Sunday Afternoon Walk

Sunday, May 10th--We were all feeling melancholy after church (except for Caitlin).  Our time here is rapidly coming to a close and we don't want it to end.  We didn't want to sit at home, instead we wanted to be somewhere where we could bask in Japanese surroundings.  It being Sunday, we wanted to do something low key and relaxing.  We decided that Todoroki Ravine was the perfect place to spend our afternoon.  The girls enjoyed it so much last time that we were o.k. going again, but it would be new for the boys.  Caitlin was super tired so she and Kirstin decided to stay home and have naps.
This is a picture of the shopping street.  We walk down this street almost every day.  We love this street.  It is the way to Hiroo Station and the temple/church.  The candy store, the ramen shop, the sushi shop, a 7-11, a small grocery store and a drug store are all on this street.  You can see Toyko Tower in the background.

We had to change several trains to get to Todoroki, but the time went quickly.  My, how things have changed here!  When we came the first time, it was in January.  Now, it is spring and it is so much greener!  It was pretty before, but it is breathtaking now! (Logan, Christopher, Tayla, and Nathan)

Raymond and Audra walking along the path.

These gorgeous leaves were not out last time we were here.  

We found the first big shrine.  The boys were impressed by how beautiful and serene it was.

Checking out the waterfall.

Logan and Christopher running down the path.

There's something about this place.  It's so peaceful.  Love it here.

We wanted to go into the gated part where we had had our picnic the first time we came.  It was so beautiful in there with all the bamboo trees, the orange grove, the path marked with tatami mats, and the small shrine at the top of the hill.  Unfortunately, the gate was locked.  Huge bummer.  It was starting to get dark, so we slowly made our way back.   (L to R: Logan, Tayla, and Audra)

It was nice to be able to spend some time here in this ravine.  Good-bye, Todoroki.  Good-bye, bamboo trees.  Good-bye, beautiful shrines.

We felt a lump in our throats as we walked down the shopping street for the last time.  Good-bye, shopping street.  Good-bye, beautiful Tokyo Tower.  Good-bye to this night scene that we all have come to love so much.

Oh, can we do this?  Can we leave a place and a people that we have come to love so dearly?