Geisha Picnic

Some girls have all the fun.

Matsuri

It's neighborhood festival time (matsuri), and like a good citizen, Nia was there to tow her bit of the line. If you look closely at the group shots (the first four pics), you'll see Nia at center stage. The final shot speaks for itself. Nice outfit, Nia!

The big guy behind Nia in the first photo is Ma-chan, the husband of Hiromi's friend Sayo, who appears elsewhere in this site (see below). Ma-chan is an expert carpenter and is helping us maintain the Kyoto house. Arigato, Ma-chan!!

The Family Who Pedals Together

Watch out, Lance Armstrong.

Way Too Much Fun

Doing what they do best.

Gang's All Here

A recent visit from Hiromi's friends Manabu (striped shirt), Kazu (tank top), and Kengo (glasses). Manabu and Kazu form the band KS1, with Manabu on 6-string and Kazu on bass (guitar, not fish). Rock on, gentlemen.

Alysa (Again)

Here is Alysa again (see below). Accompanied by her brother and pooch.

Eeeeeek...a Mouse!

Nia is very excited about returning to Florida next week.

School Friends Revisited

These children are all from Nia's summer school. They had a big play day at someone's house last week. And a bit of a farewell for Nia. She and Hiromi will be back in Florida next week.

A Day With Alysa-San

This is Hiromi's close friend Alysa (and Alysa's mom in the last image). Alysa is currently living in France and is home for a visit. Hiromi and Nia spent the day with her recently.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is the northwest corner of Kyoto. Beautiful. Popular tourist (mostly Japanese!) tourists. This is where the Katsura River exits Hozu Gorge and cuts through Kyoto. Hiking up Hozu Gorger from Arashiyama is excellent. Japanese monkeys live back in there. The nice lady holding Nia in the last shot is our friend Saya Deme, featued elsewhere in this site.