Another Indian Story

Most of you are aware of my return to India!  I am really am wanting to write this to somehow show the reasons as to why I am not quite done, nor may I ever be i suppose.

One thing I like to describe about India are the bus journeys, you can travel for hours and hours and not feel the need to do anything else but look out the window.

On Saturday 12th April.  I was given 3 days holiday from the school where I am teaching english for 6 months.  Its a very secluded area in the south and I decided to spend it in Pondicherry 6 hours north.

Only 20km away from arriving at Pondy, sitting at the front with full view of the nutty bus driver keeping me on my toes as he decides he needs to be faster than everybody else!
Looking out of the window... I see a young boy, supported by his mother briskly walking down the road but with a stick in his mouth.
I thought `Oh dear maybe he is in trouble and is being rushed home for a thrashing,' as he didnt seem to be looking too well.  Then I would see a lady, walking along also with a stick in her mouth and another one and another.  Until we started to slow down to the bus driver's disgust, the traffic started to form and I could take a better look.  I wasnt sure but my confirmation was on seeing a no older than 18 month old boy on his father's shoulders with a stick through his cheeks... sealing his mouth shut!
Ok so, I think I have established that they are pilgrims, thousands of them.  Some holding spears and carrying big carnations.  Walking to where iv yet to know and why...but many exhausted pilgrims walking for how ever long in this searing midday heat... unable to eat or drink properly because out of sincere devotion.  Yes they had wire inserted through their cheeks, with what looked like a small spear head attached.

I was unable to comprehend what i was seeing, children even with 5-10 metre long wires through their cheeks that then had 3 other children attached to it.  All of the same height of course.  Can you imagine it must be qiute tricky and painful to walk that distance if your neighbour next you was shorter than you... well more painful than it probably already is!!  I was beginning to think how and why it is possible to see such determination and no pain on their faces.  Maybe total fatigue but totally unfazed by their purpose in this.

Now this was the least of what I was about to see, and nothing was goona qiute prepare me for what I was to see next.  The crowds are getting thicker and we are now officially at stand still.  The bus driver had already got off the bus at this point to go and have a closer look himself.  All of us are hanging out of the windows, music of trumpets and drums start to create more excitement.  The Pondy police controlling their crowd looking all dapper with their trimmed moustaches and pristine starched extremely smug fitting uniform and their very french red Kepi on their heads!

There is a rest tent with helpers caustiously aiding the extreme pilgrims by hydrating them.  Ahead I see an old man pulling a decorated cart... he passes by.  I take a photo, I'm like "wow thats amazing he is pulling that cart the whole way.. whilst having his mouth speared up!"

I naively assume he is pulling with a rope tied around him.. another even bigger cart and a young man has to stop just up ahead.  He is aided by his trusty devoted followers with water and time to rest.  He starts up again pulling the large cart behind him, wacthing him advance towards us..  Im looking for the rope wrapped round his waist? "Where is the rope!!" I think to myself! I get my camera out, ready to snap but this time as he passes by I'm unable to bring myself to take a photo.  Attached to 2 pieces of rope that he is pulling are two 3 inch hooks attached to the skin of his back!  And that is how he is pulling that cart!  ...Still want to read on?

More and more pass us buy... buses, trucks, cars being pulled by 4 - 6 men all with the same one long spear through their mouths and 2 large hooks, hooked in their backs. Really how is the skin able to do that? R
You'd think that it is the few who are able for such extremities, but here with the sheer volume of dedicated pilgrims, it really truly proves our physical and mental capacities.
I saw men walking on nails as shoes, with woman falling to their feet to kiss in devotion.

The party and celerbrations are wild now as they pass us directly by, banging our bus.  Everyone dancing with so much energy... Then i get spyed! A white girl is witnessing their proud joyous occasion and I get a cheer and shouts of hellos!  I even caught the attention of a pilgrim whislt pulling along a JCB tractor, he gave me a wave and a big smile through his sealed up mouth.  I waved back with a hestitant smile, but now I feel I wish I gave him a bigger one.  I was suddenly blown away by the energy and devotion these people must have.

