Andre and Wendy: Okayama , mall and Kurashiki

Our first real wash out day from the rain here in Okayama. Luckily, the hotels here in Japan provide you with umbrellas. We started the day by going to the AEON Mall, a huge mall chain that have over 200 of these malls in Japan. This one was 7 stories high, so many stores, over 400. I still find it hard to believe we spent the morning in a mall, but it was something to do in the rain. Unfortunately we aren't able to do much shopping yet as our carry on suitcases are pretty full, we are saving shopping for the end in Tokyo. We had lunch in the mall at an Italian place that was pretty good. Always a bit of a challenge ordering from an iPad thing that keeps switching back to Japanese. Google translate is a must here, not much English.

We then decided to go visit Kurashiki Bikan Historical District again in the daylight. So many more people around even though it was raining quite hard. Spent a couple of hours touring around and then caught the 30 minute train back to Okayama. We lucked out both ways on the train and got seats. On the way there it wasn't too busy, on the way back it was packed. Only 2 cars on the train and so busy. We also all paid the correct fare today, no longer are we on wanted posters for getting on the wrong trains.

Picked up some supper at 7/11, sushi roll things tonight. I bought some chips, got home and realized they were shrimp chips, mostly in the garbage now, must look closer next time.

A bit more of a relaxing day than we have had, moving day again tomorrow.

15,815 steps 10 km

13 is just a regular number here. 4 is the unlucky one as it sounds like death. Lucky one is 8

Entrance to the walking street mall one block from our hotel. It lead to Heather's place

The sweeter they are the more you pay

Lots of umbrellas today

A bakery at the train, too bad we had breakfast

The tale begins with an elderly couple living a humble life in a rural village. One day, while washing clothes in a river, the old woman discovers a giant peach floating downstream. She brings it home, and when the couple cuts it open, they are astonished to find a baby boy inside. They name him Momotaro, or "Peach Boy," and raise him as their own.

Momotaro grows up to be strong, kind-hearted, and courageous. One day, he learns of a group of ogres (oni) who live on a distant island, terrorizing the villagers and stealing their treasures. Determined to bring peace to his community, Momotaro sets out on a quest to defeat the oni.

Before his journey, the old woman prepares him kibi dango, or millet dumplings, which he uses to befriend three animal companions: a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. Together, they travel to the oni’s island, where they confront the ogres in a fierce battle.

Using his wits and the strength of his loyal companions, Momotaro defeats the oni, reclaiming the stolen treasures and bringing peace to the village. He returns as a hero, celebrated for his bravery and selflessness.

The peach boy statue at the train station

The Aeon mall, just what a man wants to do is shop for 2 hours.

Hard to say no

Some Canadian produce in one of the stores in the mall, move the decimal over the last 2 digits and you get approx the cdn price. Last maple syrup is about $6.98 Cdn, probably not pure for under $7 as the other ones at $9