Dinner at Toners/birthday celebration at Valerie's - Utsunomiyia

 Valerie planned a dinner outing with a few friends from Utsunomiyia.  Marlon and I loved the awesome location, decor, and delicious food. Diner has a lot of old classic antique design interior items. We had the best time with everyone, the American burgers were absolutely delicious.  This place reminds me of the good ole days with friends enjoying burgers and homemade fries. Love the atmosphere. Definitely worth the visit. A must place to try if your in Utsunomiya.

Now back to Valerie's house to celebrate Clement's birthday.

Painting Porcelain at Yoko's April 11th 2012

last full day in Japan and I wanted to paint on porcelain at Yoko's house. Hopefully, Yoko Sensei can fit us all into her schedule.  I'm feeling lucky because she had time for us to paint on the day we wanted. :-)  This project was a great way to spend my last full day in Japan.  I got to see many of my good friends all at one time before I leave to go back to Ohio.  Thanks to all for making my trip such a memorable one. Yoko Sensei is a wonderful artist.  Love the gold on this plate full of sakura flowers she painted.

  
  Yoko Sensei is a wonderful teacher. Thanks, Yoko-sensei for making this last day so special. Yoko-sensei came up with an awesome way to make this painting project much easier.  

  Valerie working on a project for her Mom for Mother's Day.

Teresa working on her project.

Me and my project~ next step Yoko sensei will fire our porcelain.  Teresa will bring home my project when she returns back to Ohio.

Mioko working on her project.

Mioko could not go to lunch with us so I had to say goodbye to her before she left. :-(

  Just Cafe had wonderful food.  Glad that Valerie recommended this place.  

 

Saying goodbye to Yoko Sensei.. so glad I have met Yoko. She is always welcome to come to Ohio and stay with me.

 Kensho I will miss you, little man, loved having you on my adventures in Japan. :-) You and your Mom come any time to Ohio, you are always welcome in my home.

April 6 Utsunomiya Park/Tower/Hanami

This park is the best park in Utsunomiya, Japan.  There are go-carts, LONG slides, tunnels and more

 Even I got excited when I saw all the playground equipment.  My grandkids would dearly love to play at this wonderful park.

 Once Kensho saw everything there was to do he brought back the Gameboy and wanted to go play. LOL

 As we stood at the top of the stairs we looked for a location to have our picnic.

 Kensho is taking off to play with all the park toys.

 I just loved all the slides they are so long and would be so fun to slide down.

  Kensho is the cool kid on the block.

 In Japan, I saw many parents using a rope to play with their children.  Here these little girls are plotting how to get through the rope without touching it.

 Heading up the steps now to cross over this very long bridge to the Utsunomiya Tower area where cherry blossom hanami is being held.

 View of Utsunomiya Tower and bridge


 
View of park from top of hill

 The mountains are so beautiful today. Great view.

 Valerie can't find her camera Teresa is helping her find it. Finally found it was in the very bottom of her bag.

 These 2 statues are so cute holding on to the acorn between them.

 When we were crossing the bridge Valerie's hat was blown off and fell in the water below.
 After we crossed the bridge we were inside the Utsunomiya Tower area where the hanami festival was going to be held.

 Many vendors have already set up and cute lanterns are strung around the area.  The cherry blossom trees are not blooming. I think they should have postponed for a week.

We went up to the top of Utsunomiya Tower and had the best view of Utsunomiya City.  Kensho is taking a better look by using the binoculars. 

 View of Utsunomiya Japan

 Valerie and Teresa admiring the view.

 Kencho and I stopped and bought a sucker from one of the vedors. YUMMY