Tuesday

Today we again hit the road pretty early and just as well as the heat was already stifling. Our first point of call was The World heritage Site -Sefa-utaki. This site was many hundreds of years old and again you had to make a steep climb. There are only remnants left of buildings long gone, but it is amazing how the Japanese look after their history. Next we drove to Okinawa world where we watched a snake show and then we moved to an outside theatre where we were again given an outstanding performance by singers muscians and various sizes of Taiko drums including a large one which was on a stand, the sound was absolutely magnificent and the acrobatic performance of the taiko players was unbelievable. From there we drove to the Okinawa Peace Hall. The buildings on this site were incredible. Inside the main hall were many paintings where the artist bought peace through his art work. The Okinawa Peace Hall stands on the opposite side of the 'Cornerstone of peace which was erected to commemorate the war dead of the 50th anniversary of the end of the battle of Okinawa. The names of all the war dead, regardless of nationality, soldiers or civilians are there. From there we travelled on to the Himeguri Peace Museum. This museum consists of 6 chambers. The first chamber shows the youth of Himegui. The second chamber depicts the Himeyuri students at the front.
The third chamber depicts when the deactivation order was given and people roaming towards certain death. The fourth chamber is the Requeam - this room is dedicated to the teachers and students who died in the war. The 200 portraits on the wall memorialize their lives and existence. Visitors are able to read the survivors accounts and to take a look at the full scale, reconstructed model of a makeship clinic inside a cave. In this cave concentrated tea gas took a heavy toll of lives. The 5th chamber is the memorial and the 6th chamber is the Passage to Peace. this place left a lasting and very emotional impression of sadness in my heart, as did Hiroshima when I visited there last year.
From there we moved onto a glass blowing factory. Ayaka organised for us to able to make our own glass as well as purchase some beautiful items. I really felt sorry for the people working there in the furnaces as the heat was immense.
Then it was time for some more retail shopping therapy. We visited a very large outlet shopping centre with shops such as Gucci, Reebok, Adidas, Swatch, Dunedin and Almani as well as many others. We went into a little Italian Cafe & had an Italian Hot Dog. Unfortunately Ayaka realized she had not passed in our tickets at the glass factory. She decided to return to the glass factory and said I could stay and shop, but before she went I bought myself a genuine pair of cros. Ayaka had just left when down came the rain in bucket loads. Next thing Ayaka rings me to say she cannot find the tickets and that she thinks she may have left them in the restaurant. I go to the cafe in the pouring rain and got absolutely soaked, but unfortunately the people did not understand what I was asking. Before I visit Japan again I am definately going to learn more of the language. Luckily there was a lovely Japanese lady who came to my rescue but not tickets were found. I was absolutly drenched but within 5 mins my clothes were dry, it was that hot.
Ayaka ended up ringing the glass factory and they told her not to worry everything was ok. We then left to return our vehicle and head for Nara airport for our return journey home. To Ayaka a very special thank you from the bottom of my heart for this very special trip, memories of which will stay with me for a lifetime. Ayaka you looked after me so wll and I do not know how I will ever repay you, but I hope that one day I can return the many favours you did for me. I consider myself very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to have such a wonderful homestay student come and stay with us 2 years ago.
And so ended our trip to Okinawa.
Tommorow was going to be a very special day.
Tommorow I will let you know why and what happended to make it so special.
Bye for now!

Monday - another journey

Today was another journey before headinghome to Tokyo on Tuesday evening. This morning Ayaka woke me yp at 6.30am - no time for sleeping in on this holiday. We had a european breakfast which I thought would last us all day. We were seated at a window which looked out over the sparkling pool and manicured gardens. After breakfast we went & got our bags and headed to our rental car. This was the best idea ever as we could go wherever we chose and at whatever time we wanted to. We visited a famous cape where there is a coral formation that resembles an elephants nose and trunk. There were many market stalls nearby and both Ayaka and I did a little shopping. We then travelled on further and visited Ryukyu Mura. This was the original name given to Okinawa. This place is set up as a village that depicts a house in Okinawa some 200 years ago. Okinawa is a very Hawiann type place and here we drank delicious coconut milk. We also watched a live show of Japanese singing and dancing. We then headed on the road again until we stopped at the South East Botanical Gardens. The scenery took your breath away. As it was very hot we decided to take a train ride around the gardents. The area is absolutely beautiful and I took many photos. Again there was a large shop where I bought a Okinawa t-shirt. We then decided to make our way to the hotel where we would be staying for the night. The hotel was in the main street of Okinawa and what a main street it was, no time to rest at hotel we just had to hit the shops. The city is name Nara and is the capital of Okinawa.
Ayaka and I decided to split to give us time to shop on our own, this was a great idea as it have us both the opportunity to seek out our own individual interests. Finally I found Dale some cool gifts, I then went to a beautiful garment shop where I bought a lovely blouse. I met up with Ayaka about 2hrs later and she had also done some shopping. We went back to the motel and showed each other waht we had bought, then Ayaka said she had seen some earrings and a matching necklance that she liked, so guess what we went out shopping again. the earrings and necklance were just beautiful, so I bought them for her to thank her for all she had done for me.
We then decided to have a special dinner on our final evening in Okinawa. We chose a lovely Japanese Restaurant. Sitting was Japanese style as was the food of course. I had deep fried vegetables and finished off with a parfait of icecream, cream and fruit. During dinner there was Japanese dancing and singing and it was a lovely way to end our trip. We then left the restaurant, and the street was still buzzing, we thought we would go for another quick walk as all the shops were still open. At the place where Ayaka got her jewellery, the guy asked me if I could be his adopted mother, he was a lovely guy and I even had my photo taken with me. He said I was a special mother and he liked being my adopted son. We then went back to the motel to sort our shopping and get our clothes ready for tomorrow. We had a really fantastic day and I must congratulate Ayaka on her navigation skills, she had certainly done her homework.
Well tomorrow I will report on Tuesday's adventure. There is still so much to tell but I do not want to bore you all at once.
Bye for now
Judy

Suday and it is Time to leave Ishigaka - Solitary island.

