Dinner with the family

Last night we had our final dinner in Japan. Maki:s mom made a wonderful meal which we all ate in traditional style in the tatami family room. Although we have been chit-chatting our entire visit, this was the best of all our conversations and I feel we really got to know each other better. We asked and answered questions about our cultures and families, and talked - through Maki as our outstanding translator - for several hours. Maki even learned some things about her family that she didn:t know. It was a wonderful closing to an incredible trip. Thank you Ichiro and Fumiko, not just for last night:s dinner, but for making our visit to your country so special and welcoming.