Monday November 3rd

Today we were hosted by the Hamanako Rotary Club and our first stop was at the Airai Checkpoint which dated back to the 1600's. In the early years they checked very carefully for guns coming in and women going out. We had our first tea ceremony which involved sitting on the floor for a extended period of time while the tea was brewing and several bows and japanese phrases. The dark green tea which was served was a really strong and powerful tea. Next a great stop at theToyato family home and learning about how ~~~~first name to be provided later~~~ started developing the first loom that enabled to women to weave fabric using only one hand and much later he introduced the G model and automatic loom. His son manufactured the first car in 1937. Enjoyed lunch at a Hamana Lake resort restuarant. Following lunch we went to an orange orchard owned by a Rotarian from the Hamanoke R. C. Then we visited our second Buddhist temple and the world famous Hamanatse Eel Pie Factory. Back to the Grand Hotel where we met our first home family. My hosts are Mr and Mrs Tatsuyoshi Muramatse, their daughter Mariko and son-in-law Bill Gurung, and their 3 year old daughter Rachimi (who called me Ken-chan, a term of endearment almost like a family member) She is a sweetheart! Her mother had read her the "Wizard of Oz" and she knew that I was from there. Great Japanese food fixed by Mariko. A better night's rest
Ken