oops, been awhile

Sometimes we post everyday, sometimes every two weeks. That's just the way things are.

We had meant to go out and enjoy ourselves a bit this weekend - clubbing in Tokyo last night and marching with the union this morning - but our plans were derailed by bouts of Norwalk virus. Nasty stuff. We each spent the better part of two days vomiting, often while simultaneously producing something much like "Type 7" on the Bristol Stool Chart. Anyway, we spent all of this weekend just sitting around, but we actually did get out and do stuff last weekend. I even have pictures.

First off, Subaru's slight weight problem has led to occasional breathing problems, so last Saturday it was time for him to make another of his periodic visits to the vet. Our ventrinarian is the brother of a teacher Sam worked with in Kisarazu two years ago, and a very nice guy. He also studied in Australia, so he speaks a bit of English. His office is about an hour away, so everyone piled into the car:

Trabi was pretty freaked out for most of the drive, but here something caught his attention.

Subaru thought the window was the greatest thing in the world...

... except for the dashboard.

The next day (Sunday the 4th), we joined some friends for a trip to Katsuura (about two hours down the peninsula on the Pacific side), which apparently has the largest Hinamatsuri display in all of Japan. That Wikipedia link can explain it better than I can, but basically it's an annual festival that has its roots in the old belief that dolls could contain evil spirits (and therefore keep such spirits away from the dolls owner). The modern version seems to be more about ensuring good luck for daughters over the coming year.

Anyway, here are some photos of the displays:

These were the dolls made by kids at the local preschools. While we were there little kids (some dressed in mini kimonos) were running around pointing out their works to their parents.

A very large set of dolls. The big dolls on the upper shelf represent the emperor and empress. Each of these dolls was about a meter tall.

This is said to be the largest display of dolls in Japan. Not hard to believe, since they're arrayed on over 60 steps at the entrance to the Tomisaki Temple. Over 1,200 dolls are placed to form the display.