Day 12: Oct. 29, Wednesday

This morning I (Kate) went for a run around our neighborhood. It wasn't the first time I've gone jogging here, but I am still not used to the stares I receive when I'm out. I've encountered two other runners the whole time we've been here, and both were men. The men I pass seem to find me mildly amusing -- they sort of smile to themselves and look the other way. The women, though, stare openly as I approach. They often even turn around to watch me run away from them! I'm not quite sure why this is, because I know marathon running is popular here. Surely some marathoners must be women? Not to imply my "wogging" is the same sport as marathon running!

Anyway, on the jog I decided that I could take the scenic route that Joe and I took with the boys a few days back. Big mistake. About 10 minutes into the run I realized I had no idea where I was. On the horizon was a large apartment building that looked SORT of like one that MIGHT be close to our building. So I ran towards that. Nope. Not the one. Long story short, I had to resort to walking my sweaty self up to strangers and saying, "Sumimasen" (excuse me) and then pointing to the card I carry that says my name and our address in Japanese and shrugging my shoulders. Each of the 4 people I asked were eager to help, pointing and gesticulating and chuckling when I explained that I didn't understand Japanese. Eventually I got home, but talk about humbling. I'll stay on the main roads from now on.

In the afternoon, Archer, Malcolm and I hung out at the playground across the street. It's a sad little plot with a tall metal slide and two bouncy horses. Of course, the boys love it. Today there were about ten little girls playing there, all between the ages of 6 and 9. They delighted in practicing their English with me, saying over and over "My name is Miko. Please to meetchu! Please to meetchu!" They also showered us with gifts of stationery and stickers. Archer was totally in heaven, running around shouting "Konichiwa! Hello!" He was just so happy to be with other kids. He really misses his friends back home.

Also, the ice cream taste test continues. Joe is totally a glutton for punishment and buys the most disgusting looking treats he can find. Wait until you see the one that's in our freezer. [Joe notes: I'm scared of it. One word: Corn.] But, this one, he claimed wasn't too bad.

Kate is skeptical.

I decided to try it with my eyes closed so the sight of red beans or whatever I would find in the middle wouldn't bias me.

...And red beans it is! Really it was pretty good though.

He bought some little cakes from a nearby bakery that advertises "A completely new flavor created by the combination of chocolate and custard." Color us interested! They were wrapped very nicely and even came with their own ice pack. Actually, they were the best desserts we've had so far. But they didn't have custard or chocolate in them. Hmmm...