OUT AND ABOUT IN WAKAYAMA

We are sorry that it has been so long between posts. We have been slack and we havn't done much travelling over the last couple of months. But we have been going out with our friends in Wakayama, so we have posted a few photos of our weekends.

These photos are from Jeff's Sayonnara weekend and Deep's Birthday, so i hope you enjoy, we are sorry Kaz and Heth.

We will try to keep posting more reguarly, love you all keep in touch, feel free to call or email us.

MT FUJI

Our Holiday is off and running!!!

Our first mission was to find Platty and at one of the busiest stations in Tokyo. He decided on the "West" exit as a meeting point. (Great Job Platty) After missing our train but finding Platty we headed for Fuji. Our trains made up time and we arrived for the Bus for the 5th station at around 7pm. We met an American named Aaron who was climbing alone and looking for a bit of company. He was a GEOS teacher in Japan and a top bloke. We got on the bus, excited but daunted of what lay ahead. At 8pm we arrived at the 5th station and at 8:20pm we took our before Fuji photo and headed off up the Mountain. It is said to be between a 5 to 9 hour climb. 45 minutes passed and we were at the 6th station of 10. Feeling good and energetic we pushed on and 30 mins later we were at the 7th.In what felt like no time at all, we were at what we thought was the 8th station. Our high spirits were about to be shattered. It was actually the emergency point for First aid coming down the mountain from the real 8th station. It was to be another 2 hrs before we reached the 8th station, now tired, cold and feeling like we had got know where we pushed on hoping it doesn't get any worse!! The trails kept going up and up into the clouds, somewhere along the way we managed to also lose Platty, we were all together with Platty leading a little in front. We told him to wait at the next station but "He kept going"!! We panicked and looked for 30 mins or so before deciding to go to the next station. Sure enough we found him. He wanted to get ahead of a tour group!! Thanks for that Pete!!

We finally were at the 9th station but 6.5hrs later and wet, cold and tired. We headed for the top.

Stuck in a tour group, wind blowing and rain 1.5hrs later we finally reached the Tori Gate Symbolising the gateway to the top. WE HAD MADE IT!! The time was 2am and sunrise was in 2hrs!! The Climb had taken the better half of 8hrs.

Cold and wet we managed to get into a small room where they were serving light meals for warmth. Then it happened. The crowd rose as one as the sky turned red as the sun stated to rise. Cold and tired we watched as the sun rose above the clouds. The feeling was amazing and we will never forget this experience. We were speechless with the beauty of what we were looking at. As night turned to day we began our descent around 5:30am an expected 4hr trip. Not sure if going down was that much easier, walking on loose stones and volcanic sand. Finally we were back at station 5 and took the after Fuji Photo. A noticeable difference to the photo taken before Fuji!! A total of 12hrs walking and no sleep we were there. At the bottom the drink machines were sold out and our bus was leaving. We got on the bus and made our way back to the Shinkansen for the 4hr trip to Kainan. It was a lot quieter trip home than it was there.

We decided we would sleep first and decide in the morning if we would go to Hiroshima or not!!

Enjoy the Photos of Fuji and continue reading about our trip.

HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima was one of the many places we have always wished to see in Japan. It was a fantastic place and lived up to all expectations. Even though we were exhausted from Fuji and with only 7 hours sleep in 3 days we traveled a predicted 2hr Shinkansen trip to Hiroshima. Of course we caught the wrong Shinkansen and 3hrs later we we in Hiroshima. We got our bearings and headed for the A-Dome site. It was Eire to see what was left of what once would of been a beautiful building. A few snap shots and a walk around we headed for the Children's peace memorial for Sadoku (the girl who tried to fold 1 thousand paper cranes) This was a sad p lace, knowing the story of how she died never making the 1000 and how people visit Hiroshima to this day, laying wreaths of cranes around the memorial.

Next the museum to have a look at some exhibits from the blast. It was sad to see what one bomb and act of war can do. I strongly suggest that everyone should visit Hiroshima and do the museum, memorial and A-Dome. It would make people realise the effects of war and help bring world peace. I feel like a bloody beauty queen (I wish for World Peace)

With the day running short and still know where to stay for the night we hit up information to find somewhere. Being Obon the entire city was booked out!!! no surprise since we had just learnt there was a massive fireworks show at Miajima Island that night. We decided to go and see what happened. It proved to be the right decision.

