Natasha is the most badass woman in all of the Bujinkan, and one of the most badass people period in all of the Bujinkan. I think she might be in the special forces somewhere in Europe or something. She’s very beautiful and feminine and petite and could easily cripple any one of you. Also, she teaches a kids class.

Anyway, on one of our water breaks during Tai Kai, I was practicing a technique with Brian, and some others started watching — I guess because I am the fascinating white belt girl. Suddenly, Natasha stepped in and helped me with it. I was totally starstruck. I later realized that as a person of my low rank, I can count on help from those who have the very most to teach. I was so lucky to be there. I was also taught a few things by this guy Ed from St Louis, who looks like a kindly old grandfather and is probably in his mid-seventies. But that cane he carries around has multiple uses, that’s for sure.

Of course far and away I had the most to learn from Soke, Hatsumi Sensei. But there is something extra valuable in hands-on, one-on-one teaching.

I missed good cheese in Japan. And butter. I also missed my cats. I missed a lot of things about home.

But I also realized that wow, Americans are pretty rude. And our cities are absolutely filthy. This in comparison to what I noticed in Tokyo.

Tokyo is now in my list of Top Five Favorite Cities. Near the top. For its variety, beauty, cleanliness, and relative ease of use by the respectful and knowledgable foreigner. My only complaint is the most common one: It is very, very expensive. But ya know… almost worth it.

It’s weird to be home, and I think the jet lag has already set in because I feel like I am swaying around as though I am still on the airplane. But I have napped deeply, cuddled with the cats, and taken a very long shower. We’ll go eat when Brian wakes from his nap, then we will go to bed really early.