This morning helped hubby get off to work and then watched the sun come up. Want to share the sunrise from Utsunomiyia, Japan. The day is going to be beautiful and I'm glad as it will keep my heart with the wonderful feelings I have experience here.
- Sunrise from Utsunomiyia
Look forward to today and what my last adventures will be with Teresa, Debbie and Sue. I enjoyed every minute I have spent with these ladies; lucky me. Today will start with Teresa picking me up around 10:30 am and I know us ladies are having lunch together. Marlon won't be home till around 6pm so I will be with them until time to leave Utsunomiyia, Japan.
Teresa picked me up and Deb was in the car also. Teresa drove us to a very nice restaurant Called St. Cristoforo. We wanted in the car and chatted while we waited on the arrival of Sue. Can't wait to go inside this place looks like a great Italian restaurant. When Sue arrived Mioko was driving and this was a big surprise as I had no idea she was coming. I honestly thought I was not going to see her at all this visit as she is a very busy sensi teaching English. We hugged and all headed into eat at this fabulous place.
We When all of us were seated I gave Mioko a present I had gotten for her. I can say from her reactions she loved it, Which I am glad we all know how hard it is to pick a present for someone. The tray was made in USA from a place called Wendel August.
I
was very surprised with gifts from Teresa and Deb. Deb got me a
beautiful black oval box inlaid with mother of pearl the design is
awesome and very Japanese looking. I also received a phone charm that
had a piece of fur on it. To explain why I got the fur phone charm from
Deb, it 's because I really liked the fall and winter seasons fashion
which is FUR. Thanks Deb for the gifts so very thoughtful of you. 
Now
Teresa what can I say to you ? I honestly did not expect anything from
these ladies as just being with them and spending a month with them
touring Japan was more than enough. :-) Teresa handed me this package
that was wrapped with a 2011 Japanese fabric calendar and a broach pin
made by Mrs. Onogawa. The pin is beautiful and handmade, thanks
Onogawa. In Japan the ladies names are their husbands last names just
for information. Inside the gift package was a beautiful kimono, cream
and red Japanese fans on it. I cried as this is more than she should
have done for me. I jumped up and tried it on and the cameras started
flashing. I have to be one of the luckiest ladies in the world to have
such wonderful friends!!! After hugging and crying Teresa helped me fold
the kimono back into the package. The kimono is cream, with black
lines and red Japanese fans, so beautiful.
We have all eaten and the food was just as good as i thought it would be. YUMMO so delish!! We say our good byes to Mioko who had to leave and we went to a really neat grocery that had 3 floors of groceries and clothes. The place was awesome, loved shopping there. Teresa found my fur for my boots that is replaceable. I can wear them with any pair of boots I have got the fur for the top of my boots are a really good price. :-) Purchased a ceramic roasting pan with a lid; Teresa will bring to me in her shipment when they move back to Ohio from Japan.
We still have time before I need to be taken back to hotel to meet my hubby at 6pm. We went to Central Park which is one of my favorite places to visit in Utsunomiyia, Japan. I thought when we arrived it looked like rain but it did not rain the entire time we where there. Every other time I have been there for some reason it rained. The park was in its prime with Autumn truly trying to show its beauty on the trees.
Only a few of the trees are starting to change to those awesome Autumn colors of reds, yellows and browns. As we all stand and admire the beauty in front of us we are thinking about Fall and its beauty. People are sitting on the park benches enjoying the scenery and some are just slumped and taking a quiet nap in a tranquil place like Central park. The water fountains are shooting water high up into the air and the birds are flying over head in groups enjoying the weather.
We are headed to the museum that is in Central Park just beyond some trees. As we wind our way down the tree lined paths we see some children playing and little ones trying to feed the birds. Oh the fun they are having at the park.
There were a few roses left that looked like they had just bloomed. The beauty of the rose took my breath away. You take a look and tell me what you think?
We have reached the museum and I am excited to see what this place has in store for us. I have tried to go to the museum here a couple of times but it was closed. Museum is filled with history about Tochigi Prefecture. The museum was full of interesting information and I will only share a little with you.
There was a special exhibit that all of us really liked. A place in the museum was set up to represent a forest and bears climbing trees like in Nikko. I do not have the pictures that are very funny but I'm hoping Deb posts them for us to see.!!!!
We are all heading out of the museum and I know time is getting closer for me to head towards the hotel where I will meet Takashi. I am walking slowly through the park trying to absorb all the beauty and keep it locked in my memory banks. I will share what I am seeing.
We also pass the building that used to be the Commerce building of Utsunomiyia.
Out of the park now, I suggest if you ever make it to Japan and visit Tochigi Prefecture make sure you go to Central Park.
I say Ja Mata Tomodachi to each of my friends as they are dropped off at their homes. I will sadly miss Sue and Deb who have become great friends. Hugs to each with tears of friendship till we meet again. Teresa and I take a time out at Coco's and sit and enjoy the drink bar and a small pizza and talk about some of the good times we have had. Its time to be dropped off at the JR train station where I will walk to hotel and pick up my luggage and Takashi will take me to get Marlon at Honda. We have a rented car and have picked up Marlon and are on our way to Narrita airport, we finally arrived at hotel at 10:30. Will miss all of you guys.........Sayonara.......The Japanese friends I have made will be forever in my heart and I hope they all get to come to Ohio to visit Marlon and I.
