- We missed our flight because our bus got stuck in traffic. By a sheer miracle we got to the counter two minutes before the flight departed and were able to change to another flight that day without actually buying another ticket.
- All of which meant that we were stuck at the airport for NINE HOURS. Crimeny.
- I almost cried as I watched the lady take away the basket of free croissants while we were checking in to the executive lounge. We learned that they only serve those until 9 am. Cheap bastards.
- Eihime suddenly has a mind all her own along with her own iternerary, her own walking path and her own list of things that make her scream, me trying to make her go the way we need to go being at the very top.
- When we finally got to Wakayama, I had a ferocious Braxton-Hicks contraction (ya think it mighta been stress induced?) and could add worrying about the health of my unborn child to the list of what was wrong with the day.
- But from here, it gets much, much better.
- The weather was gorgeous, warm like late spring with a cool breeze.
- Mr. Ueyama had made piles of gyoza for us. Delicious!
- I got to take a bath in an ancient traditional Japanese bathtub that was like a giant cauldron and used to be heated underneath with a fire. Wild.
- Sleeping in a real futon after a long time sleeping every night in our bed was a treat.
- Next morning we went to watch the daughter's rhythmic gymnastics team practice.
- Went to several spots of interest in the coastal area. A little island with a hole in it, a hotspring outdoors next to the ocean (we didn't have time to bathe but I did accidentally see old men's naked behinds. Blech!), an area with sheer rock cliffs that terrified me. What scared me the most were the stupid girls climbing around in their high heels and generally acting stupid. I was so sure they were going to fall to their untimely deaths.
- Went to dinner at our good friends' place that evening.
- Went to visit Ken's old boss at the plum farm next door. We had to take a flashlight, we were so far out in the country. The roads had sheer drop-offs on either side.
- Accidentally went to the wrong house first and because Ken knew them had to go in and talk and drink something. I had the most delicious 100% plum juice. If I lived there, it's the only thing I would ever drink.
- Went to the actual boss' house. Got a ride back to our friends house from his son. Terrifying. The roads are just wide enough for a truck and no guardrails anywhere.
- Next morning went to see one of Ken's mentors. Very good. He then took us to lunch. It rained that day.
- Took a nap in the afternoon with Ei.
- Went to dinner at Ken's good friends. They inherited a huge estate from many generations ago. Ei had fun running around until she got tired and through a huge fit. We were going to take the train, but instead called Mr. Ueyama to come pick us up. By the time he got there, she was calm and playing like nothing had ever happened. Oops.
- Last day, went for a walk to a famous shrine nearby.
- Went out for lunch. Ate three meals' worth of food.
- To the airport where there are only two flights per day, both of which go to Tokyo. The plane taxied to the end of the runway and did a u-turn. Took off over the ocean and left behind a beautiful place filled with our greatest friends. To come back to stinky Tokyo. Sad for us.
mar 16 2008 ∞
mar 16 2008 +
mar 16 2008 +