Dinner at Saizeriya

After some of the touring we stopped for some snacks and drinks to hold us over before going to dinner. 

We went back to the apartment to all shower and get cleaned up for dinner. I'm so glad I bought this towel wrap and hair wrap to get in and out of the shower faster. It did take more room in my suitcase than I wanted, but it was worth it not to have my towel falling off as I try to hold it up around me or have my hair dripping everywhere. 

Airin was nice enough to braid my hair for me so it was out of the way. 

Our apartment was at the top of these stairs, they took so getting used to being so narrow and steep. Us ladies were in the apartment on the left and the men were on the right. 

In front of the apartment was an abandoned house. There were others surrounding our apartment and across the city. We often wandered around the outside and looked inside. Some things are still left inside. And you wonder if someone just left it that way or this is after cleaning it out, whether they're coming back, going to tear down or rebuild, or if it's too painful to look at. This was someone's home, where they had their belongings, where they rested, and maybe spent time with their family. Something that's supposed to be comforting turned into loss. It's strange, fascinating, a bit eerie, and sad. 

Joseph brought us to the Aeon Mall, the smaller one. This one was pretty big so I was surprised to hear that there's a much larger one. 

In front was a little yakitori food truck. It was so cute and small. The first food truck I've seen. 

I also noticed how everyone backs into their spaces. I was wondering why at first, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The cars are all compact and easier to maneuver and the spaces and aisles are small so it's easier to get out and go. And even the smallest cars beeped when they backed up. 

This place was huge, it reminded me of two things... A giant asian walmart or a huge asian market with the surrounding shops and bakeries that are at home. 

We went to this restaurant inside the mall. It was called Saizeriya and it was the Japanese version of Italian.

Karin and Airin were excited about coming here, it was one of their favorite places that they often come to before. 

 I love Japanese spaghetti so I really wanted some. I had it with my peach soda, yum! 

The portions are perfect for me so I actually had room for dessert without feeling like I'd explode. I had to try the custard or flan. It was so good and made me miss Nate since this is his one of his top favorites as a dessert. Wish he could be there to eat it with me. 

During dinner I got up to go to the bathroom, but it was at the other end of where we were. Back towards the yellow wall, it was a long walk to find that they closed it for cleaning. Oh well. I got to see their entire arcade area. I should have gone to take a photo of all the cool games. There's also a really long row of toy vending machines, the yellow ones on the right. I wanted one of everything, they were all so cute. 

Everything there is just too cute, I wanted one of each of these animal ones. But since I don't have the room, I just took a photo for memory of it's cuteness. There was a penguin that made me think of my brother and sister in law. Sorry I didn't bring it home for you, Perry and Karen! 

Puma sneaker heels! After seeing these, I started to notice women wearing them. So strange since I haven't seen them at home. It's a sneaker with a heel! 

After dinner we had some time to walk around this gigantic place. There was even a Daiso in there. One of my favorite places to wander, even at the local ones at home. When we talked during dinner about having free time to look around I said I didn't want to get lost. Junpei laughed at me most and said something like: Don't worry, if you get lost just talk really slow. Make sure you accentuate every letter. Eh-xi-tuh. And they'll understand you and tell where the exit is. That had us laughing!
It was exciting and fun at first to see all the cool stuff, but it quickly wore off since I was so tired. I bought some Thomas chopsticks and a little toy with gum in the box for NJ. Then Rebecca and I made our way to the benches to sit in front of Daiso. The girls were still looking around in there. I was so ready to sleep, wish I had the energy to keep looking around.