Summer...

...it turns me upside down.

Yes, indeed summer finally arrived recently. It rolled in with a sick oppressive wall of heat that makes sweat the rule of the day. It took awhile for it to finally land. We made our way through the rainy season that just kept raining. It was biblical at times and summarily proved to me that Japan does indeed have a rainy season. I was a little skeptical at first with all the talk and no water, but when it hit, it hit something awful. In Okayama, the rivers filled up, mud slid, trains were delayed, students were late, and in some cases school was actually cancelled. It looked like end times for awhile.
Alas, it passed. Now the day greets us with brute force sun and heat. Nonetheless, the cicadas are out and carrying on noisy parties. People are smiling. Summer festivals are in full swing with yukata clad merrymakers filling the streets.
In this spirit, I headed out to a fireworks festival last weekend with a few friends and my gorgeous Japanese girlfriend.



We did it up wearing traditional clothing. I was quite comfortable though I'm not sure my Japanese Princess was able to breath normally.



She sure looked beautiful though.



The only uncomfortable thing I had to deal with was getting used to these things:



It didn't take long though and soon walking on wood platforms seemed relaxing and right.
Here's a shot of my date with friends:



Yeeha! Hanabi yo!!