For a Life Less Ordinary.
So that’s it. The trip is over, and i’m back at home. I didn’t escape the jet lag this time round, but not to worry. The flight was fine and on time. For old times sake, I rinsed the drinks trolley once again. Perhaps foolishly I ended up going out on the town on Friday night!
Well, it’s been an eventful few days!
On Wednesday I went on a Desert Safari excursion. Pickup was around lunchtime so I just lazed around the pool in the hotel again and watched a bit of TV. Days of Thunder was on – great film. I was picked up from the door in a Toyota Landcruiser. We had to go to another hotel to pick up another group, and from there it was off to the desert. Our particular spot was around 45mins drive. We stopped half way there to meet the other cars. Much to my surprise (and delight!) people were standing around shops eating and drinking. The locals had no issue with this (they were selling the stuff) so I stocked up. I must admit, I felt a little guilty standing drinking when they had to go all day in 45+ degree heat without a drop to drink!
Had a great day in Kobe yesterday – enjoyed the sunshine, had a look around the shops and then finished off the day in a bar, where we had a good laugh at the adventures of the last few weeks. Those big lockers in the train stations are extremely handy! From there it was on to the coach to the airport, where I sat at the back and enjoyed a nice can of Asahi beer while reflecting on the experiences of my trip.
Well…my time in Japan is as good as over! I can’t quite believe it’s the last day. My bags are all packed, and my passport and airline tickets provide a constant reminder that for today, all roads lead to the airport, and away from Japan.
Well last night was quite eventful! Was a crowd of about 15 of us. After quite a hunt to find a cash machine (helpful hint…go to 7 Eleven!!), we went to a few bars and then ended up in Kareoke. Rolled back into the hostel at around 4 am…excellent stuff.
Another early start today to make sure I got to Miyajima when the tide was in – which is important….all will be revealed. Weather has been fantastic yet again. Bumped into a couple of Austrian girls from my hostel on the way, so went over with them. The tram ride was around 45 mins. Arrived at the ferry with some time to spare so wandered into a cake shop to have a look..and end up buying a small cake, and the lady behind the counter ended up making me a present! It’s a paper crane….ever so slightly better than my effort last night! Ferry crossing only takes about 10 minutes and it takes you right past the famous floating Shinto gate, which isn’t really floating, but if you catch it at the right time of day its surrounded by the sea – quite a sight to behold. And that’s why you need to go when the tide is in.
Nagasaki was great, but I was ready to move to the next destination after 2 nights! Headed down to check out at 8am and the owner gave me a present! It’s a banner type piece of cloth, with Japanese writing on it. It’s pretty cool, although there are 4 possible ways that it could go…and I don’t know which on it is. I’m sure it will end up upside down and backwards when i put it on my wall back home. Made for the station…even then the sun was way up in the clear blue sky and it was once again roasting. The Limited Express to Hakata was only 15 minutes wait – great start. There’s that Japanese efficiency again.
So today would be my day of ‘proper’, jam-packed sightseeing in Nagasaki. I had prepared quite a list of activities, so I got up early. I slept very well on the Futon. The air con, or boilers, or something kept coming on every minute….thankfully I had some spare ear-plugs for when I decided that it was probably going to go on all night. Which it did.
Today I headed south of Kobe for the first time since coming to Japan. Very south in fact – off Honshu and into Kyushu to visit the first of the two A-Bomb cities on my itinerary: Nagasaki. At 6 hours, the trip down was a bit longer than I expected, but there was lots to take in. Plenty of idyllic city settings; large buildings offset against green country side, with the occasional Japanese roof poking out of the trees inbetween the built up areas.
ust stayed local today, had quite a long walk! Went down to the Pearl Bridge again and just sat for a while.
Went to a 100Yen plaza earlier, and it’s amazing what you can actually get for the money. We have “pound shops” over here but they suck. They 100yen stores are half the price and are infinitely better! I picked up 3 ties, a camera case (as I lost my other one!), and some souvenirs for under £5! Now that’s a bargain.
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