Cuteness Overload...

EVERYTHING in Japanese teenagers' lives is "kawaii", or "cute" to you and me. Shoes are cute, Harro Kitty is cute, Maderin Sensei is cute (!), cell phones are cute... even bugs are cute in their world. But today I experienced the ultimate in cuteness... I went into the school office to pay my rent and was greeted by the office lady (no English remember?!) who handed me a bag. In the bag was a tartan pen holder that she had made for me during the holiday weekend. She looked suitably pleased (and so she should) when I shreaked "kawaii" in my best Japanese teenager accent and thanked her over and over again.

Cute!