MamfainJapan

Last day of work!

2006-08-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

My favourite adult class.

Chihiro and Riko slurp their noodles.

Today is my last day of work at UFO Academy. This past week I have been busy socialising and saying my farewells to my students. So far only one student has set me off crying, my seven year old ekiwa student Riko started to cry as I got into my car, which set off her Mum, Izumi crying and then me. Hopefully I'll see them again soon as I offered to be their host mum in Britain, I'm pretty sure they will take me up on the offer and send Riko and Chihiro to England for a month of speaking english!

With my head full of what I have to do, I have been waking up early and last Friday I decided to get up and drive to Echizen beach. I had such a fabulous morning, I was the first person on the beach and had it to myself until about 11 am, when hoardes of Japanese families arrived. I took this as my cue to exit and headed up the coast, to one of my favourite cafes Mare. This cafe has an amazing view out to sea. I sat here and enjoyed a lovely lunch and contemplated my past 2 years in Japan. I have mixed emotions about leaving, I am very sad to be leaving the beautiful scenery, the people and how safe it is here. The kindness and sincerity of the people has truly amazed me. However, I feel it is time to move on with the job and I am looking forward to seeing friends and family back home.

I have four days left and I plan to visit all my favourite places to ensure those memories are kept sharp.

My favourite students, Chihiro and Riko.

Sarah and Laura sporting this year's must have a Yukata.

The view from one of my favourite cafes Mare.

This crocodile is often sighted in the waters of Lake Kyuzuru, silently he waits for his unsuspecting prey.

Teaching the basics of how to ski, best to start them young.

Sayonara parties

2006-07-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

Sayonara Elementary schools.

The lack of postings are due to an enormous amount of goodbye parties going on. Two years in Japan is rapidly coming to an end and it is time to say farewell to all the amazing people I met and children I have taught. I am so happy I came to Japan and experienced this fascinating culture. It is definitely going to be a difficult to leave.

I still have two and half weeks left so this is by no means the end of mamfainjapan.

Sayonara UFO ladeeeeez!

Sayonara to Mitch's bump and grindin!

Sayonara to the stitchers and the bitches.

Sayonara to my bestest friends.

Sayonara to UFO

The Big Smoke

2006-07-06T03:08:00.000-07:00

The skyscrapers of Shinjuku

Kelly and I took ourselves off to Tokyo for one last trip before we leave. We caughty the night bus there and arrived in the city at 5.45am!!! After fueling on coffee and dumping our bags at the hostel we headed for Ginza, where we saw some lovely gold shoes in Zara...more on those later. In the Sony Centre there was a Beatles in Tokyo 1966 photography exhibition, this was the first of three exhibitions we saw over the weekend. Some interesting photographs by a Japanese photographer. Inspired by these photos we felt the need to see more so headed over to Ebisu to look at the World Press Photo's and Woman of Many faces exhibition.

After taking in one cultural sight in the morning, the Shrine at Asakusa near our hostel, that left sunday to shopping and eating, great. I of course bought the gold shoes from Zara... they were in the sale and they are strappy so therefore won't take up much room in my suitcase!

Fab trip and just about survived Monday after taking the night bus back.

Kelly contemplates the bright lights of Shinjuku.

Sam and Kelly with having a night cap in the woman only bar.

Steaming incense at the shrine in Asakusa.

Whilst wandering around Shinjuku we spied this bar attracted by the cool interior we decided to have a drink, it turned out to be a women only bar. Interesting concept especially when you want a quiet drink without letchy men!

J Boy hairstyles.

Stitch and bitch weekender

2006-06-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

The girls in the strange bar.

This weekend the Stitch and Bitch crew headed north to Kanazwa. As with most nights when a large group of girls are involved it turned into a smashing night. Luckily, in the restaurant we went to we were given our own private room because the engrish menu created loud hysterics from most of the party. We also had to do the obligatory banzai at the end ( a loud Japanese tradition which involves lots of cheering). Unsure of where to head after dinner we asked the waiter, one of them kindly offered to escort to a "disco". Tilly, Caitlin and I were the first three to enter the bar, immediately clocking the man in drag sat at the bar, backing out we consulted with the rest of the crew that we simply had to have one drink in this bar. Well, we made this bar's night, the definitely male waiter ushered us to a table then appeared two minutes later with his red "dj" jacket on, he immediately took to the decks and bust out some good ole rock and roll sixties tunes. The owner offered us all three drinks for a fiver along with free food and ice cream was offered at one point, our drinks waiter "Caserine" with big poodle perm and high waisted trousers was definitely on his/her way to the female side promptly brought over our drinks from the two hegirls at the bar. The dj then brought the mood down by spinning some slow dance tracks and the owner of the bar rounded up any available, definitely male men to slow dance with a few of the Stich and Bitch girls. Spot light on miss Tilly Gore.

