Day Five

Yamagata Trip Day Five

KoshareHistory.com

KoshareHistory

CELEBRATING

74 HISTORY MAKING YEARS

CELEBRATING

74 HISTORY MAKING YEARS

Koshare Indian Museum 115 West 18th Street La Junta, CO 81050 (719) 384-4411

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9:00am Zazen meditation at Chorei-ji temple

At the Buddist temple the we were instructed on the mediatation process. A few could assume the lotus sitting postition, but most sat with crossed legs as we began our mediation period.

Chris Headleee sits down for lunch while painted as a Koshare

Jeremy Manyik and Steven Cameron show their outfits to Japanese performers

Mori, Jeremy Manyik and Roger Roath wait for airlines to correct Roger's ticket

Kristen Rains, Nia Leyba and Jim Schmelzer wait for tea

Group photo near Chorei-ji temple

10:00am: Yamanotera foot path and tea ceremony

For the next three hours we toured three different temples and visited the burial grounds on the Buddist grounds. At the end of the tour, we participated in a Tea Ceremony. At the ceremony there was a scroll on the wall - typical of all Tea Ceremonies. However, this scroll was written with the word safty specifically for the ceremony. The reason for safty being written on the scroll was to wish us safe travel as we travel around the country and back to the United States.

12:50pm Wakura Onsen Sightseeing Hall

We returned to the same sightseeing hall that hosted the opening ceremony. It was there that we would begin our first of five show to be presented within three hours. We dressed at the hall while other Japanese performers performed their own traditional dance on the stage of Wakura Onsen. The performers then took their place in the parade. On the stage of Wakura Onsen the Koshares performed the Eagle and Hoop dance to much delight of the spectators.

2:50pm Lunch

After performing one show at Wakura Onsen and two shows in the parade the Koshares went to a resturant while still dressed in their outfits. There were still two shows to go, but just enough time to eat lunch. After lunch on the traditional Japanese tables the Koshares once again performed for two wonderful crowds at a local hotel. After the five shows, the Koshares were treated to a bath in the hot springs. This was a most relaxing time for those who danced their hardest.

8:50pm Return with host families

With a long day of dancing and sightseeing the Koshares were very thrilled to see their host families pick them up for the night. Although most Koshares did not get to sleep right away, it was the relaxing time with the families we looked forward to the most.