21 Japan DAY 12 – EARTHQUAKE, TOKYO CITY AND SHOPPING, JAPAN (5 May, 2014)

The starting of this particular day was peculiar. I suddenly woke up at 5.30 AM, felt a shaking of my bed and my father telling my mother not to be worried and that there was an earthquake. This slightly did make me panic not because of the earthquake but because of our closeness to the sea. Yes, our room was very close to sea, with the airport runway in between. According to geologists, the warning sign before tsunami was earthquake and since Japan was often susceptible to tsunamis, the foremost thought in my mind was that. So my reaction was to stare out of the window; this proved to be a mistake as my then past self had failed to realize that we would be ridiculed for it. None the less, it’s irritating when my mother recounts my reaction.

Runway and Sea Views from Excel Hotel Tokyu Room, 

Haneda Airport (Domestic T2), Tokyo, Japan. 

May 5, 2014

     When the shaking down had stopped, we promptly went back to sleep as earthquake was not anything new to us according to my father as we experienced some in Taiwan; truthfully, I don’t remember.

     The second time, I woke up and preparing for the day which we had left exclusively for shopping. It was an important day for me, particularly as we were going to visit Shibuya which had the official One Piece shop.

     Let me tell you about another problem of mine, according to my father. My addiction to anime. Go ahead laugh people who think it’s funny. You see, anime is a synonym for cartoon, however there is a difference. America and other countries create animations which are referred to as cartoons and target the children. But, Japanese animations are different; the graphics are much clearer, the plot is compact and it’s mainly not for children. Most of the popular animes have blood and violence. Of course, there are passive ones like Doremon which I believe most of us know. Unlike what my parents think, some animes have deeper meanings with philosophies of life. An example is Graveyard of Fireflies. This is a tragedy movie; it depicts the life of two siblings and talks about the Second World War. This movie is beautiful; it shows us the state of the people during and after the war. If you ignore the animation nature of the movie and simply watch, you will end up with crying.

     Okay enough of my rambling and defending; sorry that got out of hand. I'm tired of my parents’ laughing at me. Anyway simply speaking, One Piece is an anime.

     Back to our story, now you probably know our hotel Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu was located inside the Haneda Airport (Domestic Terminal 2). To go to Shibuya, we had to go to the Haneda International Terminal by a free shuttle bus. After getting information about the bus, we made our way to platform 8 to wait for the shuttle bus.

Haneda Airport (Domestic T2), Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

     Upon arriving at the Haneda International Terminal, we shuffled slowly to the subway where we got on the Keikyu line’s Haneda Airport rapid service (train). We got down at Shinagawa station to change lines and transferred to JR Yamanote line which is a circular line, passing through the major stations including Tokyo station.

From Haneda Airport to Shinagawa. Tokyo, 

Japan. May 5, 2014

Note: For those who are planning to visit Japan, I will write a separate and more detailed post about the metro rail and how to navigate with ease. The Japan Railways are complicated; however once you understand it you will find yourself travelling with ease.

From Shinagawa to Shibuya by Yamanote Line. 

Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

     By the time we reached Shibuya it was already 11.40 AM. By then I was excited and felt happy, if only I knew the disappointment I would meet later on.

Shibuya Shopping Area. Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

      After getting a map and a location for that specific One Piece shop, we stepped out of the station…..to be met by an ocean of people. It was terrifying. Not that I minded, the only problem was my father kept disappearing and my mother was getting frustrated because of that.

     The One Piece shop was located in Parco, a separate mall in Shibuya, on the sixth floor. And when I saw the store, I was impressed as there was a miniature statue of my favourite character. I did not even know where to start to look for what I wanted to buy. Admittedly there were many goodies; unfortunately, I realized too early that what I had been looking for was out of stock. 

