The title of this blog is in French to remind me of a story: shortly after I arrived here, I was walking around in a store trying to find things on my shopping list. I was getting a little frustrated at not being able to read the packaging. I picked up a bag, looked at it, and in a very annoyed "tone of thought", prayed: "God, why did I study French?! Why didn't I study Japanese?! French is useless to me here!" Then I turned the package over; there was no English to be seen, but in addition to the Japanese, there was a complete listing of the product in French. It had apparently been manufactured in Vietnam (which has a long history of French influence, for those who didn't know that) as many other products here are. It almost made me laugh out loud in the store. Thanks, God! On to my post about the weekend . . .
On Saturday, my friend from church, Shouji, took me around the area just outside of Utsunomiya. We spent most of the time in Motegi and Mashiko. You don't have to go too far outside of town to see some beautiful countryside and it was wonderful just to drive around and see the scenery.
In Motegi, we went to Michi no Eki, which is translated as roadside station ("road's station", literally). It's kind of a combination rest stop, cafe and farmer's market. I bought some excellent fresh vegetables there. Near Mashiko, we visited an interesting art gallery on a hill, again with a beautiful view of the area.
We also stopped at the Utsunomiya Clan's ancestral cemetery and temple; it was very interesting to see the historical site and walk around on the grounds. Later, on the way back into town, we stopped at another historical site. It's a well-preserved, traditional, country house that was built by one of the early residents of the modern city.
I took several pictures on my cell phone, because I forgot to bring my regular camera. If I can find a convenient way to download the pictures, I'll post them later.
Shouji, thanks again for a fun day!
