Hanami No.1

Keio Academy's Hanami at the cherry blossom park by Komo Jinja

My cold has progressed to an earache and my sinuses are stuffed and painful. But I figured that if I didn't go to the party I would just have to cook dinner and I really didn't feel like doing that, so I bundled the kids in the car and off we went.

It was a good party. The food was mixed platters with sushi, fried chicken and various Japanese side dishes, and there was LOADS of beer, of which I had one small glass. There were two other babies there, and Amy and Lena sat up on the podium at a small table colouring. Another mother brought balloons which were a huge hit, and spawned a wild chasing game with a slightly pickled Shinobu (who is leaving Keio Academy). I chatted with most people in turn. We farewelled Shinobu and Yukari, and Amy cried and cried, and was inconsolable at learning Yukari was going to Hong Kong. She was over-tired by this point which made it worse. We had a line-up so everyone could say goodbye to her and Shinobu in turn, and Amy lined up at least three times to get hugs. Then we took tons of photos, and had a big Banzai to finish off the party.

I felt only a tiny bit jealous that the others were moving on to a bar in town, but I was so tired by that point that I was mostly relieved that I would soon be asleep in my warm bed. I am gobbling panadeine but the only thing that really relieves sinus pain is unconsciousness!