Fireworks, Festivals, fun and FOOD!

Wow, it's been a while since I wrote, I've been pretty busy. Even though I vowed to myself to take it easy after Tishanna left, there's been so much to do. Since it's summertime, there are a ton of festivals in the area. We went to the Ome Fireworks festival, and saw a great display of fireworks. It puts most 4th of July celebrations to shame. They really get into fireworks here. This past weekend we went to the Fussa Festival, and ate shoyu corn, dango, shave ice and other goodies. I really need to take more pictures, but I alway forget to take my camera with me.





With his friend Kotomi at the Ome festival.

Kainoa has also been in this summertime Spanish Class once a week at the library. It's a free program, and I honestly don't think he learned that much, but he has fun because they do crafts and Spanish singing and dancing. (although I have no idea why they don't do a free Japanese class for toddlers.) He'll be starting school before the end of the month!

I've been feeling a lot better this trimester, but the food cravings are stronger than ever. I've been DYING for pateles, and crazy me decided to just try and make some patele stew. I found green bananas at the commissary (surprisingly), and the achiote packet in the international food aisle. It was a major pain to grate the bananas, but in the end it was all worth it! I got the recipe here:
http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com/2007/10/patele-stew-recipe.html

It looks like slop, but tasted sooo good! Plus it's all for me, since Jamie doesn't like it. haha!