The Day I Became NINJA...and did other stuff in Mie

WOW! It has been a while. Sorry about that, but I haven't been doing much since my last day trip. Unless you wanted pics of me at work or in meetings or what not, I had nothing for you...until now.
I think the title pretty much sums up everything. But, I guess I will give you bit more details on my day. Linda invited Margaret and I on a trip to Iga, Mie. The trip was set up by her part-time bosses of MMM English School. I went to their party a few weeks ago, and for some odd reason they liked and asked if I wanted to go with them to Iga. Of course I said yes. And here is what we did there:



Don't we look all snug as a bug.


After an hour of driving, we arrived in Shiga. One hour down, about an hour and some change left...on the road again.


Our first stop was to Tanuki Mura. The Tanuki is a well endowed Japanese mythical creature that has become somewhat of a good-luck charm for bringing prosperity. Here in this part of Japan, they are EVERYWHERE! Here is the group I went with as they are being surrounded by the somewhat scary things.


Sometimes I feel like some body's watching me and I got no privacy...


We are being watched...


The SUPER CUTE clay turtles. I had to buy one: the yellow one, and her name is Na-chan (ナッチャン) which is the nickname given to girls here named Summer.


Stop 2: we painted clay plates. I have no idea what I painted, but if you can see something, then it was a success.


Here's the back. The kanji at the bottom is my name (Natsu-夏).


Me and the Tanuki. Do you see what I mean? His "danglies" hang pretty low there.


Creepy huh?


Next up, lunch. On today's menu was chicken, beef nabe (hot plate) with udon, rice, and the yellow stuff in the bowl I gave away to Margaret (along with all of my icky mushrooms).


Beef nabe with udon...yum-a-licious


...and still they look on...


Me and my new roommate Linda!!


Ninja Tanuki-a preview of what my life will soon become.


Tiny ninja in training taking a walk with mom.


The castle we must invade.


Almost there...





LOL!! It had to be done


Off to battle


Summer...


Linda...


Margaret...


Don't test me...I have a sword and I'm not afraid to use it.


Kage bunshin no jitusu!





Our store of weapons


Katana-刀


Like Vega from Street Fighter, I scratch you...LOL!





Round 1...FIGHT!! WE ARE NINJA (忍者）!!!


For Kunoichi (くの一) only (female ninja)


For the boys to get their tinkles on


Our final stop: Kameyama. We took a breather here and got some ice cream. It was a great way to wind down our day of playing with Tanuki and fighting.