Now if your still able to read this... one last thing happened after 2 hours stuck in a traffic jam... at the time it most certainly never felt that long.

If you've been intrigued enough to carry on reading, you will be able to comprehend the plight of my experince.

As we got moving again... luckily as I was becoming entirely overwhelmed with this experince.  They had one thing more waiting for me.

There was a crane to the side of the road.. with a round contraptoin hanging of it, about
20-30 feet off the ground.  Hanging... yes hanging! ...were about 5 or 6 bodies.  All hooked and tied up to this contraption from their shins of their legs to the skin on their backs.  All fully concious, except for the body in the centre whom was hanging somehow differently.  From his extremeity he had either passed out or I told myself how he must have just perfected his meditation.

More to come.

On return to India!

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My initial plan for my much anticipated 5 week holiday involved covering plenty of ground and returning to as many favourite places as possible…
Well!  It turned out to be a lovely spoiling week in Bombay and then I am summoned to Goa by a friend.  At that point of hitting a beach, I fairly quickly surrendered myself to the idea that my time for now consisted of a beach shack and my hammock. However, say this I did stick to some of my original plan.  My time was still spent wisely, by just making sure my next destination was another beach!  (Ask for more details on best beaches in India).  Really in the end this was my ‘productive time’, a month of this and anyone can be ready for anything.
I met Emily, another English girl… amongst the other wonderful varieties of people that made our time of doing generally absolutely bugger all, all the more enjoyable.  We spent most of our time abusing each other and laughing about it and with the same intentions of going to Kerala, our planned departure tearing us away from the beach, was mutually put back and back.  So finally we made it down on the sleeper train, no need to bother with the higher class, on standard sleeper you manage a perfectly great nights rest on the top bunk... apart from the ‘chai chai chai’ ‘coffee coffee coffee’ every 5 mins passing in the middle of the night.

Once arrived in Kerala, all reasons to head to the Amma ashram were all too straight forward.  So we spent our day making our way on the local train where we sat in the doorways soaking up the beautiful Kerala backwaters.  You can’t beat the fun on the Indian trains.  3 days we had planned!  I stayed 10, until it was time to leave for the next chapter of my trip.
I want to tell you about Amma, as I had not heard of her until my uncle briefly mentioned her.  She was born on the grounds where this ashram was built by her/for her.  From a young age she had this incredible energy about her and actually Amma’s family threw her out of their home as her behaviour seemed inadequate for their culture.
She is the hugging mother, she hugs and consoles everyone and anyone and has this incredible wisdom about her.  Unfortunately Amma was not there, but I learnt a lot of what she has done for people all over the world and how strongly her disciples love her.  At times I was indifferent to their ways of seeing the world and other times I found it immensely powerful and then overwhelming.  Living in this community I met some incredibly interesting people and had some fascinating conversations.  My day consisted of waking up at 6am, where on the beach we would listen to her teachings, this usually consisted of a couple of discussions with Emily and our roommate Christine who was doing a weeks silence when we arrived...
This is all new to me, but I noticed how I seemed to stroll my way around the ashram everyday… rather than my usual hurried self.  I took yoga classes every morning and I was required to do a ‘seva’ which is a service to your time at the ashram.  I was assigned to deep clean the temple…  Honestly, initially a little reluctant but actually I never thought to feel so much worth doing something I completely detest! Everyday I scrubbed the windows and the beautiful wooden carved doors where I have grown a little love for the lotus flower.  It symbolizes in Hindu and Buddha religion wisdom, compassion, divinity purity and contemplation.  Vanessa my neighbour would often come into the temple and she would comment on how much I glowed… probably because I was sweating so much from the midday heat, but she started to call me Lotus.
 