Today we left the island of Ishigaka and went by plane to the main island of Okinawa. We again hired a small car to get around this rather large island. I left the driving to Ayaka as I was very tired. It took us almost two hours to get to our first destination. This was a very large park and the entrance had some beautiful plants which had been made into whales, turtles and frogs etc it was just so clever the way it had been done. This park held a very large aquarium inside. It was huge with various aquariums housing unique kinds of sea life. If you have never seen one of these floor to ceiling aquariums in Japan it is a must see as they have done it magnificently. We spent several hours there and also watched a short dolphin show. The heat and humidity had increased and cold drinks were the order of the day. We then left this wonderland and travelled to a tropical fruit wonderland as this was the only way to describe it. It could tell you the proper name but I would have to go through all my collection to find its name. First of all we went into the butterfly house and saw how they change from caterpiller, making their coccoon and then hatching as a butterfly. We then went into the bird enclosure where the most beautiful parrots were flying about, their colours were just stunning. We then moved on to where the tropical plants were growing. We could see bananas growing on trees, pineapples growing and many other tropical fruits. It was a real experience to see this type of fruit growing. Adjacent was a very large shopping area which I could not resist. First I tried a yummy mango smoothie and then yes I went shopping. I bought a dress, necklance and some earrings. We then left this magnificent place and drove to our hotel. We stayed a Okinawa Beach Resort Ocean Spa Kariyushi. Again Ayaka had picked out a magnificent hotel for us to stay in. The entrance was awe inspiring. We were shown to our room which was on the 5th floor overlooking the unreal outdoor pool. It was very hot so we decided to go for a swim in the beautiful indoor pool. After a 30min swim we went into the public bath. After that we thought we should eat something after all it was already 9pm, but then Ayaka decided that she wanted to walk to the convenience store down the road, a quite steep road and I did wonder if I would make it back up. We were certainly getting our share of exercise. When we returned to the hotel I did a little shopping - yes I think I am a shopping nut. We then retired to our room after another wonderful day.

Saturday at Club Med.

As I had previously stated on Saturday early evening Ayaka asked me to drive to Club Med. This drive took approx. 50 mins. By the time we arrived Ayaka looked stunning she had spent the 50 mins putting on her makeup, regardless to say that I looked a complete wreck.
When we arrived at Club Med, Ayaka gave me a short tour of the whole complex. Here you can swim, play tennis, play soccer, learn crafts you name it you can do it. We then went for an amazing dinner in the very large dining room. This room was incredible, we were seated at a table where there were already a number of people sitting. At first I thought this was a bit strange but it turned out to be the best thing. We were introduced to two young girls Aya and Kayo who were both working in the child minding centre at Club Med. It turned out that Kayo had also been a homestay student and had visited Australia several times. She spoke perfect English so it was lovely to converse with someone who was a stranger. The whole table of people was very friendly and we had a wonderful time. The food was simply amazing and we could eat and drink as much as we liked. Nothing seemed to much trouble to the waiting staff. After dinner we made out way to another large come theatre room and here we were treated to some beautiful Japanese dancing. I just love live shows and this was no exception. After the live show we made our way to what would probably be called the piano bar. We sat outside as it was very warm. The place was abuzz with people everywhere. We were allowed to drink any beveridge we desired as this was included in the entrance fee and we certainly had our monies worth.
As the evening progressed on of the chefs joined out table, he was Indonesian but spoke English, he remembered Ayaka from when she visited there with her family in April. A little later we were joined by a maintenance worker who was Burmanese. Both men were great company and made sure we always had a drink in our hand. A little later we were joined by the man who was singing at the piano. He was another nationality but I could converse with him too. They all remembered Ayaka, and they kept on telling her how beautiful she was. No wonder she looked amazing with her makeup on. A little later we were joined by another person from the club and he and Ayaka talked quite a bit. At 11pm I was ready for home but Ayaka really wanted to stay she was having such a good time, I agreed because I also was having a great time. Next thing I know Ayaka has gone missing, where had she gone, she had left me with the chef and the maintenance worker, but it was not long before I spotted her talking with some people she knew.
At 12pm the show came to an end and we had no choice but to return to our hotel. It had been an amazing night and I know Ayaka had really enjoyed herself. We arrived back at our hotel at about 1am having had a fantastic day but also very tired but I think Ayaka was still partying in her sleep, I said to her I think you enjoy clubbing but she did not understand what I meant and I explained that this was she had been doing minus the alchohol.
Next post will be our adventures on Sunday.
Bye for now
Judy

I am now back home and all is well.

