GION, and Summer festivals, and more...

How was the 3-day weekend? I was really lucky because I got a special tour around GION Festival in Kyoto. My friend was born and grew up in Kyoto, a native! One of her classmates from school is part of one of the big lit-up carriages, like seen above, so I could go inside one and climb to the top. On the top, there are children and adults dressed in yukatas. The children played the drums, and the adults that I saw played the flute. Also, there were some people singing. It was a very unique experience, and I really appreciated my friend`s hospitality.

This was not my first time to Gion festival, but it seemed like it was my first time. I really like the lanterns and music and colorful kimonos and yukatas of all the people. In my hometown Philadelphia, we have a big summer parade, and some big fireworks festivals, but nothing like this. It is really quite an event!

Yesterday the Earth was angry I think. There were many earthquakes and tremors all over Northern Japan. Some people died and many were injured or left without a home...It is such a tragedy. The weather around here was rainy with some thunderstorms...Even in Osaka, some people felt the earthquake. One person just told me that a clock feel off the wall and broke in her office. As I watched the news, many people said "there is no water, no water..." I think that I should stock up on water just in case...

Did you watch the news last week? Everyday Prime Minister Abe was on t.v. The election is coming soon...July 19th. Are you gonna vote? Which party do you support?

Have a good one!