Japanese glass beads

Today my friend Miho took myself and 2 other ladies to make Japanese glass beads.  

We got some instruction from this kind gentleman.  He was very patient with us!

Then it was out turn to pick some colors and give it a try

 I obviously enjoyed myself

 TO {red} N {yellow} BO {blue} DAMA {green}  {I knew all but the green}

TONBODAMA=glass beads

 Our friend Miho is a seasoned professional at this

 Once you are happy with your shape and design in goes into the pebble bath to cool off

 The shop also has a jewelry making area

Plus it is a coffee/tea shop

Upstairs was an area with more seating where we were served tea & chocolate while we waited for out beads to cool

Our finished products

For our 1st time, we were all pretty impressed with how well they turned out!  Here is mine =}

{the fabulous owner also sent us all home with a gift but I am going to give mine to someone so I can't show you yet!}

After craft time, Miho took us to her favorite noodle shop for lunch. When we pulled into the parking lot, the line was out the door.  "People were waiting outside in the cold for these noodles?  They must be good!", I thought and I was not disappointed!

You walk in and everything is completely open.

You get to watch them make everything!

This guy rolls out the dough.

 Then laid it on top of the slicing machine.

The next guy comes over and puts the dough through the slicer which makes the noodles.

 The noodles are placed into a huge tub of boiling water and then fished out with these giant nets! {pun intended}

 Then you place your order {what size bowl you want and if you want any special sauces added}.

 Next you can choose some tempura to go with your noodles.

 Which is also cooked fresh right in front of you.

Then you eat!

Udon noodles with shrimp and eggplant tempura and an inarizushi.  YUM!

These are 2 things that I never would have experienced if it weren't for a friendship I made through church.  Miho, I am eternally grateful to you for sharing this part of your culture with me!

I plan on recreating this day with my mom when she gets here.  OH!  I think that is the 1st time I've mentioned that on here.  

MY MOMMA IS COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!

In just a few {5 or 6} short weeks, she will be here and I cannot wait!!!  She will hopefully be here just in time for the sakura {cherry blossoms} and the warmer weather.  It's going to be so nice to show my mom this amazing country.  This is a once in a lifetime trip for her and I'm so glad she decided to come.