my family came to visit me from april 13-28. i only got to see them for two weekends because i worked during the weeks. its always strange and a little fun when two worlds collide. my japanese world and my american world. its also fun to show people what ive been doing for the past 9 months… i can see how it would be a little difficult to fully understand what my life is like over here… it’s strange ..and sometimes i have brief realizations while im driving or biking or staring into space at my desk at work – that im living in the middle of nowhere, japan

its nice remembering how awesome my family is though, sometimes i forget how nice it is having people around that you love and think are so interesting and fun. I forget that i have a built in support network- people who will love me no matter what im doing. being away from my home has made me appreciate how much i love my family and friends. they are all so so so wonderful. I’m happy that im consciously appreciating these things. on the downside, im crazy sappy when it comes to many things… goodbyes- im a blubbering idiot… sometimes when i look at the elementary schoolers that i teach… when im driving or biking through beautiful scenery or listening to good music… or when i watch greys anatomy. im a nutjob

i only wish my brother could have come!

visiting some fish factories/fisheries:

train:

okonomiyaki:

always mr sleepypants:

taking over tokyo:

my moms getting the hang of it :

this is where i come from:

with 10 million screaming school girls. i think they were frightened:

my japanese and american family (eating shojin ryori- buddhist monk veg food):

learning to make soba:

…

trevor:

tofu restaurant:

yo mom

me and moms

family purikura