The idea of going out together on a Friday or Saturday night is a bit of a surreal concept these days.  Even if Kai were sleeping on his own at 8pm, neither of us would have much energy to do anything let alone get dressed up and run around the town.

But you accommodate, hence the “Day Date.”  Once in the stroller, Kai can go up to 4 hours in no/low maintenance mode.  So we decided to splurge a bit more for lunch at the Fischkutter @ KDW — the Harrod’s of Berlin.  In a food court, but one of gourmet proportions which also happens to accommodate large strollers.  Freshly prepared seafood, a glass of wine, leisurely dining.  It was a nice afternoon.  Oh, and I didn’t even mention the massage appointments in the morning 🙂

We spent a fantastic two-day stay at the Kagaya onsen in Wakura (on the west coast of Japan).  There are two primary activities — relaxing in the thermal baths and eating.  Probably more the second than the first.  The Wakura area is famous for its fresh seafood and the elaborate meals bring almost every conceivable variety and preparation one could imagine.  Some highlights below (but there was much more in only our 2 days).

It was great to see my long-time friend Prof. Harumasa Sato and his family in Kobe and introduce Kai (I say long-time friend, because I don’t like using the word old after 40).  We got to see the new faculty building in Nishinomiya — so modern and clean that it makes all the places I’ve studied in look like tenaments.  We enjoyed a pleasant Japanese meal together, and Kai treated us by sleeping through 90%.