No knitting took place throughout the night only good times and much hilarity.

Waiter, waiter, there's a fly in my soup. It's amazing how the beer goggles create such arty photos.

I am the walrus.

This was just one of the many humorous translations on the menu.

Caitlin, Tania and Tilly in the Chopstick restaurant.

The party games begin, Caitlin's expression says it all, " What is Sarah B humming?"

Yaaaay arrival in Kanazawa.

Sarah H and Nic Coombes

Get on, get on, get on your groovy train.

Amanda and Tilly with their culinary delights.

Home from Home photo exhibition

2006-06-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Kelly and I recently organised an exhibition of our photos from Japan and Europe. We displayed them in a local organic cafe, where the owner Goru makes the most fabulous taco's and brown bread, which is a luxury in Japan. All prints are for sale please contact me if you are interested.

Japan Shrines

2006-06-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Nakano Shrine, Sabae

Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Abstract

2006-06-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Pebbles

Icy Puddle

Flowers

2006-06-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tulip

Lily

Portraits

2006-06-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Mitch looking shifty.

Mr T

Girl with bubbles

Gangsta Sam

Scotland

2006-06-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Plockton Palm Tree

Plockton Railway line

Eilean Dunon castle in the West Highlands

Exhibition Photos Lanterns

2006-06-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Green lantern

Stripey lantern

Blue Lantern

Get yer English cakes here!

2006-06-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Tilly and I with our not quite so silent partner, let's just say he wasn't shy about putting his tuppance worth in!!

Last weekend Tilly and I embarked on our cake baking marathon to sell at the fleamarket. This time we thought we had cracked making more of a profit by buying in bulk. Unfotunately this wasn't the case, perhaps because of the time of year and it being a nice day on Sunday the footfall at the fleamarket was down, sales were slow. We didn't beat our record in February and sell out in 2 hours. We did make some profit thankfully, and I bought a top from the stall next to us for 50p, can't say fairer than that!

Roll up, roll up get yer Flapjacks, banana cakes, carrot cakes ere!

The english cake stall once again makes an appearance at the local fleamarket.

2006-06-09T02:51:00.000-07:00

I recently went cutting edge with my ikebana and was allowed to freestyle the whole display, it's all about the triangles this season, daaaaahling.

We had a bbq at the watering hole last weekend to celebrate Mitch and Tilly's birthday and numpty here only went and left her camera at home! So these photo's are a selection of the beautiful sunny days we have been having and some of my ikebana displays. I am hoping that with all the weddings I will have to attend next year oney of you will ask me to do your table flower displays!!! Email me and we can talk flowers!

Junes attempt, I love those big purple rounded flowers I'm not sure what they are called in English though. Anyone? Anyone?...

Yellow flowers

That be my house yonder.

Fukui meets Papa San

2006-05-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Papa san celebrates his arrival in Fukui with a big fat juicy asparagus.

After arriving in Osaka, I took Papa san to Kyoto for three days and then we headed on up to the bright lights of Fukui. Where we spent the remainder of his trip checking out the local sights.

A good time was had by all, thanks for making the trip out here Papa San.

The two father's finally meet.

Dad blinds the rest of Fukui Ken with his white legs.

Small Papa san big Buddha

Tara and Dad enjoy sampling the traditional Okonomiaki dish at Konomi restaurant in Sabae.

Papa san says a little prayer in the Pagoda at Katsuyama.

Papasan hits Kyoto

2006-05-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

Papasan at the Golden Temple, it's all about the bling bling!

Ginkakuji gardens, Kelly and Tara surrounded by very green things.

Ryoan ji zen rock garden.

Shoes marvelous shoes!

Yasaka Jinja entrance to Maruyama Park Dad's first day in Japan this shot was taken from a distance so that you don't see the matchsticks propping open his eyelids.

Sam and Papasan at the Silver Pavillion, last stop of the day, feeling templed out.

Dad struggles to make a decision as to which path to take.

Inari Shrine

Car Rally 2006

2006-05-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago it was the great 2006 Car Rally. This year we were one member down, Tilly, Flick and I went as the kids from Fame. Which was great for me it meant lots of photo opportunities for mega posing and fame leaps everywhere! Once again we came in 7th place, which was the same as last year, not bad for three hot chicks!

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Vicky visits Japan

2006-04-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

The steps up to Ojima apparently this island is haunted, not sure why though.

