Kamakura...Take 2

Today the boys and I had the opportunity to meet some very kind Japanese women.  Their baby sitter's Mother teaches English, and she set the whole thing up.  There was another Mother with her son there as well.  Such a fantastic day!  First we road the train to Kamakura.  But we had to change from the Keikyu line to the JR line.  So we rode from Jinmuji Station to Shinzushi Station.  We walked a little ways, and went over to the JR Line.  We hopped on another train going from Zushi Station to Kamakura.  I learned that Shin means "new", so Shinzushi means "new Zushi".  Once we arrived we met up with the fabulous women.  I'm not even going to attempt to butcher their names, but they were so kind.  We then decided to catch a bus over to the Kamakura Bamboo Gardens.  I think this is one of my favorite places so far.  It's a small bit of calm paradise in the middle of the regular noise of the city.  Most of the bamboo was very young.  Most were 1-2 years old.  Before we walked in, there was a Temple.  The grounds were just beautiful.  The pictures just doesn't do this place justice.

After we decided to hit up another Temple.  Kamakura was many Temples and Shrines.  I believe I was told hundreds, but don't quote me.  While we were enjoying the grounds and the Temple, a woman dressed in a traditional kimono came walking up.  She was absolutely beautiful and so friendly.  She gladly stood for pictures with us all and was just so kind.  Saw a Japanese Maple, which was just gorgeous. 

We needed to head back to the train station because the woman with us had to pick up her kids from school.  So we decided it was time to eat and do a little shopping:)  In other words T-R-O-U-B-L-E!  We came across the most amazing little store.  It's a honey store!  Anyone who knows me (cough Kathie and Mamma), knows that I love honey.  I am obsessed with Tupelo honey and put it on anything.  Waffles, pancakes, toast, in my tea, etc.  These fruit/honey mixtures are so delicious.  You can use them on ice cream, in yogurt, as a drink (mixed or just add water) or whatever your heart desires.  There were many different kinds.  I chose the "Japanese lemon", Yuzu Mitsu, and Raspberry.  I loved every flavor I tried.  It was a very rough decision, but I know I can easily head back.  Flavors included mango, grape, blueberry, cherry and a few others.  I have a feeling I found my new obsession!  They would also make great gifts, so I expect to send a few of these for Christmas!  

After we went back to the place that Zachary and I dined at during our first trip to Kamakura.  He just came home (at 8pm) and asked if we ate there, and was very sad that he couldn't join us.  Food was amazing, boys scarfed down their noodles.  It was like stir fried bean sprouts, carrots and green onions with some ramen noodles.  They couldn't eat them fast enough.  This time around was different, because I had actual native speakers and I didn't feel so awkward.  Wonderful experience and I can't wait to go again.  However, next time I will be putting the boys in drop-in care.  I wasn't fully able to appreciate everything because I had a little boy, sometimes 2, that were acting up.  And surprisingly, Luke was the good one! 

Oh did I forget to mention my gracefulness?  We were leaving the restaurant, and I had 2 bags and a purse.  I had gotten the boys out, was getting out of the booth.  Turned around for one final check and knocked 2 glasses!  The whole place went silent.  Yes, I was that girl.  Thankfully nothing broke and all was forgiven.  The people next to us were so kind.  

No major plans to do anything fun the rest of the week.  I think we need to recover.  We left the house at 8:20 this morning to walk to the train station and didn't get home til almost 4:30!