Day 2 - Fukuoka - 10 Dec 2016

Our day began about 9am after the usual kind of hotel breakfast. It was a full day of walking except during meals and the occasional in-between breaks.

First stop was at Yanagibashi market. We just walked around the market which sells lots of very fresh seafood and other produce. Whilst it was impossible for us to buy them back, thankfully, we managed to buy and eat some very red and large strawberries from the market. They didn't just look good on the outside but tasted sweet and juicy as well.

En route to Canal City, we came across a playground at a park. The kids had their moments of frolic while the adults took the opportunity to take a break from walking. At the Canal City, we managed to catch the dancing fountain show again. This time, it was to the tune of "Frozen" and the kids were evidently captivated. I wonder whether was it because of the song or the dancing fountain or maybe it could be both.

We spent a short while at Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Shops flank both sides of the street. There wasn't much bustle when we were there which made the walking quite at ease. We came across a store that sells red bean soup. Emma, who loves red bean soup, couldn't resist the temptation and we shared a bowl of it.

Next, we, or rather the kids, visited Fukuoka Anpanman Children's Museum in Mall at Hakata Riverain Mall. It must have been a tremendously wonderful experience for the kids. From the time they entered the museum, our eyes were like ensuring that none of them went missing. They simply just dashed off to the various play sections within the museum. Our vigilance mode was definitely put to the test while the kids were having a rolling good time.

Lunch was at a Yakiniku restaurant. In winter, the grilled beef somehow tasted even better. I definitely left the place as a very satisfied customer.

We took a stroll to the Tenjin area. Serendipitously, we chanced upon a Christmas Market and went in to take a look. There were many stores and the crowd of people added to the festive mood. Before we left, we watched a live performance of three singers, with the accompaniment of a keyboardist, singing some lovely Christmas carols.

We continued to shop around Tenjin. At about 530pm, we took the "100 Yen" bus to go back to our hotel. By this time, the kids were getting cranky. Le just woke up from his nap. Yu actually dozed off during the bus ride. After we alighted, between going back to the hotel and having early dinner, we decided unanimously that the latter would be a better option.

The search for a dinner venue was discouraging at first. Having visited about three or four restaurants, all of them were fully booked. Thankfully, before the mood was totally dampened, we came across 和民 Watami Japanese restaurant which allowed us entry into its restaurant, on the condition that we finished within an hour. Not a problem. We did it exactly within an hour.

I shall end off this post with an "excerpt" of my conversation with J. It was over dinner and I really had a hilarious laugh.

Me: J, you are growing older and I am concerned that our relationship will be growing apart. (J turns 13 in 2017) J: listens while giving that squint-eyed look

Minutes later.....

Me: (Disturbs J because his phone battery was almost flat) J, look at my phone battery life (It was 58%).

As if not enough.....

Me: (Singing to the tune of "Ten Little Indians" and modifying its lyrics) One percent, two percent, three percent, four percent... Oops, J, I cannot continue the song (J's phone battery life was only left with 4%). J: Heh.... I though you were concerned about our relationship.

And I just burst out laughing. I think J meant that if I were really concerned about our relationship, I wouldn't be gloating over his predicament, which in this case was the fact that he was holding on to a dying phone.

After regaining my composure, I explained to him that by poking fun at him, it is also part of bonding. But J, seriously, if you are ever going to read this, I just want to tell you that you are going to be in your adolescence or perhaps you are already in your adolescence. It is one of the most difficult phase of your life because you are transiting into adulthood and it is at this age where you will be most impressionable. There are things around you or friends that will influence you, either in a good or bad way. While accomplishments and accolades are important, I pray that at the end of the day, you will be able to find your identity and walk in a destiny that will make us all so proud of you. Jia you, J.