3 Inches from a Russian polar bear

We've been continuing to have a great time here in Japan. Unfortunately it is almost over. Tonight will be sort of a grand finale for food when we go to Arai's, a gourmet sushi chef! I can't wait.

We've had various recent adventures, many of which are slipping my mind right now. Thankfully we have been taking some pictures and they are refreshing my memory.

We went out with some of Jori's old friends. We had a great time, including some great food.

We visited a local bar that Jori and her family used frequent growing up. This isn't what you would think of as a typical American bar, but rather just a restaurant that serves beer. Jori was sad to hear that this will be her last trip to this restaurant as they will be closing up shop this coming March.

We also went to the Sendai Zoo (and dinner) with Jori's former piano teacher. It is a little hard to see here, but at one point Isaiah and I were 3 inches away from a Russian polar bear. It even tried to lick Isaiah (but for the three inches of glass he would have).