The local shrine in our neighborhood had a summer festival this past Sunday. The kids were excited to go because they associate the word festival with games and food. I was excited to go because it was to be small and the flyer had free next to the games listed.
When we first arrived we were greeted by this Chinowa - a large circle made of grass. You walk through it several times in the shape of a figure 8 and then you have good health for the rest of the year.
It was an actual religious ceremony called a Yudate. I think they were blessing the grass/rice/bamboo. Not sure. But it was interesting to watch.
More blessings
Then the head guy walked everyone through the circle together.Then it was time for games.
At all the other festivals, they have these games where the kids use a paper spoon to try to scoop something out of the water (fish, balls, toys). I hated to spend the $3 to let them play knowing that they didn't understand and would keep the paper scoop in the water long enough that it would only fall apart and they would be disappointed. And if they did happen to figure it out, what was I going to do with goldfish. Well, it was free that day and they had bowls to help the kids "win" A fish. We started with 3 (one for RJ, 2 for Sara). By the time we got home we had 15!! Now what do you do with 15 goldfish when you know you are leaving in less than 2 weeks...we cut open a water bottle, piled them all in and bought some fish food. Now RJ really wants a fish when we get home. I promised him one when we get into our new house (whenever or where ever that may be). Hey at least he doesn't want a hamster anymore.
RJ's fish
Sara playing in the water
Mommy helping RJ with his fish
Proud papa!
PET fish (that was Mitch's pun - it is a PET bottle). 12 have survived thus far.On to more games...
This game there is a metal hook on the end of a paper string. You have to catch a balloon with the hook before the paper string falls apart. I think each kid ended up with 3
Merry and Chiaki - one of my former university students.
Me and one of my current university students. Her son was a bit shy but Sara kept brushing his sweaty hair out of his face for him. It was cute.
This game there is a metal hook on the end of a paper string. You have to catch a balloon with the hook before the paper string falls apart. I think each kid ended up with 3
Merry and Chiaki - one of my former university students.
Me and one of my current university students. Her son was a bit shy but Sara kept brushing his sweaty hair out of his face for him. It was cute.
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