We made it home last night. Arrived at Logan Airport about 9pm. All the parents were there to give us a wonderful welcome. I will continue to update this blog with pictures and videos. Logan may need your help with that! I was in bed by 12 midnight. Someone, please send me some welcome back pictures so I can post.
This is it. We are all doing our last minute cramming of all our stuff into our luggage. This is the last time the students will have to hear the Mrs. Shick-isms, especially the big one.."SHOW ME YOUR PASSPORT!" We leave with a lifetime of memories. Kenji will see us to the train to Narita. He has been invaluable. He took his vacation from work to spend with us. We can't wait to see you all at Logan Airport.
Thank you to those who were responsible for: rolling luggage, air conditioners, escalators and trains (including subways). I think Allie and the kids would agree that we could not have lived without all these luxuries.
was a full day. We began early going to the fish market. What a place and lots of Mr. Eyeballs. The place is a busy, all business fish market. Workers zip around on these forklift like vehicles and trucks are going all over the place. Kenji gave us strict orders...the workers are serious, walk single file, do not touch anything and no shouting (that was a challenge for some). The kids traveled by subway at the height of rush hour. They quickly saw how cramped and SILENT the subway cars were. Abbie actually read and kept quiet. Next we went to Asakusa and the Lantern Temple. It was quite a sight. We took our picture in our red shirts there. Then on to a great (and relaxing) river cruise to the area of the Tokyo Tower. Kenji took the kids to the top of the tower. They have some great pictures of tokyo from way up top. We then went shopping and shop we did. I have now reached a new low. I am now paying the kids to carry my bags. Paul, I got a bit carried away in the Oriental Bazaar again. But I did get Liz a beautiful shower gift (seeing as I missed both of them!). I told them they just have to get the stuff to the airport for me. Ray will take over from there. I had to continue with the Mrs. Shick-isms though. Logan started saying "hey guys...Kenji is moving". They still don't get the arrows on the stairs and take over whole sidewalks. I accomplished stilling an entire hallway in a mall when I shouted stop. Had to apologize to the rest of the public and tell them they were free to move. We ended the day in a torrential downpour and a mad dash to the subway. We got to the hotel drenched. Kenji's view of Tokyo was great. It has been so nice to spend this time with him. I told him I am working on getting him a nice girl to meet. He has been great with the kids and the kids great with him. Well we leave tomorrow. I think everyone is ready. They have all said that they are tired. I just need you all to get one mesage to my husband. Meet me in Logan with a luggage cart. Tell hime it is not for the luggage, its for Allie and I! I'll post one last post tomorrow. I will add more pictures if I have time tonight. We miss you all and again, thank you for this great trip. Allie and I have had a blast!!
A big thank you goes out to all that made sure that we understood what we were being told and we were able to get our thoughts across. Kudos to Ed, Kiyumi, Naoko, Waka and Kenji. You all made our visit so easy. You all know the doors are open to you all on Cape Cod.
Allie and I just want to thank the "Merry Band of Bad Boys", their leader "The Funniest Man in Matsuyama" and "Scary Mother" for making our stay so great. We truly would find ourselves laughing every night. What fun you must all have working together. I hope you do win the lottery and you all come to see us. Cape Cod will never be the same!! Thank you!!
We left Matsuyama this morning with much sadness. Everyone followed us to the train platform where there was much hugging and tears. Again, we know we have left lifelong friends and that makes our hearts full. We arrrived in Tokyo without a hitch. Kenji called the JR ahead of time and we were escorted to our train in Niigata station (we barely had 10 minutes between trains). What efficiency. Once we got to Tokyo we started to herd the puppies again. They are getting sick of the Mrs. Shick-isms..."Kenji is moving", "Stop blocking the exits", "stay to the left", "hello, this is a street, do you see the cars?" and "would someone please just push the button". It will start all over tomorrow. These kids are oblivious to things around them and how it really should concern them that we need to pay attention!! KIDS!!! Kenji brought us to the "SCARY" restaurant tonight. The girls almost peed their pants in fright and Allie, Kenji and I were just in hysterics laughing. Just look at their faces. As you can see, Tokyo is a bustle of activity at all hours. Tomorrow, Kenji has a full schedule planned for us. I'll keep you posted!
