First Day in Japan

The trip to Japan was my first time to a foreign country other than Canada ( where my mother grew up) or Mexico which was only Tijuana. I have never been in an airplane for that long.  Way long.  We arrived a day later which really throws off that body clock.   We got to the hotel after riding the train in to Sapporo from the airport ( everything in Japanese) and were grateful to meet a man at the train station that spoke English.  He was born in Sapporo but lived in Toronto.  He had come home after 30 years to say good bye to his brother that had cancer.  He helped us find our way out of the station and go in the general direction of our hotel.  We were very grateful.  No one spoke English at the hotel.  We couldn't get internet connection.  We didn't know where Dallin was.  We were grateful the next morning after calling the mission home and not getting anyone, to get a phone call later in our room with President Daniels on the other end.  We took a taxi ( my first) to the mission home and even the taxi driver had to ask some directions.  We were so happy to see Dallin!

This is looking in from the room.  Only one person at a time please.

The heater was remote control above the small desk.  Everything was very energy efficient. 

Everything in Japan is much smaller than in America.  The bathrooms were teeny.  The beds small and firm.  The chairs were closer to the ground. 

This is in the mission office in front of the bulletin board filled with pictures of all the baptisms. 

This is Sister Kaneko and her mother...notice the resemblance!  She came to pick up her daughter.  They were wonderful.  They both spoke great English but were shy using it. 

This is Sister Chizuru's mum with Sayaka's mother.  We all got to speak in Sacrament meeting that Sunday.  I felt close to the other mothers and loved being with them.  I had such a hard time with names.  I just couldn't connect them to anything.  They were very forgiving!  I am so glad I got to meet them. 
We had a great visit with everyone in the Mission Office and then caught a bus back to the hotel.  I took the stairs and the guys took the elevator.  I couldn't remember the room number and went knocking on doors.  I had no cell phone and kept hoping they would stick their heads out and look for me.  Crazy. 
Next we walked to the Mall from our hotel.  It was endless.  They have grocery stores in the Mall and Dollar stores everywhere  and I mean everywhere!

Dallin went up and down the isles explaining what everything was...very different stuff!

A Japanese comedian performed at the bottom of the escalator...he did exercises with the kids.

Strawberry Kit Kats.  Yum.  There were many different flavors including Jasmine tea.

We ate at a lot of bakeries.  It was all white bread ( I usually have whole wheat whatever) but yummy and sweet!
Next adventure that day...Royce Chocolate Factory.