An old school friend came out to Japan to visit me last weekend, we packed a lot in the 5 days she was here. I showed her the wonderful sights of Fukui and Sabae then at the weekend we headed up to Nigata Prefecture to a ski area called Naeba for some spring time boarding. The area was pretty big and the snow was slushy it was still wonderful to be on the board. The last run down was quite sad because that was the last day of snowboarding in Japan for the time being.

Vicky arrived just intime to see the beautiful sakura.

This is a view from the island of Tojimba which is the number one rock spot to go to in Fukui, apparently. Personally I am not so sure.

Vicky braces herself against the strong winds on Oshima Island.

Cherry Blossom in Fukui

A temple in Sabae hidden by cherry blossom

Sam and Vicky on the lift in Naeba

Divine Cake

2006-04-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

The crazy Japanese sea.

I have been unable to post photo's on this blog for a couple of weeks so these are a mish mash of what I have been up to recently. Sam and I drove out to the coast a couple of weeks ago and it was freezing, really gray and the sea looked very uninviting.

I see no ships! This was late snow at the end of March.

Laura and I celebrate that Friday feeling with Hot Chocolate and fabulous cakes.

Brrrrrr bit nippy!

The amazing strawberry tart, so sad it was devoured in minutes!

Bag it up!

2006-03-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

The lack of postings recently are due to me knitting away like a little ole granny! That's right, Bag number 2 has been delived safe and sound to the shores of England and being carried in the hands of number 1 fashionista Miss Lindsay Johnston!

I am now working on bag number 3, but with only 4 months left here in Japan time is running out. Knit one purl one anyone?

Sumo

2006-03-21T03:44:00.000-08:00

The Dohyo.

As my time in Japan draws to an end I am trying to cram in as many cultural must do and see as possible. This weekend I ticked off watching a sumo tournament from my list. The sport of sumo takes place in a ring called Dohyo which is about 15 feet in diametre. Above the ring a roof is hung from the ceiling which is supposed to represent a Shinto Shrine. The sumo players enter the ring and spend about 4 minutes psyching each other out and stretching , these movements are to cleanse the sumo players mind and body. Each player also scatters salt to purify the ring.

The actual wrestling is over in about 10 seconds, but all the ritual and glaring helped to build up the anticipation within the crowd. Exciting stuff especially when those heavy weights wrestled off the Dohyo and landed on a spectator who paid good money for those front row seats.

Unfortunately I lost 250 yen betting with Mr Baldwin, he bought himself a sumo mug with his winnings, alright for some!

Tania and I calm our nerves with some asahi beer.

The dohyo-iri "entering the ring" ceremony.

The ritual of glaring at each other.

Strrrrretch.

Goodbye Winter, hello Spring.

2006-03-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

Heeeeuge tree near Shrine.

On a recent walk surveying the land near my apartment I took the time to capture these photo's. Most of them are taken at the shrine which I find is a nice place to go and do some serious soul searching!

Let there be light.

Water scoops for the holy water.

A traditional Japanese house

Snow covered rice paddies.

The Great British Bake Sale

2006-02-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

Igirusu no keki, sold out shot.

Way back in October Tilly and I came up with an idea on how to make some extra dosh. This idea turned into reality last week when we embarked on selling British cakes at the local flea market.
Saturday saw us baking solidly from 1pm till 11.30pm, with a break for a walk to get some vino! Which of course fuelled us for the evening of baking, bagging cakes and labelling alongwith copious amounts of giggling. Not sure whether this was from exhaustion or the realisation of how mental this idea had become.
We had the ole union jack spread out on the table and put our vast selection of cakes on the table at 10am on Sunday morning, scones with jam and cream, flapjacks, butterfly cakes, shortbread and carrot cake. Many of the Japanese bargain hunters were intrigued by the stall, not sure whether it was just to come and stare at the two gaiijin girls or have a good feel of all the cakes. The flapjacks were slow to go mainly because this was a completely new cake to the punters, however once we put some samples out they soon went. By 12.30pm we had sold out, we even had to disappoint a few people at the end who were hoping to purchase a few cakes.
After deducting the ingredient expenses and cost of flea market we made a tidy profit. This was our trial day and we have decided to have another stall in May and refine our marketing skills and bulk buy the ingredients.

Butterfly cakes.

Tilly prepares the sign which will draw in our punters.

Delia and Nigella watch out, Sam Leyton future domestic godess!

Snowy watering hole.

2006-02-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Blinded by white snow and bright sun.

Samboy took me on a surprise excursion a couple of weeks back, we went snowshoeing down to the beloved watering hole. The place that gives us all so much refreshment in the hot summer months looked exquisite covered in snow.

Rice paddies which are usually out of bounds for the majority of the year suddenly become accessible to walk across with snowshoes. This open ups places to visit which would be completely blocked by snow.

