So, the last week came, and quickly it flew away. It wasn't too busy, but I tried to soak up the end of my time in Hakodate. On
Monday (8/4), I had a nice lunch with many of my classmates at a restaurant nearby. On the way home, as I walked down my block, a woman working out in front of her house called out to me, "It's hot, isn't it?" and began a conversation with me. Another example of the ubiquitous kindness and genuine interest of the people here. She wished me luck with my last few days, and her kindness really made my day.
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| Japan's first concrete telephone pole… exciting. |
For dinner, Okaasan prepared each of the squid dishes that are mentioned in the Hakodate "Squid Dance," which was a touching gesture. It was a lot of squid, and I could handle all of it except for the soaked squid ears. There was also meat, and when I asked what it was, she pointed to her tongue – and I understood.
Tuesday (8/5) wasn't especially eventful. We had one more shamisen lesson – since the teachers wanted us to perform at the sayonara (farewell) party at the end of the week. I gave my shamisen teacher a thank-you card for having taken the time out to teach me. Afterwards, my friend Aaron and I began a deep philosophical conversation as we walked to the train station before heading home.
Wednesday (8/6) was the last day of classes. After class, many of us ate in the HIF cafeteria. That evening, Okaasan had received tickets to a maritime band concert in the neighboring town, so the three of us went, and picked up a friend of hers on the way. The next day was the final exam, but I wasn't going to pass up this opportunity to hear more music and spend more time with my host family! Okaasan picked up some teriyaki burgers from Lucky Pierrot for us, (which were more delicious than the Chinese Chicken burger I had previously tried). Before the concert, a few of the musicians sung a few a cappella songs, which was a fun reminder of what my upcoming year would bring.
The concert itself was fun – a big-band feel, with everyone in uniform – and included a mix of Japanese and familiar American tunes (e.g. Benny Goodman's "Sing Sing Sing"). They played about 3 encores before it was all over. Afterwards, we went to an izakaya for some dinner, and tried out some different foods, beer, and a sake.
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| My B-gumi classmates |
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| Fish tank at the izakaya |
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| A man contemplating outside the Starbucks |
Thursday (8/7) was the final exam, which went fine and actually didn't take very long. Afterward, our class decided to go out for lunch together, and we invited our teacher to come with us as well. We waited for a while outside a popular ramen restaurant, and the food ended up being very delicious! After lunch, a few of us went searching for a gift to give our teacher, and I explored a bit on my own to find some fun things for my siblings. At the end of the night, Okaasan, Nick and I took a final trip to the onsen, and it was the best yet. After bathing in all of the hot pools, I got into the very cold pool, (which I had previously avoided because I thought it would be too cold), and it was extremely refreshing.
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| A celebratory ramen lunch |
Friday (8/8), finally, was my last full day in Hakodate. We got up early in the morning to be on time for the closing ceremony, followed by the farewell party, where there were donuts and tea, and where each class had to give a small performance. We created our own lyrics to a popular Japanese song, talking about our "family-like" class, jokingly complaining about the workload, etc.
In the afternoon, Okaasan, Nick and I revisited the delicious soba restaurant we had gone to a few weeks earlier. We then drove out to Onuma, the nearby town with a beautiful lake, and after walking around a bit we decided to do a pedal-boat for half an hour. Before going home, we sampled the local soft serve (of course) and an extremely delicious beer (which apparently won a national prize).
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| The view of the mountain from the middle of the lake |
For our final meal, Okaasan put together a huge sampling of different fish for us to make our own sushi rolls. The whole family came, including Okaasan's husband and son, and it was a really enjoyable (and, of course, delicious) time together.
After everyone left – and we had to say goodbye to Mariko, Kento, and little Haruto – the (American) Transformers movie was on the TV, so we watched it as I avoided packing up my room for my flight the next day.
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| My room, prior to packing, the night before my flight |
Saturday (8/9), Okaasan drove me to the airport and helped make sure I got my ticket, got my bags checked, and made it through security alright. She also sent me off with some last minute souvenirs, as well as a prepared lunch, which was very kind. Mariko also showed up at the airport before work to say goodbye. After some near-tearful hugs, I went through security and waved goodbye – or, at least, goodbye for now.
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| My final Japanese meal, provided by my host mother |
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The street where I lived for two months.
So long, Hakodate. |
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