Ahh, to be Royalty and Live by the Sea; Day 6 in Japan

We slept fairly well on our futons (Nancy had a foam pad under hers so it felt almost like a very firm bed, but on the floor). Jeff made us a wonderful breakfast of pancakes with fresh fruit -- bananas, kiwi, and strawberries (ichigo). The boys and Kate also had yogurt -- aloe vera flavored.

We drove to the Numazu Imperial Villa -- the former summer home of the Imperial family. In the photos you will see various rooms of the house, the garden, a museum with fishing items from the past, and the overlook of the bay. The sea breeze was lovely. From there we drove across the Kakita River to Numazu Port. There is a huge structure which is the sluice gate across the mouth of the Nakita River and the observatory. Unfortunately it was very cloudy (with a little rain), so the views from the observatory were limited.

We saw the warehouse where the fish are brought in and auctioned off. Lunch was at a sushi restaurant above the warehouse. Nancy ordered the daily special -- never has she had so many eyes looking back at her during a meal. The two large shrimp weren't so bad (although raw); it was the very tiny shrimp and fish that were a little disconcerting. Nancy traded Kate a few pieces of her raw fish (sashimi) for her tempura shrimp. We then wandered through the market where there were many fish related items as well as a booth specializing in tea and other specialty booths. I won't spoil the surprise of what flavor sorbet Kate had -- you'll have tolook at the photos.

We did have a few melt-downs -- Hewitt wasn't pleased with the choice of restaurant (he's not that fond of fish) and Jonah really needed a nap but instead cried much of the way home. Once home Jeff & Yuko worked on dinner (a delicious Japanese curry). Jeff, Nancy, & Kate walked to the food store to pick up a few things (those photos will be included in tomorrow's exploration of Mishima). The onions and potatoes in the dinner came from Yuko's father's garden plot.

And now for the photos.