Neglect

Ooops, have left it quite long enough without an update....

Here are the highlights therefore of the last few weeks:

A late evening trip around the main places in Tokyo on the back of a motorbike. That was fun, and made a change from the monotony of trains.

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Have been meaning to visit this temple in Tokyo since I came out and was pleased I finally made the effort. It's a very beautiful escape from the concrete jungle and a nice reminder of Japan's history.

Watched Chiba Lotte Marines play baseball (and win). Didn't find the game thrilling, and didn't understand much for that matter, but the atmosphere, the friends, the beer and the chanting in Japanese (or attempt at) made up for that. Worth doing once.

Had a Barbeque by the river with lots of friends. Great day, and also very very hot.

Went away overnight and stayed in a log cabin in the countryside part of Tokyo prefecture. Yes I didn't believe that there was countryside within an hour of Tokyo, but apparently there is. Akikawa river in the mountains is very beautiful and again a scorching day, into the early 30s. aye aye aye. Got bitten three times by a monster mosquito and my ankle swelled up so much it was painful to walk for a few days and still after 2 weeks, I can still see the bites. hmph. Had a nice barbeque by the river though and overindulged as if it was Christmas.

Went to another rock gig, had fun.

Sumo!! Great, great day out. Fantastic to watch those fatboys wrestle. Started to understand the ceremony , rules, history, and etiquette of the whole event towards the end, which did add to the enjoyment of it. Got some great photos too which will show you soon....

That is about it, short but hopefully sweet. Will update this with photos asap but until then bye bye now.