hear the army

Our friendly neighbors accosted me on the way home from the gym yesterday and insisted I join their Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival) celebration at their apartment. Thinking it so sweet of her to think of inviting me but feeling guilty that I didn’t have anything to offer or bring (last min notice and I had to be at work in an hour) – I couldn’t decline.

I enter the apt to find one mother dressing the 3-yr old girls in kimono and their brothers causing a commotion in the other room. 3 moms and 7 children total. Upon my arrival they rounded up everyone to gather around the table, sing, and then…POSE FOR PICTURES WITH ME! I don’t want to sound ungrateful – it was lovely of them to invite me – but I JUST MET THEM. Isn’t it a bit strange to have all of your children posing for pictures with me and WITHOUT the moms? After the photo shoot I’m given tea and sweets and asked to speak as much English as possible with the children – then it’s time for me to go to work and one more photo opportunity before I go! Ah…did I forget I’m still a bit of a novelty in some circles here?

I only hope to become normal friends with them – when I can show up and help make the drinks for the children, etc. Where everyone will be in a pic together and maybe I can even just TAKE the pic sometimes.

cute girls: