Finally Online!

I'm baaack!
My second host family did not have a computer, so I was unable to post for five days. I apologize to those who were logging in for updates over the last few days. Now I am with my third host family and I am connected once more. Look for quite a bit of catching up over the next few days.
First some notes about my second home stay. Geraldine and I were teamed up in one home with a wonderful woman named Hisae Hirosawa. She is about 63 years old and runs several businesses. Her main focus is her rice company that she runs with her oldest son. Hirosawa-san was a fascinating blend of the old and the new. She ran her business like a modern woman - running the rice shop and owning several other stores and real estate - including a Coco's Restaurant. But at home, she was very traditional. Her youngest daughter came home after 17 years in the banking business to help take care of her mother and run their home. Megumi (the daughter) spoke wonderful english and translated all of our conversations. We had thoughtful discussions about politics, religion and women's rights. Both women were surprised to hear that some of their concerns in Japan also existed in the United States as well.
However, some of the most entertaining moments of the home stay involved my co-team member Geraldine. For those of you who don't know, Geraldine is very active and hates to just sit around, so, she asked the host family if she could borrow their bicycle. Who knew this would turn out to become a contentious issue (of sorts)! The host mother absolutely refused to let Geraldine touch the bike. She was so worried about Geraldine's safety, which was very sweet, but I'm sure it drove her mad. It became a running topic of conversation for a couple of days - Geraldine hitting them up for a chance to ride the bike around and Hirosawa-san firmly standing her ground.
I will talk more about our time in Moka City and the last home stay in the coming days. For today, it has been a long day and I have had too much biru. Time for bed!