Despite all the shortcomings of this place like the heat and other things you mentioned, I still like Shizuoka and in many ways it's nice to be back.
I'm grateful that I could avoid having any accidents during my two weeks of driving in Hokkaido.I am so glad that you enjoyed our blog postings.
It was fun to share the stories as they were happening.
And Ken and I always enjoyed reading your comments.
Thanks also mumky for your kind birthday wishes. I was happy that I could spend my birthday in three different cities and over many others courtesy of ANA.
Hope we bump into each other soon.
Mio

How's it going mumky?
You may want to check your door handle.
It's quite possible that the souvenir fairy might have paid you a visit.
By the way I was wondering which of the posted Hokkaido photos bring back childhood memories for you.
You know it's a lot like that for me as well. The mere gander at an old photo can reawaken such interesting emotions from childhood.
In fact last week I suddenly received a package from my family in the States which included a CD with really old family photos that I had no idea even existed.It left me in total awe and with a big desire to return home for a much overdue visit.