Another glorious sunny day. We set off in search of Happoen garden, which has a good write up in the guide book and is close to our apartment. The review was justified as it is certainly an exquisite little place. The name apparently means 'lovely from all angles'. The centrepiece is a small lake set in a natural depression, with obligatory carp of many colours of course. Though surrounded by modern buildings you forget they are there as you lose yourself in the tranquility. You and dozens of wedding guests, that is: Nick enquired and was told they had 17 weddings on that day! In one corner of the garden was a little 'chapel' complete with stained glass window and recorded wedding bells. I had the impression that it would look lovely in all seasons; it had some blossom trees and maples,naturally. At the waterside was a dear little hut with a round window and a couple of rough-hewn benches inside, and I vowed to return at a quieter time so I could enjoy in solitude the sunlit ripples reflected inside on the wooden roof.
It was far too nice to return to the flat, so we bought a picnic and carried on along Shirokanedai to the National Park for Nature Studies - a grand name for a simple but enjoyable space in the heart of the city. It has many mature trees and shrubs, the vision being to recreate what might have been found naturally here before Toyko came about. It's large enough not to feel crowded, even on a nice weekend. Emily was stirring from a long slumber in the sling by now, and we were famished, so we went to the wooden shelter by the pond and ate. Walking home afterwards, Nick felt dampness around his midriff under the sling strap and we realised that Emily's nappy must have leaked! Back at the apartment, we found that it was a very splatty poo - yet more clothes to be scrubbed.
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