Flowers and Chocolate!

I've never received so many flowers or chocolates for my birthday in my entire life . . . my students know me well! This past week I've enjoyed many beautiful bouquets and delicious candies and cakes, my students are so sweet! I also went out to dinner with a bunch of them along with Alex, Michelle and Donna on Saturday night. Our plans for the Pineapple House fell through, but we went to Tsuki no Hana instead, which has really great tofu. The interior is really cool too, and it has a great atmosphere. I had a fantastic time laughing and drinking with my students, and I know I'll miss them all very much.

Today I met Michelle, Donna and Rumiko for lunch and then an aromatherapy massage. It was so relaxing, I will definitely have to go again before I leave! My friends from training, Valerie and Matt, are coming to visit me next weekend so Mayu and I are planning on taking them to Matsushima. It's supposed to be one of the top three sightseeing places in Japan, and I haven't been there yet either so it'll be good for me to see before I leave. Maybe we'll hit up the Pineapple House too since I couldn't go the other night.

I still can't believe I'm leaving in two weeks. Even though I've started a little packing and mailed off a box today, it still doesn't feel like I'm going anywhere. I know these next two weeks will pass quickly, and before I know it I'll be on the plane back to the States. I guess I'll just keep enjoying every last moment here until then!