JapaneseAugust 6,2007: Latvia alumni
	In 2005 November, I visited Latvia in order to support the opening ceremony of Snow Exhibition which was held there to introduce the great work of Dr. Ukichirou Nakaya. At that time, we were helped by a young lady who worked as an interpreter of Latvian and Japanese. The lady visited Yufuin this time on her summer vacation. We were very glad and headed soon to Yufuin.
Only 50 minutes drive from home took us to the valley through route 210.
	The steam of spa looks clearly under the humid weather.
Eight members joined the party at Yunotake-Ann restaurant. This is "Snow lantern" hand-made by Mr. Harada. It was presented to Ms. Kurosawa, today's main guest.
	Ms. Kurosawa was said to be the first Japanese resident in Latvia. We were greatly helped by her in local meeting and interpreter. When Japanese emperor and empress visited Latvia this spring she played a big roll as the interpreter of the Royal couple. Thank you very much at that time. Prosit !
Wonderful local dishes were served one by another. We could enjoy the real taste of the materials.
	Suyou cucumber (above) and fried corn (left) which was very crispy and good.
Cheese and tomatoes from Yufuin Uraken farm.
	Carp Sashimi was totally free from bloody-smell. How to draw the carp blood became an instant talk and we remembered the blood-mixed sausage of Latvia. We recalled rich food at the central market of Riga and talked much about dear old memory of the trip.
Cold soup of corn was good as well.
	We were served politely.
Bungo beefsteak assorted by local potato and fresh herb.
	We had Oita alumni this evening. Tomorrow another welcome meeting would be held in Saga district, they said.
Pleasant chatting found no end but the dessert was served in the end. Thank you very much for good dinner and talk.
	Mr. Harada will go home in Fukuoka, some two hours away.
We were kindly allowed to stay at Shouya cottage this evening together with Ms. Kurosawa and others.
	August 7 I got up early in the morning in the fresh green.
I walked out and said good morning to the lovely pet of the hotel.
	Typhoon #5 hit Yufuin four days ago and the road was closed here and there.
Kinrin Lake got muddy.
	Fall has arrived Yufuin Valley already.
We took breakfast at the hotel.
	Unusual approach to the restaurant was paved with Japanese tile.
Japanese breakfast was really good.
	After the breakfast, we enjoyed good chatting at the lobby together with Mr. Nakaya, the president of the hotel, and Ms.Kurosawa. She said that there are many Latvians who learn Japanese and she is very busy in teaching Japanese in Latvia University.
Nakaya has bought a new digital camera and boasted of it. The Latvia alumni was very good and I hoped to make another trip with the good friends.
January 20, 2006: Call back the trip to Latvia	Kyushu-Latvia snow connection