One Piece Shop, Shibuya. Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

     The rest of the small amount of time I spent there was spent walking around like a zombie trying to come to terms with the fact that she is dead. So giving up on my shopping, I instead concentrated on getting things for my brother, who earlier that year, I had, I guiltily admit, convinced to watch the anime shows. The result was, he liked it, though earlier he kept saying he wouldn't. I picked out the goodies of his favourite character and we waited at the counter. I, on the other hand, bought a small key chain and some bag pins…!

At One Piece Shop with my Favourite Anime Character, Shibuya. Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

     Anyway as the zombie like girl and her parents who were not zombies walked out, her mother declared that she was hungry. This resulted in wasted efforts of trying to search for a good restaurant which got me annoyed because my parents were ignoring a KFC right in front them. 

Lunch at KFC, Shibuya. Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

     Finally, they gave up the search and we ate at KFC, though admittedly it wasn’t that good, I could not bring myself to care as my mind was trying to find a way to lift it. This happened in the form of the Radio Hall (a shop in Akihabara) which apparently contained the figurines of all types of animes. This was suggested by a brother whom I met in Sapporo who was coincidently a fan of One Piece like me. This shop was a last option as the thought of ‘all types of animes’ did not bode well with me since not all animes were good.

     But setting that aside, in the end, we decided to go to Akihabara, the anime capital of Tokyo. Getting there was a simple task as we just had to take the same Yamanote line we took earlier. The problem was finding the said shop. That was fortunately easy for us after getting a map from a lady who I believed was there to help tourists.

Shibuya to Akihabara and Akihabara Shopping Area. 

Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

     It took us a while to find the shop, due to the distance. Unsurprisingly the shop lived up to its reputation that the figurines of almost all animes were there. Still worry was unwarranted as there were many figurines of my favourite characters so much so that I was confused as to which one to choose.  However after looking around, I finally settled on the one which I wanted and we left the shop soon after.

Akihabara Anime Shop, Akihabara. Tokyo, Japan. 

May 5, 2014

     We then made our way back to Shibuya where me and my father went to Kinokuniya bookshop while my Mom went to another shopping mall nearby.

Kinokuniya Book Shop, Akihabara. Tokyo, Japan. 

May 5, 2014

In Bus from International Terminal to Domestic Terminal 2 

of Haneda Airport. Tokyo, Japan. May 5, 2014

Dinner at Haneda Domestic Airport (T2). Tokyo, 

Japan. May 5, 2014

Return to Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu Room. Tokyo, Japan. 

May 5, 2014

     So time whiled away, my Mom returned at 7 PM and we went back to the hotel after having had dinner at the Haneda Domestic Terminal 2.  

20 Japan DAY 11 –TOKYO DISNEYLAND, JAPAN (4 May, 2014)

Tokyo Disneyland is a must visit place for those who are visiting Tokyo. If I am right, there are 11 Disneylands around the world. Area-wise Tokyo Disneyland is comparatively similar to that of France.

Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

     We know very well that it is barely possible to cover all the attractions in one day. The vast area and the number of attractions are not the only reason, but the long queues for getting tickets; yes, at least we have to wait for 45 min to get a ticket for one attraction. ‘Fast Pass’ options are there, but they have clever limitations of usage. There are people who visit two days consecutively to cover all the attractions peacefully. As we are not interested to try out all the rides and our aim was just to get around the park and take some pictures, we purposely booked the tickets at 3 pm.  

     We arrived at the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu (from Sapporo) around 12 pm. First we had a Japan traditional lunch at the Haneda airport itself and took a bus to Tokyo Disneyland.

Lunch at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan. 

May 4, 2014

     A Mickey Mouse, beautifully designed with flowers welcomed us. The entrance was the World Bazaar, looked like early 20^th century American town with shops and restaurants on both sides of Victorian style streets. Since it was Sunday the crowd was quite high.   

Entrance of Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan. 

May 4, 2014

     The Disneyland has 6 areas, starting from left, in clockwise direction, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland.

World Bazaar at the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland, 

Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

     We tried to get ‘Fast Passes’. In Tomorrowland, we rode Star Tours. It was a 3D simulator that we travelled in the Universe in a Star Speeder 3000 vehicle controlled by a Robo pilot. It was a nice ride; we thoroughly enjoyed!

