Fall is rolling in at a snail's pace. Days are still hot but we've been able to turn off the air conditioner on some days and get by with opening the windows and running some fans. Sweet potato and pumpkin flavored items are filling stores and hot coffee and tea tastes delicious on a busy morning.

September tested the positivity I was feeling in ( Read more... )

The trip to the Embassy was brutal. Even by car, it took 2.5 hours each way. There was no parking, so Ryu's father ended up driving in circles after dropping us off. The Japanese staff outside were cold and unhelpful - obviously on some power trip. Ryu wondered if they were really Japanese. Once inside, things moved relatively quick, which we were ( Read more... )