The First Goodbye

Another early morning for another field trip. Unfortunately, because we were at Saiyu's until 2am, there was little energy to be had. Professor Brown knew the story as soon as he saw us get on the bus, even after he'd told us the week before not to stay up all night with friends. We just shrugged, put on our iPods, and settled in for the drive.

Our first stop was the Minotopia Museum located in the Niigata port area next to the old customs house. The museum detailed the rise of Niigata area from ancient times to what it is today. There were some intresting parts and it was neat to compare this sort of museum to the same types I had seen back in Indiana. Once done in the museum we loitered outside, waiting for our ride.

To get to our next destination we would be taking a water shuttle up the Shinano River. Soon our nifty looking shuttle boat pulled up and we boarded. The ride took us through the center of Niigata city and under the famous Bandai Bridge. Eventually we reached our destination, Furusato Mura.

We ate lunch and then were given 2 hours to explore. I'm not entirely sure what Furusato Mura besides a conglomeration of things. Its part gardens, part cultural center, part fresh produce store, and part outdoor vendors. I spent the time buying gifts for home and wandering about the gardens taking pictures. Everyone was finished exploring a little early so we gathered up and headed back home. On the ride home I slept for more than half the drive.

Pond waterfall at Furusato Mura.

At home I relaxed for a bit before meeting up with, Saiyu, Mariko, Nate, Austin, Alex, Abe, and Yuu for Yuu's farewell dinner. We went to the Chinese restaurant where Yuki met up with us. We enjoyed an amazing dinner and had a great time. Outside we took pictures and then Yuu gave each of us a hug and told us to visit again the next time we were in Japan.

When Yuu left she didn't say good bye. She said "Ja nei" which can be translated to meaning, "See you later". It was a little detail, but it was noticable to all of us. Yuu was the first Japanese friend I made here, and now she is the first I had to say good bye to. But I didn't say good bye, because just like Yuu, I didn't want this to be the last time. Thank you Yuu for being such a wonderful, strong, kind friend. I will never forget the 3 weeks I spent getting to know you. Ja nei.