Some Pictures and Some Bad News.

I've got some pictures here that were taken over the past few days. Some were taken during the trip to Japan, others on the way to Hirakata city. However, it seems that elderly Japanese people don't want to be in pictures with gangly, large-eared Americans and politely decline when asked. I had a feeling some might decline, but not every single one. So, it looks like this whole concept is bung. However, I did get some pictures.

How We Do it, Dun.

They say that the hardest part of learning a foreign language is gathering the courage to speak it. To help me bust out of my shell and build up the courage to speak to the people of Japan, my family took me to an authentic dinner at Benihana. Our chef, Armando, dazzled us with his dexterity and showmanship. I also got a nice picture with a delightful Japanese woman named Mingmei. The picture turned out OK, but I think they'll work out better if I ask someone to take the picture for me while I'm in Japan. I hope they know how to use cameras.

Also: My incredibly sensitive cousin suggested I take pictures with overweight individuals rather than old ladies. He thought it should be called 'Slant Eyed Fatties'. We're a classy bunch.

And: Buy a shirt from me.