The last days in Detroit

Tetsu and I arrived back in Detroit to spend the last two days of our stay with Tony and Leiya.  They had just come back from their "mini-moon" in the Dominican Republic (yes, I know.  Dominican Republic has been in the news ever since then.)  Both of them still had a few days off from work and so the four of us did local things like check out the local farmers market, go for walks in the neighborhood and play cards on the apartment balcony.

Leiya tanned up (got sunburned!) in the Dominican Republic.

We had Korean food nearby...

 ...and then shared some big Korean shaved ice for dessert.  (I think I'm checking my camera screen...  Not taking a photo with the lens cap on!)

The walking area we just discovered by walking down a few blocks from Tony and Leiya's apartment.  This was a wildlife reserve that they hadn't known about.

I went stalking a bird...  He was very fast darting around the wetlands but once he settled he stayed for quite a long time as I snuck up on him.

 A colorful swallow I think.

 He is telling me that he sees me coming.

 I got quite close before he flew off.

On the way home, Leiya picked grasses.

 Leiya trying the sake that Tetsu had brought from Japan for Tony.  I don't think she likes it.

 "Good!" says Tony.  "More for me!"

Such a good son!

 The last day, Leiya and Tetsu and I did some shopping.

 Mother and daughter love to shop when we are together.

We stopped at a cupcake shop and ate cupcakes.

 I think we tried five different types.

 So much for my no-carb diet.

A final dinner out with Tony.  "Itadakimasu."  "Thank you for this food and for family times together."

 Early the next morning, Leiya took Tetsu and me to the airport.  A few tears in our eyes...

 It was a wonderful trip!

The flight home was long (a fourteen hour flight!) but so worth it!

And here we come into sight of Japan...  Look at all those sections of flooded rice fields!  Home Sweet Home.

Thank you for taking this very LONG blog trip with us!