Time for a bit of a catch up session 2

From the balmy, tropical climes of Hawaii our interpid trion next headed (after a bunch of work, kindergarten and other stuff) to the foothills of Mount Fuji for our annual pilgrimage to Thomas the Tank engine Land.

I'm not sure how it happened but we have now made the trek to Fujikyuu Highland three times now. I think Kanako is a bit of a closet Thomas geek at heart. We had a good time anyway, especially Prince Joshie who was in Junior trainspotter heaven. And like our visit to Hawaii, he could enjoy himself so much more now that he is a bit bigger. Mum and dad didn't miss out too much though. The adjoining Hot Spring was much appreciated after two days of walking around the Isle of Sodor. Not only that it boasted Japan's largest wooden bath-house. Amazing, huh? :-)

Other non-locomotive highlights of the park included sledding/tobogganing on a small artificial snow slope that had been constructed on an empty lot. Great fun! Joshie was more impressed however by the Jumping castle which he played on for what felt like hours while his poor parents slowly froze to death in the icy winds howling about Japan's sacred mountain. Kanako also bullied me into trying ice-skating for the first time which she and Joshie thoroughly enjoyed. I however was not so enthusuastic and would have to be paid rather a lot of money to try that again. Dad did however manage to pack away his fair share of booze and local etas so the trip was not a total loss.


All in all a great New Year's holiday again. I just hope Joshie gets into snorkelling or something warmer this summer so next New Year's can be spent in the sun not snow.