So, we have had two days since I last wrote but they have not been as super-eventful as the last two weeks, but still busy.

We had a free day on Sunday so after much discussion amongst all the students and many plans being made then cancelled we agreed to go ice skating together and then split up. ice skating was fun and since most of them had never tried it, it was a good laugh. There was this 6 year old who kicked butt and made most of us feel super crap but she was so cute we let here away with it.

after that some of the students went to an amusement park and then back to the electronics mecca we went to before.

Myself and Jessi and Tom went to Harajuku and Takeashita street. Yes. Its true. That IS the name of the street. I know its immature to laugh at, but it was fun to discuss plans with that name in the conversation. anyway, Harajuku is a crazy young suburb where lots of teenaged girls dress up in "cos-play" and look like little dolls. It was pretty crazy but fun. Jessi is very into gothic-"visual kei" clothing and bought some crazy dress that looks like a french maid dress and these massive black leather shoe-boots with big silver studs on them. They didn:t have them in my size though so I passed......... : )

So it was funny to meet up with everyone back at the hostel at 6 and hear their stories of navigating their own way through the subway systems and getting lost and all that stuff.

Today we met up with a blind date that Tomi:s mom had set up for him (Kirarra) and went to a TV station. It was neat but I was most excited to get a glimpse of the New EnglandPatriots/Indy Colts football game with 10 minutes left. I was not able to keep the students watching it with me though so I missed out. Poo. At least I should be home for the superbowl!!

Duncan and I bought a plate of Fugu today and tried it. Not too bad, but we all got weirded out that something was going on in our stomachs after. I think it was just imagination though. If you an unsure what I am talking about Fugu is another name for Pufferfish, the fish that has poison in it and you can die if you eat improperly prepared Fugu. It just tasted like squid with a hint of cucumber. Not too deadly. Supposedly if you eat the liver, you can get paralysis in your limbs for up to three days! I heard that it is outlawed to do that now though. Hmmmm......Poor Duncan. He and I were shopping around Shibuya (major busy shopping area) and I said, "that street looks exciting" cause there were lots of lights and Japanese signs (go figure!). Anyway, I noticed a few "red-light" shops and thought, Hmmm, and then noticed a lot of hotels, Hmmm, And then remembered reading about LOVE HOTEL HILL in Shibuya which has a red-light district and there are several love hotels (where rooms are rented for the hour....) on a bit of a hill. I escorted Duncan away before he quite understood what we were amidst. I just fed him some more Fugu and it was all good.....

After all the shopping and TV we went up a really tall building (Tokyo Govt Offices) and on the 45th floor you can get a panoramic view of the whole city. On clear days you can even see Mt Fuji. That is before Tokyo had pollution however. I am destined not to see this mountain, but it looks real nice on postcards. Poo.

For dinner we went out, since it was our last meal together until we leave for home (because they will be at homestays tomorrow). So we went to the Hard Rock Cafe. They found it fun. Too much America for me though. including a 10% service charge added for any bill aftr 4 pm. Almost like the Hard Rock owners couldn:t handle that they don:t tip in Japan so they have to gut the consumer somehow!!

The students are all packing now and getting excited to join a new japanese family tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes.