Summer vacation began last Friday, and one week later I am looking forward to going back to work! Last week was wonderful … sleeping in, a friend from Kumamoto came to visit, then I relaxed, and read books, and watched television. I had one more Japanese class before that was finished for the summer. Then some friends and I went to lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant to celebrate summer vacation. But by Friday, I was bored and ready to go back to work! What was I to do for another three whole weeks??

Luckily, that day a jigsaw puzzle showed up in my mailbox. A friend in America thought I might need a reminder of how much time I don’t have! Little did she realize it would arrive at the perfect moment! I love puzzles, and haven’t done one for a long time. Working on the puzzle occupied my weekend. Though it isn’t finished, I am now rationing my time spent at the puzzle.

Today I decided to buy a museum pass. Normally, it wouldn’t be worth the money, since the pass is only good for two months. I don’t go to museums that often, because they so expensive in Tokyo. But, with the pass, most of the museums offer free entry for permanent exhibits (or, discount for the special exhibits). If I go to 2 museums, permanent exhibits only, then the pass has paid for itself. I have a list of museums I want to visit and three weeks with nothing to do … perfect!

Today’s museum was the Tokyo National Museum. A little history, a little art, some armor and swords, and even a little collection they called “The Zoo in the National Museum,” which was not a zoo, but an exhibit of animal statues made from various materials. That was interesting. It was a very fun way to spend my morning! Tomorrow I have Korean class in the morning, but on Thursday, I think I will try the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which is a history museum about the time period when Tokyo was called Edo (c.a.1600-1868).

Maybe I am not ready to go back to work yet after all!

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