Day 13 - Kobe Women's Club

Entrance to the Kobe Club

Today was the Kobe Women's Club Christmas Bake Sale and presentation of  "Christmas in Germany" by a guest speaker, Ursula, who has taught German in Japan for over 24 years.  She spoke English with a British accent but is definitely fluent in Japanese, German, and English.

The Club has a mixture of international ladies and educated Japanese ladies, many who have traveled overseas and to America.  I was welcomed by many people, especially since I was my sister's guest.  I helped sell our baked goods while Amy greeted guests and members at the officer's table.  She is the treasurer.

There was tea, coffee, and snacks while we waited for the presentation.  The speaker was wonderful and described the German customs while showing a slideshow of photos and items that she brought.  Since I have received gifts from Germany for Christmas but never been during the winter, it was fun to hear all the Advent and Christmas season customs.

Afterward, we decided not to stay for lunch and said our goodbyes to several of the ladies we had met and lunched with.  Then we walked around the neighborhood and down to the shops.
 

A French-style bakery

 We stopped at one of the fine bakeries along the way and into several chocolate shops.

Petite china pastry at the bakery

The Royal Chinese Restaurant

Bulk rice section, sold in 30 lbs bags

Fruit and Veggie section

Things we didn't eat!

 I told Amy that I've been very surprised at all the wonderful sweet shops here in Japan (for some reason I didn't realize that there were so many).  At one shop in the Kitano area, a sign read "EAT CAKE, BE HAPPY! and I think that has been the motto of this trip.  Fortunately I feel that I have had enough cake for quite a while now.  I'm good.

Tomorrow is my last day.  We have had fun filled days and long walking days, days of lots of food and days of talking and laughing.  I think the best thing about this trip have been the people, especially Amy's friends--all kind, interesting women who I would like to have as my friends.  And they have been mine for a short time, sharing and enjoying experiences together.

Our last stop today was Agro Garden which has groceries as well as plants.  Beth wanted photos of the food store so here are several interesting shots (look to the left and above).  We made our selections and passed up on many others.  Many packages tease you with some English words but the rest is in Japanese and it is hard to figure out what it actually is.
Amy said..."Welcome to Japan!"