It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...kinda.

Happy Advent, friends!

Yesterday was the third Sunday of Advent, which means that Christmas is coming up FAST!  I can't believe how quickly December is flying by, but isn't that always the case?  It's like the one month and season of the year that you want to really savor and enjoy just disappears before you can realize it.  But I have been living it up as much as I can here in Japan with Christmas parties, gifts, and traditions of my own until I can join you all in snowy Minnesota for the actual holiday.

We returned to Bran once again for our monthly Beatles concert, and this one was the best yet.  The place was packed, and our table was full of students and friends who we've made in the past few months.  At one point, we had almost everyone in the place up and dancing.  They played "Happy Xmas (War is Over)," and while we were all swaying together to the music, arms around each other, I looked around and realized just how great all of these friends are that I've made here.  We are an eclectic group, for sure - three American teachers, a nurse, her friend, a restaurant chef, a Thai masseuse, and the staff of the bar, but we always have a fantastic time.

My student hosted a Christmas party at her house for us that included delicious food, hilarious old photos, and LOTS of Wii.  We all took turns trying out Wii fit, which kept us entertained for a LONG time.  Watching each other do the hula hoop game or try yoga poses was pretty hilarious!  She and her family are like my Japanese family, and I'm so glad that I've gotten to know them so well.

Such a happy Christmas group!

We had some big news here this month: our friend Aki is ENGAGED!  This is the guy who is a friend to all OBC teachers, and when we were introduced to him, we were told that he is one of those forever-bachelors.  Well, not anymore!  The thing is, he's been engaged since August and is just now telling people!  Sarah and I noticed a ring on his girlfriend's (really fiancee's) finger a couple months ago, but we didn't say anything because we weren't sure.  But it's true!  The wedding is next December, and I'm going to do everything I can to get back here for it.  We went out to dinner to celebrate, but we're going to have to throw him some kind of engagement party before we leave.

We went out to the place that does the aweome coffee designs.  Mine was the Santa!  I literally squealed with delight when the waitress brought it out, and she laughed.

This past Saturday, Sarah and I went to Kobe for the day.  One of her students told her about this HUGE illumination that they do each year to remember the 5,000 people who died in the Kobe earthquake of 1995.  If we didn't kow what it was for, I would've thought it was just a giant Christmas display, because it was about 3 city blocks of lighted archways.  But it was beautiful, and a really unique experience.  We stood in line for about an hour and weaved ourselves through probably 10-15 city blocks that were full curb-to-curb with people waiting to see this illumination.  I imagine that it's kind of what Times Square feels like on New Year's Eve, but much warmer.  At the end of the archway was a huge lighted display that looked like some kind of Christmas castle, and in the middle was a gazebo that said "Happy Holidays."  So maybe it was a little bit of a Christmas display?  If I could read and/or speak Japanese, I'd be able to tell you for sure, but I do think there's a little bit of magic in the mystery of it all.

Chinatown in Kobe

Kinda like in Minneapolis?

Kobe

Kobe Tower

Kobe is a port city, so this is a historical ship in the port area.  (Don't know the history, don't speak Japanese.)

The beginning of the line.

It got darker, we turned some corners, and we got to walk down this pretty street.

Worth the wait.

They all thought it was worth the wait, too.

The Christmas castle of sorts.

Kobe is a fantastic city, and I really wish I could've spent more time there.  I did get to eat some real Kobe beef in Kobe, and it was delicious. 

I spent the better part of yesterday finishing up some Christmas shopping.  It's so much more of an ordeal when I have to bike everywhere, but I do love getting gifts for people.  And this year it's great, because I'll get to share a little bit of Japan with them!  Plus, mass in English!  Always the best Sunday of the month!

I hope you are all safe and warm in the blizzard that struck.  I know some of you will hate this, but I really wish I could be there for the snow.  I love blizzards and getting snowed in!  Instead, I'm stuck inside today because of rain.  I'll be home in 10 days, though, and I'll get to experience plenty of snow for myself!

Take care!