Golden Week

We have had a series of successive public holidays over the past three days which means we have had an extended break since last Saturday. This period is known as 'Golden Week' here in Japan, so named after one of the great villains of the James Bond series. The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny so we got out and about a bit. Below are a number of photos form our spring wanderings and some accompanying notes.

First, next, and last, there was surfing. Three glorious days of it. Early morning down at kanisan.

We also took a stroll around Hachiman Shrine to see the cherry blossoms. Because we have to. This is Japan and they have rules about that sort of thing. They also have rules about purifying yourself before entering the hallowed ground of the shrine, so Cian washed his hands. Or else the watching dragon would eat him.

 She's my cherry blossom, ya'll.

 Such was the warm sunshine we were blessed with a lizard who made a surprisingly early season appearance.

 View from the top of Sokuryosan; a typical mixture of blue skies, fog, and smoke.

 A fern plant. Or an alien, depending on your imagination.

 Mizubasho in the park near Lake Poroto.

The woods around Lake Poroto beginning to turn green, and yes, I like my prosaic captions.

 Lake Utonai, in Tomokomai, where we usually go during Golden Week. They had a nature quiz at various spots along the walkway around the lake. We were set to get a clean sweep of correct answers when Mammy overruled the men on the last question on whether we came across a male of female willow tree. It was a male, damnit, a male! Easily distinguishable by it's adams apple, penchant for fast cars, and FC Barcelona replica soccer jersey.

To console ourselves, the men had some ice cream. Chocolate and ...

 Tricky vanilla.

On the bridge.

I know, I know... aawwwhhhh. But note how Daddy has to bend his knees in order to physically compensate for the difference between man and hobbit.

Cian and Sanae headed off to Sanae's mother's house for two days while Daddy did some thesis writing and, ahem, caught the occasional wave. Whilst there they visited Eco-no-Mori in Otofuke which has a giant bouncing area. Cian spent 2 hours on it.

Mammy had a go to. For somewhat significantly less than 2 hours.

Then it was also time for bike rental and some practice for the up coming Tour de France under the watchful eye of Coach Granny.

 Cian then retreated to his 'lair' to plot his next move...

...which involved a large chocolate and strawberry sundae, all part of his 'carbo-loading' for Le Tour.