To all my dear friends, I have been home for a week now and settling down to mundane chores has been very difficult. There seemed to be a mountain of washing and ironing to do, not to mention housework and re acquainting myself with my new puppy Keiko. People have asked me when am I going to finish my blog, so starting from tomorrow I will try and fill you on the last few days that I spent in Okinawa, what took place when I returned to Tokyo and the events leading up to my returning to Adelaide.
So please watch this space as I will post several blogs for you to read.
Judy

Especially for Lynne

Lynne I hope you read this blog tomorrow. I just want to say thank you for following me on my amazing trip, there is so much to tell still but it just got too much to type in but I hope to fill in the gaps when I get home. I have really enjoyed your comments and have appreciated the time you have taken to write them. You are right it was a funny site me trying to put my leg in the sleeve but isn't this how we learn by our mistakes, that is my excuse anyway. Hope to catch up with you when I get back maybe if you have time one Friday we could go out for lunch, Jeff says he is taking my car keys away so that I stay home for a while but he has got two chances none and bucklies. I am really looking forward to seeing Keiko as apparently she has grown heaps but it seems she is totally out of control because Jeff has let her do what she wants and has spoiled her rotten, so much for taking her to puppy school.
Well I am all packed, have much excess luggage as I have received some wonderful gifts and I do not have to wait for them to be posted home, so I am leaving my clothes behind and taking my gifts.
Hope you and Stuart are well
Sayannara Judy

My trip nears its end.

Well my final day is almost here and my adventure nears its end.
From Tokyo to Nikko back to Tokyo to Roppingi Hills, to Nagano to Nagaizumi, back to Tokyo and then to Okinawara to Ishigaki and back to Okinawa and many places in between. I have experienced the amazing life at Gunma, the sites and sounds of Nikko and a spectacular fireworks dispay, a beautiful facial and spending time with Naomi's wonderful family and being able to witness the families musical talents, a night I will never forget to Iwashime and experiencing living over the ocean anf visiting fish markets, eating amazing food and the very respectful staff and then witnessing beautiful waterfalls & scenery at Nagaizumi and also the safari land, then the extrodinary islands of Okinawa where I experienced snorkelling, riding vessels on the ocean to taking a cart ride with a water buffalo to experiencing ink dying on fabris to glass blowing to visiting many places of interest, to two wonderful fireworks displays to watching a live concert, to listening to the sounds of the Taiko drums to visiting Peace Hall to experiencing the devastation of the war in Okinawa to seeing snake shows to visiting the beautiful Botanical gardens, to Fruitland and the amazing tropical fruits that are grown in this area. Can you believe I have not mentioned doing shopping but retail therapy was very special part of the whole experience. I have done so much, seen so much enjoyed everything and had the most wonderful time. All of this would not have been possible if it were not for some truly amazing people and especially my Japanee families and to my host daughter Ayaka. I have been very priveledged to experience such things and I am truly grateful to Naomi, Mr & Mrs Yoshikawa - their extended family, to Kumiko and Mr & Mrs Fujii and to my special family Yukiko, Hideaki and Yukari and especially to Ayaka who without her and Naomi this trip would just have been a dream I cannot wait to catch up with all my family and fill you all in on the wonderful things I have done. I have many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
To my Japanese friends GOSHINSETU ARIGATOU and eve more important IROIRO ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU and I look forward to you all visiting me and my family and friends in Australia in the very near future. I will miss you all but you will be forever more be in my thoughts.
Sayonnara to you all and thank you for everything.

Sunday

Today we left the island of Ishigaka and went by plane to the　main island of Okinawa. Again Ayaka hired a small car to get us around the island.
I now cut these blogs short and fill them　 in when I return home as I have been on this computer far too long. We left this island on Tuesday and I would love to fill you in on everything we did but it would take far too long. But I　 will say this trip was far better than my 14 day tour of Japan last year and I want to tell you everything but it is just not possible. I am going to post a blog now that will sum up my trip just in case I do not get the opportunity in the last couple of day.

Now I know seeing is believing but for the time being you are going to have to believe me and seel later as I have the pictures to prove it. Have you guessed?
After a delicious breakfast we were picked up by a small wagon and taken to a wharf. We then put on wet suits (me putting my leg in my sleeve and thinking how in the hell I was going to get this thing on) but once my mistake was realized all was well. We then boarded a vessel which very quickly took us out to see. Here we donned flippers, socks and a life jacket for me and then it was on with the rest of the wet suit and goggles and snorke. Yes you guessed it I went snorkelling in the sea. At first I could not get my beathig correct and nearly drowned a couple of times but once I mastered this activity it was sensational experience to see up close & personal the beautiful coral and sea life beneath the surface. After about 45 mins under the sea we again boarded the vessel which took us to a beautiful beach island called Kohama. We then went on further to Take-Tomi which was another island. Here we dropped off some people who were going to have a picnic. We were taken back to Ishigaki by the mini van. We then drove to Port Ishigak terminal where we caught a boat which took us back to Take-tomi. From there we boarded a cart which was driven by a water buffalo which took us on a tour of the island. The commentator played the banjo while we took in the sites of the island. Ayaka and I then went for a walk to Kondio beach which was absolutely perfect but the weather was stifling. On our way home we stopped at Ishigaki caves. These were amazing inside and went down a very long way. From there we took a 50min ride to a place called Club Med. and what a place it was. Ayaka took me for a walk through the complex and then we went into the dining room for dinner. There were so many amazing things I could tell you about this place but it would take for ever so I will leave it until I come home. We did not arrive back at hotel until about 1am and I was very tired but Ayaka was still partying in her sleep or should I say she enjoyed clubbing.

