crystal's capers

one girl's international adventures

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Welcome Mari-chan!

Well, it finally, suddenly happened. The months of planning and organising, paperwork and red tape came together finally last week and our Japanese friend, Mari, got her UK visa. Suddenly she was in a scramble, as her flight to England was booked to depart just days after her visa came through. And now she's here!

Mari, who we met through Riccardo's internship at the Tochigi, Japan branch of his company, has also taken a transfer to Redditch, England. Quite an exciting leap for a young, sweet Japanese lady! ...or for anyone, for that matter! But she does have us, just 20 minutes away.

On Thursday we surprised her at the airport; Riccardo arranged to have her driving service cancelled, so that we could be there instead.

And of course we were more than ready to take her out for a day of touristy-fun! We wanted to go to Warwick Castle, where I still haven't been, but with the pouring rain, we decided an indoor activity might be better. We ended up going to Cadbury World. Yes, it's what you think it is: a chocolate theme park! What could better than that? Much of Cadbury World is designed for children, but seeing how the chocolate is made and packaged, and the role the company played in building the town of Bournville was cool. Not to mention all the chocolate! Yummy!

Afterward Mari came back to our house for dinner. We played games, cooked together and had a great time. Of course, Riccardo did have to initiate her into the world of Guitar Hero. haha!

With Mari's arrival, social engagements are popping up all over the calendar! Should be a busy spring. It's about time!

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