As you can see, the outside of our house is not very special. Most homes look like this. There is a corrugated metal sheet over thin wood. That is all that keeps the wind blowing straight through the house. Don't mind Tug. He always barks at new people. Actually he gets used to women faster than men so he might take to you faster than you. Well, what the heck. If you stay for at least three days, he will really love you both. He LOVES stinky things, especially old, stinky fish. Heh heh, heh. Come on in and mind you don't kick the dog's water dish here at the left.
	In Japan, once you enter the genkan you are still officially outside until you actually step up. There is always one step up from the genkan. This is to separate the outside from the inside. And did you know that in Japan, you must remove your shoes? It is customary to actually remove your shoes before you enter a house. Shoes are dirty, they make the floors and the tatami mats dirty. Just grab a pair of slippers and come on into the kitchen. When you enter, you say, "ojamashimasu" which means, the same as "permesso", or "may I come in?"
Actually, on my way to work, I usually forget things after I have put my shoes on. So I ignore the rules and sneak in with the shoes on. Of course Mayu gives me shit. But then, she does it too, so.... But we try. It actually does keep it cleaner. You should see the difference in your own home if you give it a try. Really. And it is kind of nice to know that outside is outside, and inside is inside. King Tug sleeps on the bed under my bikes. He likes that spot. I made it for him. Well, actually he likes to sleep under the kitchen table too. He moves back and forth.
	Excuse me, it is a little dark in our daidokoro right now. This is where we spend most of the winter days and evenings cooking, reading, talking, staying warm. The main heater sits in this room. Not here yet, but when it gets cooler we will put it out. You have a wood stove, we have a kerosene burner. I explained that to you, right? Well, would you like to have a seat at our kitchen table? Please do so, while I brew us some excellent Starbucks espresso. Ahhhhhh, doesn't that smell delicious? Would you like a large one? And here is some sugar to add to your taste.
Here in our house our water is well water, run by a pump outside. You may have seen the grey box outside the door, near where Mayu's car is parked. That is the pump. For cooking and heating water we use propane gas, of which a tank is sitting outside by the entry. Enjoy your coffee. I am going to go an run the bath for you. It is always nice to have a hot bath to get clean after a long trip. Just leave your coffee cups there on the table and follow me. Usually when people walk on tatami flooring here they remove their slippers. Mayu and I don't bother to do that. We just walk all over the house in our INDOOR SLIPPERS.
	Excuse the mess on the left. You can see all of our laundry hanging to dry. This is the sentakunoma in Japanese. No auto dryers here, everything dries au naturel and gives a crispier, more rough feeling on the skin. We like it.
	Now we are walking through the horikotatsushitsu where my computer is (where I send you too many mails and disrupt your family life all the time) and Mayu plays her piano. Below the tatami on the floor here is a pit that is called a horikototasu. It was originally used wit a table sitting on top, and heating below. In the winter people would sit around the table with their feet under the table, and a blanket that goes over the table, wrapped around their lap to keep warm in the cold winters. We don't use it (we have electric carpets instead!!) But if I didn't tell you it was here, you never would have known, right?
Do you like all of my maps? This entire room is surrounded by National Geographic maps that I have collected over the years. I like this room. I spend most of my time here.
	Well, on through the nagashidai room where we wash our face, do our laundry, put on our makeup and into the furoba. I have run a nice, steamy hot bath for the two of you to enjoy together. Just remember to wash outside the bath in the shower, then get in to soak. Together. It is fun. You can have a nice, relaxing conversation, UP CLOSE. There is a candle on the ledge too if you want to light it for some effect. Take your time. No problem. Bathing is NOT to be rushed in Japan. It is to be savored and enjoyed by all. It is a FAMILY thing, you know. As much as eating is. A time to chat and catch up in a very enjoyable atmosphere. Keep the window open; the cold air coming in on the shoulders, mixed with the hot water and the rising steam gives a very pleasant effect.
	Keep an eye out for BillyBob and Rhonda. What? you say? Who the heck is that? Peeping Toms??? Well, not exactly. We have two little frogs that have been living in our bath area for the past several months. They come and go, we usually see them every morning hanging around. They like the humidity and moisture I guess. If you see either one of them, tell them it is THEIR turn to call the gas station to fill up the boiler. As I said take your time. No need to rush. Just let me know when you are done, and I will show you where you sleep for your stay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

While you are enjoying the bath I am busy. Click Here when you have finished your bath.

April 8th, 2001