We are back!

Yes I am writing to you from Ayaka's house in Tokyo and it is Wednesday morning.
We returned from our five day trip at approx 11pm but I did not get to bed until 2am.
We simply had the most wonderful time and I am going to post a few blogs to fill you in on what we did so please bare with me, but there will be lots more to tell when I get home so this will be a little brief, but I have documented it all so that I will remember.
Friday morning Yukiyo awoke about 4am just to prepare breakfast for us. Yukiko is amazing what she does and I take my hat off to her. At 6.30am she drove us to the airport to catch our plane to the islands of Okinawa. We arrived at the main island named Okinawa, it was incredible how many people were destined for other places. Straight away we caught to solitary island which is named Ishigaka. A lot of land here is cultivated by market gardeners, the rest being pretty baron. Most of the population live by the sea. When we disembarked there was a bus waiting for us to take us to the termainal a whole 100 feet away. From there we boarded a people mover which took us to a rent a car office. Here we picked up a Toyota Vitz. Ayaka drove to an observation point about a hours drive away, but it tood her 40 minutes. The speed limit here is 40 or 50mph, needless to say she was a little speedster. We then drove onto our hotel. The hotel is spread out over a large area and is less than two years old. We were shown to our room which was on the 3rd floor overlooking the sea. The room is again very large with 2 three quarter beds and two comfortable lounge chairs and the view out the window is truly spectacular. The bathroom again is very swauve, with the bath & shower enclosed in class. We unloaded our bags and by the time the day was fast closing behind us. At 4pm we left the hotel and headed for Kabina Beach. This was a beautiful spot for a walk on the sand or to paddle your feet but instead we boarded a glass bottom boat and were taken out to see some of the most beautiful coral. I was a bit worried if the boat would pass safety regulations but even if it did not is was worth the trip. I actually drove to this destination but it was very hard to keep to 40kpm.
We then returned to our hotel and had a light dinner at Diego's restaurant. We then returned to our room and donned our bathers and Jimbi's and headed to the basement where there was a magnificent inside pool. The place also had an outside pool, childrens pool, jaccussi, hot stone sauna and public bath outside and inside. It was so relaxing and Ayaka and I were the only ones in the pool for some time. After we had showered we went to the convenience sore for and drink and icecream. We had a wonderful nights sleep but tomorrow is a very busy day and just wait till you hear what I am about to do tomorrow...

Day 3

This morning we enjoyed another Japanese type breakfast in our own private dining room. Before eating Ayaka and I went for a walk in the garden and down to the waterfall. We then started to make our way back to Tokyo. But wait - this is more, on the way home we stopped at a Venetian Glass Museum, it was out of this world, the gardens were immaculate with arches tied with venetian glass and glittering in the sun light. It was then time to eat again, I had a delicious dessert of fresh peaches and icecream. I then dragged Ayaka to the gift shop but she dragged me out so we could head home, but hang on there was more eating to be done, this time we stoppe at a Chinese restaurant and I had delicious spring rolls, oh I was so full, I think I found the 21/2 kilos I lost. We then continued on our way home. Can you believe Yukiko made us dinner, lovely vegetable soup and fried vegetbles followed by cookies and cream icecream.
Help!! Ayaka has just informed me that we are leaving for Okinawa at 6.30am in the morning, I thought we had a day to rest, but not so. I had better go and pack. This will more than likely be the last blog I will make as I will not have access to the computer while in Okinawa for 5 days. We return on the 18th of August.
I hope you have enjoyed by blogs and I look forward to sharing many stories with you when I return.
Sayonnara Judy

A new day dawned.

We awoke at 7.30am and went downstairs to breakfast, it was buffet and you could eat as much as you like. The setting was stunning, it overlooked a magnificent garden which is used for weddings. Up in our room the view is of the sea crashing against the rocks and you can see the mainland. What a place to visit. Well a new day dawned and with it came another adventure. Just when I thought it could not get any better it did. This time we headed for the mountains but first we visited a very busy fish market, I have never seen so much fish. Ayaka and I had a crepe filled with creme and banana and chocolate chip. We also saw a man making very large omelletes which took 18 eggs to make he offered to let me flip it but I said it would end up on the floor. We then continued high up into the mountains with scenery indescribable. We stopped at a hotel for afternoon tea and I had my first taste of green tea icecream. We then went even higher into the mountains where our hotel was located. Outside was very deceiving but the opulence of inside was nothing short of spectacular. We were shown to our room by a lady wearing a kimono and she served us with green tea. Again Ayaka and I shared an apartment type room but the scenery was the thing to talk about it was out of this world. We looked out of a large　window onto the most beautiful waterfall which fell into a slow flowing stream, is was just beautiful and at night it is lit up by Japanese lanterns, it was stunning. Ayaka's family had another apartment which even had a sauna in its bathroom. Ayaka and I went shopping at thegift shop, I could not resist buying something. We then went for dinner, again we hadour own private dining room. We were served a total of 11 courses of food, mainly Japanese style fish, the way it was presented was unreal. We also had a delicious bottle of champayne. After dinner we again enjoyed an onsen (hot spring bath) but this time it had been turned into a spa, we also went to the outside onsen it was to die for. We then went to the massage room and had a back and foot massage. After so much relaxing　we returned to our room to sleep the night away.