I followed my instructions from the Albanian nun, Heridya.  Who was in charge of running the maintenance of the temple.  She was quite aggressive, but you could tell she was trying not to be.  She was so pissed off that I was going to be leaving without meeting Amma, and wouldn’t leave it alone and kept pestering me to stay.  ‘Your life is over if you have not met her!  You must stay here till she comes back!’  I tried to keep it on a humorous level, she was only wanting me to experience her so I can understand why she has so much love for Amma.  One day I will meet her, someone who has such a profound effect on people and does so many wonderful things in the world are not put on this planet for any old reason.  I battled with the idea of how all these people relied on her so much to help them through their life.  Amma once described this ashram as her ‘mental hospital’ and I suppose it doesn’t have to be such a lonesome battle with your life.  You don’t have to do it on your own.  And I guess there is a reason why Amma made Heridya in charge of the temple, because she needs her that much more.

Japan... until next time X

So my time had come to an end in Japan and again time went so quickly I never managed to find the moments to write. Too busy enjoying myself once the overall thrill of being back had subsided. It's exciting how a place makes you feel like that and with the second time round its even better. You know what to expect and so you get all that out the way and down to the best bits. Again I met some incredible people. The variety of fascination they have really does attract the best… of some people.
I rocked up to a leaving party of a guy I met briefly last year, unfortunatly the conversation with my Japanese friends had run out quickly. It was one of those evenings when hanging solo once again, it was important to not look too bothered about it. I chatted away to other foreigners; some knowing that if I didn't shut up soon their girlfriends would start getting suspicious. But it was a fun evening, ending up in a downtown bar. Let's call it, supposedly 'illegal bar' at 6am. Where we sat in candle lit darkness and the Dj played his tunes and somewhere the pot was smoking out the window directly on looking to the police grounds… Has to be noted, when this happens in the likes of Japan.

I worked and I spent my days exploring again. When B & C went to Hong Kong. We had a wonderful time at Universal Studios getting into the Christmas spirit. But for the rest of the week I ended up with 2 sick children, a doctor’s visit and that was let's say the rest of the week. Man actually that was pretty damn stressful. So when it came to my well-deserved week off, don’t ya think?? Pretty exhausted from the week, but still totally wired. I couldn't face the thought of staying in bed knowing that the day would just disappear like that. I was up sharp... ish and I took the Shinkansen down south to Hiroshima where the first ever first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945, killing and devastating the city for years after from the radiation.

I contemplated on the way what I fancied for the day, a sacred tranquille island called Miyajima or a day of reality, that ashamedly I had no idea about until this trip back. I also tried to be constructive and do some French homework, but I was also craving some adult chat which I had been lacking somewhat in the past week.

Now you all may guess that of all people and even now. Randomly starting conversation with complete strangers I still find so hard to do and I have actually never really off the cuff started randomly chatting to someone where there is no other intention behind it.

But after I kinda quickly lost interest in my homework, across the aisle I start chatting to a Dutch guy, turns out he was also on his little holiday after just finishing an internship in Tokyo, get this building robots! We then ended up hanging out for 2 days.

Before this turned out to be, I had decided to go to the island as the sun was out and the snow was falling back home… and you all got stranded! Anyway, so I then happen to share a lift to the ferry with an English guy, who was preparing his art gallery on this sacred island. (www.matthewphinn.com, his website). Instantly found this fascinating, obviously. So he filled me in with the facts of the island and by the time Tim… the Dutch joined me, I was full of interesting facts to impress him! Apparently it is forbidden for anyone to be born or die on the island!

I know, he definitely was the only geek between the 2 of us, damn it. I forget how ridiculously far in advance this country is and we spent a lot of time discussing how in no time robots will be taking over the world! Yet we were on this island where they still stood by these random traditions… The next morning he persuaded me to go with him to the Mazda factory… but only just persuaded me… there it definitely helped me to understand his fascination into robots. I, Robot filmmakers and fans you have been warned!

We did manage to also to make it to the Peace Park in Hiroshima and learn the devastating affects us bloody English and the Americans did to this city.

I made it home that evening, rushing in and promptly leaving with everyone for a 60^th birthday dinner for Mikiko… Christophe’s agent.

