Back by popular demand. Episode 1 begins with no one being voted off the island...yet. (However, I know who is getting my vote.)
We successfully arrived in Osaka (Kansai International Airport) Saturday Aug 1 at 8:30pm (6:30am CST). Although I still hate traveling we had much better luck with this journey than we did going to the U.S. The connecting flights were a bit challenging to make. We had to run (not a pretty sight) to make both planes to Tokyo and to Osaka.
On our flight from Tokyo to Osaka I was able to see Mt. Fuji. The top was the only thing visible as it was surrounded by clouds. Very cool.
After arriving in Osaka the last part of our vehicular journey was an hour bus ride to the Sheridan, the hotel just catty- (or kitty-, depending where you originate) corner across a big courtyard-like area to our apartment. Our neighbors, God bless them, came to meet us at the Sheridan to help us tote our luggage back home. We could have done it on our own, but it would have been cumbersome so I didn't hesitate to accept their offer to help.
After our luggage was off the bus, accounted for and we all had a bag in hand ready to head for the apartment building it started to pour. I didn't much care as we were hot and sweaty anyhow. Nathan tried to convince me that since he was already wet it should count as his nightly bath. I agreed he was wet, but explained the rain did nothing more than relocate his dirt.
Everyone has been on a different sleep schedule. The first couple of days Caden wouldn't sleep more than three hours at a time. The first night I don't think he slept at all. I heard him riding his trike around the house, playing with his cars and occasionally his sweet little voice (as some have described it) amplified through his keyboard microphone (Thanks for that gift, Angie!).
We are slowly getting adjusted to the time change. Yesterday the kids slept until 1am. The kids and I were all asleep by 4pm the previous day so sleeping through until 1am was a great accomplishment. This morning we were all up by 3am. Darin has been taking the kids for bike rides every morning at 3am. Might as well, they're up.
Sunday Darin stepped outside our apartment door and heard a loud noise that sounded like an alarm. He went to the open window near the elevator in our hallway (the Japanese typically don't air condition hallways...saves money and energy) to see what it was. He said in disbelief, "I think it's cicadas!" It was. Weirdest thing. There are so many you can see them flying from tree to tree. They look like small birds. And they are SO loud! I had to speak into Caden's ear for him to hear me outside. The sound is the same intensity as a smoke alarm and is quite annoying. I can't believe it. I've never witnessed such a thing. Last year when we arrived it was in the middle of August. Either the cicadas had already peaked by then or their population increased exponentially this year. Weird.
A big apology to everyone we missed seeing during this home leave. It was unbelievably busy and hectic. Much more than I expected. Hopefully next year we will be better prepared and can visit with more of you.
I'll do my best to keep up with the emails. After receiving such a positive response the pressure is on! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
