First we went down to stay with Rika's mum for a week in Ikadaba. This was very relaxing and a good chance for Hanna and Baba to spend time together. I did a lot of resting, some grass cutting, and a little bit of cycling with Hanna on my back in the Deuter.
The Ikadaba school has been turned into a seniors centre as the village only has 19 children under 18 compared with more than 90 over 65s. Here is a group of seniors playing in the grounds. As you can see the playground equipment is still there for Hanna to enjoy.
Hanna really enjoyed being driven in the car by Rika's mum. She would ask to go in the car, and even back in Tokyo she talkes about 'Baba no kuruma' (granny's car).
Hanna 'rapping' in the back of the car.
Then we returned to hang out Tokyo. It was great to enjoy spending time with Hanna at a slower pace. For example, today I was able to join her Rytomic music class.
On Saturday we took Hanna to see the Bolshoi Circus which really is fun for the whole family. Clowns and performing dogs and cats for the children, but also 'artistic' gymnastics by bendy young Russian ladies for the Dads. I also enjoyed the Russians' style. It seems to be the country that hairdressing forgot - its been a long time since Ive seen a mullet and mostache combo worn with pride!
Hanna really enjoyed the show and unlike many of the kids she stayed attentive for all 2 hours. Although for the last 10 minutes she was shouting out 'owachatta?' (is it finished yet?) rather than 'encore!'.
"The other day, I met a bear".
Temperatues have been in the high twenties or low thirties with high humidiy. So we have enjoyed relaxing in Shinjuku Central Park where there is a water play area for the kids.
Sky reflected in the buildings next to Shinjuku Central Park
