Seeing this was so familiar, but yet unfamiliar. The United States Embassy hosted a Friendship Day at the residences compound last Saturday. Four thousand five hundred tickets were made available to Americans living here in Japan and to other friends.

It was a day of fun for children and adults alike.

There was the color guard and United States Marine Band.

Lots of food that you don't find everyday..."Nawlins" style red beans and rice; nacho chips smothered in cheese, Domino's pizza.

What did I choose? A "swarma" much like we had in Israel. I figured it wouldn't be that long before I could indulge in the American fare before I would get back to the Middle East again.



I don't know if you can tell how wilted we felt. It was around 95 degrees with high humidity. We sat down to watch an outdoor show but decided that we needed shade more than entertainment.

It was a nice event and one appreciated. We had gone to the same kind of event when we were in Costa Rica and it brought back alot of memories of our homeland and how unique and special it is.