Nick was off work but Emily went to nursery anyway. We dropped her off then had coffee and a natter with Jo, Oli, Bettina (and Cooper and Samuel, of course). Moving on, Nick and I headed for Shinjuku, where we stocked up on English language books in Kinokuniya, then had lunch at the Indian restaurant in Times Square. We did a spot of shopping in BIC Camera, where we chose both a camera tripod and a watch for me in 20 minutes flat. After a coffee we parted company so I could buy last minute groceries before the big new Year shut-down, and Nick went to collect Emily.
After she went to bed we had a very delayed Christmas dinner: roast pork with most trimmings (6 sprouts, and a parsnip that cost nearly four pounds but I would almost venture to say was worth it when roasted tenderly). Our pud was care of Walkers but I knocked up some rum sauce to go with it.
Just before midnight I sent Nick out to spend the crucial moment at the local shrine. This is the third New Year in Japan and so far we have stayed at home so I wanted him to go in case it was our last. He queued up to ring the bell and make an offering and a prayer. As 2011 came in I popped out onto the balcony and heard the temple bells ringing their solemn way in to the year of the rabbit. Not one drunk in the street or firework to be seen; the Japanese way is surprisingly low-key. I wonder what this year ahead brings? Will we still be here this time next year?
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