1985/7 Japan

Japan
32 Iorino-Cho, Ichijo-ji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto T606
22 December 1985

Dear Oupa

Thank you so much for your letter, your Xmas card and especially your very generous gift. All were most welcome. I am going to save the money until early February when I am planning a trip to the northernmost Japanese island of Hokkaido. In the main city, Sapporo, is held a Snow Festival every year from 5-9. I have seen several photographs of the enormous snow sculptures done by a variety of people each year and they look worth braving the Japan Sea and sub-zero temperatures for. I cannot possibly afford to fly – like everything else in this country (even rice) flying is exorbitant – so I shall be spending two nights on a boat going north and two nights coming south. I have already been warned that the sea is very rough at that time of year. Despite the prospect of sea-sickness, I am very excited and shall put my Xmas money towards the trip and think of you while I am away away. (As opposed to just being away in Japan.) Thank you again.

So – CONGRATULATIONS are in order. I take it you think your granddaughter is the most beautiful creature ever to open her eyes on this world of ours. And so you should. Love and hugs to Mark and Glynis and Samantha.

All the schools are closing down for a couple of weeks now so in order to supplement my waning funds I went out last Friday in search of other work. I was employed by the Kyoto hotel as a trainee baker and started work the following day. I LOVE it. The people I work with are very kind to me and are quite fascinated to have a foreigner in their midst. Every tea time they teach me a few words of Japanese and I reciprocate with a little English. The pay is very low compared to that for teaching, but it’s steady and fun – so!

The blue goodie enclosed is an ORIGAMI crane. Pull gently on the wings and blow into the base and it should stand. It is the symbol of happiness in Japan. One of my students taught me to make it and then supplied me with a whole lot of paper.

I was given an old bicycle by a Canadian on his way back home and rode it to work and back today. It takes about 30 minutes there and 50 minutes back (more traffic and a slight incline). I really enjoy it and am getting some exercise at the same time.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 1986 will see the completion of your church restorations. Your dog sounds wonderful. Give her a hug from me.

Take care now – and keep in touch
Lotsaluv
Gail