Almost every summer in Japan for me has been a routine.

For the first couple of weeks I stay in the house during the rainy portion of the summer. I don't really know what it is about rain that attracts me to it, but during this part of summer I usually take advantage of my evening walks with my dog and go out without a raincoat or umbrella.

When the clouds start to clear and the grey gloomy days pass this sginals the start of the true Japanese summer. The tempratures soar, the humidity kicks in, air conditioning becomes a necessity, and かき氷 (Shaved Ice) becomes a part of ones daily diet.

It's at about this time when a friend of mine from the states comes over for his annual summer Japan visit. He used to live here and left more than 6 years ago, but I've been able to touch base with him almost every summer because of his visits. He just finished his Freshmen year at College.

As July melts into August my family takes the annual refuge in the mountains of Nagano. We own a cabin near lake Nojiri. That may sound quite nice, but theres nothing nice about living in a wooden shack infested with mosquitos for two weeks. Actually it's not THAT bad. Theres a community of cabins there and I meet up with friends who also have taken refuge with their families to this sancturary beside the lake.

My summers in Japan usually follow this routine with slight variations each year. Routine can be monotonous but at times it can be comforting.

This summer is no different.

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 1:59 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.