Visitor from Japan

Junko, Dr Yellow and Tom

On Tuesday, we had a Japanese visitor come to stay.  Junko is the daughter of the lady who used to rent the top floor of Pat and Bob's place in Ealing.  She came over for a visit last year and stayed with Pat and Bob, this time she requested a visit to see us, so she got the train to Oxenholme and Matt picked her up in our BRAND NEW CAR - yes we said goodbye to the Lancer and bought a new Civic - Honda had the best deals on and this time Matt was able to control himself and went for gadgets rather than performance.  I had a Civic with Baxter Storey so we know the car well - it was very reliable then so we hope it will be again now.

They arrived whilst I was at school picking up Tom.  She and Tom bonded immediately (she's Japanese isn't she and he likes everything and anyone who is Japanese).  I made a proper traditional English roast - introduced her to Yorkshire Puddings and parsnips.  It all went down well.  She was very easy to talk to - her English was very good, but her manner made her easy company which is always good.

On Wednesday we took Junko out for the day.  We were going to take her to Hawes, but it had snowed overnight (typical as our new car is 2 wheel drive - the Lancer was 4wd!)  The road was icy and covered in snow so we decided it was safer to head elsewhere.  We drove to Settle for a look around and then Grassington for lunch and a shop.  We weren't sure how many shops would be open but we were quite lucky, although Junko didn't find anything she was interested in.  Not to worry she saw lots of Yorkshire countryside - very very different to Japanese scenery.

We got back just in time to pick up Tom.  Then after a play, we headed to Casterton - Tom went swimming whilst Matt and Junko went to the pub.  Tom and I caught up with them after swimming, we had a meal and then came back home.

On Thursday, Matt took Junko to Hawes, then Sedburgh before returning her to Oxenholme.  Apparently she had a great time in Hawes, buying a £210 Barber jacket, several oven gloves, a flat cap for her brother and some cheese (of course)  It was a happy day for Hawes!

Anyway, it was lovely to have her: happy, easy company.  We hope she comes back to visit again.