30 August 08

Nick helped Pam, Graham and Kate move their gear from the ryokan to our place. We had lunch at David's Deli nearby; I've often looked in as I passed by and wondered what it was like. Ridiculously, I was actually stressed out by the amount of choice on the menu as it all sounded so nice. The houmous pita and tabouleh salad were really good and I vowed to dine there more often.

We carried on to Rikugien garden in Komagome. This was my third visit and the showery conditions were the best so far for photographing the picturesque grounds.

Emily was in the borrowed back carrier, so we could explore all the paths.

There were lots of spiders hanging between the branches, and fungi nestling under the damp leaves. As always I got bitten really badly while everyone else got off lightly.

Back at home, Graham and Kate packed for their ascent of Mount Fuji to the accompaniment of heavy rain. Nick escorted them to the bus at Shinjuku; Pam and I had G&Ts and listened to the torrential rain, hoping they would have better weather for the climb. Once Nick got back he and I sallied forth to find a restaurant in our neighbourhood for our first night out together since Emily came on the scene. We dined very well and had several drinks. I hoped it would take his mind off not being able to do the trip with them, but we know it was too much of a risk with his recent PSVT episodes that seemed to be brought on by exertion.