Kyoto, Japan - 29th January 2023

On our way to meet our Japanese "family", we wandered the river near Shijo-dori, watching locals feeding birds, which were much more impressive than seagulls. Eating in public appeared to be frowned upon, preventing us from having to fight the birds off to keep our lunch!

Quirky Kyoto antiques shop.

Yasaka Shrine

Across the river at the end of the street was Yasaka Shrine where we enjoyed watching the crowds of tourists in traditional dress and at one point a Geisha, in full Geisha-dress passed by, surrounded by burly security guards.

Sturdy shrine construction.

Traditional Kimono and Covid mask.

Before meeting up with Eri and Emma at Emma's favourite bookstore, we walked the ancient traffic- free streets along the canals joining the Kamo River, peaceful despite being right in the heart of the city.

Our 'granddaughter' was delighted to see both us and the book shop. After a quick stop at the nearby Pokemon centre for some holiday gift shopping, we re-visited the Nishiki Covered Market, this time with Eri, our local expert, in tow to explain mystery items to us.

We were kindly invited for a home-cooked dinner by Eri and our route to reach their apartment took us to their local supermarket, which was located in Japan's longest covered shopping arcade.

Emma and her 'Dodo' hit the bookstore.

Pokemon Centre

Walking in the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan.

Eri's cooking was as amazing as ever. We were treated to vegetables we had never encountered before and teeny-tiny little Firefly squid (Hotaru Ika), which was one of Eri's favourite foods, among many other dishes.

As ever, Emma tucked into her healthy dinner with enthusiasm.

We hadn't spent time with her since she began to talk and during a game of shop, she was baffled as to why we couldn't understand what she was saying. Luckily she had retained a good deal of English!

Hotaru Ika - little squid eaten whole.

Emma tucking in.

For dessert we were presented with strawberries, a treat in January. Eri insisted Japanese strawberries were much sweeter and tastier, not to mention larger than those she'd eaten during her time in Wales. Even the ones fresh from our garden couldn't compare to the Japanese ones.