暑く熱く燃えた１日でした！

***外国人参加者からの感想***

　La danza Sun Sun Numazu Odori debe tener un significado especial para los japoneses que viven en Numazu, ya que es una tradicion que se lleva a cabo cada ano en el festival del mes de julio.
　A mi me agrado mucho participar en esta danza porque he tenido la oportunidad de conocer y compartir estos momentos especiales con personas de Japon y de
otros paises. Fue muy bonito convivir los ensayos como bailar en la calle durante el desfile.
　Es muy importante la calidez con que nos dan la bienvenida a los extranjeros que por una u otra razon estamos viviendo aqui en Numazu.
　Solo me queda decirles Gracias Amigos. Espero tener la oportunidad de darles la bienvenida a mi pais Ecuador.

　燦々ぬまづ踊りは毎年７月のお祭りに行う伝統行事なので、沼津に住む日本人にとって特別な意味があるものだと思います。
　私はこの踊りに参加して日本人の方や他の国々の方とこの特別な時間を経験し共有することができてとても嬉しく思います。一緒に練習したり、（本番で）通りで列になって踊ったりして過ごせたのはとてもすてきな事でした。
　様々な理由でここ沼津に住んでいる私たち外国人を歓迎してくれる暖かさはとても素晴らしいものだと思います。
　皆さんありがとう、と言う以外に言葉が見つかりません。私の故郷・エクアドルで皆さんを歓迎するチャンスがあることを祈っています。

　　Before I came to Japan, I had witnessed some interesting dancing during the biannual Japanese festivals held at Japantown in my hometown of San Francisco. It had always looked like the participants were having so much fun, wearing yukata and dancing together in the parades.
　　So, when I came to live and work (and play!) in Numazu, I was looking forward to seeing and, hopefully, participating in "the real thing." Sadly, my first summer, I arrived in Japan the weekend after the Numazu Summer Festival. My second summer, I didn't find out about the Bon Odori Dance Parade until the day of the festival. However, as we say in English, "The third time's the charm." Thus, this summer, I asked my friend at city hall if there was a group I could join. She gave me the number of the Numazu Association for International Communications and Exchanges (N.I.C.E.), as well as some information about the group and its dance rehearsals.
　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　･･･途中省略･･･
　　It all came together on the day of the parade. We gathered at a meeting hall in downtown Numazu and got into our costumes. Most of the foreigners opted to wear the traditional red and white happi coat and black short pants; while most of the Japanese had chosen to wear the native costume of other countries which they had visited or which interested them. We were quite a colorful bunch, with clothing not only from Japan, but also from Egypt, China, Thailand, and Singapore, among other cuntries. The Director himself, as King of the Dancers, covered two countries -- both Italy and Papua New Guinea!
　　Strolling through downtown Numazu in our costumes on the way to the parade venue, we all chatted and laughed. Then came the waiting . . . and then came the dancing!!! We readied ourselves in formation, and Bang! We were off! Smiling at the parade-goers, smiling (even more!) at the judges, and smiling at one another, we danced along the route. Twenty minutes or so doesn't sound so long, that is, until you try dancing in tabi-clad feet up and down a paved street on a hot summer afternoon. My dogs were barking!
　　Back at the meeting hall, the tables were set out, the snacks were laid out, and the drinks were flowing -- all kinds of drinks: Lemonade, orange juice, and, my personal favorite, homemade shiso (perilla leaf) juice; soft drinks and iced tea; and beer . . . lots and lots of beer! My friend back at home says that beer replaces the electrolytes you loose when you exercise. I'm not really sure if this is true, but it's certainly a good excuse!1
　　The friendly atmosphere of the practices and the parade turned quite convivial indeed as time passed and everyone relaxed, ate, and drank. As the hour drew to a close, people exchanged numbers and some helped to clean-up while others stood to leave for their evening engagements. This is the true test of a good time had by all -- when the laughter is loud and new friendships are created.
　　I can't wait to dance with you all again next year! In the meantime, keep in touch!

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Marlene M. Goerl