It was amazing to think as we stomped around, that only a few months back we had been camping and swimming in that very spot, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

For 70,000 yen (the cost of repairing my car) I told Sam I would go in for a swim, always the sensible one he didn't go for it!

Sam Boy stands on what would be the road down to the watering hole.

The fabulous watering hole in winter.

Rice paddies now become accessible.

Activities, activities

2006-01-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Brandon and Sam stride out on the cross country track.

Having been a snow lover since the age of four, I am always willing to take part in any snow related activity. The past couple of weekends I have been partaking in a spot of cross country skiing and snow shoeing and obviously the usual... snowboarding.

Sam and I were first introduced to cross country skiing on our first ever date 5 years ago, back then there was more on our minds than refining our styles! However, the honeymoon period is now over and this time round we concentrated on perfecting our technique. Our downhill skills still need to be worked on, everytime we get to a steep hill we assume the extreme"snowplough" position in the hope of being able to stop. Unfortunately we still wipe out at the bottom of the hill.

Snow shoeing activity number two, again this is a sport I tried out in Canada. This activity opens up a whole new world, places that are blocked off by snow suddenly become accessible with snowshoes. Sam and I trampled around the rice paddies and walked down to the beautiful watering hole. More on that later...

Back to snowboarding, on Sunday thanks to Sam's media "contacts" he managed to blag two free tickets to Ski Jam to watch a rail contest. This rail is no ordinary rail, it's apparently the longest in Japan. The snowboarder who managed to stay on for the longest got to 47metres, unfortunately we arrived just as he was hitting the rail so didn't manage to capture it on film. I was impressed with all their efforts even the ones who fell off it at the start.

See me glide.

Snowshoeing a sport thought to be popular amongst people named Sam.

A rare sighting of the male Sam, note the preditary pose.

The longest rail in Japan.

Spin out

2006-01-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

After 10 years of driving I experienced my first ever crash recently. Whilst heading for a ski area to get a spot of snowboarding in, I skidded on compacted snow and ice and lost control of the car. We swerved across the road and eventually spun into a snow wall causing some damage to the left side of my car.

Luckily there were no other cars coming and we were all bracing ourselves preparing for the impact. That rock in the corner of the photo is what we hit, damn that rock!

This photo was taken after the bump, I am laughing out of shock and Sam is laughing because he took the brunt of the impact. The damage doesn't really look that bad in the photo but the car has now been in the garage for a week so it's not looking good. At this time I am still waiting to find out the cost of the repairs, lets hope it's not too expensive.

We didn't want the crash to spoil our day so decided to continue onwards for some snowboard action.

Home sweet Home

2006-01-13T01:40:00.000-08:00

The New 27 year old Sam Leyton, also Happy Birthday to this blog it's 1 year old now.

I have returned back to Japan and just as well really, all that festive eating and drinking was beginning to take it's toll on my 27 year old body!
Spending Christmas day at home was fabulous, eating all that great British food and of course opening millions of pressies.
Whilst at home family Leyton took a trip up Plockton which is near Skye, I really recommend this area to anyone visiting Scotland. We had a brilliant time, hiking around the various beaches and of course sampling the local produce in the hotel we stayed in.

Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire at dusk with a reflection of the sky in the pond.

Plockton on the west coast of Scotland.

Big Sister Sophie.

Jack Frost has been out and about in this area of Scotland.

Snow bloody Snow!

2005-12-14T01:14:00.000-08:00

The hardcore crew

I never thought I would say this, but the snow is really beginning to annoy me. I think Sam and I may have jinxed ourselves because we said we wanted to stay in Fukui for the snow, however this snow has trapped us in Fukui ken. All trains have been cancelled and the highway has been closed. As I type this, the lorries are queued up in the laybys, wouldn`t want to be one of them tonight. Fortunately we have managed to change our flight to Friday, so fingers crossed the snow will stop tomorrow and we will be able to get a train to Osaka. On a more positive note, on Sunday I hit the slopes for the first time this season. It was great to be back on the board. Although I think I may need to work on the old thighs as they were a bit stiff on Monday. There was a break in the clouds at one point and for the first time in weeks we saw some sunshine. Apparently it`s supposed to snow for a week and its coming from good ole Russia, so who knows if I`ll ever make it home........

Chris, Yoshi and Sam

Laura, Yoshi and a little bug!

Samsquared with his and her boards.

The wonderful view from Izumi.

Nabe Bash

2005-12-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday Kelly and I had a joint birthday dinner, we ate a Japanese dish called Nabe, which is a bit like a stew but more watery and you cook everything at the table in a big pot. Copious amounts of wine were drunk, not by me of course. The cake was massive and the 51 was Kelly's age and my age added together.

