Today's Top Story

Today after Ma finished her assignment,we went to Itoyokado(a supermarket) located about 3km from our place and on the way,we saw a festival@matsuri being held along the street. There are countless local festivals@matsuri in Japan because almost every shrine has its own one. Most festivals are held on an annual basis and celebrate events like the coming of the farming season, the harvest, or they commemorate historical events. A festival may be held over several days.
The "matsuri" we saw today was led by a few children and adults.
The "rombongan"of Japanese carry these floats(with mini temples), supported on big long bamboo sticks.
An important element of Shinto festivals are processions. The kami@Shinto "gods" are carried through the streets in mikosh@palanquins by people in special dresses...well,some of the guys looked crazy in their "sexy" custom;)
They are accompanied by decorated floats@kasahoko. On these floats, other people may play the drum and other traditional Japanese instruments.
A huge "drum" which came in the second place next after kids & adults.No wonder the sounds were so big!
Dedicated Japanese Policemen on duty..they use Toyota Estima as one of their official cars.
Pa wanted to eat sushi(again!) and on the way back from Itoyokado,we dropped by at the nearest Otaru Zushi.Lately I found out that "Hotate Miso Shiru@Scallop Miso Soup" was not bad either:)
Fabulous supa-dupa yummy "salmon mayonnaise"
Guess what?!!Pa & Ma bought me a new bicycle at a shop next to Otaru Zushi.Thanks!Thanks!Arigatou!!But you see,since I still couldn't ride it on my own,so it was very tiring for I had to push it all the way back home.Anyway,I took it as a big challenge because I had to strive & practice hard(I even received a good luck charm from an Oniisan@brother who works at the bicycle shop) from today since Ma couldn't stand to carry me on the back of her bicycle anymore:(
When we arrived at home,Uncle Nazmi & Aunty Nad who planned to make their visit as a surprised turned out to be waiting patiently for almost 20 minutes and yet I couldn't even chat with them..