I got sick then typically, but importantly made it to Disneyland and hung out with the likes of fascinating people. One that I must take as a compliment, that they enjoyed the likes of my company and I’m very happy to have met.

Although 4 years in a row not home for Christmas is one too many. I hope you all had a wonderful time! Mine is yet to begin, we are back in France now… but I am home in 3 days! My sister is to get married in Austria on the slopes! Then I come back to France briefly before I join B, C and the kids in Dubai. Oh it’s a hard life I know. What will I do with myself by the time its finished in April?? I'll think about that whilst I spend 2 months basking by the pool. :P

Kyoto twice over!

Worried the second time, my expectations of Kyoto were slightly too high. Being back for a week, I was definitely far from disappointed. I’ve had my fair share of days to myself already, more than happy to spend them exploring and pondering around familiar territory.

It has never been an issue here compared to being back in France. I’m writing already, only being a week here. Where in France I couldn’t even muster up any type of chat, can you tell?

Only thing, it is already costing me, and I am also getting a little carried away. I would like to call it, making the most of it…

I purchased a couple more travel books specialised for Kyoto and I soon discover a generalised LP of Japan was very restricting. Especially now I realise the majority of the times I became hopelessly lost wasn’t altogether my fault.

This here is a drawing of the Great Sanjo Bridge by Kyoto Hiroshige (1797-1858)

My favourite place where I spend most my time. It is the crossing from some of the most beautiful sites in Kyoto and on the other side where the cash is spent. Especially where there is conveniently a Starbucks looking over the river. So here I am typing this, drinking my new obsession a Christmas Starbucks gingerbread latte. The addiction first started last year, and on return I find again with delight. For those of you who know my dislike for Starbucks, western stylie. Again Japan out do themselves with the attitude that they will except the outsiders, but with very much their stamp on it. The same goes to McDonalds here, damn it.

I came across a little gem the other day, if it wasn’t for my new books. The Murin’an Palace with its extremely small but breathtaking garden. Especially at this time of year with the autumn leaves, giving everything all that much more character. Here the meeting took place where the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was planned. I’m sure that was interesting for you.

I sat cross-legged for a while, looking out towards the garden. Drinking my green tea… awkwardly trying to remember the ritual of receiving it from the lady cherringly serving me, she didn’t mind me trying at least. I started to get pins and needles so I carried on, of course getting sidetracked into the little quirky boutique shops hidden away. Knowing the path exactly back to my spot with the gingerbread latte.

Having a naughty ciggie on the bank, there was this beautiful baby white crane, fishing at the water duct. Not having any luck whatsoever, then comes swooping along another one, grey and twice its size. Literally telling it to piss off! It deterred the little fella briefly, but only from the initial shock. Then he came straight back, with some real attitude! Even though in the end none of them were having any luck.

I then saw the same young hippy guy in his usual spot on the bridge… selling his funky jewellery. I met him last year and we had qiute a long chat but I think he was just being polite this time, pretending he remembered me. But I sat with him for abit anyway, looking at his stuff. I bought from him a bracelet last year and only last week did it break off, so I brought another one. Didn’t get a discount though.

Oh the other night, I put myself in a hilarious situation, typical. Over the past years, I have to say. You have to train yourself up to be able to go out for the evening… alone, without feeling ridiculously self-conscious about it.

Well Saturday night, I may have hit the nail on the head. Don’t get me wrong, staring into space sitting at the bar for ages will never cease to make you feel comfortable about it.

So I’m always prepared to make myself look busy. Best way.

So on Saturday night, a successful days shopping. Spending pretty much all the money I had on me, kid’s Christmas presents. Knowing not to go as all out as I did last year. They are ticked!

I commence onto the Irish bar. One pint… not much happening, I am outie. But yet for some reason, just cannot seem to leave it alone and search for the next bar. RUB A DUB

Underground bar, tiny but very cool and grunge. The barman with his awesome Jamaican accent, he later tells me he has never left to the west before. But yet he still manages to master the look of this bar as a very cool Caribbean haven. I stay for a beer, only being one other girl at the bar, in the whole bar infact! We start chatting. 2 hours later we still are, very limited vocab but we still managed to chat about the most ridiculous things!

