Father' Visit

10/10/08-10/13/08Recently, my father visited Japan and we spent a three day weekend together. The following is an account of the visit.

He arrived on a Friday afternoon and took a train directly to Tokyo. After work, I went to meet him and we met with a long embracing hug.

We picked up our bags and headed to the Chabad House for Shabbat. There we were met with the great warmth and hospitality of the Rabbi, Rebbetzin and there five children. We sat at the table and ate, but Father went to bed early to sleep off the jetlag.

The next morning, we walked to a nearby Starbucks (which had just opened the week before) and talked for hours. (Much has happened in the family and the world since I left America and I needed to catch up. It appears that it is a time of great intensity and distrust. I feel fortunate to be out of it.)

In the afternoon, we returned for a Kiddush meal and then parted. In the evening we met again near his hotel and went for a walk in the windy autumn night. Before sleep, I spoke about the challenges and learning experience of Japan and what I plan to do in the future.

The next morning we awoke early, took a set of trains and picked up the Matty’s mobile. The day’s plan was to take a scenic drive around the east, south and west coasts of the Miura Peninsula. Our first destination was Yokosuka city. We parked the car, walked around a rose garden pier, through the downtown area and to an Italian restaurant for lunch. (This was the first time that I ate-out for non-Japanese food since May. The food was delicious.) After, we took the car around the coastline. We saw magnificent views of the green seaside cliffs, small fishing villages, and large fields of farmland. Before sunset, we arrived in Zushi, sat on the pier and watched the clouds darken and a group of children fishing on a nearby dock.

After, we headed to the Sekino’s house for dinner. There, we were greeted with warmth, hot green tea and a sushi dinner. We spoke of many topics and laughed a lot. Afterward, Sekino-san drove us to the train station, shook our hands and said “Goodbye.”

The next morning, we awoke and headed to Okutama Park. We took a set of trains, a bus and a cable car and arrived on a mountaintop. When we arrived, we took a moment to gaze upon the distant mountains and cities and the first signs of fall foliage. Then we headed on a hike to a waterfall, passing massive trees and temples. The waterfall was serene and inspired the following haiku:

Yellow and brown leaves,
And a waterfall’s cool breath.
It is all alive.

After, we headed back to the Tokyo Chabad house to see the family and the Sukkah for a short visit. Then I walked Father back to the train station, and we parted with a long embracing hug. He went to prepare for the week’s business meetings and I returned to the Sukkah to celebrate the holiday.