Doesn't really need much commentary, does it? Jackie has been diligently updating our little chalkboard here, ever since it said "72" or something like that. Like I've been saying, we don't hate Japan...hardly. But it does indeed seem like the vacation that never ends! We're ready for what's next, and are "champing at the bit" in anticipation of our upcoming move to NYC.

We're going to have some new pictures up on the web soon, within a couple days. We'll give you more of a proper post then. After all, there's not much going on.

So, until then, here's another sign that it's time to go home: freshly planted rice. They have a very extensive system of canals and locks, and flood the fields for the young rice plants. This picture was taken near my junior high school. I'm in the shadow of the bullet train tracks...it's elevated like the commuter trains in Chicago, and right underneath is farmland. So, this is a fun example of old meets new. Ancient farm technology, mixed with the fastest railway on the planet. You can even see the shadow of one of the power poles.
Like I said, check back in a couple days for some real news. Thanks for reading!