Visiting the in-laws in the countryside of Nara (January 1, 2007) Some snaps from New Year’s day here in Japan

Visiting the in-laws in the countryside of Nara (January 1, 2007)

January 1, 2007 (A.M.) Enjoying a bite of “mochi,” a tasty part of “Ozoni,” a traditional New Year’s dish in Japan.

January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Okasan going through the hundreds of New Year’s cards they received from friends, family, and former students. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

After a healthy New Year’s breakfast we feel strong and ready to hike to a nearby Shrine and then up the Ikoma mountain to visit the Temple. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

First we stopped by the local shrine...

Heading up the long steps to the Hozanji Temple . January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

January 1, 2007 (A.M.) The final steps to the Hozanji Temple in Ikoma (Nara prefecture).

January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

This is a section of the main temple were people pray specifically for traffic safety for the coming year. The sign (right) says basically “Praying Place for Traffic Safety.” January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Crowd gathers near the Temple to buy some treats from the street vendors. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Okasan and Garr toast the new year with a couple of cans of Kirin beer. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Mrs. Reynolds and her brother pose with a dish of “Takoyaki” (Octopus). Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds with beer and “Jagabata-” (a hot potato with heaps of butter).

Mrs. Reynolds and her brother pose with a dish of “Takoyaki” (Octopus).

This sign says “Jaga bata-” (hot buttered potato). One of the many street vendors that were out for the new year crowds visiting the Temple. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Garr examines his beer and hot buttered potato in front of the Hozanji Temple halfway up Mt. Ikoma.

Okasan, Atsushi, Garr, and Otousan enjoy some yakitori. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

This sign says “Oobanyaki” (a kind of small pancake filled with sweet beans or custard cream). January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Enjoying a custard cream as Otousan poses for the camera. January 1, 2007 (A.M.)

Hiking back down the mountain. The importance of balance... Stopping to say hello...

See our pics from New Year’s 2006 (in Oregon/California) and pics from New Year’s 2005 in Nara, Japan.