Random thoughts from the train

We are back on the Shinkansen en route to Tokyo via Himeji. We can't check into our place until this evening so decided we would break up the 5 hour train ride with a stop to see the largest castle in Japan. Newly renovated in March of this year. We are hoping that there are lockers at the station to keep our bags!

Final leg of our trip in Japan. It's been so awesome. For anyone reading this who had thought of travelling in Japan but that price would be prohibitive, think again. We are averaging under $95 a day for meals for a family of four. I'm sure that's a far cry from prices in Europe. That said, we do know how to eat at a convenience store but haven't deprived ourselves from Starbucks or the odd fancier meal. The air bnb experience here is amazing and the rail passes for foreigners are extremely economical.  So would encourage anyone reading to consider a family trip to Japan. We have a great itinerary for you to follow!

Had a very vivid work dream last night. Must be thinking of all my colleagues! Hoping all is going well and reminding myself that while we have experienced so much in two weeks away, the world at home moves much more slowly. Thank goodness. Have had news of one baby girl being born to a team member and am awaiting details. Also waiting for the second that is due any day! Wishing the new mom and mom to be well. 

Steve and Kris return to Toronto today.  Definite highlight of our trip was the news of their enagagement in Kamakura the day we arrived and the 4-5 days we spent with them. The girls are so excited to welcome Auntie Kris into our family officially. Craig and I are too. 

The baseball game last night did not disappoint. What a fun experience. We only saw two other foreigners and it was definitely an unusual experience to be part of. The fans around us were as welcoming and hospitable as we've come to expect from the Japanese. They gave us balloons during the balloon portion of the 7th inning. They high fived us and included us in the festivities. There was an awesome super fan who did not stop cheering and chanting the entire time. I could have watched him all day. 

We have had down time but not the hours to kill that we experienced during our south east Asia tour in 1997. Japan is more like travelling in Europe. Lots to see and lots of walking throughout the day. I expect things to get a bit tougher in the next legs but am also excited for the new experiences. 

Final thought is the amount of togetherness. I haven't spent this amount of time with the kids in such a concentrated amount since my maternity leaves. When we have had to split into two rooms, Robin has been my roommate which has been pretty fun. We are the early birds. The amount of togetherness certainly has its challenges and I find I need a good 30 minutes of silence at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Overall the kids have been pretty good. Some days they fight more than others and some days I have more patience with the bickering than others. Generally speaking though, no stressors in my life at the moment so finding myself a more patient person. Wonder if the kids would agree?