6 months post asia

No don't worry Asia is still there, perhaps the title should be "Asia: 6months post James" but that implies im writing on behalf of the whole of Asia. And Asia is such a vague description anyway - invented so that Extreem examples of American Introverts can describe the areas of the world that are not "America","Europe","Ocean" or "Eye-raq".

It's been 6months now since I sampled Air France food on the return flight from Japan. A lot has happened though not as much as I would have liked, mostly because I haven't done it yet. You could say that there is never enough time but maybe there are always more things to enjoy would be more optimistic.

My chinese is still pretty basic but I have improved my vocabulary slightly, I've made dumplings on several occasions and Gong Bao Ji Ding (have a search through the blog if you want to know more) went down a treat for a family meal.

I have kept in touch with many new friends from my travels, though to my shame I have neglected some that I should have worked harder to keep. I am lucky others have done some of that work for me. So many dreams and ideas seem to have died, yet new ones have sprung up in their place.

Right now I am missing the searing heat of a Manila Sun and the taste of fried sweet snack from the muslim quarter of Xi'an. But I am also Happy to be working with good people around me and great people to share a home with - and greatful for so much more.

Hui Jia, Air France, Using Chopsticks

No, I haven't joined a buddhist monastry in the foothills of mount Fuji. I have returned home.

Air France was a bizare experience, with serious indecision by both cabin crew and passengers on wether French Japanese or English was the best language to address me in. Though, air france definately wins the airplane food that is closest to edible award.

And finally, using chopsticks. Hold one chopstick firmly between a curved thumb and third finger. Hold the second chopstick between first and second finger. By moving the second chopstick (not the first) grab the noodles, pull upwards, spill vegetables and soup over you lap, curse quietly and ask for a knife and fork.

"Fuwuyuan, Wo bu keyi yong Quazi!"

Kamakura + Shibuya

Go for a day trip to Kamakura, peaceful and pleasant, with a million temples sitting in some lovely gardens. Oh and a huge Buddha, completely without his house that was washed away by a Tsunami.

Shibuya at night is probably the most filmed section of Toyko, as lite up and crowded as Shibuya Tokyo at night... it`s its own simile really.

Have you gone totally Tokyo?

Crowded markets in Asakusa Toyko, the extreemly polite people of Japan even get close to pushing their way past.














Head out to Shibuya on a Sunday and see crowds of people, some dressed up some with cameras up, and plenty of street performers and artists. Want to get something for free in Japan`s Temple to Consumers? How about a free hug from a choice of vendors.

Philosophical Walk

If you are sick of sakura and tired of trudging around, then don`t take a philosophical philosopher`s walk in east Kyoto.

Each end of the walk is a crowded affair, dodge group photographs and avoid or give in to temptation from one of many snack shops. There are some more peaceful spots along the way and a few artists can be found sketching or painting. In on case, playing a flute.

Fushimi Kyoto - the Red Arches

Fushimi, south east Kyoto a long way down the river and you get to one of the most famous shrines going. A very pleasant walk especially with the sunshine make criss cross dampled patterns along the path, with some amazing views of Kyoto at the top.




oh and a wee pond

Kyoto in Bloom

Late March and early April are Cherry Blossom (sakura) time. In Kyoto they light up temples and streets at night.

During the day a cycle along the riverside under the cherry trees is a pleasant thing to do.

No More Pictures: Kyoto

I really doubt it, here for your viewing pleasure are a few more photos:

More Kyoto

Northwest Kyoto a short bicycle trip south from the Golden Pavilion is one of Kyotos many temples Ninnaji. The grounds are nice and the buildings impressive, but pay the 500Yen and get into the Palace grounds.

The buildings are linked by many wooden walkways, allowing you to wander around between the ornamental gardens. The feel of wooden boards through your socked feet.



A nearby lake is a pleasant place to sit and read, or just sit. The last photo is included just because it looks cool.

Golden Pavilion and Night Temple Kyoto

The Golden Pavilion is short but very sweet. Head down to Gion at night and wander around a temple lit up beautifully.

Kyoto and the toilet sink combo

A criss cross of old streets and new houses, packed with more shrines and temples than an illustrated guide to budhism, Kyoto sits somewhere in the Centre of Japan feeling old yet trendy.

I will be here for another two weeks, so expect a lot more on Kyoto and an explanation of the toilet sink combo... tune in next time.

Below are some photos from Nijo Castle or Nijojo

5 Star Stay - Hiroshima

A reason to put Hiroshima onto your plan in Japan is Miyajima, one of the three best scenic spots in the country (the previous view expressed is not that of the blogger, just the tourist guide map you get at the door). It is good, an island with superlative views from the top of the hills, shrines, monkeys and more.

Another is if you have Japanese friend`s in Hiroshima that meet you on arrival at the airport and let you stay over - not for just one night but the whole time you are there. Top class accomodation and hospitality, sleep in a traditional room on the 15th and also top floor of an appartment block.

I have become used to eating some slightly strange food while I have been travelling. Jelly fish, duck neck (nibbled rather than eaten) "a" chicken foot and now from Miyajima some raw oysters. Okonomyaky (spelling maybe inaccurate and should be confirmed before copying) tastes delicious and is a speciality of Hiroshima.

My Japanese hosts, Miki and Masao, also sampled some famous "Sheppard`s Pie" cooked by my own simple self for a small dinner party they had. A highlight of my trip as it was enjoyed.

thanks M+M