So much news!

First of all Jane thank you for your comment and you are right I have been doing lots of shopping but still no cool gift for Dale, but cool gifts for you I think. I will definately come up for dinner when I get home, if I ever come home - just joking but I love it here.
Now sorry I have not been blogging for a couple of days but I have just been on an amazing three day trip with Ayaka and her family and what an experience it was. I could never fill you on everything with did but here is a little taste. After another earthquake early this morning we set of on our 3 day 2 night stay to a holiday destination. Because of the earthquake the Shinkensen line and some of the highways were closed. However Yukiko found an alternative route to our destination. Mrs Fujii, Ayaka's grandmother also joined us on the trip. Our first stop was a market stall where I ate fried potato on a stick and a coffee at Starbucks. We drove travelled for approx. 3 hours down soth where we could have had a view of Mt. Fuji but it was covered with cloud. We arrived at Fuji Safari Park. This place was incredible, you drive through several different enclosures each housing different animals. There were bears, lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo's and giraffes as well as many different other animals. It would put Monarto Zoo to shame. We then drove on further & stopped at a Japanese Restaurant for lunch. I had fried pork which was delicious but I could not eat it all. We then drove on even further to a sea port. Here we left our car & off loaded our luggage & stepped onto a small vessel which took us across to an island called Awashime. The grandeur of the hotel was simply stunning from the moment we entered the　magnificent entry hall. We were taken to an apartment on the fifth floor overlooking the sea. I thought this apartment was for all of us to share as it was as big as our house but it was only for Ayaka amd me. Just picture a large bedroom with two 3/4 beds a loungeroom with lounge suite, coffee table, television and everything else. You then stepped up to the Japanese style dining room from there you step up to a western style round table & chairs and this leads onto the balcony which overhands onto the sea, what a sight, we could see from here. Off of the living area is a bathroom to die for with twin basins set in marble, the lighting is exquisite, on one end is a toilet which is nearly as big as my laundry and at the other end the bath is located in its own room. Tonight we head to the restaurant for dinner, Oh what a night . Well the dinner was nothing short of oshii (very delicious). we went into a room where the six of us were the only ones, we sat a large bar type table & had our own personal chef who cooked our meal in front of us. We had many courses including mizo soup, fresh salmon and prawns, steak cooked with begetables and all cooked on a barbeque plate. This was finished of with fresh fruit & Japanese tea. Before we went to dinner Ayaka and I enjoyed Onsen (Hot Spring Bath) the water was very hot and took a while to get into. When you get out you have a showere there is shampoo and conditioner and body soap supplied. You then go into the beauty parlour area and dry your hair and put special lotions on your skin. I had a wonderful nights sleep.

I made a mistake!!!

I thought today we were leaving on another short trip, but it is tomorrow.
However had a great day today. First of all I went to the post office to post two parcels back home. Boy did I feel like a criminal or what but all was good in the end. Ayaka and I then went to an electrical store but could not buy anything because all had Japanese plugs. We then went shopping in a large department store. I had a wonderful time trying on clothes and also buying as well as looking at some beautiful crockery, I wish I could bring it all home.
We did not get home until 7pm - we shopped a lot, we also went to the largest 100yen shop. This has to be seen to be believed. Ayaka's mum cooked another Japanese meal for tea and it was very tasty, I am getting a little more used to the food. After tea Ayaka and I went for a walk to the DVD rental store. It was very hot, and 90mins later we returned home. I was exhausted and treated myself by having a delicious icecream. Tomorrow we leave for a next trip where I believe we drive to the place and then catch a ferry to an island.
Short blog tonight
Catch you in a couple of days time
Sayonnara

A new experience.

Today there was no schedule, so we had a very lazy morning. I watched High School Musical which I enjoyed very much as there is very little television in English. Yukiko made some very yummy vegetable soup which I had for breakfast. In the afternoon Yukari has swimming lessons, so Ayaka and I and Yukiko went for a swim in a pool which is in a rather large sporting complex. In Japan they are very strict that you must wear a bathing cap. Also if you are in a lane you must be able to swim the whole 50metres as you are only allowed to stop when you get to the end of the pool. I decided to swim in the lanes that you were allowed to stop in. We then went and had a lovely warm spa which was almost the size of the pool. At a certain time everyone must leave the pool to have a rest for about 10mins during this time the staff test temperature and chemicals and clean if necessary. After swimming we went to a cafe called Denny's for afternoon tea. It was a very nice cafe and I drank coffee as well as pink lemonade. Yukiko was given a free dish of pancakes, Icecream and fruit as it is her birthday in August.
As their was about six pancakes we all had a small bit, it was very yummy. After this we headed home and Yukiko cooked my favourite Japanese dish. For dessert we had pannecota, this is like a thick yoghurt and we had blueberry sauce with it. I think that 21/2 kils may be a little less now. After dinner we were watching television when everything started to shake - yes we were having an earthquake, the first I have ever experienced. It measured 4 on the rictor scale and I must say was a little scary. Tomorrow morning Yukiko has to work so Ayaka and I may do a little shopping and then in the afternoon we set off on our next adventure. We will stay 2 nights in two separate hotels and will be able to have an onsen (hot spring bath at both hotels).
Sue I have sent you an email but for some reason they have not been able to deliver it yet but it has been held up, I hope you get it soon.
Hope everyone is well and I will blog in a couple of days time.
Sayonnara
Judy

We have had another overnight stay.