A New Zealand ‘rugby’ team rock up later… and a gang of Sri Lankans. I miss my last train home… having to crash at this guy's place from New York who owns his own record label, really random. I then rock up at 8.30am the next morning ready for work!

I have more events lined up, so hoping more random stories.

Oh and I uploaded some photos in my last blogs, trying to make it look less boring. ;)

This is my version of Sanjo Bridge

Snowboarding in Asia

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.

We spent pretty much all day at our 80 year old teachers home practising. It's fascinating, I fell into a trance watching this delicate but simple process that is the tea ceremony. It is so meticulous, and a perfect routine... my kinda way of meditation I reckon. If I'm ever gonna get into that sort of thing. At least your doing something whilst meditating! I read a book recently... yes i did! 'Yoga for people who can't be bothered' by Geoff Dyer.
"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

What a place... Phuket!

Happy New Year! Delayed again I know… and I can only hope your year has started off well. I'm sorry I'm working on delayed time here... I have much more to tell... it's a waiting process with me I am afraid!

So spending our first 2 weeks this year in Thailand was lovely, with a cracking tan... which seems to have pretty much buggered off already. I made sure I was on the 00.40 train back home after celebrating New Year in a bar in Kyoto.
Although going to Phuket for a holiday leaves much to be desired in my view.... you still can't help but admire 'the beauty' ... of the lady boys! But I was perfectly content with the sunbeds by the pool for pretty much the whole time, apart from a few exciting adventures! ;)

I knew a friend of mine was also in Phuket… thanks to FB. One evening it had been pissing it down and I was in charge of the kids. I couldn’t even begin to contemplate dragging the kids through the chaotic streets... so the hotel restaurant it was. When I decided to call it a night and walking through the lobby... there was my friend making his way to reception! It wasn't bedtime for the kids just yet…
So a couple of days later, Barbara and Christophe agreed to let me go to Phi Phi for the night. It was my friends 30th, and they had just made their way there the day before. I bought him a pair of Thai Boxers as a present and they went down a treat! Although I was a little disappointed, I had set myself up. It went down so well, we all purchased a pair and sported them all night! Gaining huge respect, a very funny evening. The next day I was back on the boat... back to work. If you can say room service and a movie with the kids is work...
The holiday really did make it with the kids and I, I do feel like part of the family now. It's awesome! Andrea only speaks 'hello' and 'please' now, but 'thank you' is as hard as the rest of the French… and she covers her mouth when she coughs and will always make sure I've acknowledged this, cause I've taught her so well. ;)

Back to Japan, and strangely I felt relieved to be back 'home'. Only here for 4 months yet I totally felt settled. Especially when I'm out doing my own thing... waiting for the subway that seems so familiar now but not long ago so bloody daunting. I see Chieko walking towards me... Christophe' agent', assistant. How can I be randomly bumping into people in Japan already! We meet up later on in the day and she takes me for dinner, an area called Gion in Kyoto. A place where the streets are small and desolate with wonderful lanterns lighting up your path. Convincing you that there is nothing to be curious about. But behind every door is a fantastic, exclusive place to eat. No signs... nothing! Chieko leads me into a door at the end of an alleyway... where a lady greets you and you remove your shoes. You enter a tiny room where there were no more than 10 seats placed around the kitchen. We ate wonderful Kushi Katsu, apparently the best in Kyoto. Now how the hell would you know where to go for that!

Lost In Translation

I have been in Japan now for 6 weeks; I’ll try not to take so long to write again next time.

Merry Christmas all, I hope you had a great day. It’s been the kids and I for Christmas and the rest of the weekend; we had to have a premature Christmas. Definitely not the same.
Christophe has been doing very well; he won the Japan Cup in Tokyo. We have been to see him race a couple of times, but this time Lucas and I were screaming “ALLER PAPA!” …On the sofa. A front page and magazine spread and it’s even been rumoured that he was on the subway posters, but I never saw. And for one week we had a French camera crew filming us. I mean exiting the subway, roll plays in the apartment… you can imagine.