I got to open a few pressies early which was great because I love presents, me! My actual birthday is not for another week so you all have plenty of time to go out and get me one.

The wine starts to kick in for the boys. Chef Takayuki is in the middle.

My amazing birthday card made by Michelle.

Eating Japanese style in my living room from left to right, Takayuki, Brad, Keith, Michelle, Mitch, Yuka, Kelly.

Mirror, mirror on the wall who has the fairest pair of them all?

Cutting the huge cake.

Ikebana

2005-12-07T03:38:00.002-08:00

Nobody told me that I have mega side boards! Thanks a lot! Me ikebanering.

I have recently take up a new hobby. Japanese Ikebana which is flower arranging. Apparently it has its roots in ancient Shinto rituals, Buddhist practice and a Japanese aesthetic that balances three components to create a dynamic image. Anyway it's all about the form darling and how one presents it. The three styles are supposed to represent sky, earth and humankind.

The display you see in my photo is the noribana (heaped flowers) the three white twigs are supposed to represent the father, mother and child in a harmoneous balance. The middle section is freestyle, ie anything goes.

So anyone requiring some fancy flower displays this Christmas, you know who to call!

Tilly girl freestyling her display.

Sensei's effort.

Kate listens to some words of wisdom.

My effort...

News News

2005-11-29T03:09:00.000-08:00

I know, my dear readers it has been a while since I posted anything but I have been busy at work finishing the knitted clutch bag! Yes, in the seven months since I have joined the exclusive stitch and bitch I have made two scarfs (one of which went on a journey around the world, all on it's own and then came back to Japan! But that's another story...) and the clutch!

So now I can knit and purl! Martha Stewart watch you back!

Friday night was the bag's first outing and it was quite a hit with the gentlemen and of course the ladies!

Coming soon my attempt to arrange flowers Japanese style! Bet you can't wait!

2005-11-29T03:05:00.000-08:00

Sam and Sam enjoy the knitted bag!

Okay so to the hawk eyes amongst you the lining is not actually finished yet but it gives you the idea.

Flick and one of my adult students Hajime model the bag!

Autumn colours

2005-11-15T04:37:00.000-08:00

This is a common site around Japan this time of year, these huge radishes are called Daikon. Nice shredded on salad not so nice boiled, according to Sam Boy they taste like farts?!

The autumnal colours are almost all dropping off the trees but I managed to get out and about today with my camera and snap some of the few remaining red and yellow leaves.

Bring on the snow, bring on the snow!

There are heaps of dragonflies flying around at the moment, in Japanese they are called Tombo.

Some nice red leaves.

Precious!

2005-11-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Two Hobbits in search of the ring, on their merry way to Mordor!

Hakusan

2005-11-06T23:11:00.000-08:00

I think perhaps I am not supposed to climb Mount Hakusan. The weather forecast was guaranteed sunshine...

Our merry group of five met at 7.15am on Thursday, some black clouds loomed over head. Still always the optimists we pushed on. We started the climb in some light drizzle, by the time we had made it to 1700 metres it was lightish verging on heavy. The view was... well grey and visibility was.. well none!

I felt like a little mountain goat trotting up the paths through the rain. We had a pit stop in a mountain hut where some fellow goats, I mean hikers were snacking on some lunch. Here we had a quick snack and decided to continue on even though by now the rain was lashing it down! Fools, springs to mind! We hiked for another 40 minutes and reached a treacherous ridge, with sleet upon us we decided that maybe this wasn't such a great idea and about turned.

The descent down reminded me of when I was 8 and my parents made me climb Scarfel Pike, it pissed it down, and all the Leyton Family had to wear for waterproofs were some shorts and those blue 80's cagoules! The promise of a hot bath and fish and chips made the journey down bearable. This time the promise of an onsen and hot chocolate made me power back down that mountain, hence why I can hardly walk today!

Hakusan is 2700m the highest in Fukui prefecture and perhaps on the next clear day I will scale this beast once again! But sitting here typing legs in agony, I'm not so sure!

Climbing the beast Hakusan

2005-11-06T23:06:00.000-08:00

The bridge we crossed, not really one to show yer Mother, hopefully she won't read this bit!

The crew Kelly, Keith, Yoshi and Laura

The View!

Spooooooky!

2005-11-01T02:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2005-11-01T02:44:00.000-08:00

Once again Halloween was upon me and that frantic search for a costume began. Inspired by some haunted looking make up in Vogue I decided to create a ghost/haunted chick/ mental patient look! No cutesy cats this year!

A couple of parties were on this year, we started off at Sarah Brodies house, where a lethal punch was offered to us as we arrived. After one glass I swiftly moved onto the vodka, lime and sodas.

The array of costumes was fabulous darling and a good time was had by all.

