Sayonara Japan

Finally came the day we dreaded…the bags were packed, the house was empty, and we knew it was time to leave our home. Once again, our friends came out to see us, to wish us well on our new adventures. It was the saddest day of my life to leave behind my dearest friend, Eriko, as well as all of the other wonderful people I’ve come to love in Japan. Truly I feel this is only matanee – we will be back.

Sayonara Tanaka sama Family

It is true that you end up not appreciating things that are right in your own neighborhood. We would often go downtown for a good meal yet, right down the street, there was a wonderful sushi restaurant that we had failed to explore. Our neighbors, the Tanaka’s, did not let us leave without enjoying the fine food to be found there. We spent an evening with them and their son, Luft, an NIS graduate, enjoying the wonderful fresh and delicious sushi. If only we had fpund this one sooner!!

Sayonara in English

Jeff spent the last couple of years teaching English to a group of retired Japanese men and women. Every Thursday night, Jeff would meet with them for a class where they shared stories and talked in English. Through their presentations about places they had gone, we found numerous trip ideas for ourselves –leading us on some marvelous journeys. We also went on various hikes with the group – exploring a number of different mountain trails.
The group took us to a delightful Japanese restaurant where we enjoyed a fantastic evening sampling various Japanese dishes, enjoying the wonderful company and celebrating their friendship. They will truly be missed.