On Friday after not much sleep the night before, I arose early and packed up some of my purchases and gifts to send home by post. After another amazing breakfast I had a shower and got ready for the day ahead. As we were not leaving on our overnight trip until lunchtime I retired to my room and watched Mama Mia. I had a little sleep as I was very tired. We left Tokyo at 12:30 and travelled to another perfecture by the name of Nagano. It took nearly 5 hours to get there and it poured with rain most of the time. We were booked into a hotel called Kokusai 21 and Ayaka and I shared a beautiful room. About 6.30pm we left for an Italian Restaurant. Can you believe it was silver service and I wore shorts and sleeveless tshirt, I was very over dressed like fun. The restaurant was in a building that was built 15o years ago and was truly magnificent inside. The meal was simply amazing with 5 courses. However I chose only to have a salad and a sirloin steak which melted in your mouth. After the 5 courses we retired to the bar area where we were served dessert and coffee. It was very decadent.
Kumiko ordered some champayne and I drank over a glass as it was very tasty, I wish I could find it to take home. We then went back to the hotel for some shut eye.
On Saturday we arose early to head for a very beautiful shrine. The street leading up to the shrine was shop after shop, and yes I was in my element. The shine had much real gold and was truly beautiful as was the lovely gardens. while in the shrine we went downstairs to the basement and it was pitch black, you could not see a thing, but at the end you could see the light, I will leave this to your imagination. We had a light breakfast in the cafe and then headed back down the street, but before we did we were lucky to witness seeing a bride and groom who had just got married, they were truly beautiful.
We then left Nagano and started our travel back to Tokyo. The traffic was bumper to bumper most of the way. We stopped at a lovely flower garden but most of the flowers were not quite blooming, but is was still lovely to see especially the dahlias. We travelled on a little further and then stopped at a restaurant for lunch. After lunch we went for a walk into the food mall, I have never seen so many people and so much food. 　Can you believe they sell jelly that has a shelf life of 10 years, do not ask me how because I do not know.
Ayaka had to be at work at 6.30pm, so we dropped her at the station and then travelled on home. I am having such an amazing time and have seen so many different parts of Japan. Soon we head off on our next adventure, I am not sure where but we will be away 2 nights and will be staying in two different hotels and both have hot springs, I can't wait.

I hope everyone is well
Sayonnara for now
Judy

Thanks everyone!

Well my last blog surely got some comments and I thank you all, it was great to have a little feedback. Well Lynn I have not seen the only other Australian on his bike but I will surely keep a lookout as I do not think you would miss him.

Now Dale as much as I would like to describe the presents I have bought for you I would if I had bought anything but I have not had much time to do shopping. I however do have something in mind but probably will not purchase it for a few more days.

Thanks for your comment Katie and I look forward to more news in 10 days time.

Thanks Sue I have written you an email, it was great to catch up on some news.

I will now post my next blog.
Please wait......

My first day back in Tokyo.

Well I was hoping to have heard from somebody, don't forget you can comment or you can send me an email to my normal email address.
Today has again been an amazing day. About 10am Ayaka's Mum drove Ayaka and I to the station. We visited the cafe where Ayaka works. It is on the ground floor of a very large department store and it is called Excellsior Cafe. We had a cup of coffee and then Ayaka took me to a store that stocks designer clothes and accessories for dogs. She bought to lovely toys to give to Keiko. We then had a little look around the shop before catching a train to Roppingi Hills.
This is a very upmarket shopping centre and I am afraid way out of my pocket but it was very interesting to have a look. First of all we went to the top and had a 360degree view of Tokyo.
Wow what a sight. This was on the 52nd floor of the building. Also on this floor was a rooftop aquarium. This was unbelievable and the lighting made it very excellent viewing but sometimes the glass walls made it feel like it went on for ever. We then went to this cafe for lunch and we were seated near the kitchen where there was a person hand making the pasta. He allowed us to take a photo of him. This was an amazing cafe, each time a person entered the cafe and was showed to his/her seat the kitchen staff would get the cue from the staff on the floor to welcome them to the restaurant. During lunch I needed to go to the rest room and can you believe I was escorted right to the door. After having lunch we had a bit more of a look around and then I thought it would be nice to have a haircut. We went into what they call a beauty salon and a young gentleman, who could speak English, said he would cut my hair straigt away. What an experience. He was a very nice man and was interested in what I was doing in Japan. Well I was very happy with my haircut, but I will not complain about what I pay in Adelaide as this haircut cost me nearly $60 Australian. From there we caught three trains and walked to Jingo Stadium as did about another 300,000 people. Ayaka had prebooked our seats and we arrived there about 5.00pm. We had a great seat and was entertained for the next two hours by bands, singers and excellent entertainment. At 7.30pm we were treated to a spectacular display of fireworks. Ayaka showed me how to shoot fireworks scenes and I also shot a video. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was very sorry it ended. It took a very long time to get back to the station, but almost everyone walked in an orderly fashion even though it was bumper to bumper crowds. We finally arrived at the station to catch our train home. Ayaka's mum kindly picked us up from the station. Ayaka got us going in the wrong direction a couple of times but I give her 91/2 for her direction skills. When we got home Yukiko, Ayaka's mum peeled and sliced a beautiful peach and made my a lovely cup of coffee. By the way if Ayaka's scales are correct I have lost 2.5 kilos during my first week in Japan.
Tomorrow we head off to a secret destination and will stay in a motel that has a hot spring. I am really looking forward to this but in the meantime I must pack my many parcels and special gifts and send them on their way home or I will have excess luggage again.
I am having the 'time of my life' and I really wish that you could all experience the things that I have been very fortunate to partake in especially Japanese life.
Sayonnara!

