Iwamizawa

So yesterday I ventured to Iwamizawa to find my church building, maybe some shoes/clothes, and a guitar.

Iwamizawa Station

With the help of Google Maps and my Supervisor, I had found where the church building was. Lucky for me it was a pretty straight forward place. Only ONE turn involved. But still, I wanted to have an idea of where it was and how long it would take me to get there.

Saw the Statue of Liberty along the way! Huh!

Pretty neato stuff!

Street in Iwamizawa

Found the church without any trouble!

Lovely ajisai (hydrangeas) outside the doors

Across the street from the church was an AMAZING garden. I'm still not sure if this was a house or a flower shop!

Also found something familiar....

And something delicious for lunch!

Taiyaki- a fish-shaped pancake thing. The batter is crunchy and sweet and the inside is filled with An- sweet red bean paste. It is one of my favorite things :)

I also bought a guitar! He is absolutely GORGEOUS and I had a fun time playing for the two ladies in the shop. They loved the fact that I sang and I told them I would come back and play some more for them again :)

Look at the beautiful woodwork on the side!! I love the light bars on the edges <3

Detail shot of the inlaid designs. Stunning!!

Kind of cool that there are no dots on the fret-board!

It was a little pricier than I was hoping to find, but the cheaper ones didn't have nearly as good of a sound. (I was spoiled by Betsy back home! She was so cheap AND so lovely). But this stunning fellow needs a name. Any suggestions? I think I will try to record myself playing some songs mainly to entice me to practice and help me remember what songs I can actually play. I'll be sure to share those here, too.

Last but not least, my next project is going to be trying to make a flower garden outside my house:

Difficulties: 

My only mode of transportation are Bike and Feet. The Homac store isn't too far away but I will have to make lots of trips.

Also, the ground is really hard. And full of weeds. 

I'll need to buy bricks/something to build up an above-ground bed. This will also be a little pricey I think.

I don't know any Gardening words in Japanese!

Rewards:

Lots of exercise

Beautiful flowers

Learn new vocabulary

Possibly have some fresh veggies to eat too??

Wanted to get started on this today, but it is kind of rainy outside. And I sort of want to play Guitar and watch Chuck. 

So, how are the picture-heavy posts? you guys like or dislike it? I can always post fewer pictures if you find it all annoying.

Peace out for now! Tomorrow = KYOUKAI (church) ADVENTURE!

JeJira