Star Tours of Tomorrowland in Tokyo Disneyland, 

Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

     Next we went to the Captain EO show. It was also a 3D film tells a space related story of Captain EO played by Michael Jackson. It was definitely more than a 3D film, the music, the dance and the way they revealed the story, everything was beyond words. 

Captain EO show of Tomorrowland in 

Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

     There were beautifully pruned trees in various shapes. We just walked around the different zones of park and enjoyed the beauty of the attractions and took pictures. In the evening, people were settling on the streets to watch Disneyland parades which are the main highlights of Disneyland.

Beautiful shapes of Pruned Trees in Tokyo Disneyland, 

Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

Cinderella Castle of Fantasyland in 

Tokyo Disneyland,

 Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

Big Thunder Mountain of Westernland in Tokyo Disneyland, 

Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

It’s a Small World of Fantasyland in Tokyo Disneyland, 

Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

Toontown in Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

Starjet Ride of Tomorrowland in Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, 

Japan. May 4, 2014

Antique-styled Omnibus in Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan. 

May 4, 2014

Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

Excel Hotel Tokyu room, Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

     The transport was easy to return to our hotel. Just had to take a bus from Disneyland to Haneda airport. We bought dinner at the airport. For those who want to enjoy the day to the utmost, it is required that you arrive early at the theme park, as the time whiles away not by enjoying the rides but it does so by waiting for the tickets!

19 Japan DAY 11 – SAPPORO TO TOKYO, JAPAN (4 May, 2014)

For our return trip to Tokyo (from Sapporo), we chose to take a domestic flight. We left the Ana Hotel Sapporo at 6 AM and got on the Airport Liner bus which would take us to New Chitose Airport. The drive was long and I will not comment on the view along the way as I was asleep, after all sleep is precious!

Airport Liner to New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Japan. May 4, 2014

I was awoken by my mother on reaching the airport one hour later. On entering the domestic terminal, my father insisted on taking a few pictures, this became the reason of our slow pace then again when was it never. It took us a while to find the check in counter for Jetstar which was located towards the other end.

Airport Liner to New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Japan. 

May 4, 2014

At New Chitose Airport, Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan. 

May 4, 2014

After check in, having received the boarding pass we made our way to the gate. To get there we had to go through a security which surprisingly was very lenient compared to belt and shoes removing rituals we had to do at the American Domestic terminals. Soon enough it was boarding time and we quickly settled down after finding our seats.

At Jetstar counter in New Chitose Airport, Chitose, 

Hokkaido, Japan. May 4, 2014

Jetstar in New Chitose Airport, Chitose, Hokkaido, 

Japan. May 4, 2014

There are two airports in Tokyo. Narita International Airport, mostly handling international flights and Haneda Airport, mostly for domestic flights. Ironically, the domestic flight, Jetstar which we took from Sapporo would land at Narita airport and the International flight, Singapore airlines would take off from Haneda airport!

An Aerial View of New Chitose Airport from Flight, 

Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan. May 4, 2014

The flight from Sapporo to Tokyo Narita Airport took 1 hour. After landing at Narita airport, we had to take the Airport Limousine Bus to Haneda airport which took another 1 hour (the distance between Narita and Haneda is around 75 km). 

At Narita International Airport, waiting for Airport Limousine Bus to Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan. May 4, 2014

Of all these the most exciting thing was the location of our hotel, Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu which nestled within the airport. From the hotel lobby, we can enter into the Check in counters of the airport. Since the hotel check in time was 2 pm, we left our luggage at the reception counter and we left to Tokyo Disneyland!

18 Japan DAY 10 – SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN (3 May, 2014)

 “What a hassle”, was what I thought sitting in the building above the Sapporo bus terminal playing with my mobile while waiting, again for my parents to finish whatever argument they were having with the bus ticket counter person. How did this situation come to be? As this was our last day in Sapporo, my parents had requested an arrangement to be made for a simple morning tour of Sapporo city so that we could peacefully go for a shopping in the afternoon. However the agent arranged for a whole day tour and a lot of money had been paid, so now my parents were demanding a refund.

