• Home

Run run run! Go go go! Why can’t I just settle down for awhile? Perhaps this is the problem with my whole life, but at least I get to see a lot! I’ve really struggled with which photos to add to this entry as I have taken so many. I hope I can give the Kansai area of Japan justice! I’ve taken the night bus from Tokyo, arriving in Kyoto at 5am. The bus ride wasn’t too bad. Apart from the fact that the guy sitting next to me snored his way onto my shoulder, and then both of the reading lights were directed onto his side. When I arrived in Kyoto, I was slightly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the station. I hadn’t envisioned the cutting edge granite and glass towers in a city known mostly for its’ temples and peace agreements. Nonetheless, I found the lockers and the washrooms and made myself respectable for an early start on the temple tourist track.

Read more

Leaving the airport was more of a challenge than I had expected. I covered the basics with my visit to Starbucks (to get some change for the phone really!) and booking my accommodation and transport but English was far less common than I expected in such a big city. But I suppose that’s just an ignorant westerners’ viewpoint. Must practice some more Japanese!!! The train journey into town was an eye opener as we passed houses with ornate tiled rooftops surrounded by rice fields. Perhaps I really will see everything that is the stereotypical view of Japan in the 2 weeks that I have planned here!!

Read more

I know I know, this has taken me awhile to post, but that’s just the way it goes okay?!!?

Having survived the miserable (with a cold) flight from Johannesburg I was blown away by the sight of Hong Kong-even from the plane!! I was expecting a culture shock and it certainly hit me! I made my way from the airport to the YWCA in the Kowloon area. As I paused to check on the map if I was walking in the right direction, a local decided to look over my shoulder. He figured it would be best if he walked me there as much as I insisted it wasn’t necessary. So we talked with theatrical hand gestures along the way, and finally after12 blocks we were at the front door. He wished me good fortune in his beautiful city and began running back to his starting point-he only had a 30 minute lunch break after all! What a great welcome for me into this city!! I all ready began to regret scheduling only 4 days here to explore!!

Read more