My language school
The Isawaonsen station
What is becoming an ordinary experience for me may be somewhat interesting to some of you. Every week I go to Japanese lessons in Kofu, the largest city in this area. The cheapskate in me has figured out how to get there the cheapest way! I drive the itty bitty car which, by the way, I love (I feel one with my car, for those of you who are familiar with my driving preferences!) to the Isawaonsen station which is pictured here. I park in Akihiro's parking space that he rents there and take the train about 7 minutes to Kofu Station. When I go on Tuesdays I always sit by this cute little elderly lady on the train and try to speak a little Japanese to her! Our schedules must be the same and we always ride in the same train car. She gave me what I thought was some candy the last time, but, yuck, I think it was a cough drop. Once I get to Kofu, I frequent a French bakery where I can choose my own meal for lunch--just grab a tray and pick up what you want--sounds easy enough, huh! Well, not entirely. Some of these little baked goods look delicious on the outside, but inside they have seaweed or fish or funny tasting things! Well, I am learning, though--their cream cheese apple rolls are delicious! Another learning experience was getting in the right line to pay--I had no clue I was getting in the "take out" line. I was trying to tell them that I didn't need everything all wrapped up! Finally the other day we got it figured out and I figured out that there was a different line for "dining in"! I like to sit at the window and watch the taxis outside the station. I haven't quite figured out their system yet, but it is fun to see about 20 taxis and their drivers hanging out waiting for a job. It is also entertaining to see the crazy fashions walking by on the streets! Somehow Japanese women think that it is fashionable to wear a long baggy sweater, jean shorts, leggings, and funky high heeled shoes! Then I walk about 15 minutes to my language school--also pictured. The traffic lights have this funny little Japanese tune that changes with the signals--"walk" and "don't walk"! I am taping some things for my class, so I decided to tape these songs too! Maybe I will have a recording soon of Japanese sounds! Anyway, the whole trip costs me only 100 yen, instead of 900 yen if I pay to park at Kofu station!