Hansei-kai

What kind of words can explain the kind of lessons I have learnt during the past ten days? One of the privileges of anthropological fieldwork, I believe, is that one is encouraged to relive the growing and learning process again, to unlearn in order learn, to do the 3 yr old again in a particular setting. Instead of climbing the ladder in that place, one matures through the abstractions made possible through such repetitive learning and unlearning. If you cannot withstand the pain of growth, perhaps you're not cut out for the profession.
The festival in Shoin is over. More precisely, it is about to be over, as the float members have yet to finish their final round of sake. Every social event here is never complete without a 反省会　"hanseikai" or a drink among close circles after the main event. This is where core members get together and discuss points to be improved as well as select committee members for the coming year. Normally the party takes place immediately after the event. This time they have waited for me to return from my work trip. What an honor.
Now for some sake. More to come after the Hansei-kai.

ETA: oops, the Hansei-kai has been postponed. meanwhile stay tuned for more on the main festival.