So I had been looking forward to this whole week off, no end. I had my last rail pass that Barbara and Christophe had kindly given me, and i was gonna use it to its full capacity! I certainly did. I was treated on my first day by Toko, a class in the tr
aditional tea ceremony. Being greeted at Nara train station, Toko looked so beautiful in her Kimono with her mother... and then me who seems to master the art of looking like a bag lady, someone once told me.
"Driving into the sunset might be bad for your eyes, but at least your not just looking at, at least your driving. Thats how I like my sunsets".I bought biscuits for the afternoon, cause this is what we eat when we drink tea! They went down a treat with the ladies. They were so funny, looking elegant in their kimonos. Practising this thorough process whilst at the same time nattering away about how annoying their husbands are. So I had a lovely day.
The next day I started to make my trip up to the North Island. On the way I stopped off for the day in Hakone doing a round tourist trip. Near Mt Fuji, where it is possible to see it. I didn't, but it was alright i had already seen it. Volcanoes, hot springs and a boat trip on a beautiful lake. And many 'LOSER' photos. (see Facebook). I then arrived in Tokyo in the evening and I was treated to dinner with Andy again.First thing the next morning, i was off again. Starting my long trip up to the North Island. I had mentioned before, how i met the 2 Americans on top of a castle in Osaka and then again in Kyoto. Well my plans all seemed to turn out perfectly and i took up the suggestion and i went to Sapporo for the famous snow festival and some snowboarding. So there i was, taking a 10 hour trip with 3 trains up to Sapporo. Hours and hours of just travelling, didn't cost me a penny with this rail pass. Anyone who wishes to go to Japan. Don't leave home without purchasing one before hand, only lasts a week but they are so worth it.
So I arrived at 7pm, where i was greeted by Jake where we went for dinner and as they say ...a little bit swept off my feet. ;)
The next day I met his mate who kindly looked after me for the day, Jake had to work. Turns out, Ted (the friend) comes from only 20 minutes down the road from me which we both appreciated and enjoyed. I finally was taken to Karaoke, a must in Japan!
Then the next day we went snowboarding. Awesome snow, bit too much cause we ended up having to walk the whole way down the mountain on our last run. That was a bit of a drama, but it was nice to get back on the board after my little accident. We had planned to go the next day... but unfortunately the weather never settled.
Now I've been wondering weather to add this bit. I know you oldies including Ma is gonna read this but screw it.
You know when you get caught in a blizzard and your so cold that your hair and face actually freeze together... and your exhausted from the hiking and all you want is a nice long, big, hot bath....
Well in Japanese homes, its only possible to sit in the bath and you can imagine what state Jake's bath with his male flatmate looked like! So I had heard before about 'Love Hotels' only in Japan i think... or Asia. In every city, there is a little village full of them to take your pick.
Because of the culture there, its very common for the children to stay living at home until their 30s. Therefore couples have no way of being together. Hence the reason for 'Love hotels'. You can hire a room for as little as 3 hours at a really cheap rate. Its so private, that when you enter... you see no one. You press the button of the room that you like the look of and then go choose your bubble bath. You then go to the floor of your chosen room and you will see a flashing light at your door. You enter and you have the pay machine where you decide for how long you want it for. Then the next door opens and there you are. Fantastic! ... with the huge bath! It's a genius idea... with EVERYTHING you need. Unfortunately it would never work in the West, it would just turn into a brothel. It's incredible how different we are.
So the next day we ended up just chilling, eating incredible sushi, going to the snow festival and spending lots of time at all you can drink beer halls with Jake's friends. On the Monday I left early to catch my first train of many. Travel time to return back home was 14 hours, i slept the whole way. Just setting my alarm to change trains. I had an excellent time, an unforgettable weekend. It was too short cause my pass had run out, but Iwas lucky to have even been able to go at all.
When I was back home, it was time to start thinking about packing for returning to France, I cant believe how quickly it had gone. Barbara and I finallywent to an Onsen together... traditional Japanese bath. Another thing that would be awesome to have back home, but would never work. In Japan you don't have a bath to clean yourself, you must shower thoroughly before and then you have a bath to relax in. Its all very pleasant and clean, and i would go everyday. But back home it would just turn into a place as unpleasant as a public swimming pool. Or you would never be able to afford to go. But for Barbara and I... the whole naked thing. Definitely sealed the friendship.
Toko and i spent our last of memorable days together... and she spent the whole day trying to persuade me to come back next year. She did pretty damn well at it!
Oh and I never mentioned, a friend from home kindly told his mate who had lived in Kyoto for 5 years. That i was down and lonely in Japan with no friends. Kind of him in a way yes, it wasn't that bad though! So I met up with my mate's, mate Daniel who obviously took pity, he was visiting and he gave me a number to call.
Now I would love to return to Japan and see those guys again. I went out with them a couple of times, the last time being my last evening pretty in much Japan. Both times they made sure i drunk too much and both times i had removed everything from my handbag. Praying I wasn't going to vomit on a train in Japan. The humiliation compared to vomiting back home on public transport cannot be expressed. Luckily i didn't, but Barbara was awake both times on my return to laugh at my state.
So we arrived back in France 3 days ago... the Jet lag is still here loud and clear! But its good to be back, miserable weather mind but it was great to see the girls again. My teacher at school says I have improved, well i bloody should have after 4 months! Not what it should be after 6 months working but I have my excuses ;).
Don't get too jealous now, but next week I have another 9 days off straight! And I'm going to Verbier to go skiing this time! And to see plenty of friends.
Il let you know how i get on x
