Hanabi

On Friday, August 1st, Fukuoka held its annual Hanabi Matsuri (fireworks festival) in Ohori Park.  Like the locals, I dressed up in a traditional yukata (sort of like a kimono) for the occasion.  I had to dress myself, which was a bit difficult considering all the wrapping and tying involved, but it was cool to learn how to do it, and now I'll be able to do it myself at home should an occasion ever arise.  

While dressed up in the yukata my western friends and I got some funny looks (scowls really) from some Japanese people, but most seemed to think that we (the white girls) were cute in our yukatas.  I even had one random Japanese girl come up and ask to take a picture with me (not the picture shown here).

This is a picture of me with my peer tutor, Yuki.  She's been a big help to me so far, and we've had a lot of fun together.