The second day at Nikko

We awoke early the next morning and again went for a short walk around the lake.
We then came back to the restaurant for breakfast, again an enormous meal was served. I did not know the special treat I was going to be in for today but it was nothing short of unreal. We visited a park called Edo Wonderland. This is a village built in the era of Edo some 200 years ago. It shows how the Japanese lived in this era, we were lucky to see at least 4 live shows and they were unbelievable. It I was to tell you all about this place I would be here for a very long time and as it is past 11pm you will have to wait to see the pictures. However I will say that we saw a magic water show, a Ninja Show; which I liked very much as a ninja played the Tao Drums, it was excellent, we also saw some Japanese dancers, not to mention that we met the man who makes the wigs that resemble the hairstyles of the Edo era. This whole park was just unbelievable and I can not wait to show you the pictures. We spent many hours at this place and enjoyed every minute of it. It was then time for Naomi and I to leave her family and head back to Tokyo by train. It was very sad to say goodbye to her parents as they had been extremely kind and generous to me and I could not thank them enough and it was difficult for me to express myself when they were unable to understand what I was saying. Mr & Mrs Yoshikawa and Naomi I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 5 days I have spent with you and your family, I will be for ever endebited to you, but I hope you understand that I felt extremely priveledged to have been able to stay in your home and experience life with a wonderful Japanese family. I wish you all good health and I hope to see you one day in Australia. Two hours later we arrived in Tokyo and Ayaka met us at the station and the three of us had dinner together, it was wonderful that Ayaka was able to meet Naomi and have a chat together. I am now back at Ayaka's home and ready to start on my next adventure with her family. There is so much to tell and little time to tell it in and my mind is racing. I would also just like to mention that during the evening that we staying in Nikko I was invited into Mr & Mrs Yoshikawa's room and Naomi gave me a very beautiful speech followed by her parents sharing some very personal family photos with me. They then presented my with some beautiful gifts for the family which I will deliver when I get home.
Well I had better go now, I still have not unpacked yet and tomorrow we head to Roppingi Hills for a shopping expedition, yes Dale I have given some thought to what I can buy you and as you want a cool present I think I will buy you a kitkat and put it in the fridge for when you call.
I have just realized how much I have left out but maybe tomorrow night I can tell you about my adventure with the monkeys.
Sayonnara

I have left Gunma and Nikko

Well what an amazing last two days I have had.
To describe to you everything that I have seen would be very difficult, but just let me say it has been nothing short of amazing.
Naomi, myself and her mother and father set out for Nikko which is settled way up in the mountains and about two hours from Gunma. Our first stop was Nikko where there are many temples and shrines with many ornate carvings. To get to the highest shrine you must climb 207 very steep steps, I bet you are saying I did not make it, well believe it or not I did. We looked over the many shrines and as you entered each one you needed to take your shoes off, I was lucky that I had worn thongs. During our stay there we had lunch in the restaurant. We then left Nikko and travelled to a National Park. Here you were able to take a walking trail around a large lake. The scenery was amazing. From there we travelled back to Nikko and to our hotel where we were to stay the night. I do not have my paperwork with me at the moment so I can not tell you the names of these places but when I get home I will explain further. The hotel was called a pension which means small hotel. After having a shower we went down to the restaurant for dinner and what a dinner it was. You did not get to choose what you wanted as everyone was served the same. 1st course - salad, 2nd course - ham & fetta cheese, 3rd course was pumpkin soup, 4th course - cooked trout and vegetables, 5th course - Australian beef with vegetables and 6th course was a delicious dessert of sponge cake, pear icecream and cream. This was followed by coffee. After dinner we were invited to take a seat upstairs, everyone who had been dinner was up there, it was very interesting, one guy could speak English, one guy had been to Cairns and another young lady was an author who like to write about Buddism. It was just a lovely family atmosphere. The four of us then went for a short walk around the lake to wear of the dinner we had eaten. When we came back to the pension Naomi and I went for our first zen (Hot Spring Bath) however this was a little different as you had the spa all to yourself. It was simpy divine. We then retired to bed, very tired but very happy.
I will end this blog here and I will tell you about today's adventure.
Sayonnara!

It's Tuesday!

Good morning everyone, well I just have a little time to say Ohayo Gazaimus (Good morning) I
hope you are all enjoyed bragging about my adventures. Naom's mother has been amazing preparing very healthy and delicious food. Her father also makes me very nice coffee.
Today we travel by car to a place in the mountains called Nikko. It is about a two hour drive.
It may be a little cooler there. I also believe they have an onsen in the hotel where we will be staying overnight.
Tomorrow I leave Naomi and her family I travel back to Tokyo to be with Ayaka's family for the rest of my stay. During my time with them we will go on two short trips where we will stay overnight and then Ayaka and I will fly to Okinawa for five days. We will also visit Roppongi Hills a very upmarket shopping centre.
Having a wonderful and exciting time.
Hope you are all well and I will talk to you soon.
Sayonnara

It's Tuesday!

