Scenes from Kobe, Japan

	After 12 days at sea, we knew we were getting close to our first port when the rising sun was hoisted above the S.S. Universe Explorer.
Here's the tugboat that helped us into the port of Kobe.
Julie had the honor of serving the first overnight duty shift. I sat with her to see what sorts of things go on. We saw several severely intoxicated students (one that we almost didn't see was unconscious and lost), a few students grief stricken over the loss of backpacks and passports, and one student who himself did not know why he was sopping wet from head to toe and missing a shoe or two (it was not raining). Oh, what a night.
	On our second day, we enjoyed an amazing lunch compliments of the Takarazuka city government. Lots o' good stuff, but my knees began to hurt after a while. After that, we took in the Takarazuka Review, an all-woman theater show that appeared to combine elements of a broadway show with a Las Vegas style dance review. Kinda funky.
On my third day, Miki and Miuki showed me around Osaka. We visited Osaka Castle and some other attractions but I think my favorite stop was at a mall where I bought a few KISS CDs as well as the greatest hits of Japanese rock heroes, the B'z.
	Miki and Miuki dropped me at the Osaka University for Women, where I was greeted by Emiko Fukiage. She and the Mr. hosted me for a night in their humble abode. We hung out eating sushi, drinking beer, and talking about Japanese and American politics, sports, culture, religion, life, etc.

The next day we wandered around Nara, which is home to hundreds of tame deer that wander the streets alongside the people.

Nara is also home to the Hall of the Great Buddha, one of the most important temples in Nara, as it contains a 16 meter high statue of Buddha. The Hall is also considered the largest wooden structure in the world.
	One of the more popular SAS student pasttimes is heading to the internet cafe to e-mail friends and loved ones. Here's a flock of them now. They're so happy.