So it is official, Golden Week is now over and the summer term at school has begun. For the next 10 weeks, the temperatures in Hyogo are set to sore and I’m sure things are going to be busy around school. Bring it on! The silver lining to all the hard work that lies ahead is the summer holidays here. I’m set for a 7-week break once this term draws to a close. Anyway, I’m not going to allow myself to start dreaming of that until 2 weeks before term ends. Now, it’s head down and apply myself to my work.
Golden Week was glorious! Our first real chance to relax and take it easy since moving to Hyogo.
Michiko and I rented a car on the 28th, and set out on the roads to Kochi (Michiko’s home prefecture). It wasn’t such a bad drive, just not the most exciting. The public highways here in Japan are wonderful and convenient, and shave hours of any long journey. The only problem is that they are often simply just straight roads from start to finish, yawn.
It took us about 4 hours to make the drive from door to door, and we decided to drive at night to avoid the holiday traffic (which paid off perfectly).
What a wonderful time we had in Kochi. It was a trip of many firsts for me. First time to Kochi, first time to see Michiko’s home city, first time to meet her friends from there, and the big one...first time to meet my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law.
How kind everyone was to me! I wasn’t so nervous as I had Michiko by my side through it all.
On the 29th we had lunch with Noriko, one of Michiko’s high school friends, and her adorable son, Kotetsu. I must admit, I thought Kotetsu was a girl until we’d finished lunch and Michiko put me straight. Sorry Kotetsu!
In the evening, we met up with more of Michiko’s high school friends. Again, all lovely welcoming people! I felt very relaxed around them, and with friends like those, I can see why Michiko is such a lovely person.
The next day was D-day, time for me to wear a shirt, have a shave, and turn on the charm, as it was time to meet the mother-in-law. All went perfectly, I said my Ps and Qs, and won the in-laws over.
After we returned home from Kochi I had a ball busting one-day of work before the second part of Golden week began. Oh how difficult I have it!
We had a very relaxing second half to the week, spending time in the apartment and local area. We did treat ourselves to a nice day out in Nara. I haven’t ever explored outside the major tourist side of Nara, a fail on my part, as the place we visited was fantastic. No real crowds, peace and quiet, very relaxing day for both Michiko and I.
I’m looking forward to the next few weeks. I know it will be tough on the energy levels, but I’m going to give it my best.
Keep in touch all!
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