Thursday ends on a big high note!

Keeping this ultra-short as the lobby is crowded with people who no doubt are equally driven to blog.

Wonderful news! When we returned to the inn this evening after dinner, Aunt Kuniko and her husband were here in the lobby, waiting with smiles and presents. Mother was so surprised and glad to see them. Ah, family comes through again. Happy happy happy.

:D

*****
After the fact... a summary of Thursday.

Thursday was filled with laundry, fishing, and then a short snack together in Tokiwa's food court before setting forth in our own directions.

I don't know what this is. All I know is, it isn't Japanese. One of the guys guessed it might be Korean. Very spicy, very good, they report. [Juli confirms, it IS Korean! It is dol sot bi-bim bap. Thanks, Juli! Following the official food-ID, I found this via Google.]

I know it says Teriyaki McBurger, but really, I don't know what this is either.

Mother and Father went wandering about in search of old sections of town, while Gary, Troy, Ian and I did our own wandering, once again generally beach-bound.

Later in the evening, around 8 or 830, we had a happy coincidence as we all ran into each other at Beppu station. For dinner, we tried the place we'd visited earlier with Tsurue, but it was closed. Our second choice was a small Chinese restaurant where we occupied both available tables and enjoyed gyoza, shrimp tempura, General Tsao's chicken and other delectables.

And as giddily noted above, when we got back to the inn, Aunt Kuniko and her husband surprised us with a brief, wonderful visit. Joy all around.