| Mum's Visit (Sept 2001) |
| Sept 6-17, 2001 On her way from Canada to HK, mum stopped by Tokyo for 11 days. Despite her strong intention to clean up my home, I insisted on taking her out. We went to her favourite shopping places including Ueno Ameyoko, Takeya, and had breakfast at Tsukiji noodle stall (where she added her favourite fish balls bought from the next stall). We also went to 2 outlet malls, one in Yokohama, the other in Makuhari. They don't have as many stores as outlets in US but prices are quite cheap relatively. Apart from shopping, we went to try various kinds of food including shabushabu, kaiten nabe (hot pot), sukiyaki, pasta buffet, and Red Lobster (which was not as delicious as in NA). Afternoon tea with cake set was most enjoyable after long hours of shopping. �C�����悩�����I |
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| On the second weekend, we went to Kiyosato which is located in Yamanashi-ken (the northern part of the province where Mt Fuji is). The town is developed by a Father from America named Paul, therefore there is a strong sense of 19th century Western world in this small town. There were several shops selling crafts and homemade products, also with a Musicbox museum. The area is somewhat like Niagara-on-the-lake. Apart from shopping, we also did a very challenging hiking down to the 100m deep ravine. Among the famous food there, we tried houtou which is like a very thick udon. With pumkin and other vegetables in a hot pot it becomes a very delicious noodle. Further, because Kiyosato is on the highland, there are lots of farms which produce fresh dairy products. The soft icecream is famous there and at one of the most famous store, we could see like 100 of tourists enjoying icecream cone at the farm. |
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| We went to visit my parents-in-law during the Ishioka Matsuri (festival). It is a very famous festival in the area which attracts a lot from far away. We have to rush back to Tokyo the same day because I have work at night, otherwise the night parade should at least as interesting as the Disney's. |
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