Brett went to Japan earlier than the rest of the family for a three week homestay. He sent a few pictures back by email. Here he is in front of the Golden Pavilion (sometimes called the Golden Temple).

For those of you eagerly awaiting some news from the Far East (and those of you who aren`t, you can read as much as you`d like), I just wanted to write a quick (I hope) note to say what I`ve been doing with myself in Japan. You`ll have to excuse this not coming from my regular email address.

The flight was ridiculously long as all international flights are. I stopped in DC and in Tokyo. The long leg, DC to Tokyo, was around 13-14 hours I made a great friend in the airport, Kasumi from Yokohama. So between movies, Mario, and running in and out of my seat to talk with Kasumi (and the group she was travelling with), the flight time passed quickly. Flight from Narita to Osaka was a good additional nap, since I only slept two hours out of the 14. Was met at the airport by reps from the Osaka John Mung Society, and by my host mom (Takako) and younger host brother (Yoshiki). We took a bus back to Kyoto, and had dinner once my host dad (Katsumi) and host brother (Tomonori) got back from work and school band practice (9ish Japan time).

Woke in the morning, and we had breakfast soon after. After everyone went out to work and school, my host mom and I went to grab a few things at the store. Then we returned home, and went off to Yoshiki`s basketball tournament. It was some of the best basketball I`ve seen in a long time. Went out for lunch, and returned for game #2. They won both games, Yoshiki had 17 points. We returned home, went out food shopping (and quickly hit the little arcade in the department store/supermarket). Afterwards we headed home. Watched a video of Tomonori`s school band, which most reminds me of a cross between Blue Man Group and a John Williams film score (they do everything from batons, glowstick spinning,just playing, Taiko drumming, and classic American marching). They are extremely good though, and from what I can tell are one of the best in Japan. Had some dinner and then gave all the gifts from Boston. They were very well received.

Slept in, and woke up after the guys left for school and work. Once I was finished with the computer, my host mom and I went out. We first went to Kinkaku-ji, the golden pavilion. It is oneof the most famous sights in Kyoto (see my picture attached). While there, we had some matcha and sweet (extra strong green tea and the special sweet that goes with it). Next we went to Ryoan-ji. This is another famous temple in Kyoto. It has an extremely famous pond that has Mandarain ducks, and an extremely famous rock garden. We finally went an area who`s name escapes me, but is near a large traditional wooden bridge. Bought a few things in the stores there, and we ate lunch. Stopped for food shopping on the way home, always fun in Japan. Watched another video of Tomo`s band, which was once again great. Had dinner (my host Mom makes great Okonomiyaki!), and then Yoshiki and I went to the neighborhood arcade/bowling alley. Everyone arrived soon after, and we all went bowling. Of course I was terrible, and ended up with about half the score of my host dad, but we had a good time nonetheless. A little more time at the arcade, and then we all headed home at around midnight. A little ice cream, and off to bed.

So that`s a little look into life in Japan. I know some of you have been looking for my address and phone, so here they are.

4-403 Katsuragawa Haitsu 1-8 Kissyouin Ishiharaosada-Chou Minami-Ku, Kyoto City Kyoto 601-8383 Japan

Phone- Japan country code (81? can`t remember) 075-691-8149

I`ll keep you all informed by email, by far the best way to reach me.