| Well, same
as in Tokyo I addressed my hosts as onnesan and onnisan. Similarly,
otoosan and okaasan would sound too old. The Araki Family also treated
me very well and I really felt like part of the family. I am really
grateful for their kind hospitality. They took me to Furano for skiing
and onnisan taught me how to ski. However I was not a very good student
but I did manage to ski and I enjoyed it a lot. My only regret is
that there is no snow in Singapore and I wonder when will I get to
ski again? We also went ice-skating and to the many activities that
the Hippo Club in Asahikawa planned for us. We made mochi, visited
a special elementary school, went for a tea ceremony, made our snowman
(yuki daruma) and had a snow fight. There was also the usual club
gatherings and not to forget the makan sessions. The Hippo club members
in Asahikawa are also very friendly and helpful.
The only time we had for communication was after the kids were
in bed. As my onnisan has to work, he usually had to sleep early
but he does stay up on a few occasions just to chat. We chatted
about many things, like life in Asahikawa, pachinko, kids, takara
kuji (big sweep), life in Singapore and his working experiences
in Da Lian, China. I also admire my onnesan because taking care
of four kids is no easy task. Bringing the kids to and fro piano
lessons, swimming lessons, parties, school, ballet lessons and house
work. I think she is very capable.
I would like to thank them again for making this Christmas full
of beautiful memories for me.
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