The Castaway Hotel: Book 2

The next morning we met with the boys’ grandparents again, but this time they suggested we go to Ueno Park. We spent the first part of the day at the zoo there, but seeing we’d been to other zoos, the boys weren’t all that thrilled by the experience. The highlights of our visit there were the two giant pandas and the king penguins they had on display and both boys thoroughly enjoyed the show the animals put on for them.

When it was time for lunch, the grandmother suggested we try a Nake restaurant this time. This establishment featured an old-style cooking technique in which the stew they prepared was served in the pot it was made in. After the food was dished out, the rest of them began eating with chopsticks, but I couldn’t quite master the technique with this fare, so I was forced to use a fork. I was grateful that everyone was polite enough not to comment about this

The food was quite good and I had two helpings, while the boys each devoured a large serving of their own. This seemed to impress their grandparents, in that they realized their son had at least prepared the boys for eating various Japanese foods, along with some of their customs. I think they may have started to regret their actions against him and the years they had missed of knowing about and enjoying their two grandsons.

That afternoon, we went to the Tokyo National Museum. There we saw a collection of period clothing, samurai gear, swords, woodblock prints, Buddhist sculptures, martial arts implements, ceramics, scrolls, and paintings. Needless to say, it was the samurai gear, swords, and martial arts implements that captured the attention of the little ones and we spent an inordinately long time studying these displays.

“Grandfather, will you tell us about these things?” Andrew asked, through the interpreter. His grandfather was happy to oblige and spent quite a bit of time telling him about the history of the samurai warrior and powerful Shoguns. I think he was intrigued by the boys’ interest and how they patiently listening to what he had to tell them, even asking more questions about it as they went along.

Once we finished our visit there, we parted ways again, with the grandparents going back to their home, as our little group returned to our hotel.

When I asked the boys where they wanted to go to dinner tonight, they immediately informed me they were up for some food like they were used to at home, meaning western style food. After discussing this with the interpreter, he reluctantly agreed to join us and we located a nice Italian restaurant (Sabatini Pizzeria Romano) where we indulged ourselves with pizza. I had wine with the interpreter, as we ate, which seemed to improve his dining experience for the day.

The pizza was actually very good, and as the boys gobbled down their slices, I realized how Americanized they had become since coming to live with me. I was beginning to feel this type of cuisine was now more to their liking, than the Japanese fare they’d had at home, before they joined us, and what we shared with their grandparents. Although they’d enjoyed those other meals, they hadn’t shown quite the same enthusiasm for their food as this particular stop. I couldn’t help but smile, as I wiped their sauce covered faces with my napkin, once they were finished.

Our evening was very much like the previous two. First, the boys had their bath, stayed naked and played their hand-held games, before going to bed. We didn’t have any deep discussion this evening, but they still didn’t let me out of their sight. I was beginning to get the feeling they thought I just might leave them there and disappear. I realized they knew better than this, but something was nagging at the back of their minds. They hadn’t said anything to me, but they did a lot of whispering when I was out of hearing range.

We spent much of our next day with the Yamadas seeing more of the historic Japan. We went to the Ekoin Temple first, which was built in 1657 and is reputed to be the place where retiring sumo wrestlers bury their topknots. It was originally built as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great fire, but on the grounds there is also a memorial to lost pets, a tower that is said to serve as the final resting place for the unidentified dead, assorted criminals and those who have lost their lives in various disasters. Its nickname, the Shrine of the Rat Boy, is based on a revered Robin Hood-like Japanese figure from the 19th century, who fought against injustice and the abuse of power.

“Grandfather, why is such a hero called Rat Boy?” Andrew wanted to know. “Aren’t rats dirty and bad creatures? It seems a bad name to give to someone who did good.”

“Maybe in the world you now live, little one,” he grandfather replied, “but in Japan, rats hold a more honored position. In our twelve-year calendar cycle, the year of the rat is a good sign. Those born under it are the type who revel, or celebrate, life. Therefore, being called Rat Boy is not a bad thing. Rat Boy merely stole things from those who abused their power and gave it back to those who had been wronged.”

