matsushima, matsushima, matsushima

After church today, I went to Matsushima. I wanted to try their famous oysters, which are best eaten in December. As I'll be away as of Tues, today was the last chance before the hols & what not kick in.
Leaving church was quite hard in a way. - Just before I left I realised I wouldn't see people again until after Christmas and new year, so said numerous 'Merry Christmas'es and 'yoi toshi wo's (happy new year kind of thing). It made me think it'll be very hard saying goodbye to people next summer, who I've grown close to and enjoy spending my Sundays and other times with.
Anyway, I went by bus and train with Chantelle & for the first leg, Manami - who took this pic.

I was feeling a bit stupid like a tourist on a bus that some of my students were also riding. (Despite it being a Sun, they'd probably been in school for club activities as usual...)
Anyway, we arrived in Matsushima (one of the top 3 'beautiful' spots in Japan supposedly) & found somewhere selling oysters. Having heard warnings from people at church not to eat them raw, we were glad to get cooked oysters which seemed different to how I remember eating them before. [Think the only time I can remember trying oysters was at the party in Needles Point before Tadcu moved to Oxford.] Anyway, I think they were just like big mussels, but with a slightly different taste. After that we went for a wander and had green tea and rice sweets in a tea house overlooking the ocean. I didn't bother reading the placard outside the teahouse properly, but I think it was a place where Date Masamune (banana man) entertained guests of something.
That was nice, but then it was getting cold, so we headed back. I went home via Shiogama again where i took a bus. Whilst waiting for the bus, I discovered a 100yen shop on the 5th floor of the jusco there, which is rather convenient and tucked away. Being there (a town much older than the one I live in), I felt as if I was in a typical Japanese town/ having a day of (stereo?)typical Japanese experiences.

sorry this isn't making much sense. I'll hopefully post some more photos up when I get them from other people's cameras - still haven't found my charger. Well I'd better go and get ready to PACK. Currently feeling very sleepy though as I was up late last night making and writing Christmas cards. I'd forgotten how long it takes - and it's even longer when you have to think what to say in Japanese! And I have some more to make for school tomorrow. But maybe I'll just give a card to the Principal and leave it at that.
When i think that I only have 7 or 8 months here (reflecting my current state of mind about next year), i remember that I should try and cram in and do things I want to do while I can. - Like eating oysters in December. Hmm, what's next i wonder?
Had better eat my sandwich, write a packing list and get some sleep.
See some of you soon, otherwise have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.