A Fuller Weekend

 For lunch today Susan and I met Natsuki at a cafe near campus - natural cafe.

Susan had never been there, so we had a bit a walk to find the place. Since the concept of zoning for residential, commercial, or industrial does not exist here, the cafe is between two houses down a blind alley.  The food was very good.  I had a salad with tuna sashimi, avocado, cabbage, red radish (as opposed to daikon), and shredded seaweed.  It was on a dome of rice.  We chatted about a few things.  I hope the two of them had as nice a meal as I did.

Returning to campus was an adventure.  Susan has seen students take a shortcut from campus in the direction of the cafe, so we decided to try to find it on our return.  This was our route.  I apologize for the drawing.  The battery in my stylus died and I had to use a mouse.

I don't think we followed it exactly.  Neither does Susan.  The main reason is we had to jump over a canal.  Now, it was narrow enough that I could make a very large step and make it.  Susan, however, is not as tall as I am and wore a skirt that comes down to just above her ankles.  This is not some flow-y sundress skirt.  It does not really allow for large strides or easy jumping.  So, we took advantage of our non-Japanese nature.  I, on the far side of the canal, reached back across and helped Susan make the jump.  Truth be told, after she made it I wasn't sure she really needed me.  Before the jump, though, I think we were both wondering how she was going to explain her soaking wet skirt and sopping shoes when we returned to campus.  Fortunately, she was dry and safe and no one had turned an ankle or tore any clothing.

Before we left the cafe, Natsuki asked me if I wanted to go surfing.  She seemed a little surprised by how quickly I said "yes."  "Really?"  I've done paddle boarding with Jen and been water skiing a few times in the past.  Surfing is kind of a big deal here.  Many people do it.  One of the students here is a professional surfer who competes at meets around the world.  This Saturday morning I will be picked up at 7:45 and have a surfing lesson from a professional surfer and a yoga instructor/dancer.  We'll finish around noon.

Now, I just need to make sure my suit is tight enough around the waist.