Ana Hotel Sapporo, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     I did not plan to get involved as it was my nature and age. Basically, I was not concerned to a high degree about money but rather about the afternoon shopping we had planned, as I had in mind a place I wished to find out.

Sapporo Railway Station, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     But boredom was persistent; I was soon too bored to play any more and turned my head to watch the ongoing fiasco, and out of a whim decided to join in too. Not that I did much, I blankly watched the proceedings. This continued until at last they came to a solution that, my parents would visit the tour office in Singapore where the ticket had been booked and we were shifted to partake in the Sapporo morning tour. Later the tour office in Singapore returned the extra money we paid; their prompt action is appreciated!

Near Sapporo Railway Station, Sapporo, Japan. 

May 3, 2014

     Boarding the Chuo bus I quickly placed the translation headphone and set the channel to English. In this tour, the first place we visited was Hokkaido Shrine which is said to be the most prominent Shinto shrine in Hokkaido. But what interested most of the tourists was the rows of sakura blooming on either side of the pathway leading to the temple. It was a beautiful sight. And most of our time after the shrine was spent there.

Hokkaido Shrine, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     Next stop was Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park by Ishiya chocolate company.  Ishiya factory produces the famous cookies called, Shiroi Koibito cookie consisting two thin butter biscuits sandwiched with a layer of white chocolate. We have tasted the cookie; it was very delicious. Tourists most probably never fail to buy this, as this is one of the most famous souvenirs from Hokkaido.

     This theme park has a Sapporo Mechanical Clock Tower; for every hour, there is a parade of singing and dancing of mechanical dolls. There is a beautiful rose garden, good place for taking snaps.

At Shiroi Koibito Park of Ishiya Chocolate Company, 

Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     We got a special pass from our guide which allowed us to enter the factory faster than the people who were waiting in long queue. As soon as we entered, there was a beautiful Aurora Fountain. 

Aurora Fountain at Shiroi Koibito Park of 

Ishiya Chocolate Company, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

   However, there weren't many things interesting to me, so I and my mother walked quickly while my father followed with a slower pace taking videos. We saw every stage of the factory production of Shiroi Koibito cookie; it was really amazing. My father’s interest only grew as he saw the last stage of the factory where the final product, the cookies were being wrapped.

At Shiroi Koibito Park of Ishiya Chocolate Company, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     Since our visit was over quicker than expected and we still had time, we sat down outside on the chairs provided and ate ice cream and hot chocolate which we had bought from a nearby vendor like counter. With our slow pace of eating, it was no wonder the time was up fast. As in the end, we found ourselves running back to the bus. It seemed that we were the last to board.

At Shiroi Koibito Park of Ishiya Chocolate Company, 

Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     Our last stop was the Sapporo Seafood Market (Nijo Market), where the tourists preferred to have lunch as a variety of delicious sea foods are available. However seeing that the place stank of seafood and crab, my father showed no interest to have lunch there. Instead we started to walk around the market. One thing was in abundance in the market, king crabs imported from Russia. The store keepers seemed unafraid of the scissored creatures as they seemed to handle the crabs casually, then again it could have been the confidence of experience.

Nijo Seafood Market, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     After a walk around the market, we still found ourselves with free time on our hands. My father then got the bright idea to head for the sea which he thought existed due to the powerful breezes; it did if you were wondering. So we headed in the opposite direction of the market and walking across what could be concluded as a residential area (FYI, there is no sea nearby Sapporo; I guess, at least we have to travel for 30 min by car to see a sea!). We then came across a park and decided to sit down. The rest of the time was spent sitting like that wasting away time. Fortunately soon after, the clock miraculously struck our appointed time and we left to board the bus.

     Along the way to Sapporo bus terminal (to end our tour), our guide pointed out the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art and the Sapporo Clock Tower, which seemed to have a history behind it. Unfortunately I didn't listen properly as I was busy staring outside.

