Weekend 109: December 2 – 3, 2023
Day 761: December 2, 2023
Saturday – Rumoi City
It's a bitterly cold Saturday morning here in Rumoi City, with temperatures as low as -6 degrees. Despite not having any travel plans for the day, several important tasks still needed to be completed, which required us to venture out into the city.
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| Ella enjoying her task of clearing the snow |
Before leaving the warmth of our house, my daughter and I decided to clear the snow around Ruru, our beloved car, and the parking area. It was an uphill task, but we knew it had to be done. In addition to this, I took a walk towards Midorigaoka Elementary School in a hopeful attempt to find my wife's lost phone, which she had misplaced somewhere along the path. Sadly, my search yielded no results. The phone is likely hidden beneath the layers of snow by now, and if we are fortunate enough to find it, it will have to wait until spring when the snow thaws.
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| It's not a road trip, but we did the "mandatory family travel pic." |
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| Engan Bus Rumoi Office |
Returning home, I loaded the kerosene tanks into the car before embarking on our journey for the day. Our first stop was the Engan Bus Rumoi Office in the Akemotcho district of Rumoi City. We were there to avail of the Moekko Free Tickets for my upcoming school visits in December. It was the first task on our agenda for the day.
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| Purchased the Living Expenses Support Vouchers at the Rumoi Industrial Hall |
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| Filled up the tank in preparation for the long winter |
Next, we made our way to the Rumoi Industrial Hall to purchase the Living Expenses Support Vouchers. This was another important task that needed our attention. After completing these errands, we drove back to Shell Self Rumoi in the Motokawacho district to fill up both the car and the kerosene tanks. It was a necessary step to ensure we were adequately prepared for the coming days.
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| Ella and Kai's moments |
Finally, as the day drew to a close, we returned home so that I could drop off the kerosene tanks and retrieve our newly washed laundry. We then made our way to Jabba Laundromat to dry our laundry, marking the completion of all the tasks for the day.
In the evening, before retiring for the night, we contacted our bank in the Philippines to report my wife's lost phone and to deactivate the banking app installed on it. It was a necessary precaution to ensure the security of our finances.
As a way to unwind before bed, my daughter and I decided to watch an episode of Pluto. Unfortunately, I ended up dozing off midway through, unable to finish it. The exhaustion from the day's activities had finally caught up with me.
Day 762: December 3, 2023
Sunday – Asahikawa City
Today was a cold but beautifully bright Sunday here in Rumoi City. Luckily, we had finished all of our tasks yesterday, so today was designated as a free day for us. However, before even stepping out of bed, we received some troubling news - my wife's hometown had been affected by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck earlier in the morning. Thankfully, we learned that everyone was safe and accounted for.
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| Off to probably the last out-of-town trip with the family this year |
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| Fukagawa - Rumoi Expressway |
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| AEON West Mall, Asahikawa City |
After having a fulfilling breakfast, we decided to venture out and drive to AEON West Store in Asahikawa City. The weather forecast promised clear skies throughout the day, but I couldn't help but feel apprehensive. It was my first time driving out of town in the winter, and I had heard countless stories from my Japanese friends of winter accidents. Nevertheless, I mustered up the courage and drove cautiously, even on the highway. We finally arrived at AEON Mall West in Asahikawa City around 11:10 AM.
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| Quick Cut BB (クイックカットBB イオンモール旭川西店) |
Some photos while waiting for our name/number to be called
My first task was to get a haircut at Quick Cut BB (クイックカットBB イオンモール旭川西店). Once I was feeling fresh, we made our way to Shabu Sai (しゃぶ菜 イオンモール旭川西) for lunch. To our delight, there was a line of eager customers waiting outside. Despite the wait, we were determined to try their unlimited shabu shabu. Finally, at around 12:30 PM, we were ushered to our table.
Team Nicerio tries out Shabu Sai
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| Ella made her own waffle |
We ordered the Special beef and pork unlimited Shabu Shabu, which cost 2,088 yen per person. Children paid half price and babies dined for free. The food and service were fantastic. Aside from the delightful Shabu Shabu, I treated myself to some creamy soft-serve ice cream, while my daughter indulged in delicious make-your-own waffles.
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| We were satisfied dining at Shabu Sai |
Once we had our fill, we took a stroll around the mall, purchasing some essential items and ingredients for my wife's cooking. Aware of the early sunset time of 4 PM, we left AEON Mall West at around 3 PM, avoiding driving in the dark. Safely arriving home a little after 4 PM, we felt a sense of accomplishment and relief.
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| We walked around the mall before heading back home |
Overall, it was yet another weekend well spent. I have gained more confidence in driving through the snow, and if the weather permits, we might consider heading out on another driving adventure next week.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 109
Moekko Free Ticket 15th Season
10 Things to Do in Rumoi City
10 More Things to Do in Rumoi City
10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City
10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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