My workaholic wife has Tuesday's off so we planned to have lunch at one of our favourite little cafe's, Hana, in Leura. This little Mountain's gem served Japanese izakaya-style food, good, down-to-earth meals that did not cost a lot. Ann loved the tempura udon, a bowl of fresh seafood and vegetables deep fried in that light Japanese batter, neatly arranged on top of a bed of rice. I rarely eat large amounts at a sitting so a plate of gyoza and a bowl of miso soup were more than adequate, and delicious to boot.

Where am I going with this? Upon checking the opening hours this morning I found, to my genuine surprise and sadness, that Hana was permanently closed. The chef has retired after decades in the game. We wish him well and want to say a heartfelt thank you for the great food and simple ambience.

Arigatou gozaimashita.

Nothing lasts forever.