     For lunch we bought our favourite chicken curry rice. After having our lunch, we went downstairs to our hotel reception and asked directions to Mandarake in Sapporo. The man oddly didn't seem to understand, however gave us directions upon hearing the word, ‘anime’. How annoying it was when we reached the place, I was met not with huge building labelled ‘Mandarake’ as in Google images. Instead, it was just some small shops practically insignificant to my eyes as they were not my goal.

Lunch, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

     For my mother, however, there was great news as there were plenty of shops with clothes and shoes of many well known companies. Me and my father on the other hand opted to go to a nearby book store.

In the end, both of us ended up buying each a book, while my mother came back empty handed!

     On my mother’s suggestion, we decided to go to the seemingly big shopping centre near our Ana hotel. There again my mother shopped while my father settled down with the book he bought. After I don’t know how many minutes she decided to return and we left together for the hotel but not without buying dinner!

Dinner, Sapporo, Japan. May 3, 2014

17 Japan DAY 9 – OTARU, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN (2 May, 2014)

Seriously I’m not bothered with writing about the morning routine anymore; my hands only weary down. Then again, it is not necessary as most of you by now if you have actually bothered reading would know that our normal waking hour is around 4 am and we usually leave the hotel by 6 or 6.30 in the morning. Maybe that’s what differentiates Sapporo to the other cities we visited. In Sapporo, we usually leave the hotel at 8 or 8.30 am; thanks to the close location of our hotel Ana Sapporo to the bus terminal where we had to meet our guide. Yes, we were visiting Otaru, a port city with beautiful Bay views at the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan. It was just 30 min bus travel from Sapporo.

Ana Hotel Sapporo room, Sapporo, Japan. May 2, 2014

We boarded the Chuo Bus at 9 am. An Indian family from Calcutta was also joined the tour. They were visiting Japan for the second time. First time, one year ago, they visited South part of Japan and as they liked Japan very much, this time they were touring the North part. Our bus left the Sapporo terminal at 9.15 am. On the way to Otaru, we enjoyed the sceneries, especially the hill ranges; yes, Japan is really beautiful!

A view of hill ranges on the way to Otaru, Japan. 

May 2, 2014

Our first stop was Otaru Bine, a wine shop for tasting wine and shopping. At least that’s what the headphone I was wearing said in English as our guide could not speak in English. The wine was a fine visit for those who love wine, but I was bored, so I just wandered around gazing at some of the glassware they had on display. Nevertheless the first stop was a disappointment for me.

At Otaru Bine (Wine shop), Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

We then drove to Otaru Canal Terminal. This place was the one which I appreciated with many artists trying to sell their beautiful portraits of the scenery provided in different seasons. 

Otaru Canal, Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

The canal was satiable to the eyes with an oddly western look to it according to me atleast. With old buildings to the right and a pathway filled with people and lined with flowers and elegant lamps completely made me forget the first disappointment. What highlighted the scene was the snow capped mountains visible from the canal.

Otaru Canal. A view of snow capped mountain, 

Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

Lunch, according to my parents, was enjoyable with all kinds of food laid for the pick in the buffet held by the five star hotel, Grand Park Otaru. The dining hall had beautiful Marina and Ishikari Bay views. Every section, starting from bread, salad, soup, drinks, noodles, rice, seafood, chicken, snacks, fruits was filled with many many items. Actually, I don’t like pizza. But I would have to agree that I especially loved the pizza there which was odd size. Maybe it tasted good because there was more cheese?

Grand Park Otaru hotel, Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

Lunch at Grand Park Otaru hotel, Otaru, Japan. 