Although he still couldn’t grasp the subtlety of what his grandfather was telling him, he seemed to accept the fact that such a name was not a terrible thing or disrespectful. He also gained a little more insight in how many differences there were in the way the two cultures viewed various things.

After leaving there, we walked around the outside of the Kokyo, or Imperial Palace. It is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. Although bombs destroyed the original structure during World War II, it was rebuilt in the same style in 1968. Outsiders are only allowed inside the inner palace two days a year, the Emperor’s birthday and the first day of the New Year, so we just strolled about the palace grounds and toured the East Garden. It gave us a little feel for what it might be like to be part of the Japanese Royal Family.

As we were coming back around to the point where we began our little walk, the boys spotted the place they wanted to eat. It was called the Boat House Café and advertised they served burgers there. Ironically, it sat right on the edge of the Imperial Moat. I don’t think this was what the grandparents had in mind for today’s dining establishment, but they let the boys have their way, much to the interpreter’s dismay. The boys and I ate, while the other three just nibbled.

After lunch, we went to see the Sensoji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and was built in 628 A.D. It was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed in World War II. Legend says that a gold statue of the goddess Kannon was fished out of a nearby river and the temple was built to house it. You could even get your fortune told there.

After checking out the Temple, we sat in a park so the boys and their grandparents could talk some more. While they were carrying on their conversation, I checked out some of the nearby shops, so they wouldn’t think I was eavesdropping in on their private discussion. When I came walking back toward them, about a half hour later, Andrew spotted me first and he came running up to me and leapt into my arms. Sammy wasn’t far behind him.

“Daddy, Daddy. Where did you go?” Andrew cried, as he wrapped his arms about my neck and kissed my face. While he was doing this, I bent over and picked up Sammy too, who greeted me in the same fashion. Now I was carrying both boys, held tightly to my chest, as we approached their grandparents.

I think the Yamadas were shocked that both boys kissed me on the cheek and hugged my neck. Like I told you, the boys didn’t like for me to get out of their sight, but I forgot that fact, while trying to honor their privacy. Somehow, I had slipped away before they noticed, which caused them grave concern. Like I said before, I think they had an inkling of fear that I would leave them behind with their blood relatives. I’m sure next time they will make certain I don’t wander so far away from them.

Before going our own way again for the evening, the grandparents asked us to meet them at 6:30 tomorrow morning. They informed us it was so they could do something special for the boys. We agreed and I announced to the boys that they would have to go to bed earlier tonight, since we would be getting up much earlier too. After they agreed, I informed the interpreter we were going to eat at Victoria Station that evening and he could go off on his own, if he wasn’t interested in joining us. He quickly accepted my offer, so the boys and I went to have steak and the salad bar at this new place. Sammy and Andrew enjoyed the meal and our time alone together almost as much as I did.

I gave the boys their baths and we all went to bed shortly thereafter. We would have to get up somewhere around 5:00 to get ready and have time to eat something, before we were scheduled to meet their grandparents again. I knew we’d be cutting it close, because service in the hotel restaurant, where we always ate breakfast, was a little on the slow side, but we continued to frequent the place, because I so enjoyed their coffee.

Before we went to sleep, the boys had something they wanted to discuss. “Daddy, why did you leave us earlier today?” Andrew asked, still looking hurt that I had abandoned them, if even for a short time.

“It was because I wanted your grandparents to be able to talk to you boys alone, without thinking I was listening to everything that was being said.”

“But we don’t mind if you listen,” Sammy told me, as if I didn’t already know that.

“That may be true,” I agreed, “but I want your grandparents to know that you are being honest with them about the things you say and aren’t merely telling them those things because I can hear what’s going on.”

“What difference would that make?” Sammy replied, still confused.

