Visiting Kushimoto and Kochi

Abbie and her friend Yuki - from a school exchange at Masterton Intermediate School. Fair to say we had a few years to catch up on. A special time together.  

Our Pasta Party with Jesus Family youth entailed some Twister fun. 

Abbie and Hachan - visiting Kushimoto

Fun times in stunning scenery! 

We had the privilege of making some local treats with Hachan's Grandmother  - such a dear lady. 

We stayed at a traditional Ryokan... including an amazing dinner! We literally had 13 plates each. Wow! 

An old couple we met at the Ryokan we stayed at. Too cute. 

Now this was a real treat! Japanese BBQ. Soooo good. (together  with Hachan's family and her brother's friends). 

We had some time to kill so hired some bikes.... but these are no ordinary bikes people! they have battery powered boosters! Amazing..... especially up hill. Loved it. 

Beach! 

Abbie went with her friend to a pottery class. She made these. 

Abbie and two of the kids she teaches once a week. 

Yoshi and Yukari just had their 3rd child - Ayuki. Tiny and very cute. 

Our language helper and great friend Yoshie treated us to a meal at a Brazilian BBQ restaurant. 

Jesus festival - selling lamb kebabs. 

The limousine bus we took to Kochi. It had 3 rows of individual seats. Crazy! But very comfortable. With inflight movie and free drinks bar. 

Arriving at Kochi we watched some dance performance. Here we are with the performers dressed up as famous samurai from Kochi. 

Kochi castle. 

Yukiko and her Mum, Abbie last saw her mum more than 10 years ago. 

Yukiko's wonderful family. 

It was a scorching hot day and we headed to a famous beach with a statue of the most famous samurai from the area. 

Beautiful beach.... unfortunately not allowed to swim there... so Tim pushed the limits and dipped his toes in :) 

An emotional goodbye. See you again sometime Yukiko. 

Our incredible gift... a new camera... and one very excited and overwhelmed Tim.