Saturday:
We check out of the ryokan and head to Nagasaki. At Tokyo station (after another 30 minures local train journey, a quick stop at shinjuku to find the park closed) we book our trains, we dont get a reserved seat for the trip to Osaka but the non reserved seats are fine. The journey id Tokyo-Shin Osaka-Hakata-Nagasaki. At some point we worked out that only Jo's phone worked but it would accept my sim card so we made the switch and eventually worked out how to phone Yukimi and arrange to meet her at 6:30 pm at Nagasaki station, 8.5 hours train journeyswith no time for mistakes between changes. We arrive at Nagasaki and while waiting for Yukimi I book two nights in a local ryokan. We are met by Keyoka (Yukimi's friend) and soon after Yukimi arrives and we walk to the ryokan to drop off the bags. On the way we are met by the ryokan owner and her dog and are shown the way to our room. Yukimi pours the tea and we discuss going uot for food. I want to try yakatori so Keyo makes a phone call and it is arranged that we will eat with her parents at thier friends restaurant. This was a most wonderful experience, following introductions to Keyoes parentsand her mums friend we go in and sit down to eat (we are introduced to the chef as we find our seats). I cannot sit in a formal position and am assured that sitting informally is good. There where too many courses to remember but highlights are tempura vegetables (aubegine; sweet potatoe and one stuffed with cheese) Yakatori (chargrilled pork, chicken diaphragm , chicken crop, chicken livers) sashimi, a very big fish eye. Keyoe's dad is a dispending chemist and likes rock music especially the Beatles. He tells me about the Japanese respect for the fish which is why all parts are eaten. Keyoes mum and friend both liked princess Diana. Keyoe' dad tells me about the bottle keep system they have when he is brought his bottle of shoshi ( a strong alcohol that is mixed with iced water). This meal I think will be the highlight of the trip for me, I am sure that nothing will be able to top this.