“I hope by doing that, they will realize whatever you’re telling them is your idea or what you want, not what I’ve instructed you to tell them. If I’m not there so I can monitor what is said, then they are more likely to believe your telling them what you want, not what I want. Besides, it gave me time to check out some of the other shops too.”

“Daddy, just promise you won’t leave us again,” Andrew almost pleaded. I didn’t realize how insecure he was about my leaving him like that, so I offered a compromise.

“Next time I’ll stay where you can still see me,” I offered, “but far enough away so your grandparents won’t think I’m listening to every word that is said.

After finding that acceptable, we went about our nightly duties and hopped into bed. Although it wasn’t easy falling asleep so early, we did manage to drift off to sleep, with a boy tucked against me on either side.

The next morning Mr. & Mrs. Yamada announced they were taking the boys to Tokyo Disneyland. I believe this was their concession to how westernized their grandsons had become. The boys were flying high now, as they had never been to Disney World, Disneyland or any other major amusement park in their young lives. After informing me they had always dreamed about something like this happening, they admitted they never thought it would ever come true. Therefore, they now found it hard to contain their excitement.

We entered the park and did the whole enchilada. We made our way thru Critter Country (which was filled with animals from the southern portion of the U.S.), Fantasyland, Westernland, Toontown, Adventureland, the World Bazaar and Tomorrowland. The boys were ecstatic as they took me on most of the rides with them, while also taking some time to watch some of the shows and try the various eateries in between.

Even though their grandparents had brought them here, they had a difficult time keeping up with the boys and truly didn’t understand some of the grandsons’ excitement or the choices they made about what they wanted to do. However, they were very good about giving them leeway and said little about such things, as they let the boys have a good time.

The Yamadas wanted to leave at dinnertime, but the boys weren’t ready to leave yet. Therefore, I suggested the chauffeur could take them home and then return to get us, while the interpreter and I stayed with the boys and allowed them to continue their fun. I think everyone was satisfied with this suggestion, with the possible exception of the interpreter.

We ate in the park and then made our rounds back to some of the boys’ favorite sites. I couldn’t have pried them away from there, even if I wanted to, since they were having so much fun. By the time the park closed, both boys were so tired that I decided to just put them to bed when we got back to our hotel room. I would let them sleep now and give them their baths in the morning.

Sammy and Andrew thanked me several times for the wonderful day and I reminded them it had been their grandparents idea to take them there, not mine. I suggested they should thank them in the morning, when we met up again. They agreed, but thanked me anyway, this time for letting them stay until the park closed. They reiterated they would have had to leave much earlier and not have enjoyed those last things we did together, if it had been up to their grandparents. I couldn’t argue with their logic, so I just kissed them good night and slid into bed with them.

The next day was to be our last one actually seeing Tokyo. The following morning we would catch our flight and be on our way back home. After meeting up with the Yamadas again, the boys thanked their grandparents for the previous day and emphasized how much they had enjoyed themselves. Their grandparents seemed very pleased by that acknowledgment.

For the rest of Thursday, we had a very laid back day planned, especially after considering the previous day. Our chauffeur first drove us around the city, as the interpreter explained about many of the places we saw, but the chauffeur stopped the limo at the Yamada’s request, when they insisted we take a brief walking tour with them. This allowed us to see a little bit more of the modern aspects of this ancient city and I think all three of us appreciated this updated view.

For lunch we had Rabatayaki, which is a traditional style of meats and vegetables prepared on a grill. It seemed the Yamadas were making sure we got to sample as much variation as we could. The food was quite tasty and another new experience.

We did some more walking after lunch and kept going right up until dinner. It being our last night with them, Mr. & Mrs. Yamada wanted us all to dine together. We went to the restaurant they chose, and they ordered a collection of dishes for us to share. This way we could sample several different things and then double up on the items we liked the best. We had Kamameshi (a rice casserole dish with meats and vegetables), Tonkatsu (a pork cutlet coated in batter and deep fried) and Yakitori (chicken grilled on skewers, although the Yamadas explained you could specify which parts of the chicken you wanted to be used). It was very enjoyable and I liked all of the dishes. Sammy seemed to like the Kamameshi best, while Andrew favored the Yakitori. Therefore, I had another portion of the Tonkatsu. It worked out well and everyone was satisfied.

