What a long day.  My alarm went off at 530 and Kaoru was already up getting things ready.  I had a shower and breakfast, and we were out the door just before 630.  On the way to the train station there was a sprinkle of rain but not enough to warrant getting the umbrella out.  Nobody told the locals that though!

We waited about 5 minutes for our train to arrive.  Once seated it wasn’t too long before we fell back asleep, so the trip to Shinjuku didn’t seem that long.  We walked to the bus station which took about 10 minutes, and had a hot drink while waiting for our bus to arrive.  We pulled out of the station about 1020.

Another sleep passed the time, as well as some eating and Hirigana and Katakana practice.  We arrived in Shinasu about 1220, and were feeling peckish, so had soba noodles.  We then caught a taxi to Kaorus parents second house.  We sat down for some green tea and a “chat” (which basically means Kaoru practiced interpreting).  We were then taken to our “room”, which was the guest cottage.  This was just amazing.  We walked outside, along the garden path, to the building that was only about 5 years old.  It had a strong pine smell to it, but I don’t think there are words to describe it!  So I’ll just use the word “Japanese”.

Kaoru and I went for a walk while her parents went for a drive.  We ended up at a farm, which was fun.  There was everything you could imagine, from horse rides to “rent a rabbit” that you put on a leash and could walk around with.  You could catch a fish, put a skewer through it, and cook it on the fire.  It was awesome.

Another 30 minute walk got us home and we had a tea and more talking.  Kaoru’s Dad wanted me to have a “Japanese style” bath.  So Kaoru showed me where it was and instructed me on its use.  The best way to describe it would be like a spa but rock tiles construction.  The water level was flush with the top and I was told part of the luxury is getting in and letting the water overflow as your body disperses it.  It was very relaxing and after the sitting and long walk, just what I needed.

I was out around 530, which is about dinner time at the Kodama house.  WHAT A FEAST!!!  Tuna Sashima, Wagu beef, rice, salad, a japanese sweet potato, some beer, scallops, salad…the meat was cooked on a hot plate at the table and as soon as I took something off my plate, it was replaced with something else.  Kaoru’s parents were very impressed with my use of chopsticks.  Apparently Japanese people these days don’t use them properly.  My years of practice were recognized and earnt some good brownie points 🙂

After dinner it was Kaoru’s turn to have a bath.  Instead of going to our room though, I stayed and dried dishes and attempted to chat to her parents without her.  We managed to laugh a few times – hopefully at the same thing!  Given her father speaks no English, they made a great effort to make me feel welcome.  Once Kaoru was out of the bath she joined us, and I was invited to come back whenever I want – especially in the Spring time which is his favourite time of year out there.  And I was told to bring friends and family, and there’s a golf course nearby, and it’s in the mountains, so you’ll love it, Dad!!!

We then went to our room and made up our bed.  We watched Iron Chef in Japanese and it occurred to me that the commentators job realy isn’t necessary, as the show was enjoyable not understanding a word of it!  We eventually went to bed after a very long day.