2005-11-01T02:40:00.000-08:00

Bat Girl and Joker get ready to spook out!

The freaky faces from Halloween.

The Gangster and his haunted chick!

The Great Gismondi will predict the future.

Puppies give me puppies!

Boobs on film!

2005-10-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

I'm a ladeee don't you know!

Definitely the PE teacher look!

Oh Lewis, really!

Miss Gore shows us her luxurious cleavage!

Laura admires her new triple F's!

2005-10-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

This young ladeee perfects the pout for her portfolio!

2005-10-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

Miss Anna hailing from our very own United Kingdom!

Glamour Girls

2005-10-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

The hot summer nights are over and the chill of winter is almost upon us. For the next couple of months whilst we all wait for the snow to arrive, most weekends are filled up with watching DVD's.

This weekend was one of those apart from Saturday night...

After a merry night out in Ono, we sat giggling in Sam's living room planning our future careers as glamour models. A birthday present from the girls to Sam has enabled us to potentially be the next page 3 model!

Check out these pics, I leave it for you to decide who should go forward for Miss Big Tits 2005!

2005-10-16T05:38:00.001-07:00

The A Bomb Dome

2005-10-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Sam Squared in front of the Red Tori gate.

Hiroshima

2005-10-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

For the third time in the space of a month we had another long weekend here in Japan land. This long weekend a group of us chose to head to Hiroshima. I was amazed at how vibrant this city has become after the devastating destruction of it in 1945 from the atom bomb.

We headed to a Sake festival on the Saturday afternoon, for the grand sum of 1500 yen, (about 7 pounds) we were given a small sake cup, similar size to an egg cup and one of you lucky buggers will be getting it for Christmas! We wandered round the many sake stalls sampling Sake from regions all over Japan. Some tasted alright others were simply foul, almost like drinking paint stripper! Unfortunately the Fukui regions sake was so popular it had sold out by the time we got round to sampling it. Needless to say after an afternoon of drinking we all retired to bed early.

On Sunday we took a 70 minute tram ride to an island called Miya-jima, which has a beautiful shrine on water called Itsukushima-jinja. This island was also home to some cheeky map eating deer and don't look em in the eye monkies. After taking in the beautiful red tori gate standing in the water, we decided it would be nice to take a stoll. Obviously none of our party really read the energetic hike part in the guide book about Misen San the 530 metre mountain we were about to climb, so totally inappropriately dressed for it we started out on our "stroll". Let me describe what I was wearing, denim skirt, pink top, chinese slippers and a handbag. Bit too glamourous for a hike, and it did attract several raised eyebrows from the fully kitted out Japanese hikers we passed as I clambered over the rocks. We made it to the top and it really was worth our efforts for the view and of course seeing the colony of monkies.

We saved the Peace Musuem for the last day and just as well really because it was quite harrowing and we left Hiroshima feeling quite somber. The only surviving building from the bomb is A bomb dome, which was at the centre of the blast. It's ghostly structures serves as a powerful reminder of that day.

2005-10-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

The view from the top of our hike up Misen San.

2005-10-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

Laterns hang from the Itsukushima jinja shrine.

2005-10-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

The red tori gate at Miya Jima.

2005-10-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

Some silly antics on the train back to Hiroshima after the Sake festival, I don't have an enormous left ear and no they are not my hands.

2005-10-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

The sake helped to fuel my arty picture taking. This was one of the better ones.

2005-10-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

Tania, Tilly and Sam pose infront of the Kinki district billboard.

2005-10-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

Blurred vision meant any ole sake will do.

2005-10-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

The start of an afternoon's drinking session.

2005-10-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

Two five year olds ponder the task ahead of them at Sports Day.

Sports Day

2005-10-02T04:39:00.001-07:00

I have had the pleasure of attending two sports days here in Japan.The first one was at Sam`s junior high school. The sports day here is very different to what I experienced as a sports day, for a start the opening ceremony is almost equivilent in length to that of the Olympics!! The students stand in regimented rows listening to their head teacher, (not quite sure what was being said) for about three hours, well it felt like that to me. However,after all that dullness a bit of excitement came into play a flaming piece of wood zoomed down a zip wire to light the bowl of parrafin, ala Olympics styleee! Let the games begin.

One of the more unusual games had to be the Coke downing contest, this has got to be the next advert for Coke. This game would not have been allowed at Albyn School for Girls, imagine all those girls belching after the Coke, most unladylike!

The second sports I attended was my kindergarten sports day. Sam Sensei was the celebrity of the day, and asked to take part in the tug of war race. Pulling a piece of rope with a bunch of 5 year olds is probably about my level. I assigned to the losing team and made to stand at the back of the rope and pull. All those push ups final came into practice.

