Thursday night, after Jerry got back from work, Laura and I packed up in the car and drove to Kanazawa! We stayed the night at Toyoko Inn. The rooms were really tiny. Only two maybe twin size beds with a bit of room between and a desk. And a small bathroom. After discussing our plans for the next day, we played some cribbage and then went to bed.
We woke up around 6:30-7, got ready, deposited our luggage in the car, and then walked to Starbucks! We then got in the car and drove to Kanazawa, Kenroku-en. Kanazawa castle is one of the only castles still standing in Japan, and its being renovated. Kenroku-en is the huge garden belonging to the Kanazawa castle. Laura and I didn't go over to the castle, but we did walk around Kenroku-en. There is a stone lantern that is very famous in this garden, and it has because the face of Kenroku-en. Also, in the same area of the park, is this pine tree that they have "trained" to spread out over a pond. It was really awesome to see. We also went and saw the Shrine and Sacred Well just outside of Kenroku-en. The Samurai house remains were over that way, too, but we didn't stop to see them.
After looking at the shrine, we went to Seisonkaku, which is the mother-in-law's house. Funny enough, this house is basically on the other side of the garden from the castle. :D Seisonkaku was gorgeous, though. Inside, they had little displays of things owned by the castle family like Kimonos, hair pins, boxes, more. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but it was really cool to see.
We also went to a museum for prefectural art. This stuff was AMAZING. All handmade. They had laquere wear, had embriodered silk kimonos, as well as other hand painted and hand crafted items. It was awesome.
We looked around at the little shops after that. They had sweets shops, pottery shops, just all around gift shops, and more. One shop, because gold leaf is a well known product in Kanazawa, had gold leaf ice cream; ice cream with flecks of gold leaf in it. It was 600 yen a cone (about $6)! After checking out all the shops our little hearts desired, as well as buying omeyage (presents), we ate lunch at McDonalds and headed back to Kashiwazaki in time for Gyon Matsuri. Gyon Matsuri is like a cultural festival. Today was dancing in the street, which I actually was able to do a bit with Keiko. It was fun. Tomorrow is "Take your god for a walk" day. Basically, all the shrines bring out their portable shrines and walk the streets. Sunday is the fireworks, and I am way excited to wear my yukata for them!
Tomorrow, I am doing a homestay with Rie Sasaki. It's going to be interesting, indeed. Then this next week is English Camp. Please pray for English Camp and the success of reaching those who are tied to ECS!

Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=287700&id=814700376

Gyon Matsuri Video:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=250407605376&ref=nf