Day 10 - Sasaguri, Fukuoka, and quick layovers (9 April 2019)
The last day of the trip can sometimes be the hardest, knowing you’ve reached the end We had such an amazing time with our parents and getting to know this beautiful area of Japan.
We drove to the Nanzoin Temple for a unique experience with a massive reclining Buddha. We parked across the street, and made our way into the grounds, but not before using the bathroom without a Western style toilet.
The grounds were full of intricate details. There were small statues and large ones almost everywhere you looked. You just can’t quite capture it in a photo, but I definitely made an effort! I even got to rub the belly of a Buddha. I also appreciate they put clothes on some of the statues in the winter, to keep them warm.
The real showstopper, was the enormous reclining bronze Buddha. I can’t imagine the amount of time an effort that not only went in to creating it, but then they hauled it up a mountain! I also loved watching others appreciate the experience as much as we did. It was a delight to share it with my parents and sister!
We hiked back down to the main area, looking at all of the interesting things in the way. They had little turtles there too!
We then drove the rest of the way to Fukuoka to see the temple and the hombu (mission office).
We even had the opportunity of meeting President and Sister Mack! President Mack is the grandson of President Kimball. He brought a chair that was President Kimball’s. Did we take him up on the offer to take a picture in the chair? You bet we did!
Goodbyes are always hard. So, with hugs and kisses all around, we sent our parents on their way back to their mission. Sure do love them! 💕
We had some time in the airport before checking in, so we got to appreciate the architecture and see some interesting items! Sadly, I haven’t fallen in love with red bean paste for dessert, but I keep hoping it will be different the next time I try it.
We flew Korean Air for a few legs of our trip. They still serve food, even on fairly short flights. I was looking forward to a sandwich, like I had on the way to Japan. Well, I was pretty surprised by rice and shrimp wrapped in seaweed and fish chips. So, I just drank the water instead.
I guess I’m grateful for only a 10 hour flight across the Pacific Ocean! Also, we had a 3 1/2 hour layover in Seattle, so we didn’t have to dart across the airport. Going through customs and security wasn’t a speedy process, but we made it! Final leg, and then back to responsibilities.
Final airport selfie in Seattle:
The trip was more than I could have anticipated. I had three goals: see my parents, have fun with Shelley, and hopefully see the cherry blossoms.
So, after repacking the last of our things, we set off toward Fukuoka. We are nearing the end of the stunning Sakura. The countryside is full of new life as Spring stretches out of the clasp of Winter.
We drove to the Nanzoin Temple for a unique experience with a massive reclining Buddha. We parked across the street, and made our way into the grounds, but not before using the bathroom without a Western style toilet.
The grounds were full of intricate details. There were small statues and large ones almost everywhere you looked. You just can’t quite capture it in a photo, but I definitely made an effort! I even got to rub the belly of a Buddha. I also appreciate they put clothes on some of the statues in the winter, to keep them warm.
We saw so many interesting things as we meandered through this impressive Buddhist temple!
The real showstopper, was the enormous reclining bronze Buddha. I can’t imagine the amount of time an effort that not only went in to creating it, but then they hauled it up a mountain! I also loved watching others appreciate the experience as much as we did. It was a delight to share it with my parents and sister!
We hiked back down to the main area, looking at all of the interesting things in the way. They had little turtles there too!
Shelley and I decided to climb a few flights of stairs up to the waterfall. It was pretty fun! I wish I would’ve taken a picture of climbing up the rocks using a chain to help steady you, but I was a little preoccupied.
We then drove the rest of the way to Fukuoka to see the temple and the hombu (mission office).
We even had the opportunity of meeting President and Sister Mack! President Mack is the grandson of President Kimball. He brought a chair that was President Kimball’s. Did we take him up on the offer to take a picture in the chair? You bet we did!
Goodbyes are always hard. So, with hugs and kisses all around, we sent our parents on their way back to their mission. Sure do love them! 💕
We had some time in the airport before checking in, so we got to appreciate the architecture and see some interesting items! Sadly, I haven’t fallen in love with red bean paste for dessert, but I keep hoping it will be different the next time I try it.
We flew Korean Air for a few legs of our trip. They still serve food, even on fairly short flights. I was looking forward to a sandwich, like I had on the way to Japan. Well, I was pretty surprised by rice and shrimp wrapped in seaweed and fish chips. So, I just drank the water instead.
We had a pretty tight connection in South Korea. Luckily, it was enough time for security checks, to go to the bathroom, and to reprint our boarding passes. (Our original ones said w were on a direct flight from South Korea to Salt Lake). Our gate was at the opposite end of the airport, so by the time we speed walked across the airport, we boarded the plane.
I guess I’m grateful for only a 10 hour flight across the Pacific Ocean! Also, we had a 3 1/2 hour layover in Seattle, so we didn’t have to dart across the airport. Going through customs and security wasn’t a speedy process, but we made it! Final leg, and then back to responsibilities.
A few final things, I totally LOST at the airline food game coming home. Not only did I have an interesting-thus-water-only-please lunch, but I failed at dinner too. Though the fruit was delicious!
Final airport selfie in Seattle:
The trip was more than I could have anticipated. I had three goals: see my parents, have fun with Shelley, and hopefully see the cherry blossoms.
I think it’s safe to say that the trip blew my expectations out of the water. It was so wonderful to create new memories, with some loved ones, in a beautiful part of the world. It was also wonderful to see my parents in action as missionaries. So, here’s to cherishing the new experiences we created together! 💕
The pink chair you sat in at Hombu is really special to all of us in the mission, because it's the chair President Kimball used in the Salt Lake Temple, I think during weekly meetings of the Quorum of the Twelve.
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to have you here!