2005-10-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

My kindergarten class getting their hold on the rope, preparing for battle.

2005-10-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

The kindergarten sleigh race, oh if only they really were presents!

2005-10-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

Muscles saves the day.

2005-10-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

Sam sensei with my kindergarten posse.

2005-10-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

Always Coca Cola.

2005-10-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

The Soba eating race.

2005-10-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

This is the one similarity to my sports day, when we had to do Clan marching and walk round the 400m to the sound of Scottish pipers. I am not quite sure what these poor kids had to listen to.

2005-10-02T04:22:00.001-07:00

Whilst Sam boy supported the Red team.

2005-10-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

At Sam's school I supported the blue team.

2005-09-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

What a girl wants, what a girl needs.

Shoe, Shoes, Shoes

2005-09-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want, I wanna I wanna...

a pair of Manolo Blahniks...

Oh, one day.

Anyway in the meantime to keep you all updated on my shoes obession I am lucky to have my own little shoe cupboard right by my front door. In Japan it is a tradition to take your shoes off at the front door and not wear any shoes in the house. So just as I am about to leave the house I can open up my shoe cupboard and select an appropriate pair. Since being in Japan the amount of shoes I have has, aherm slightly grown and I now cannot fit all shoes in shoe cupboard. Not to worry I have plenty of other cupboards to fill!!

2005-09-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

My shoe cupboard. The new shoes are top row, pink ones from Perth Australia and on far right purple tweed ones from Hong Kong, middle row, silver ones from Melbourne Australia, green ones from Sabae Flea Market, Japan. Bottom row slipper ones on left from Hong Kong, blue slipper ones from Dubai present from Laura.

2005-09-25T23:26:00.001-07:00

A shoe market I found in Seoul, Korea, bliss!

2005-09-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

So all that nagging from Dad about taking my shoes off before entering the house really did mean something!

2005-09-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

My wonderful hosts Cousin Jamie and Sue Ellen.

Final stop Perth

2005-09-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

Perth, home of Cousin Jamie and Sue Ellen.
I really was treated like the princess that I am during my time in Perth, thoroughly spoiled. We headed down to Margaret River for some wine tasting, emu spotting and sneaking up on kangaroos to try and get a snap of them. Not having seen my cousin Jamie for 5 years and this trip being the first time I had seen him in his own country, it became apparent that he is an avid wild emu spotter. Most of the tour of Margaret River was spent chasing these wild emu's. Cousin Jamie became quite upset when I failed to take a photo of a herd of these wild bird's running across a hill side, (They were just tiny spots on the hillside, so it wasn't really worth it). Mental note not to upset Cousin Jamie when it comes to seeing this erm, interesting creatures!

Anyway I digress, I was taken to some amazing beaches and sampled many fine wines, cakes and of course shrimps on the barbie. I even purchased some photographs by a local photographer to remind me of my time here, check out http://www.christianfletcher.com.au for his amazing landscape photographs.

Sue Ellen is a girl after my own heart, a shoe lover like myself she took me to some fabulous shops for shoes and clothes. Rounded off with a hot chocolate, absolute heaven. It really was quite difficult for me to pack my suitcase and leave, my hosts were so good and the accommodation top notch. I think I'll just have to go back again. Maybe once peanut is old enough to be taken to see his first ballet!

2005-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Now, here we have a koala with a very rare type of bird, known as a Leyton Bird. These birds are almost nearing extinction there are only two left on the planet.

2005-09-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

Me and my friend Big Bubba the wombat, weighing in at 32kilos!! That's a forced smile by the way.

2005-09-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

The boat ramp at Geographe Bay

2005-09-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

One of Cousin Jamie's beloved emus.

2005-09-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Cousin Jamie and Cousin Sam in front of Perth City.

2005-09-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Letterboxes in Underwood.

The first Leyton to step onto Australian soil.

2005-09-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, a member of the Leyton family made it to Tasmania. My Aunty Sue, Uncle Michael and Cousin Fiona all live in Tasmania and it was great to see where they lived. I also got to meet Fiona's children Emily, Anna and Namoi my second cousins for the first time.
As I flew into Tasmania I was amazed at how similar the landscape looked to Scotland. I didn't realise it would also have the same weather temperatures as Scotland. My relatives told me it was a particular cold week for Tassie, it was freezing! Most nights got down to minus two, (glad I took my bedsocks and nightcap!) and in the daytime it stuck at around10 degrees. I was gutted I didn't have more time because I could have got in some snowboarding. Another time perhaps.

