Week 92: July 31 - August 4, 2023
Day 637: July 31, 2023
Monday - Paternal Leave D1: Sapporo & Ishikari
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| Good morning, Kai! |
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| First full day in Hokkaido as a family of 4 |
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| Breakfast before checking out of Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station |
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| The matcha ice cream here tastes good! |
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| 2nd Street Sapporo Fushiko Shop |
Before bidding Sapporo City farewell, we had one last stop - the 2nd Street Sapporo Fushiko Shop. It turned out to be a stroke of luck as we stumbled upon an amazing bargain for Kai's stroller, and even found Ella's piano there. The joy of making such great finds filled our hearts as we set off for our next destination. |
| COSTCO Ishikari |
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| Grocery shopping at COSTCO Ishikari |
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| Before going home, we at our favorite pizza and footlong hotdog in COSTCO Ishikari |
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| One of the things that we bought in one of the 2nd Street shops was Ella's piano |
The journey was long, but we were fueled with enthusiasm. Upon arriving home, we mustered the last of our energy to unload the treasures we acquired and also took the time to tidy up the house, ensuring everything was in order.
Day 638: August 1, 2023
Tuesday - Paternal Leave D2: Rumoi
Today was the second day of my paternal leave, and the weather was sunny and inviting. Although it was perfect weather to go on another road trip, we decided to stay home instead. The whole family rolled up our sleeves and spent the day cleaning the house and doing laundry. It might not have been the adventure we had in mind, but it felt gratifying to see our home become clean and organized.
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| First full day of Kai in Rumoi City |
Amidst our chores, I made sure to spend quality time with my daughter. She introduced me to "Spy X Family" - an anime that she was currently engrossed in, and we watched an episode of it together. Seeing her joy and sharing laughter made me realize that the simplest moments with loved ones can be the most meaningful adventures.
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| Jabba Laundromat |
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| Laundry time! |
That afternoon, we drove to Jabba Laundromat at Motokawacho to have our laundry washed and dried. When we got home the 4 boxes that we were expecting arrived just as we closed the door behind us. They were sent by Mr.Toshi in Osaka. It contains KC and Kai’s stuff. Since we were already tired from the day’s chores, it only meant that we had more to do tomorrow.  |
| Movie night: Girl in the Picture |
As the day drew to a close, I got engrossed in a gripping Netflix crime documentary called "Girl in the Picture." True crime stories always intrigue me, and this one kept me captivated until the end.
Day 639: August 2, 2023
Wednesday - Paternal Leave D3: Rumoi
On the third day of my 5-day Paternal Leave, we continued to enjoy precious family time. While the day resembled the previous one, we cherished every moment with Kai, observing his cute expressions and little milestones. A highlight of the day was the unpacking of the boxes from Osaka. Aside from the clothes and personal stuff, others were filled with souvenirs and gifts. It felt like uncovering a treasure trove of memories.
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| Good morning, Kai! |
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| Can you guess what this is? |
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| It's a part of Kai's umbilical cord |
Sorting through the items sparked stories and laughter, making the experience memorable. Even though it seemed like a regular day, the shared connections and the excitement of unpacking made it special. Despite the clouds, our love and shared joys made it a meaningful part of my leave.
Day 640: August 3, 2023
Thursday - Paternal Leave D4: Asahikawa
Today was an eventful and rain-soaked Thursday, filled with both important tasks and unexpected delights. Ironically, it had to be the only day this week we planned to venture out for a crucial mission.
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| Kai's first "road trip" |
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| Nakane Dermatology Clinic in Asahikawa City |
Our main objective for the day was to head to Asahikawa City (旭川市) to apply for Kai's Residence Card. Despite the rain, we set off from Rumoi City around 8:20 AM, taking our time on the road to ensure safety. The first stop on our itinerary was Nakane Dermatology Clinic, where Ella had some dermatological needs to take care of.
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| Sapporo Regional Immigration Office Asahikawa Branch |
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| We applied for Kai's residence card |
With that done, we made our way to the nearby Sapporo Regional Immigration Office Asahikawa Branch. Surprisingly, we were the only foreigners there, which worked in our favor, and the whole process went smoothly as we had diligently prepared and labeled all the necessary documents. In less than an hour, we successfully obtained Kai's Residence Card.
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| Next stop - Sushiro |
By the time we finished at the immigration office, it was already noon, and we decided to satisfy our hunger by trying out a sushi place in Asahikawa. Sushiro, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, was our choice, but our lack of familiarity with the ordering process left us a bit perplexed. After some trial and error, we finally got the hang of it and enjoyed our sushi feast.
Some of the food we tried at Sushiro
Initially, we had plans to explore more of Asahikawa City, but the relentless rain dashed our hopes and made us rethink our agenda. Ultimately, we opted for the wisest course of action and headed back home. However, on our way back, we stopped at MaxValu in Rumoi City to grab some groceries for the week.
Upon reaching home, we embraced the cozy respite from the rain and spent the rest of the day resting. It was a refreshing change from the past few days of non-stop cleaning. My daughter and I indulged ourselves by watching several episodes of Spy X Family, a delightful way to unwind and conclude the day.
Day 641: August 4, 2023
Friday – Paternal Leave D5: Rumoi
It's another peaceful, rainy day here in Rumoi City. Having completed our chores over the past few days, my daughter and I joyfully decided to make this day a truly relaxing one, spent cozily in bed. We affectionately call it our "Lazy Day," where we get to unwind and enjoy each other's company to the fullest.
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| It's a rainy Friday here in Rumoi City |
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| We enjoyed watching several episodes of Spy x Family |
With a selection of our favorite snacks and beverages within reach, we immersed ourselves in the captivating world of "Spy x Family", binge-watching several episodes together. The show's thrilling plot and endearing characters made it an ideal choice for our special mother-daughter bonding time.
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| I cooked my Special Pork Chop |
However, the highlight of our day came during dinnertime when I decided to whip up a mouthwatering treat for the entire family – my famous "Special Pork Chop." This recipe has been cherished through generations, and it never fails to bring smiles to our faces. As the aromatic flavors filled the air, we all gathered around the dining table, eagerly anticipating the delicious meal ahead. The succulent pork chops, tender and seasoned to perfection, truly hit the spot, reminding us of the simple joys of a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones.
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| Good night, Kai! |
As the raindrops continued their gentle rhythm outside, our Lazy Day transformed into a delightful and heartwarming family experience. The cozy ambiance, the captivating anime, and the exquisite meal made the day truly unforgettable. It's moments like these that remind us of the beauty in the small things and the importance of cherishing quality time together.
Overall, it was a great opportunity for me to be able to spend the whole week with my family without worrying about work. We were also able to submit important documents at the Sapporo Regional Immigration Office, Asahikawa Branch. With that, I can consider that this week was very fulfilling. I'm looking forward to going on road trips with Kai in the future.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 92
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 91
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 93
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