Another lunch invite: this time at Tracy's. We would have convened in a park again but the weather had turned cloudy, though it was extremely warm and therefore muggy.
The journey there involved two changes of train, and initially I'd thought I would walk quite a way, so that I only had to take the familiar Yamanote line. However, I was determined to make some progress in learning how to use the transport system, so I decided that it was about time to take a deep breath and get on with it. The first transition went fine. At Yoyogi Uehara, I asked a member of platform staff which train I should get, as I could see that there were some express services that wouldn't stop at all stations. As directed, I boarded the second train, only to see my destination station flash past a minute later. Grrr. At the next stop I had to carry the buggy up and over to the opposite platform, leaving me drenched in sweat.
As suspected, Tracy and James' pad was very plush. It seems that embassy staff are allowed accommodation of the same size that they had at home. In Tokyo that gets you something rather nice. Can't imagine why they want to move back onto the embassy compound as it was a lovely neighbourhood - very quiet and no high-rises.
I was first to arrive, followed soon after by Bettina, Steve and baby Tim and later by Sam and Mario (who I hadn't met before) with their 6-week old boy Ami. It was a shame that Nick wasn't there to make a full set of fathers. Everyone had brought a contribution to lunch and we all tucked in, punctuated by breaking off to feed our babies as and when required. Lottie was as bonny as ever, apparently weighing the same as Emily now despite being 8 weeks younger. Our little chicky entertained everyone with her antics, lifting up her dress can-can style and gurgling a fair bit. They all proclaimed her smile to be lovely.
The sky was very overcast as we left, and I thought I heard the odd rumble of thunder. I was adventurous again for the return trip, taking another new route back. It isn't really all that hard, only difficult when manoeuvering the pram up and down. Though it is not permitted, I have had to become a bit of a rule-breaker and use escalators where a lift is not available. What else do they expect you to do? I am capable of carrying the pram with Emily inside, but don't see why I should.
No comments:
Post a Comment