4 January 2008 – 利根川

I woke up a bit late, perhaps 8plus am and had my breakfast. Su’s mother is a good cook. The dishes she cooked for dinner and breakfast are so delicious. Su said he will take me to a place to take photos. Later I found that it is利根川(とねがわ). This is the place where he said it’s his favourite place and he promised he will bring me to this place almost 10 years ago. Su drove out his white Mitsubishi lancer sports car from the garage! Wow, he seldom drives this car! It was the first time for me to take his car.

We parked our car and I started to take photos around the area. The place is peaceful and quiet. Su looks really happy when he is there. He allows me to take photos of him. He was smiling! He seldom smiles when take photos. When we were about to leave for スカイスポーツ公園, which is a park located at the other end (it is too far and cold to walk!), I saw a group of baseball players (students) running on the track. So I quickly took their photos. They saw me and I waved to them. The situation is as if in movies! (^-^)

There are items for children to play at スカイスポーツ公園. I saw some children with adults (either grandparents or parents). Su started jumping on the トランポリン and he was enjoying himself. I tried too. It was fun but tiring. Especially in cold weather, it is harder to breathe.

We walked around and saw the ブライダーの写真. The real ブライダー (aeroplane glider) was displayed at the park. We walked on フリ橋 to see small real aeroplane flying across利根川. This is also a place for people to fly small aeroplanes.

Then I told Su I want to try ローラースベリ台. I saw the children sliding from it and it seemed so fun. So Su and I tried and oh gosh, I almost knocked onto him and my buttock was painful. It was fun!!! I was screaming when we slide down the ローラースベリ台. Su had not played it for many years (ever since he was a kid) and he enjoyed it too.

We walked around again and I kept taking photos. Before we leave, I said let’s try ローラースベリ台 again. I followed the children and used a cardboard to sit on it while sliding. But still it won’t work! Maybe my buttock is too big. (><;)

Before we left, Su allowed me to drive his sports car around the carpark. Wow!!! It’s the first time I drive a sports car. I got excited and worried as I have not drive a car for the past few years. Luckily it is a manual and I can pick it up easily with Su’s instructions.

After driving a few rounds, we have to leave the place as insufficient time. I need to leave for airport around 1plus. I wish I have more time at 利根川. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place.

We went to ジャスコ(Jusco) as Su wanted to check on Paul Frank’s products. The whole shopping mall is on sale! No time to shop around! Su was disappointed that he cannot find his items at Paul Frank. We had to rush off. Yet we have a hard time trying to locate the car as the carpark is really big!

While we are coming out of the carpark, one car almost bumped into ours. The stupid driver just reversed without checking! Su horn the driver and stepped on the brake. He was calm but angry with the driver.

We did not manage to take our lunch as it was to rush. So Su called his mum and his mum prepared soba for us. I had a quick lunch, packed my stuff and head off to the train station. Su and his dad drove me to the train station as they will do some shopping afterwards. I bid farewell to Su’s dad while he parked the car and walked to the station control with Su. We bid farewell and I rushed to the platform.

I passed by Saitama Super Arena! Wow! I wish to watch a concert there in the future. There is a John Lennon museum at Saitama Super Arena. I managed to catch and change the train and reached 日暮里 on time to take the skyliner.

On my way to the airport, the weather was cloudy, same as my feeling. When I reached airport, I was tired… I don’t want to walk too much around the airport. Instead I emailed to Masha at ANA email and read emails. Then I called Miho, Mami and Su before I board the plane.

This is a very short trip but I really have a great time! I hope to drive snow mobile again! Thanks to Su for planning the trip to 福島、Su’s dad for his plan to 美ヶ原高原穂 and his treats and kindness, 宇野さん for his kindness and teaching me how to drive snow mobile, Mami for joining me for Masha’s concert and spending the New Year with me, Miho for meeting me, Su’s mum for taking care of me and Maki for introducing her husband to me.

Most importanly, thank you so much Masha! Thank you for realising your dream as a guitarist and giving me such a wonderful memory.

Japan, Masha and my friends, I will definitely come back to my second home this year!