Lots of momiji!

Can you find Raul?



probably one of my favorite photographs of all time.^

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The first day I was here, I saw a lot of the Arashiyama momiji sites. Then yesterday, me, za parents and anjee went to toufukuji, which was natsukashi, which means nostalgic? It's the area where Raul's highschool was, and we met there daily when I came to Japan the first time. If you are extremely familiar with the video and photos that I took during past trips, you'll notice that a family mart has recently been constructed near the station.
After toufukuji, we walked to the grandparents/aunt and uncle's house. It was nice to see all of them, and I hope to see them a few more times before returning to America. Then we went to fushimi-inari, the place with all the torii (gates). That place is fun. I thought of a cool idea for a painting too. It is related to the gates and thus not off topic. After that, we got some soba then went back to the house to wait for raul. Juan, the uncle, showed us the stones that he makes paint out of.
Theeen we went to kodaiji, which is one of the temples that does 'light up', so that you can look at the pretty momiji colors at night. It was fun, and pretty. but! I prefer day. Night should be dark maybe? Also, there were many many people. It was like standing in a line at disney land. And since it is so painstakingly gardened, lit dramatically, parts are roped off, it really is closer to disney land than nature in feel. I also had the feeling of video games. Especially onimusha, just because I played that game quite a bit. I don't think I like the momiji in a way that can be enjoyed fully in the environment of light up. I would rather sit, and relax, or stroll in a less contrived environment to somehow enjoy the whole experience not just marvel at leaves being different colors. But still, its apples and pineapples in a sense, and I am still glad that I went to light up.
Today I had a leisurely morning and early afternoon. Did some studying. Then we went to a local temple. yappari arashiyama is saikou. I really like the areas near raul's house, they are pretty, more quaint and less crowded. For dinner we had nabe nabe and birthday cake. the white chocolate with writing has my name on it, for those who are rusty on their katakana. It was exciting to have my birthday celebrated (it's on the 9th).
Tomorrow is fun with anjee and haruka, then a late ride to shinjuku. then to school. I'll be extremely tired by the time I get home.
One of my goals is to learn to make tai curry. And I think I will attempt to do it in nabe form. I think that it could possible be the best culinary feat of all time. Not for difficulty or any particular deliciousness, just overall happiness bestowed upon the eater. Nabe is great because you take a delicious flavor, and just keep on adding substance to it, such that the sauce never really runs out. (Though I imagine it would tend toward zero given infinite appetite.) So, without knowing exactly how much you've eaten, you eat the serving, potentially of thai curry, of a quantity that can be determined at the end instead of the beginning of the eating period. how wonderful!