Monday 22 March 2010

Kyoto

Well, what an experience Kyoto was. Stayed in this 'ryokan' a traditional Japanese guesthouse, and boy, was it traditional, one hell of an experience. An amazing city but now glad to be back in Tokyo with only one night left before, courtesy of Japan Air, our return to the UK. Thank you to all our followers and just wait for the pickies!! Sayonara.

Friday 19 March 2010

Still talking!

As you can see we're still in good spirits, in D's case it's whisky and B's it's gin!

Mt Fuji

First pic what we should have seen, second one what we did see!!

Fujiya Hotel

Step back in time, this hotel is at least 50 years behind the time, but all the better for that!

Thursday 18 March 2010

Calcutta?

Saw this in Hachinohe and thought I was standing outside the BT call centre in Cakcutta!!

Wednesday 17 March 2010

I want one of these!


These Japanese are really good. The loos are amazing. the lids lift automatically, the seat is heated, and there is almost a wiping mechanism too!







Lunch with an old friend

Met and went to lunch with Kiyoshi and Junko today. We were taken to a traditional Japanese restaurant and met by the lady in kimono, sat at a table close to the floor and were treated to a magnificent feast including octopus and cuttlefish. It was quite moving meeting again after 36 years but worth the trip. returned to Kiyoshi's house after for tea, actually two types of tea. Would like to think we'll see him again in another 36 years!








Tuesday 16 March 2010

Efficency!

This is the announcement of our train journey, and the train. When it arrived at the station an army of cleaners got on and, not only cleaned the train and reversed the seats so everyone was facing forward, but when they got off they all bowed to the passengers! The train left on time and, guess what, arrived on time too. We arrived in Perth 7 weeks ago to 40 degrees, we arrived in Hachinohe today to 5 degrees and snow!! Letter waiting for us at reception from Kiyoshi whom we are having lunch with tomorrow, Wednesday.


Tokyo

This Temple was built in memory of a long gone Emperor where, as you can see, we are still talking to each other and we also saw this Japanese Wedding!




Japan

Hey, this place is full of Nips and about 2% of them wear face masks. Oddly enough we saw one today taking his mask off to smoke a ciggie!

Leaving NZ

Guess which one we left on?

Monday 15 March 2010

Still in NZ




This is where the Waitangi treaty was signed and us 2 standing on a glass floor at the top of the tower!

Back on line!

And you thought you were getting away with it! Here are some pics taken in and around Auckland and the Bay of Islands. Alan and I wend sand surfing on BIG dunes but chickened out on both the Sky walk and the Sky jump from the tower, but did enjoy dinner up there on our last evening in the revolving restaurant. The lighthouse is the northerly tip of NZ and is on the same latitude as the one from earlier on the south west tip of Australia.



















Thursday 11 March 2010

Hello everybody, we're still here. Have been in Auckland area since last Sunday and looked after admirably by our friends Alan and Tricia. We have had a couple of days up in the Bay of Islands and 90 Mile Beach. Off to the Auckland Tower today, still unsure whether or not to do the jump!! Tomorrow it's off to Tokyo for the last leg of the tour. Pics will follow to bore you all with!!

Friday 5 March 2010




Now in Wellington, NZ's capital. Known as the Windy City and it is. Hotel overlooking the harbo
ur. London Parliament tour November, Wellington Parliament tour March, interesting. Off to Auckland tomorrow, should have more access to wi-fi.

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Go for it Tiger!


Now, is there a message here for Mr Woods???

Monday 1 March 2010

B in Heaven!


Yes, we've been there and these are the actual grapes. Good day, 7 wineries, good mix of people on the bus, and plenty of tastings. Time for bed said Zebedee