We went out yesterday to Hachinohe to pick up some finishing touches for my knitted snake and get some lunch. We arrived at Lapia Mall and tried out the Dragon Gate restaurant downstairs. They have a bunch of delicious-looking dishes, but I chose a yummy plate of I'm-not-sure-what: some strips of veggies and beef that was really good! Matt wasn't feeling so hot and had a nice, big bowl of ramen. We ordered some shrimp fried rice for Rhino, but he didn't touch it and just wanted the ramen. Heron enjoyed some of the side dishes: some pretty peach-shaped anman (steamed buns filled with azuki bean paste) and some spiced satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potatoes.) I usually love satsumaimo, especially tempura fried, but I thought these were horrible. At least Heron liked them!

The mall has a large play area called Fantasy Dome and we popped over there. They have a bunch of rides, including a roller coaster, but nothing was running (I'm not sure when they run, I've never seen them operating!) We went to the Yu Kids Island, where they have various spinning things and toys, but best of all: a balloon room. Rhino had a great time!

There's a sitting area for parents and this one had a foot massaging machine. I decided to give it a go. I don't know what any of the buttons or the display told me, so I just selected something at random. Little knobs clamped down on my feet and the machine proceeded to massage. I think I have a fairly high tolerance for pain, but this really was one of the more uncomfortable experiences I've had! I don't know if I just selected the wrong setting or of everything is that painful, but I would not recommend the 100-yen Japanese foot massage machines to anyone!

We let Rhino play some games in the dome. One of his favorites it the crocodile-whacking game. He's not really too bad at it!

Do you want directions to Lapia Mall / Fantasy Dome in Hachinohe, from Misawa? Click here!

On this day..

• Moving News - 2009
• Another Vehicle - 2008

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