I'm back!

Well it is Monday evening and we have had a very full day. Today I saw blue sky for the very first time. This morning I went with Naomi to the Education Centre to see a display of books. I read Love Story and part of the Secret Garden. We then drove to the oldest school in Japan, built in about 1500. The gardens were absolutely beautiful, with many bonsai. We then went to a Japanese restaurant and had lunch. I had Tempur which I enjoyed very much. Naomi then had to go to school, so her parents too me to visit Naomi's mothers sister and brother in law. He owns a beauty salon and hairdressing shop. While we were there uncle's brother and wife also visited. Auntie and Uncle gave me a beautiful gift of a cloth dyed in Indigo. They also gave me a book of girls dressed in Kimonos. A wonderful experience. We then went to visit the tomb where Mrs Yoshikawas mother is sleeping. It was very interesting, neither of them speak English but father tries very hard, harder than I try to speak Japanese. We were able to communicate enough to get by. They then took me to a large shopping centre and I was able to go off on my own for two hours. I had a wonderful time looking in all the shops. When I met up with them again Naomi was back so her parents went home and Naomi and I did some more shopping. We then came back home and had a meal. The meals that I am getting are unbelievable and very healthy. Well tomorrow we head to Nikko and we are staying overnight. I am really looking forward to this. From there on Wednesday I will head back to Tokyo and meet up with Ayaka and her family. So this may be the last blog for a couple of days, but please watch this space for more exciting adventures.
Yes Jane you are right, this was a wonderful idea and I thank you very much for suggesting it. It is so much easier than sending emails to everyone.
Katie I hope you are well.
Sayonnara for now!

Oh what an amazing evening I had

Well have you ever heard of the song what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, well I thing they should have added oh what an amazing evening I had.
Naomi's brother and sister came for dinner and we cooked a Japanese meal at the table. It was called Yakisoba Okonomiyaki, they were both delicious, and I hope to bring home the ingredients for Okonomiyaki so I can make for you. But then the entertainment started. Naomi's father played us some songs on the Harmonica, but then to our surprise he played some songs on the guitar which he has only been learning for 4 weeks. But wait there was more, he then played both the instruments together, he was very good, but wait there is still more, he also sang for us and then his son started playing the guitar and father sang. He was wonderful and everyone appreciated the effort that he put in. Naomi's sister is an artist and she carves paper.
She had a book published for which she did the drawings. I was very lucky to receive one as a gift. She then made many bookmarks for me to bring home with me, will you be lucky to receive one, I cannot say but they are very clever. We watched her to these paper carvings and she was very interesting. It is really hard to explain what the night was like, but I would say really amazing. About 11pm she left and I went and sorted out my room.
I will now write a new post about today.
See you in a few minutes.

Hello to everyone in Adelaide.You should all be very envious with the fabulous opportunity to stay with Japanese families it is simply amazing and they are such wonderful people. Today we went to a cosmetic counter in a large shopping centre and had a complete makeover. I bought some beautiful makeup.
Did not have much time to do more shopping because then it was time for lunch. We went to Mo's burger place for a quick bite. It was then off to have a facial. The lady welcomed us with green tea and cookies. We then both had a facial. When we came back home Naomi's mum helped me to dress in my kimono and show me how to try Obei. I have some wonderful photos.
Tonight we are cooking tea at the table. Yesterday Naomi and I bought ingredients at the supermarket and today her mother went to same shop to buy some more and there was a lady there cooking the food. She told Mrs Yoshikawa that she had an Australian lady try food yesterday and she replied I know she is staying in my house.
Shortly Naomi is going to show me how to put my new makeup on and then her brother and sister are coming for a visit.
Having an amazing time, you should have seen the breakfast that was prepared for me this morning, shrimp, very fine carrot and cucumber and beans and lettuce and red grapefruit, all peeled and prepared to perfection and all done by hand.
Well that brings you all up to date.
Catch you all tomorrow
Sayonnar

HelloWell what a wonderful day I have had today.
Early this morning Ayaka and I caught a train to another train station.
There we met Naomi (Japanese teacher) we had coffee in a cafe and then caught express train to Gunma. Naomi's father picked us up at the station near her home.
I then met her mother and we had very healthy lunch together.
Naomi and I went shopping at Shimamura shop, which is a clothes shop and Torisen supermarket and bought some healthy food and I was lucky enough to find a beautiful obei to wear with my Kimono. We came back home and then caught two trains to a place called Ashikaga where there is a very large river. There were hundreds of thousands of people there and a lot of Japanese were wearing kimonos. They were all there for a special festival which included two hours of fantastic fireworks. Unfortunately it rained and we all got soaked but no one left. Display was truly amazing and ended with a display looking like Niagara Falls. It was so humid that we were pretty dry by the time we caught the train back home.
We had a lovely hot shower, something to eat and then I thought I would write this blog to let you know where I am. I am now here for five days. The country side is beautiful and rice paddocks are very green.
Hope everyone is well.
Carolyn I hope you have a very happy birthday.
Everyone keep safe and I will write again soon.
Sayonnara for now
Judy