Ichinomiya Tanabata (Star) Festival

The biggest festival in Ichinomiya is the annual Tanabata Festival. There are lots of decorations, stalls [yatai], parades & stage shows such as hula dancing & taiko drums. And of course there are always lots of people, with many girls wearing colourful yukatas [summer kimonos].

I took Owen to Masumida Shrine first. We watched a couple of stage shows & ate kaki-gori [shaved ice]. There was a haunted house in the shrine grounds too, but of course I didn`t take Owen there. Next we went to Honmachi to watch a couple of parades.

Unfortunately I missed seeing "Miss Tanabata" go past because I was changing someone`s nappy(Aus)/diaper(US) [mutsu] in the toilet (while an old lady tried persistently to open the door. I said "I`m in here!" but she still tried to open the door. I forgot that in Japan, if someone knocks on your toilet door, you should knock back, from the inside). Anyway, I was disappointed not to see Miss Tanabata 2011.

Did you go to Tanabata this year? Did you see Miss Tanabata 2011? Was she smoking hot?

I've not gone to Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival recently. Because there are really lots of people!! I hate it!! And it is terrible hot! You are poor. But Miss Tanabata 2011 will be invited in some entertainment. You might be able possibly to meet them. Anyway, what does 'Was she smoking hot?' mean?