Well, our final day has come and gone and still no sign of the card. I phoned up the government “help center” today, little realizing that “help” is a misnomer and no actual help is given. But the 35 minute wait on hold to talk to someone certainly offered up a ton of anticipatory fun!
And so tonight we drop off the dogs and tomorrow we are off. We’ll leave Ivon with the mail key in the hopes that the new card finds its way to us and was not, in fact, lost by the bureaucrats in charge (in much the same way they lost the previous application). As a last resort, we may have to fly into Buffalo and do the two hours drive to Toronto.
It will be a bittersweet return to Japan. While it will be nice to be back after almost two years, it will also be a sad occasion as we’ll be visiting Osaka to attend the memorial for Akemi’s father who passed away in October. He was always big-hearted and generous with me whenever I came to town and I am saddened we won’t have the pleasure of his company on this and future visits. In my last conversation with him a little over a month ago, I vowed to take good care of his daughter, and I’m going to do my damndest to fulfill that promise.
Lulu knows the routine!
Alright. Time to pack up the dogs and get them our dog-sitter.
I miss ’em already!
Bon Voyage and Happy Trails.
Big hug to Akemi on the loss of her father. 🙁
Have a good and safe trip tomorrow, you guys. I’m sure the pups will be fine!
Oh, Akemi. I am SO SORRY to hear about your father’s passing. If it was mentioned last month, please forgive me as things are just a mess here. Sending so much love and light to you (and to you, too, Joe). Through Joe’s blog he sounded like a great man (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree–meaning you are a reflection of him and you have such a big heart). I’m glad, Joe, you got to speak with him before he passed.
However difficult it was, I was so grateful for that last conversation with my mother-in-law (who was more of a mother to me than my own). I couldn’t hold back my tears, but she was weak and could only talk for a few minutes. I was able to tell her what I needed to.
I hope the card issue gets resolved. I can’t imagine how annoying that must be.
I hope your flight is peaceful and without mishaps.
Safe travels! And I’m sorry about Akemi’s father passing away, may he rest in peace. You and Akemi are in our thoughts and prayers.
Here’s hoping that Ivon can get the card to you, but it’s good you have a backup plan. But I did have to wonder, don’t they check the PR card at the border crossings as well?
In other news, I started my new job today. We’ll be putting the house up for sale after New Years and moving to Michigan sometime after that. It’s going to be a busy few months ahead…
So sorry to hear about Akemi’s father, hugs please to her.
Safe journey.
My deepest sympathy to both of you.
Oh no, so sorry to hear about Akemi’s father. I know he was not an elder man yet, so this must have been a shock. He seemed really nice in all the pictures at dinners and a wedding during the visits to Tokyo. My heart goes out to Akemi and the entire family.
Have a good trip. Just bring Akemi back home to Toronto and you can deal with immigration later. I am looking forward to Tokyo too. The dogs will be fine and waiting for your return. Time will fly for them.
I hope all this trouble you’ve been having doesn’t dampen your spirits on this trip. Something tells me it won’t, really. There’s a time to worry and a time to let it go for a while. So, at the risk of sounding Disneyfied, let it go. Have fun, you two!
Sorry to hear the sad news.
Hugs.
I look forward to all of your dining pics! I hope your worry for the pups abates as you hear they’re doing fine in your absence. My condolences to Akemi and it was so sweet of you to assure her father that you’d take care of her. Sniff. Now if only your government would do the same.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Akemi’s father.
Here’s hoping for a smooth, uneventful, flight.
Bring her home safe and sound, Joe.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers, always
For Akemi :心からお悔やみ申し上げます & sorry to you too Joe,i’ve heard that father’s can be great and loving. I hope that despite that sadness and the PR debacle, both you and Akemi can find some happiness and enjoyment in Japan again, even if it means drinking way too much Saki & wearing some godawful cosplay clothing 🙂
My condolences for your loss. 😐😢.
Safe travels!
Akemi, so sorry for the loss of your father. You have my deepest condolences.
Hugs to Akemi and her beautiful family, I’m glad you guys are all together in Japan.
My condolences.
Condolences to you and Akemi for your loss. Sending much love. <3