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Photo: Learning the proper way to turn the bowl in a tea ceremony.

My last tour stop is Fukuoka. This area is the closest to Korea and China so it was essentially the gateway to Japan during the older trading days. It is a large city and I was quite amazed at the architecture and public art.

Mariko and I met up with Chiziko (a full-time quilt teacher and recent award winner in Yokohama) for a visit to shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu. Shrines are created to honor an ancestor. This particular shine is for those wishing blessings on education and learning, so many students will visit here when they want to pass a test.

Later in the day Keiko Goke met up with us for dinner. It was fortunate that she already had plans to teach in Fukuoka so we were able to be together one last time. She truly is an amazing artist and we seem to share a common creative thread.

This video shows me trying a treat that is made with sweet bean paste wrapped in a rice pastry and roasted. I tried cuttlefish, which was very very good but I did not get that on video. The foods that seemed odd to me tasted okay - or at least had a taste that I could come to like. The entire experience has been rewarding and fun.

Final thoughts? Japan is expensive, the culture is rich, the technology is smart, the hospitality (hotels, restaurants) is outstanding, and the people honest, caring, and giving. My thanks to Bernina of Japan for arranging the trip and to Mariko for being my interpreter and becoming my friend.