Nobu's mom came into the city for a visit and we went to walk the grounds of Osaka Castle - beautiful - We had some lunch and later met Nobu's sister for coffee at a cafe- [View Full Entry]

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Monday we had a lunch with 2 of Ted's Kappore dance teachers. Kappore is a traditional Japanese Dance that portrays different stories. Ted is the first Westerner to be part of the troupe. In October they will be performing on stage at a prestigious Cultural Center in Osaka (The Osaka Bunraku Hall). Iemoto and Souke who are heads of Kappore dance in Japan - Ted is honored to be included in the program and more honored to have a solo dance Yakko-san - placed on the program amoung the best teachers. Two of his teachers Chiyomaru and Lanmaru took us to [View Full Entry]

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These didn't upload yesterday - try try again... [View Full Entry]

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We were up early today - after a rainy day at the Nuclear Bomb museum and Peace Park we were happy to see the sun. After an interesting breakfast at the hotel, we hopped on an electric street car (a la 1950's) and headed off to the Port of Hiroshima for a boat ride to Miyajima Island and a visit to the Peace Shrine - highligted by a red gate out in the water - that the water will bring waves of peace to flow through the gate. . . we prayed for peace for our world, for all the children [View Full Entry]

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A very sobering experience. [View Full Entry]

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Great evening! [View Full Entry]

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The dinner at Nobu's mom's restaurant was delightful - an Okinawan restaurant in a neighborhood setting- with a spacious tatami room upstairs for parties, meetings, Karoke - Keiko is busy getting ready for the upcoming holiday celebrations. The restaurant has been open for 2 years now, and we wish her every success. During our meal, Keiko's realtor popped by for a visit - delightful gentlemen who played the Shamisen for us - even Bob joined in - this was after a round of snake liquor! After a nice evening meeting Nobu's family, we were back to Ted's apartment to get ready [View Full Entry]

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The food was so beautifully prepared and presented - just a challenge to our Western palates.... [View Full Entry]

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The slimy seafood dish was tasted by Dad, I watched and decided to share mine with Ted and Nobu. It is a very healthful dish, filling those who partake with energy and youthful appearance - Nobu's mom Keiko looks 20 years younger than her real age, and despite all this, I just couldn't do it. Thankfully, while Keiko was in the kitchen Ted ate my portion! [View Full Entry]

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We were up early today and took the train to Umeda trying to find Sunday mass - the church it turns out was torn down a few years ago- so, back to Daikokucho for breakfast with Ted and Nobu. We were invited to Ryu Kyu - Nobu's mothers Okinawan restaurant for dinner Sunday evening - Ted and Nobu wanted to bring a pumpkin pie (Nobu has been very excited about making pumpkin pie) so we were off to shop for some needed ingredients - Shopping was fun and we were looking forward to an evening meeting Nobu's mom Keiko. Pumpkin pie [View Full Entry]

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