After our lunchtime concert,it was at last time to relax and Michiko had invited our families to a wonderful restaurant along the Thames. It was such a hip and sophisticated place with beautiful views and delicious food. Really feeling like I'm in London now!
Now the holiday begins!

The very next day I flew to Boston. This was an unexpected trip as I had suddenly decided to go just a few weeks before. I went to visit my teacher from primary school whom I have visited every year now for the past 6~7 years. I had missed seeing her in the spring,which is when I usually go, as she was unwell. But in June, I had heard that she was getting better and by the beginning of July she had recovered well and seemed strong enough to see me so that's what I did!
I was SO happy to see her again and we were able to share two precious days together this time. She was her cheerful and wonderful self,full of wit and wisdom and kindness. Every time I see her she amazes me and I always am inspired by her spirit. I am so lucky to have had her be part of my life since a very young age. I am so grateful to know her.

My cousin and her partner also came to Boston from NY to see me so when I wasn't seeing my teacher I was spending time with them. It was so nice to come back from my visits to my teacher to see friendly faces at the hotel and be able to talk about my day.
My Boston trip was quite a tight fit in my already planned out European holiday but I am so glad that I found a way to make it possible. Seeing my teacher after so many months of worry was definitely one of the highlights of this summer!