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Published: March 3rd 2008
sorry it's been a while since i last 'blogged' (?!)
i've had a fairly quiet few weeks with a few rather loud karaoke and dancing sessions dotted in between at the weekends!
the weather is slowly starting to get warmer... i went out without my coat this weekend and the sunshine was really strong with a beautiful blue sky, but today it's absolutely throwing it down with rain so it's feeling a lot colder than it actually is. there's less than a month to go before it'll be warm enough for the cherry blossom to appear and i am SO excited about that! expect PAGES of photos on here when it does!
yesterday, i went to yoshimi's house to participate in many japanese traditions... it was such a special day and really interesting! first, she had invited a friend over to help me into a kimono - it looked like it would only take about 5 minutes to get into but it took at least 40 minutes! she told me that the kimono should always be straight and because i have curvy hips, she had to pad my stomach with towels so the kimono would sit straight! i
had so many layers on and everything was tied so tightly - i don't know how the women move comfortably in them! i also wore the funny socks (with a separate part for your big toe so you can wear sandals)... a very odd feeling! but it was fun to have everyone fussing over me and lots of people were taking photos so i felt like a japanese princess!
then, i had a go at 'ikebana' - flower arranging (crazy rock and roll lifestyle that i lead here eh?!) but i did surprise myself as i did actually enjoy learning about it... their flower arrangements are always very simply designed but look very stylish and elegant.
finally, i took part in the tea ceremony - sitting on my knees for 15 minutes was not easy and everyone laughed at me when i tried to stand up as i was hopping around with pins and needles!
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Lesley
non-member comment
Wow, you look fab in the kimono. Thanks for the super photos, especially the one with you and the (almost) naked men!!! Made Philippa and me smile! Keep the good times going.