After yesterday's early morning start, we decided that we were in no rush in today. Once we got up and had some breakfast, we did some school with the girls and finished their first maths book each.
One consequence of travelling with only carry-on luggage is that we needed to mail back to the UK some of the things we have been buying whilst we have been travelling. We managed to fill a decently sized box with souvenirs, completed school work and items that we don't need any more. And a HUGE thank you our neighbours Vanessa and Keith for accepting the our mail deliveries whilst we are travelling! Shipping the box back home was also quite a mission with filling out a rather long form and then having the post office staff meticulously check the box inventory, item by item.
Once the box was posted, it was time to go see some sumo wrestling. This was requested by Maxine, and Robyn found a sumo experience for us. It was amazing, and we loved it!
It started with two sumo wrestlers (who incidentally could have also been comedians) show us the basics of sumo wrestling along with the various rules and a bit of its history. This was followed by a couple rounds of sumo matches and then finally a chance for the visitors to try their luck in a sumo match.
Both Robyn and Harriette gave it their best shot against the massive wrestlers. With Robyn first trying a friendly approach - she gave the wrestler a hug! We think it must have confused him as she managed to win her match! Go Robyn. Harriette on the other hand went straight in and pushed and pushed AND PUSHED to victory! Harriette explained that it felt like "trying to move a dead elephant, covered in concrete, behind a brick wall"…
For the evening we arranged for Robyn and the girls to meet up with Aki and Kiara while Mish to meet up with Hiroshi.
The girls group went out for Ramen, at the kids request, and boy did they devour it! It was lovely to see Aki and Kiara again, and fill them in on our Japanese adventure. After our feast of ramen, the girls, unbelievably, reported still being hungry… so we ventured to find some desert. We found a gorgeous little café, with soft lighting and round soft plush velvet green chairs, the girls loved it. We had tea and apple pie together before heading back to the AirBnb and saying goodbyes. We hope to see them for a UK visit in the summer. Quick shower and bed for the girls.
Hiroshi took Mish first to a Korean BBQ where they got to eat some phenomenal beef and even a couple versions of beef tongue. One thing he was unable to eat, after trying it, was the beef offal. That was washed down by a couple of beers. After dinner the boys went on a stroll through Shinjuku, including the theatre district with its tiny bars/pubs. It surprised Hiroshi how packed it was with tourists, losing its character and authenticity to a large degree, Hence they found another place to sit down and just carry on catching up, after all there is nearly 15 years to catch up on. Plus learning more about the area, with a large focus on "adult" entertainment… Just a word of warning, there are "Information" stations/stores, that have nothing to do with your normal tourist information…
It was a really fun way to spend that last day and night in Japan! Tomorrow is an early wake up to catch our flight to Hanoi (Vietnam).
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