During the lunch time after the second service there was a farewell for me. I've totally lost track of how many this makes. A lot by any standard. Many people said nice things about me and all of the years I've been hanging around Ichikawa. My friend Inoo san came for that part.
There was the traditional silver ball hanging from the ceiling which had a pull string on it. When pulled, the ball opens and dumps flower petals and streamers and a thoughtful sentiment written on the central streamer. A convenient package of tissues was attached in case one became overcome by the experience.
There were singing and prayers and gifts all by way of saying "Thank You" and then many many individuals who wanted to say good bye, take care, come back to Japan.
I had a little break then and came back to my room and started rearranging my packing. Later in the afternoon I went downstairs to watch the final day of the Sumo Tournament. The championship to be determined by the final bout between the undefeated (in the previous 30 bouts) challenger and the previous champion who had lost one match of the previous 14 days. Hakuho vs. Haramafuji. Two wrestlers from Mongolia. And the winner of the Emperor's Cup in the Aki Basho is Haramafuji. Will Yokozuna ranking be far behind?
The couple who had offered to take me out to dinner came and watched the last three bouts along with the pastor.
Then indeed there was dinner. What a lovely event that was! So much silverware on the table I was almost intimidated. A couple of hours and three knives, three forks and countless spoons later, coffee was served with crystal sugar on a stick to stir with. Each course was a lovely presentation. Sauces and garnishes added all manner of bright notes to the nicely cooked, colorful food. Dessert was a sampler of fruits and custard and caramel and ice and mint. Uber-yum.
And now that this report is complete, back to rearranging the packing.
