Those Terrible Tourists

Usually the guests that come to Tondaya are very polite, nice and interested - I think that when you pay this much you should at least pretend to be interested. I like working in an enviroment where I have contact with people and I've always enjoyed guiding our guests. Yesterday, though, I had to clasp my hands behind my back to keep from wringing a few necks. In came a group of fashion journalists and basically they behaved like a bunch of 3-year olds on sugar high. Me and my two senseis had to run around and stop them from ruining everything in their line of vision, and when we finally dressed them in the kimono and I started the tour two were talking on the phone, one was writing an sms, and the rest was chatting happily, totally ignoring me. Next they wanted to try make the tea, so we gave them a couple of tea bowls and chasen (a whisk used to mix tea and water); I will not go into details; needless to say, I have never seen tea made so badly. No wonder they didn't finish it... Their Japanese guide was repetedly bowing and apologizing to us when they finally left. Sorry for the long rant... T_T
But today we had two ladies from Poland (the first Polish tourists in six months! In my last week of work, of course) and I had a very good time, giving them a detailed explanation of everything that was going on, so my mood lightened up a bit.
I am leaving Japan on Saturday morning... Today I sent some of my stuff back home; 15 kilo of books, clothes and small things I decided I didn't need right away. I just hope everything gets home undamaged. I have a busy week - I have to meet a few people and thank them for their help and friendship over the last six months; surprisingly it's quite a large crowd. And on Saturday evening I will finally eat some real bread...!