May 2, 2014

Anyway moving on, our bus next stopped at a Sake Brewery. There, we were taken for a guided tour about how sake is prepared. Since the guide spoke only Japanese we could not understand anything and instead just looked at the machines which were at work. After the mini tour, we came to a counter on which were placed several bottles of what I had assumed as sake and on a small tray several cups. The guide helped anyone who wanted to give a try a cup filled with their choice of sake. I got curious as some people seemed to enjoy it and I was too tempted as well. It was disgusting, my tongue almost burned and I quickly returned the cup still filled to the brim back to the lady. Since it was sake, I thought it would taste different; but it tasted the same as wine which for your information I’ll confirm that I actually did taste wine once thinking it was grape juice. Ah the face of my younger’s self, I remember, became contorted in disgust. Now that I think about it, it’s actually funny.

At Sake Brewery, Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

I was met with disappointed yet again in the next stop at Kitaichi Glass and Otaru Music Box Museum. We could not find this museum and wandered around for a while until we came to a small glass shop where glass was being made and this was apparently enough for my father. So we decided to walk around the shops, took pictures of beautiful Sakura trees along the street and however, finally found the Kitaichi Glass and music box museum. 

Sakura trees, near Kitaichi Glass museum, 

Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

Now let’s get a fact straight that I love history meaning I love antiques and music boxes to my knowledge were of European antique origin. This will also explain my craze for pocket watches. So I wanted to buy a music box. But got dissuaded by my mother, what did she say, I don’t remember. However, I did end up buying a pocket watch!

Kitaichi Glass museum, Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

We then left for our last stop of the day the Tenguyama Ropeway. Aboard the gondola, our guide told us the story of tengu which a manifestation of evil according to Buddhists. They have long noses, big heads and an ugly smile. The guide also said that some people thought that the Europeans were the tengu due to their long noses. Weird was all I could think!

Mt. Tengu, Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

At the top of the Mount Tengu, my parents had a blast with the snow, taking pictures in places they thought convenient. I stood there with my mobile in my hand irritated until I got interested by the sun which looked like a single bright spot in the sky. After that I also joined in on the photo spree.

Later on we went inside the building (the ropeway station) and I and my father visited a small museum of tengu artefacts called, Ski museum, while my mother waited. It was boring even for a history lover like me as we couldn't read anything what with everything being written in Japanese; we soon lost interest.

Mt. Tengu, Otaru, Japan. May 2, 2014

On making our way outside, we went to the souvenir shop nearby. And here we had a chance to talk to the Indian family who were also part of our tour and the boy, who is also a lover of anime, gave me information about the radeo shop in Akihabara (Tokyo), the anime capital which is said to have the figurines of many anime characters. I was excited and wanted to visit the shop in no time!

As Mt. Tengu was our last stop, the bus started returning to Sapporo. Along the way we were shown the historically significant clock tower. Soon after, we arrived at the Sapporo bus terminal. By then the time was almost 6.30 pm.

But since we still had a great deal of the day left, we planned to shop; yes, just window shopping! But at the end, I believe, that was my mother’s greatest regret, after all she was the one who brought up the idea of shopping. The first store we entered was a convenience store which had a separate floor for electronics. And there I saw one of my greatest addictions, yes, I have an addiction with headphones the same way I have on with notebooks and pencils. So I wandered around shouting to my mother in delight and my father suddenly said that he too wanted a headphone, especially from the company Bose. We soon found it; the sound quality was splendour unlike any other. We loved it. The only dissuading factor was the price. In the end, I somehow forced my mother and bought it along with my father.

Next, we went to the shops that my mother was interested which were mainly footwear shops. I and my father waited while she was on that spree. My mother decided to buy an intricately designed black flat. Since we were foreigners, we were not included in their tax system, and we had to show them our passport to have a tax-free special bill, at least this was what I understood.

Bose headphone and the flat shoe, 

Sapporo, Japan. May 2, 2014

I learned something during these shopping that hard work was inspiring seeing the sale assistants ran around to satisfy us, wherein shops in some of the countries wouldn’t have bothered, made me really happy. I don’t think I will ever forget those people there and their efforts are well received and appreciated.

           

           By the time we returned to the hotel after buying something for dinner, the time was 9.30 pm and we were tired but satisfied!