The dinner with my relative was a big event for me, but it was a great opportunity for me to explain the details of my family matters to Harper. I was a little bit frustrated because this gathering reminded me of some of our family problems which my mom struggles with. However, everyone was happy and enjoyed the party and congratulated our marriage. They liked the chocolate Harper brought from Chicago. Some of them had no idea where Chicago is located. They were talking about how to visit me in the states and also go see major league baseball games. Everyone asked me about Harper’s parents, brother, and his wife, so I think the Reed family and me should come to Yamanashi together soon.
My grandma who has altzheimer’s disease could not come to the dinner party, but liked Harper a lot and talked to him in Japanese all the time. It was cute, and she seemed very happy. I wonder if she recognized him as an American or Japanese…curious.. I don’t think she remembers the meeting though.
Although it was quite nice to be in a country side with no internet!! (poor Harper…) we were ready to go back to Tokyo. I was so tired and started feeling sick, and I just wanted to go back to my comfortable apartment and chill out with Harper for a few days. whenever Harper and I don’t do anything particular and just hang out in my apartment, I feel as if we are spending our weekend together. I will get to do more soon!!
My friend in my hometown, Yurie took us to a nice inexpensive but great Italian restaurant right before we came back to Tokyo. Harper had homemade wild boar sausage as an appetizer, and we had a great pasta lunch. My health condition got really worse during the time with Yurie, and the last time when Harper and Steve hung out with her, we were exhausted because of our crammed schedule for our marriage and visa. I felt bad for her because I am always exhausted when I hang out with her. I will see her before I move back to Chicago, and I should be healthy then!
We were glad that we took a train with reserved seats, because they were comfortable and I was able to rest for a little while. As soon as we got back to our apartment in Tokyo, we went out to see my high school friend and her husband who both work for a music magazine in Tokyo. They gave him a T-shirt of popular comics about a death metal band (if I remember correctly). Harper was so happy, and Dai, my friend’s husband, and Harper were talking about death/ heavy metal things. My friend and I were chit-chatting. We started late because of us being late (sorry…), so it was a short amount of time. However, we had a great time with them as always. Some reasons, I got so drunk and Harper took care of me.
Next day, I was hang over and Harper was catching up with his internet matters and took care of payment or what not. We just chilled in my apartment and neighborhood. we went to mos burger AGAIN!! I took a nap and slept as if the nap did not happen..
And the next day was technically Harper’s last day because his flight was in the morning next day. We went to Omotesando/ hip fashion area and had organic buffet lunch and went to some stores Harper liked. We walked to Shibuya and got some books and went to a French style cafe which I used to go a lot several years ago. Coming to Tokyo 3 times and being able to get around in Tokyo, Harper started observing Japanese culture sharply and made a lot of interesting comments which I had never thought of/ aware of before. quite interesting..
In the night, we went to Shinagawa Prince hotel to see Matt Henry’s juggling show. It was a Las Vegas style with a magician and we enjoyed it. Matt has been juggling in Asia and happens to be in Tokyo around the time. He was really nice and a good performer.
There is a nice cozy Italian restaurant we both like, but I couldn’t get through it on the phone. We went there anyway and found that they were closed for new year. Instead, we went to a different Italian restaurant which was good, but we both like the other one better. We just went home after the dinner, and Harper started packing and I passed out early.
Harper’s flight was at 11 am, so we had to be at the airport by 9 which means we had to leave home around 7:30. It was pretty early for us. We got up 6:30 and headed to the airport early. I got sad to see him off even if I know I can see him soon. The airport is such an emotional place for me. A funny part is that Harper always has to hold his jeans after the security check before going downstairs. We say good bye and after the security, there is a spot where I can see him through a glass window. It could be romantic/ emotional…and here Harper comes holding his pants and putting his belt back on. I smiled, and I guess we have our own unique way of feeling romantic..ahhh
It was Saturday, and Harper gained a day back when he got back to Chicago. I am leaving to Chicago on Feb 1st and will move my stuff to my parents on Jan 16th. I have only 3 weeks before moving back to Chicago.. what do I want to do before I leave? I will think about it..
