Kanazawa, JAPAN

So, with very little trouble, I was able to make it to Kanazawa. Katya was at the train station waiting for me with her friend Yuko, who drove us home. She has to work everyday, but that's fine, because I have the time to see all the cool things that Kanazawa has to offer.
I got totally lost three times the first day, and found out that, although I knew where TOWN was, and how to get there, I had no idea where I was. So it was much further than I had thought. My legs are still sore. But I did manage to get into town to see the Kenroku-en garden. It's definitely Kanazawa's pride and joy for a reason. They say it's one of the 3 best garden's in all of Japan. They are setting up Yokitsuri(elaborate rope support on trees to protect them from snow) on their favorite trees now. This black pine is extremely old(planted from seed by the 13th Lord of Kaga) and has about 400 ropes on it, although they're not tied up yet.
It has become obvious to me, that if I don't learn at least a few things about the language, I won't eat, and I'll have to walk everywhere. There's some english at the heavily touristed areas, but they don't assume you are interested in anything else. I feel like I'm getting a hand on things though. I can read enough to know where the bus is going, and recognize a few meals, and things in the grocery store. And yesterday I made a yoyaku (reservation) for 3, but it was a struggle for both of us. For a few days when someone offered me a pamphlet, I responded "this" instead of "no thank-you."
I saw the Geisha district, and tomorrow, the ninja house with trap doors and hideout passages. There's a lot to see, but most things close on Wednesday, so I spent the day just walking. I saw Kanazawa-jo (the castle), a million shrines(I keep forgetting to cleanse my hands), a bunch more gardens, and a small area of the Honda museum. The best stuff is, of course, everything else. I saw the Omicho fish market in the morning(sadly, no fish throwing, but plenty of yelling). Big squid, fish, and a bunch of gross green stuff. It's snow crab season, and, like melons($10), they are given as gifts on evergreen leaves, so one can cost $250. Mushrooms in the same style, can go for $650 for about 5 'shrooms. I just bought a bouquet of orchids for Kate for $3.50.
Today, perhaps I will go to shamisen no fukushima shop(a shamisen is the traditional instrument we all think of in old japanese music) where they will let me play them.
The evenings I chat with Kate (after being nearly silent all day) and we walk around. Beer is expensive, but sake is pretty cheap....depending on what you get. I'm having a blast! Although I think small cartoon girls have to beware of shadow people at night. This is an actual sign from the bus stop.