dear rustin

Dear Rustin,

Thank you for what was certainly the mother of all reunions! Here I am, nearly 2 weeks after wrapping up our excursion, STILL thinking about the sights and sounds and smells (not a nice memory) of Asia! It was so enjoyable and I have to say that our friendship (has it really been 7 years ?!) has never been better! With that said, I am so happy you got to take in some of Japan...it was brief but it was super-traditional. Here are some snapshots of our ryokan experience-complete w/ public bath and ultra-traditional-ultra-impalatable meals.

Thanks again for things innumerable to count... Just know that I think you define the words "best friend". See you in 6! anne

99% sashimi....panic ensues, but after the hotel staff served the meal and left---I spastically starting throwing everything on the nabe cooker. Whew..i was able to salvage some of the edible items, but had no way of hiding the fact that I wasn't going to eat things with a live heartbeat. Still can't shake this sashimiphobia.

Little eye candy for the readers...yknow how it goes.

Flashing the deuce...evidence of assimilation in progress.

This is Rustin psyching himself up for one of the scariest breakfasts he'll ever have in his life. It's one thing to actually STOMACH these foods, but my appetite is destroyed at the mere sight of it. I know that's closed minded and culturally insensitive....but it's true. Returning to Japanese food was a bit of a mental and digestive shock. Fortunately, the warm generosity of its people, and infectious students who always offer a genki "harrow" more than make up for the semi-appetizing, but quite aesthetic, foods and flavors. It feels good to be home!

Anne & Rustin * Narita, Japan * January 2006