Tajimi Welcomes Us

We have arrived in our host city and they are making us feel very welcome. Today I went out for a jog very early. Tajimi was getting ready for a work day with commuters going to work and markets preparing to open. I met a woman walking her dog. We had a long conversation, unfortunately I don`t understand Japanese, but I do know that her dog is 5 years old and can catch tennis balls. It was a pleasant way to meet a resident of the city.
Our first official stop of the day was to City Hall where the Mayor welcomed us. From there were toured a local temple which was unbelievably beautiful. In the afternoon we went to the Museum of Modern Ceramic Arts. It was very interesting but we all wanted to go to the giftshop. You can check it out at www.cpm-gifu.jp/museum. Tomorrow we visit a middle school. I will give a short speech on the morning announcements. Fortunately, a translator goes with throughout the trip.

You can't make this stuff up...
At lunch I asked for tea instead of the coffee being offered. The server thought I didn`t want to use the mugs that were set out so she brought me a tea cup and saucer. Then I said, "tea". She pointed to a pitcher of iced tea. I said "no, hot tea". She poured the iced tea into a pot and heated it up for me. No kidding.

Luv U BAD