Thanks Glenda! Glad you enjoyed the pictures. I was just wandering around here reading...trying to catch up. The trip was wonderful but tiring and my ankle/foot hurt the entire time. I'm going to have to go see someone about it because I want to do more traveling in the future but not if my foot is going to hurt so much.

Hope your ankle/foot gets better.

Welcome back! Yes...looking forward to photos...

Thanks Glenda

I was so jealous! You were on my dream trip. I will never make it. The pictures were lovely.

I'm sorry you won't be able to go, Audrey. It took me over 50 years to go myself. Up until about 3 years ago, I thought all but one of my uncles had died already. Found out when I got to Japan that all three were still alive. I could have met 2 of my aunts if I had gone with my mother in the 80s. I was young and stupid, thought I had all the time in the world to go with her. Then I got married, had kids and no money or time to do anything. Then she passed away.

When we were getting ready to leave the first two uncles, who, I thought were dead, I got really emotional and started crying. I was so embarrassed but so much regret just boiled up right then. Then, I said goodbye to my only female first cousin and she hugged me and wouldn't let go. I thought Japanese people didn't do hugs lol. She was crying and so I started too. I thought I was going to lose it when I finally said goodbye to her brothers, but I didn't and told them "no tears!" I will start a post with pictures either tomorrow or the next day. Been grocery shopping, picking up dogs, watering my flowers, and trying to box of gifts for my son.

An experience of a lifetime. A true lifetime for you as it is your ancestral home. I have always had a strong affection for Japan, the.people, their quiet serene lifestyle. Every painting decor items i have all have a Japanese influence. I swear I must have been Japanese in a past life.

Welcome back, Kath. Glad you had a good time; looking forward to seeing photos!

So glad, you got to go "home".

Please share some pictures here!

Sorry about your foot. I too have foot and ankle problems off and on problems. The latest was a torn ligament. I walked with it for a month until I decided to get it checked. One cortisone shot and it is now healed.

I would love to see your pictures too!

What a wonderful trip/reunion! Might you post a few photos here for those of us who don't 'do' FB?

Get that foot *looked at*. That is an order!

I will post some pictures. I finally just saved all the ones on my phone that my cousin took of us/for us and sent to my messenger. Just got to pay a couple bills and download my phone pics to my computer.

Suggestion, Kathleen: How about a daily thread of your own, with pictures and description. You had so many that are great. That way we get to enjoy your whole trip from beginning to end. Bet the KT will enjoy your doing that. Just a suggestion.

Yes! I love that idea.

What a wonderful trip!! I'd love to see pictures! And I am hoping that the future brings a way to stop your foot from hurting.