secret……LOL big walls around building and gated. People go there to have sex secretly and the place is well hidden. I mean they even have curtains in front of their cars so when the gates are open and you can see in you can’t see their cars. LOL Belinda and I were lucky to have met you. Taking us to get massages and haircuts, pedi’s and nails done was so special we loved it all. Talk about treatment the Japanese culture treats their customers with so much respect. When you get a hair cut it’s not just a hair cut. You end up getting a head massage, both hands massaged and you back rubbed. These are just some of the things ……….oh yes I don’t want to forget that fabulous dinner.
Nobuku and Takahiro~ thanks for showing Marlon and I the kindness of the Japanese people. The trip to Mosiko and Mooka will be forever embedded in our minds and hearts. Meeting your family and getting to see the 430 year old house was spectacular. Your kindness and generosity was more than we could have ever asked for : -) I still can’t believe I got to sit at the potter’s wheel and make a sake glass!!!! Wow I would never have dreamed that I would get to do this. On top of that we got to purchase something from a famous potter who even the Prime Minister has some of Takashima’s pottery. OH yeah the strawberry farm was delish……. Those 8 quarts of strawberries did not go to waste they were eaten by many and loved. : -) loved meeting Nobuku for lunch with her friends so enjoyed our talk.
Belinda~ thanks for being such a great friend I so enjoyed the three weeks we were together on the Belinda and Donna Adventures will remember this forever........ your the best.......: -)
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