Enjoy the Photos of Hiroshima and read on to see what happens next!!

MIYA JIMA

Now realising that we had know where to sleep the night in Hiroshima but knowing that there was a festival at Miya-jima, we decided to go to the festival and worry about the sleeping situation later. On the train to the ferry we me an English couple Charles and Jenny who had just moved to Japan and were also headed for Miya-jima. We formed a group and the 5 of us headed off. There were around 250,000 people on the island so we were expecting something good. Miya-jima is famous for its large tori gate which has stood through countless natural disasters whilst everything else has been destroyed. There was to be a fireworks show above the tori. When the show stared we were speechless. It was something else. This show made Australia day and New Years combined look crap. The show lasted an hour in total and had music and commentary. It was amazing to watch what a real fireworks show is like. Still with know where to stay we headed of after the show. Turns out that Charles and Jenny had moved to Hiroshima and offered us their spare room for the night. Excellent!!

We waited in line for the ferry for 1.5 hrs or so and then after a light dinner crashed in the spare room. We rose early and left before Charles and Jenny were up, leaving them money and an Aussie souvenir to say thanks. We would see what was left of Hiroshima before heading home via Himeji Castle.

Enjoy pics.

HIMEJI CASTLE

On our way back from Hiroshima to Kainan we decided to stop at Himeji Castle. This castle is the last of the Original castles in Japan that has been kept in its original state. It made all other castles in Japan that we had seen so far look pathetic. For Platty it was the only castle he would need to see. We braved the 38 degree weather and the 80% humidity to walk around the castle grounds and have a look inside. We had heard allot about Himeiji, and when we had to take our shoes of and wear slippers inside, we knew it was going to be good. It didn't let us down, it was amazing to see what a original Japanese Castle was actually like and we can best descibe Himeji as Grand. Photos galore were taken and it was time to head home for some sleep. Back to the Shinkansen we went.
Enjoy the pics!!

BEACH DAY

After Fuji and Hiroshima we decided on a rest day. That didn't happen!! Instead we decided to make the most of our location in Kainan to go to the local beach, check out the sights and be able to say I have swam in Japan. First we had to hire a bike. Quickly learning some Japanese I managed to hire a bike from the station for $5 for 6 hours. Perfect! When we got to the beach it was stinking hot and stinking Humid and the water was refreshing. The beach in Japan is nothing like Australia. They are crap. But hey, it was wet and cold! We hired an umbrella and the dude we got it off put it up for us. It was great, he drilled a hole in the sand first, hammered the post in then put up the Umbrella. We checked out the sights on the beach and got burnt, having a some what relaxing day. We headed home for a early night as we planned to visit Kyoto tomorrow.
Enjoy the pics.

KYOTO DAY 1

We were all looking forward to seeing a little more of the traditional Japan and Kyoto was the place to see it. We caught the 8:45 shinkansen and arrived in Kyoto around 10:40. We got our bearings, purchased our bus pass and headed for the sights. First on our list was the Golden Temple. A temple covered in Gold leaf. It was amazing to see but almost looked fake it was that pretty. Next Pete wanted to see a traditional rock garden so we walked to the next temple. This was a let down. 15 rock "expertly" placed, it was crap. We are sure there is some reason for it but we were not a fan. We moved on temple after temple, things all starting to look the same and public transport giving us the shits. It was hot and humid. We arrived at the silver temple. Probably our second favorite place in Kyoto. The temple is not silver as it was never finished but the gardens and surrounds were unbelievable. Such wok and care had been taken. Valder would love it. We spent a while there until we decided we would go to Gion where the Geisha live to try to get a few snaps. we felt like the paparazzi, chasing the girls for photos. It was fun and they were beautiful. Afterwards we decided we should find a place to sleep the night. By the time we got back to information at the station they were closed. Homeless again!! We tried a few places but booked out or too expensive. we called a friend and suggested an Internet Cafe. After a small fight about directions and location we made it to Popey's Internet Cafe. $35 for a bed, free Internet ps2 and TV for 10hrs. It opened at 10 so we took Pete for some Okonomiyaki and a beer.

Enjoy the Day 1 pics of Kyoto.

