After coming down from Bizan we walked over to the Marche (farmer's market) along the Shinmachi River's boardwalk. It was winding down so we made our way over to the other side and had a ride in a boat. Another first for Naoko and Haruto. Then we had a lite lunch at some tables they had set up.
After a quick trip to the Y100 shop and seeing them off on the train (what a day for Haruto - ropeway, boat and train!!!), I rode over to the Central (Chuo) Park. It was really crowded with people enjoying hanami (sakura viewing, eating and drinking - I could smell the beer!).
Since I wasn't too far away I decided to stop at the wonderful cake shop - Olive. But I was approaching from a different direction and so of course, with my wonderful sense of direction, I went the wrong way. I didn't recognize anything so I stopped and asked. Yep, the opposite direction. No matter, since then it was on my way home! I picked up a pretty (before the bicycle ride) matcha (powdered green tea) warabi mochi (jello like pieces) roll. I ate it as soon as I got home. Not quite as good as the merangue treat last week.
Tonight I will get things ready for my trip to Kyoto tomorrow. Unfortunately it's supposed to be another cloudy day but I'm hoping they're wrong. I know it will be exceptionally beautiful there and I'd love to get some pretty pictures (with a blue sky) to share with you.
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| There are LED lights doing a kalaidascope kind of thing up there. |
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| Even the parking area is beautiful!! |
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| This gazebo is a gift from sister city Saginaw, Michigan |
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| He took a little tumble. |
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| Jacob's dream!!! A takoyaki truck!!! (Decorated for a baseball team.) |
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| Yakimochi (not great). |
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| Haruto has started to learn how to eat an ice cream cone. He is not good at it yet! Doesn't get the licking around, or licking quickly thing yet! |
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| After Bizan we took a boat ride on the river. It was very windy! |
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| There were tables and food stands set up along the river. Maybe because of the sakura. |
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| My lunch - a scallion pancake (and a roasted sweet potato). |
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| Central Park (Chuo Koen) |
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| Perfect combination. I love the old stone castle walls and I love sakura. |
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| Those two were either dressed as superheroes or manga (cartoon) characters. |
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| The top got squished. Hopefully all the riding and walking will counteract the calories. Although sadly it never seems to work that way... |