Living with work can have it times, so I try to get out every possible moment. It can be pretty lonely, but it is awesome how meeting people just happens. Even passing a westerner in the street, there is always an acknowledgment of each other, especially on a train. I’m collecting cards all over the place if I ever need any help. One time I took a photo on top of Osaka Castle for a couple of Americans. I ended up spending an awesome day with them randomly in Kyoto and now I am going up to Sapporo to go snowboarding in February! And for New Year Eve, I think I will be spending it with a slightly older gentlemen, I met 3 of them in the pub on another evening. Great chat all evening, very interesting. One of them was telling me how he saw Jimi Hendrix play in Fakenham Village Hall. Amazing!

So, I recently had the kids alone for 10 days. It was exhausting but we had a great time. I met Christophe’s interpreter, Toko in France. We vowed that if she showed me around Japan, I would help her with her English when she translates. We have kept our word and had some great times already. She even stayed with me for a couple of days, helping with the kids when we had some long days out in Kyoto. Chieko, the assistant to Christophe’ agent had also popped round a couple of times to see how I was doing, armed with croissants. I am being very well looked after.

I must add and I just don’t understand why we haven’t picked up on any of these ideas yet! The loo, the Japs are geniuses… not only you have the warm loo seat and at a press of button cleans and dries your bottom without even touching it or even the flush. They even have a devise called ‘Oto hi me’… ‘Sound princess’. As you walk into the toilet, it sounds like your taking a pee near a stream. Not only it helps, it disguises any unwanted noises. Brilliant.
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Ok random bit over. Before, I mentioned my time of social need. Well after another 10 days I was more than ready. I returned to the ‘Pig & Whistle’ for the expat party. Well no expats, just many Japanese seeking to speak English. I had no problem mixing, this time an advantage attracting attention because of the colour of my hair.
The next day I was bound for Tokyo for 4 days. In my hideous state of a hangover I easily admired how the ticket inspectors bowed gracefully and respectfully as they entered and exited each carriage. I spent pretty much the whole journey trying to find the enthusiasm to make what seemed like such a huge effort to go see the largest mountain in Japan, Mt Fuji. Then as I start considering more realistic ideas for my days, the suited man next to me indicates to look out the window. There was Mt Fuji, on a thick cloudy day; they had randomly parted perfectly to reveal the snow peak and all. Apparently the train gives you the best view, so all I had to do was turn my head.

I met my friend Andy at the train station and then later on we met up with my other Australian friend, also called Andy who I was going to be staying with. He took us to this amazing restaurant and many bars, it’s a blur. Everyday he took me to a fantastic restaurant for lunch and dinner. That’s all we seemed to do, then I realised that is all you need to do in Tokyo. It certainly does come alive at night. He took me to the Hyatt Park Hotel where ‘Lost In Translation’ was filmed and we drank cocktails in the New York Bar… Looking out at the sea of lights that is Tokyo. A lunch date, we were at a fabulous French restaurant. I was wondering why the French waitress was serving my cutlery the wrong way. Then Andy points out that she noticed I was left handed. But actually, I eat, as I am right handed. I explain how I do some-thing’s left and the rest right. He then comes out with randomly asking my blood type…. ‘Well I am B, why?”
With a huge grin on his face he describes my traits to a tee, without even knowing me all that much. In Japan there was/is a huge belief that your blood type determines your personality, well it impressed me and so did the waitress.
Andy was a true 1st class host, amazing how he put up with me and even managed to get up for work every morning. Although our last lunch date, we weren’t really making much sense at all.
Due for a return trip in February, on my way to the Snow festival and a bit of Snowboarding and we leave for Thailand for 2 weeks next week… so I’m not complaining I had to sacrifice my Christmas. I’m a lucky bugger.
So most importantly I must stop slacking with this thing.