Regardless of the weather I was shown around Tassie by my trusty tourguides, the Armes Family. We visited the very eerie Port Arthur where the convicts where taken if they reoffended. We went into the separate prison where the real nutters lived and stepped into a solitary confinement cell which had really thick stone walls and was completely black. I think the complete darkness would be enough to send anyone mad. I went on a ghost tour of the old courts and prison in Hobart with Cousin Fiona and Nelson. Fiona and I insisted that Nelson walk behind us at all times, I am not sure who we were more scared of, the ghosts of the convicts or the tourguide who looked like an escaped convict. He insisted on talking with his flashlight held under his eyes to give him a more menacing stare. Thank god, there was an eight year old boy on our tour who managed to keep it quite light hearted with his constant questions.

A week went by far too quickly and it was time to pack my bags and head to my next destination...

2005-09-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Uncle Michael and Aunty Sue share a moment in front of Richmond Bridge.

2005-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Luckily my trusty steed was quite a slow horse and didn't gallop off into the Tasmanian bush with me.

2005-09-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

Daddy, daddy please can I have a pony?

2005-09-08T21:11:00.001-07:00

The Gorge in Launceston, just gorgeous!

2005-09-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Whilst the ladies get snap happy, the men chill it right down with a bottle of white.

2005-09-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Anna gets into the market spirit by having her face painted.

2005-09-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Salamanca market, Cousin Fiona on the left, Aunty Sue on the right.

2005-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Naomi after waking up from forty winks.

2005-09-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Emily and Anna sporting the latest fashion craze in Japan.

2005-09-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Me with Isobelle, Anna and Emily.

2005-09-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

Hello, join me in Melbourne city.

Melbourne

2005-09-07T04:25:00.000-07:00

I have almost been back in Japan for 3 weeks and I still haven't finished writing about Australia...
My last leg of travelling on my ownsome lonesome was spent in Melbourne, where I lived it up in a boutique hotel called the Prince in St Kilda, yeah baby! After roughing it in hostels I thought a glamourpuss like moi needed some pampering. The hotel should have really been called the Princess, because that's what I am!
Melbourne itself was nice, by this point in the trip I had kind of got a bit fed up of wandering around on my own, with only me to talk to. Sometimes I can be so boring! I had to amuse myself by buying shoes! Well, retail therapy never did anyone any harm did it?
Melbourne had a fantastic market Queen Victoria Market, which sold a variety of food. I feasted on huge dates and brought loads of fresh fruit for a cheap price, it was great. After not having seen much foreign food for almost a year I found myself staring at the hummus and wrapped vine leaves for what seemed like a long time. Mmmmmmm hummus!

2005-09-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

St Kilda's beach home to little penguins and water rats, must of been too cold when I was there didn't see either.

2005-09-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

St Kilda street, perfect for strolling and soaking up the sea breeze.

2005-09-07T04:15:00.000-07:00

Melbourne City, the funny building in the foreground is the controversial Federation Square. I personally think it's quite fitting and lends itself well to the various galleries surrounding it.

2005-09-07T04:11:00.000-07:00

A pier that seemed to go on forever in St Kilda, Melbourne.

2005-08-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

Sydney Bridge.

Brightlights of Brisvegas and Sunny Sydney

2005-08-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

I arrived into Brisbane quite late and headed straight to the hostel. Being typically British I stumbled around in the dark in the loft style dorm room trying to locate a bed, and not disturbing the sleeping bodies in the room. I settled down to some serious kip but was rudely awakened a couple of hours later by some loud British girls! I pulled down my eyemask and tut tutted, finally they went to sleep. I slowly started to drift off, until...SNORING!!! The girl at the end of my bed was snoring. Great start to Brisbane.

Things looked up when Cameron, a guy I used to work with in Japan offered to be my tour guide. It got even better when he rescued me from the hostel when I found out it had mice! Mice aside, Brisbane was a great city and reminded me somewhat of Vancouver. I enjoyed strolling around the riverside paths and looking at all the city workers dressed in winter coats and boots, even though it was around 25 degrees! I guess it is winter for them.

I moved onto Sydney 3 days later, where I met up with a girl I had lived with in Vancouver. Terri was on top form and cracked open the wine and nibbles as soon as I walked in the door, my kinda girl! Tezza lives in a suburb of Sydney called Manly, I spent most of Saturday and Sunday checking this area out. I spent most of Monday just meandering around the city and it was great to finally see the Opera House and Bridge.

Dreadfully sorry to all those people I didn't manage to catch up with in Sydney, next time I guess.

2005-08-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

Infront of Manly beach. Note for mother, I am holding my camera case not cigarettes!

2005-08-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

An empty street very close to Sydney bridge.

2005-08-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

The Opera House.

2005-08-31T04:37:00.001-07:00

A traditional Sydney style house, reminds me a bit of the houses in Clifton Village, Bristol.