Tonight, there was a very emotional farewell when we dropped the grandparents off at their home, but the older couple was far more emotional than the boys. The boys did thank them for the good time, but when we returned to the hotel, Sammy and Andrew seemed quite relieved this visit was finally over. They didn’t talk much after we got back to our room, but they were never more than an arm’s length away from me throughout the entire evening. Tonight they horsed around in the bath, like they would often do at home, and had a splash fight that nearly drowned me. I was giving them hell (in a fun way), smacking their bare butts and tickling them until they cried ‘uncle.’ By the time we went to bed, we did so in a very good mood.

We had to be at the airport before 10:30 the next morning, since our flight left at 11:25. Due to the time differences, we were scheduled to arrive at Chicago two and a half hours before we left Tokyo, at 9:00 a.m. Aren’t time zones and the rotation of the earth fascinating things? We would catch our connecting flight at 10:31 in Chicago and land in Pittsburgh at 12:48 p.m. Steve was supposed to be there to meet us.

This time, the boys were able to relax and enjoy this flight much more than the one coming over. They took turns on my lap, but sometimes I had both of them at once. The flight attendant complimented us on how nice it was to see a father and his children enjoying each other’s company so much. Sammy and Andrew just smiled and replied nearly in unison, “We love our daddy.”

The movie was entertaining and made the flight go by much more quickly. We were only a few minutes late landing in Chicago, but it wasn’t that far off. We immediately hit the watering holes, one to empty and the other to refill. The boys were thrilled to be back in the States.

After that, we hustled to our next departure gate, got on the plane and were soon in the air again. The return trip between Chicago and Pittsburgh was quite rough, due to bad weather. The boys were a little frightened during this leg of the journey and I might add that I was a wee bit nervous too. Thank God we had all used the restroom before we left Chicago or we might have had an accident or two before arriving in Pittsburgh.

We all sighed deeply when we landed that final time and then raced off to collect our luggage and look for Steve. We never found him, though, as Sally and the rest of my boys had made this trip instead. After the dealership had called, Sally had picked up our new van for me and then loaded up my gang, because the boys wanted to come out to retrieve us. I can honestly say I was thrilled to see them all again, as were Sammy and Andrew, and the other boys were equally as happy to see us. They helped us carry our luggage and Sally offered to drive back, so I could rest.

The boys told me about their vacation with Robert, and Sally assured me they had been well behaved while I was gone. She had stopped by to check up on them several times while Robert was with them and said everything had gone well. She emphasized they were all perfect gentlemen the whole time, Robert had enjoyed his stay with them and the house was still in one piece. Baffled, I asked her if we were talking about the same group – gentlemen? Hearing my innuendo, I soon received a round of raspberries from the offended parties. This initiated some verbal sparring between us, for the duration of the ride home, until Carlos announced the boys should be showing me more respect. Of course, I agreed with him, but the boys all playfully ganged up on Carlos and told him to stop sucking up. That is, everyone except for Sammy and Andrew, who agreed with Carlos. After some more minor ribbing, Carlos started laughing and the boys started joking amongst themselves.

While they were preoccupied with each other, I leaned over and asked Sally what she had found out about Carlos’ situation, but she didn’t think this was the place to discuss it. She informed me she’d fill me in once we got back, but it was obvious there must be some things that Sally didn’t want the others to know about. I knew she wouldn’t respond like this without good cause, so I dropped my interrogation and moved on to other topics.

Sally wanted to know about the trip and how things went, so I told her my version of the story, while Sammy and Andrew filled their brothers in about their adventures in Nippon. This took up much of the drive back, and I think Sammy, Andrew and I all enjoyed a wonderful euphoria when the van pulled into the driveway, signaling we were finally back home.