First Full Day in Japan

It was very odd knowing we left Sunday morning, extremely early, and arrived in Japan on Monday afternoon. You would think this would have screwed me up. In reality, it was quite the opposite. We all woke up, with the exception of Adri and Val, at a regular time that morning. I really didn't experience any jetlag!

Noe and I had stayed up until late, but we were awoken by some little boys who wanted to see their Daddy! We were able to have breakfast with Noe before he left for his 12-14 hour work day. Unfortunately, Noe was unable to get any time off while we were there. We just enjoyed him when we got to see him! The kids were just happy to have their Daddy!! They were more than happy to "help" Daddy eat his breakfast, even though they had already eaten!



After Noe went to work, we decided that it was time to map out our adventures. Adri and Val always slept in and wouldn't climb out of bed until around lunch time. They immediately started looking up touristy things on the internet, while I mapped out our afternoon shopping trip.

Later in the afternoon, we set out for the grocery store. The store was located in a mall, next to the train station. I am normally a very independent person, but I was unable to bring my triplet stroller or wagon with me. Therefore, I needed help to get to the store. We really had no idea how far the store was from his apartment, or
how long it would take to get there. All I know is that I showered before we left, and I was drenched by the time we made it there. I had two of the boys, and my two step-daughters took turns pushing Robert.

Can anyone feel my frustration when we reached the grocery store?



EVERYTHING, except for maybe two things in the store, was in Japanese. Yes, I realize we were in Japan. However, in all of the countries I have visited, I have never been in a store that did not have any English labels! I am not a dare-devil. When I toured Souteast Asia, I found out why all of the cat tails were stubs. It turned out it was a delicasy there. Needless to say, I don't eat anything that I can't figure out what is inside.

On the other hand, I don't think it would have been too difficult to figure out where the sanitary products were. What more could you ask for? That made Val's day!


As hot as it was, I really enjoyed the trip to the store. We packed up all of the backpacks and hung them on the back of my double stroller.



I found the trip to be great exercise. I know Valerie couldn't wait to do it again, don't you agree?



I am not sure why I ever bothered doing anything with my hair, not that I ever REALLY do much to it anyway. As soon as I left the apartment, I was a soaking sweat mess. Please don't look forward to any decent pictures of myself, it just won't happen on this trip!

I bet you are wondering what gourmet Japanese meal I fed the kids that night! I found the stash of food I sent Noe months ago and made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Hey, it was on Japanese bread- does that count?



To be continued...