Then it was hanging-out time with the Yadas. As always, host-mom made a delicious dinner, and Thomas and host-dad played throw-and-chase-the-fan. They had done a huge remodel of their second floor, the kitchen-dining-office-photography studio. It was unrecognizable! And they added a bath and garden. It was the design of one of their sons,' Asashi, who is an interior designer or architect, I can't remember which. He just got married to a very nice young woman and they invited us over to their house to see what a traditional Japanese town house looks like. Except they were starting to do some remodel in there, too, so it was kind of a blend of traditional Japanese and modern Japanese. Very stylish and comfortable! Anyway, it's a very
busy, bustling suppertime, as they they still have an exchange student from AKP (Associated Kyoto Program from several colleges), and a former AKP student who is living in the area and doing research for her doctorate, and Asashi's new wife, and the other son, Takagi just around
the corner these days, and daughter Yukine. How nice to see everyone again! They asked me what I wanted to see while in Kyoto, and I remembered a particular rock garden that I saw on AKP in 1995, but I couldn't remember where it was. Helen, the doctorate student, happened to know where it was as she was very good friends with the head abbot of that temple! Yukine took us to see it the next day at Tofukuji, in the south of the city. She corralled and amused Thomas so I could have a good look at it (and last me another 14 years!). Boy, they had fun together. Pictures on the website. And then on the way back to the hotel,
Yukine dropped me off at Nishioji market to do a little bit of shopping while Matthew took Thomas back to the hotel for a nap. What a great place. Must go back.
Lessons from the trip: it is very difficult in Japan while travelling, but try to avoid salty foods for Thomas as he seems to become hyperactive and screechy. Unless you have your own kitchen, though, good luck trying to find unsalty foods to eat! Obentos, onigiri, ... all of these foods are salty or sweet or both. Also, it takes about four days for Thomas to get over jet-lag, so expect him to be awake at two, three, four o'clock in the morning. Good thing for 24-hour Lawson's or Family Mart, and early-morning strolls. And chains called Jonathan's! So family friendly! Like a Ja
panese Denny's, except clean and yummy. Thomas falls asleep best when the room is quiet and dark, so when at someone else's house eating dinner and he gets sleepy, leave the room with him and bring him back when he's asleep. And, babies are going to screech on the airplane, so just accept it and don't fight it or feel any guilt. And you have to save your own sanity, so do that above all else. Lots of walking around helps, and playing with the bathroom door handle (for Thomas). Even if the flight attendants get snitty. Also, if possible, don't fly a US carrier if you want good food, good service, and good entertainment.
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