off the field...

We're at about the midpoint in our trip; Fukuoka has been an incredible experience. It's got this big-city feel to it, but at the same time it's not the sprawling metropolis Tokyo was when I went there last. I'm a bit dissapoint we won't be able to make it to Tokyo on this trip; the best lacrosse teams are there and it's a pretty awesome experience to go to one of the world's largest cities. However, Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, and also is home to the 2nd best lacrosse teams. I'm sure we will see some better competition, but we don't have games until Friday. Osaka should be fun, I'm excited to check out another new place.

We had to say goodbye to our hosts yesterday morning, it was a bit sad for some people. especially those who stayed with families. The families were really generous; Ryan Hatheway received a whole bag of souveneirs for himself and his family, as well as $50 for sightseeing that day. The hosts were great to everyone, and I had way too much fun hanging out with Toshiki (even though his apartment was very small). We spent a lot of time hanging out with Marcus Sylva, who lived in an apartment with a guy named Atsuo, who is good friends with Toshiki. We went bowling on our last night, had some beers and even taught them how to play beer pong! (japanese style of course, sitting on the ground using a coffee table and only one ball, but it was fun!). But all in all staying with Toshiki was really an eye opening experience to see how another college kid lives in another country.

Last night we stayed in our hotel again, the first night all of us has time to go out an explore on our own. During the day we went sightseeing at a temple outside Fukuoka, and enjoyed some of the Kyushu scenery. I ended up walking through the temple grounds with our coach Tyler Kreitz, who is a pretty cool guy with a lot to talk about. We ended up hiking through the mountains around the temple and we saw some cool shrines and a gigantic Kyushu museum. Outside the city, Japan is a quaint and beautiful place and I was surprised at how green everything is!

I will upload pictures tonight and talk more about last nights drunken adventures in Fukuoka!