Rain, Rain, and More Rain

The first week in Japan has been mostly filled with rain. Our arrival was in the sun virtually until we landed. Then, it was like we landed in Michigan in January with 72 degree weather. My meaning is that for the next 4 days we didn't even see a wink from the sun. The rainy season is just finishing here (rained almost all day for the first four days), and on top of that we were greeted by a typhoon. We never had the bulk of it, and when it was supposed to hit with full force (yesterday), it decided to dissipate. So, in replacement of the typhoon, we had a lovely sea breeze with clear blue skies. It was heavenly. The good thing is that all of the rain allowed us to have a good rest and to get over jet lag.
After arriving in Tokyo we took the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Sendai. I hadn't managed to sleep at all on the airplane (despite my efforts), and I was ready to see the sites of Japan. Once again, despite my efforts I was out like a log on the train. bwuaaa!!! oh well. I will just note here that the train system was really efficient and smooth--and fast (at least I presume).
The first four days were spent mostly indoors. As I cannot think very clearly right now, I'll just list some of the highlights:
--traffic light nostalgia in the Murchie living room (Apparently Jori's dad thought white lighting was a little too bright so he has been experimenting with different colored lights, which currently happen to be red, yellow, and green).
--rain
--giving an introduction speech at Jori's Church. That caught me off guard a little bit. There new pastor was having a welcome lunch after church, and EVERYONE was giving speeches. Of course it was all in Japanese, so I just sat there politely while eating my fair share of sushi (and ginger root straight up--later I found out that was only there for decoration--good to know now, would have been better to know before). Anyway, I had no idea about the flow of the different speeches or what was really going on when Jori was given the microphone. She said something lovely I'm sure, and then gave me the mic for a speech. I felt like I was dropped in the middle of nowhere (ie NO context what so ever). So, I just said a few words about my self. Then a lovely old man raised his hand and said "I have a question" in near perfect English. So I said "ok?" Then he asked the question in near perfect Japanese. Jori translated "he wants to know who is taking care of your mice right now". I had mentioned nothing of my mice, but apparently Jori had, or word travels fast here. An odd experience.
--lots of people
--rain
--being a head taller than everyone
--long walks
--taking the offering at English worship--and the offering prayer (all spur of the moment)
--rain
--very interesting architecture (you'll have to wait for pictures as I am afraid it will take me too long to describe it here)
--rain
--food
--rain
--parking garages (again, pictures will have to do)
--rain
--food
--rain
--um, let's see, what else...oh yeah, it rained some more
Are you getting the picture???
That is why yesterday (and today) has been so wonderful. The city takes on a whole new appearance in the sun light. Sendai is an absolutely beautiful city. Despite the closeness of all buildings, and need for the maximum use of all space, they have managed to plant a good deal of trees and bushes.
Yesterday we went up to the mountains with Jori's friend Shoko and her friend Makoto. They are both very strong Christians, which was great for Jori to see as Shoko was not the last time they saw each other. And now she is on fire. It was refreshing. Anyway, they took us to the mountains and an onsen (hot spring). It was an outdoor onsen, and very beautiful and relaxing --though I was overheating after about 15 min. After that we went to a huge waterfall in the mountains. The only one I have ever seen that is bigger is Niagara. It was awesome. The mountains are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Certainly, they are the greenest mountains I have ever seen. Not one spot was empty. It was all very, very lush--as was the country side in general.
Were hopefully off to the beach now on our bikes. Later