Well, I don't know how she did it.

Scrolling through my camera I was reminded of last Sunday's event - Chantelle's thank you party, thrown for the members of the community who have given her wonderful experiences and chances to learn Japanese cultural things and much more in the past 3 years.

A 3 course meal of British food was laid on for over 40 people. Plus a presentation of all the stuff (no, a selection of stuff) she does here. Was very good, and am sure it will be a lasting memory in the minds of those who went. Plus a brilliant way to close the door and say goodbye to all these things.

the tables are laid and early arrivals come ......Trifle went down very well

Koto performance - Japanese harp ...............................Taiko

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,During the taiko performance, some kids (inc Chant's little sister who was over for a visit), started copying those on stage. They were slapping their knees, trying to be in time with the taiko players. In JUST the same way as the kids in my old taiko group used to. I realised it wasn't something special about my group, but just part of the nature of kids to want to join in/ have a go. One man made the mistake of giving these three 7 and 8 year olds, some chopsticks to use as sticks. They started to cause a racket, hitting them against the sides of a sake box. For the next piece, the man took them away, but it was quite a sight watching these 3 kids doing taiko on this man's back/ in his ears. The taiko was nicely executed and good entertainment, but i think more people found these kids the most entertaining to watch!