A RELAXING DAY WITH FAMILY
24.12.2024
Both Mami and I had a good sleep last night. With the five hour drive and then catching up with family once we arrived, we were well and truly ready to hit the hay.
Yoshi had left before I got up and he was surprised to see Mami out of bed in time to see him leave for work at 7.30 this morning. I was out of bed not long after that and had a shower before I had breakfast. For anyone who has not seen this shower I will post a picture. It is truly the best way to take a shower, sitting down, surrounded by 10 separate jets, with a mirror in front so you can shave. Brilliant!
Breakfast for me was cereal and a large apple that cost $3.00! A bit takai (Japanese for expensive) for one apple if you ask me. But Mami and I have both noticed that the prices of food in supermarkets have risen considerably since this time last year. Must have been taken over by Coles and Woolworths where the motto is the same as the film Wall Street; Greed is Good!!
Youko asked me if I wanted to go to Hamamoto Cafe, my favourite cafe in Shunan. On the way to the cafe, I was hoping to see a Shinkansen. Did we see a Shinkansen? Yes, but not an ordinary one, we saw the Doctor Yellow, a special test train used to inspect the tracks and overhead wires!! The name “Doctor Yellow” comes from its role as a diagnostic tool, identifying issues as it travels at high speeds. It is solely for technicians and it never takes paying passengers. Unlike the standard Shinkansen, it’s painted yellow for better visibility, especially at night.
As Mami and I were overjoyed to see it, Youko missed it, as she was driving. She did, however, tell us that the Doctor Yellow trains are now being retired after six decades of service, making sightings of these iconic trains increasingly rare. We may have seen one of the last Doctor Yellows in action.
Youko again cooked my favourite meal for dinner, skewered chicken leg barbecued in special sauce, with various vegetable dishes. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed it. After the scrumptious dinner, we played some board games, and had a lot of laughter. For the record Mami won Hues and Cues while I won Dominoes. Not that either of us are very competitive.
Eating dinner and playing games together may seem like nothing special, but when you’re living far away from your family, you realise just how precious these ordinary moments are. We’re here to make the most of them.
For those reuniting with family, enjoy every moment together and be sure to tell them you love them. To those who have recently lost someone, we’re sending you our love and hope you find a moment to smile, knowing you were lucky enough to love and share life with someone so special.
Wishing you all the best for the festive season.
