A Bizen Birthday
...written on 11.02.01, @ 9:15 p.m.
Fri November 2, 2001 (first entry)
"Kim-san, my presento for you." said Yoko-chin indicating a white and red box with a preprinted message on the lid that read:
"Original cake we made by warm heart. This taste make people who eat this cake warm. Please enjoy delicious time with your important person."
And let me tell you, I really did spend a delicious time with many important people at Bizen last night. I was showered with gifts, good food and attention. Yoko-chin provided the cake, which was a luscious strawberry and cream one I requested, Takagi-san and his wife couldn't make it, but they sent a $50 cantaloupe melon (have I mentioned that fruit is expensive here?). Tsutsumi-san gave me a CD done by a Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute) master. Akari gave me a beautiful scarf with muted purples, blues, and greens, and Yasuyo and Mayumi gave me a paypaya colored one and a miniature wind-up fishing game that delighted all the bar patrons for hours. The owner of Bizen, Yuko and her mother gave me two bunches of flowers to go with Hide's as well as keeping us all in scrumptious food and drink all night long.
Since I was on my bicycle, Akari volunteered to drive all the loot home in her car, so I showed her my apartment and invited her to come over whenever she was had the inclination.
On my desk earlier that day, I found presents from John, Fred and Fred's mother. John gave me a pullover jacket, Fred gave me some incense and a burner and his mother gave me two blouses of the most incredible right on colors for me!
I really enjoyed hearing and seeing all the "Happy Birthdays" that I got either in person, on the phone or by email too.
It was a great day and I enjoyed myself immensely.
Thanks everyone!