A bunch of American snacks

I brought a 65 liter backpack full of American snacks for Seika and her family. If I could do it again, I would have packed it in a hardshell suitcase or at least a rectangular suitcase. All the treats made it through, but the Reese’s peanut butter cups had formed an entirely new shape after getting squashed during transit; and the tortilla chips meant for dipping into the various salsas I brought now resembled breadcrumbs. They will still taste good, but their new shapes were unexpected for me.

Although, I do argue that it is very American to cram so many snacks into luggage that it would be a bit squashed, so maybe it is actually more authentic this way! They were all very excited about the treats. Mom was especially excited about the kraft mac and cheese, Dad was excited about the Reese’s because he loves peanut butter, and Seika was excited about the fruit roll ups and goldfish. They were all very excited about the hot sauces and salsas.

This evening, Seika and her boyfriend baked the box mix yellow cake. It turned out very delicious and very American! The family also had the Campbell’s chicken noodle soup and added some Valentina hot sauce to it. It was delicious!

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa

I am eager to meet all of Seika’s loved ones. Seika, her boyfriend, and I visited her grandpa. Seika’s grandma passed away about six months ago, but I even got to say hello to her. The shrine is called Butsudan. It is a place set up in her grandma’s honor with her picture and other items to honor her. These items typically include things like rice, fruit, and senko (incense sticks). We each took a turn to sit in front of the butsudan, ring the rin (a small bowl shaped gong) twice, and tell grandma hello. We hit the gong twice because they are part of that specific sect. Other sects might hit the gong a different number of times. Seika said that butsudan is common even for those who are not religious. Her family is not religious, but continues this Buddhist tradition because that is what their family has done for many generations. It is more of an honoring tradition, than a specifically religious thing.

Seika’s grandpa and uncle were very nice and happy to see us. We didn’t speak a common language, but we smiled and said hello and were grateful to meet each other. Seika’s grandpa even gifted each of us with some money. That was very kind. I will be spending mine on adventures with Seika.

Shopping

Earlier today, I wandered around shopping downtown at the malls while Seika and her boyfriend met up with some friends. I didn’t end up buying anything this time, but am more familiar with the sizes and styles. My waist is bigger than the size expects; and my legs are longer than the size expects. I notice that Japanese clothing is so beautiful and fashionable and flowy, but some flowy things on me don’t look as light and effortless on me, so I have to be careful to find the right style that works for my body shape and height.

In the train station after shopping, I was a bit hungry. There are these delicious “butaman” pork bao buns typical to Osaka. Seika’s boyfriend got me one, and it was so yummy! It is served with a packet of spicy mustard. I am excited to try many more more foods here! Osaka is known as the Kitchen of Japan. YUM!

Friends

We attended a housewarming party of one of Seika’s friends. She used to teach English at a kindergarten school, and she knew a lot of the people from there at the party. The theme was to wear black and white and bring colorful food. How fun! The food had such variety and everyone was very nice!

I am a bit jet-lagged, so I took a nap on the car ride home. Hopefully tomorrow, I will be calibrated to the local time.