POPEYES

The Internet cafe was fun and we found later they are in all large city's for people who miss trains, been out drinking or want to surf net and play games. We had a 3 flat mattress room with a PS2, 2 computers and a TV in our little booth. There were vending machines that you picked drinks from no charge and you could borrow out games and movies even comics also no extra charge. Our package we got was from 10pm till 8am costing $35. It was different but a place to sleep. We had pillows and blankets etc so all up a pretty good substitute for a hotel.

Enjoy Pics!

KYOTO DAY 2

After doing most of Kyoto on the first day we only really had one more place to visit. That was the Fushimi Inari shrine. At this shrine there was a passage way for 4km of Tori gates. Everyone who we knew that had been to Kyoto said it was their favorite place. We left popeys, got our Bus pass and Headed off. The shrine was amazing and all of us agreed it was one of the best places we had seen. Photos and movies were taken of the endless Toris. We didn't do the whole walk as it was almost 40 degrees. The tourists sights of Kyoto were done and we were all templed out. We decided instead to go looking for our Samurai swords and Tradition fans for souvenirs and presents. We found what we were looking for and headed for the station. Tired but satisfied at what we had gotten out of Kyoto. With the days of our holiday running short we headed for Kainan and then Finally Osaka.

Enjoy pics.

OSAKA

Our last day was on holiday and with Platty was to be spent in Osaka. Being a major city we knew that this day was mainly for some shopping, mostly electrical. Platty went nuts and when we found the electronical district he purchased a new 30gb ipod and a new Canon camera. To his defence the prices here in Japan for all that stuff is so Cheap. Both cost him like $550 total. With shopping done, Waynos birthday present found we headed for the Osaka sky building for a look at the city. From the top you could see all of Osaka and it was hard to believe how big the city actually was. Melbourne is tiny!!!

With temperature in the high 30s and stinking humid we went to Maccas for Plattys McPork then headed home. Osaka is like any other city but massive. If you want to shop its great but we were to tired.

PLATTY LEAVES

Plattys flight was at 11:45 so that meant leave Kainan around 7ish. Fantastic. Tanya opted to stay in bed and say bye from the sheets as Platty and I headed for the airport. We made it with plenty of time to spare catching all the right trains. It was funny to watch the faces of customs as they screened two boxes that Platty was carrying. They were the swords he purchased in Kyoto. The picture on xray was hilarious. They let him through, asked if real or fake, place a fragile sticker on them and away we went. I hate to admit it but it was actually a little sad to see him leave. It was a fantastic holiday and allot of fun. But it was over, working again that afternoon and now only the 2 of us were left to annoy each other.

Thanks for the Holiday Pete!!

Birthday

Hello all, sorry its been so long between posts, we are in the middle of summer school and have been real busy. I would like to say thank you to every one for their birthday wishes, cards and gifts sent. It helped to make us feel a little more at home.

The day its self was put in as a work day. All the staff in our area were in the office so not alot of work was done. Tan aranged a cake and the teachers and office staff sang happy bday, after that a few games were played before finishing work and heading for dinner at an Irish resturant.

A big thanks to everyone who came, it was alot of fun and an extra specil thanks to Aiya for the Snoopy Ice Cream Cake, it was delicious. With a few beers a long awaited serve of good old fish and chips was served. It was good.

Thanks mum and dad for your gifts as well as Heather everything fits well. Age and Cummo I was expecting a rubber steak or something smart, thanks heaps, all of the goods you got me, they are being put to good use.

Anyway I had best go, got class to teach and dont wanna be late, cant believe its the end of August already, where has this year gone, its been so fast. We will be home before we know it.

Tan And Mark Slide

This is Universal Studios Japan. We decided that whilst a friend from Nagoya was here and the group had a day off it was time to try out Universal Studios in Osaka. Our friend Brian got us some cheap tickets as his girlfriend works there so we headed out for the day. It took about 2 hours to get there leaving at 9 from Kainan. It was hard to get up as the night before was late with a few drinks.

We didn't manage to see everything there as we were low on time and sleep deprived. Unfortunately we missed Backdraft, Jaws, Peter Pan, Waterworld and the 4D cinema shows. we did see some cool stuff but. We got to Universal around 11.30 and although it is open till 9pm we left around 7ish to make sure we could get tea and still catch a train home. Oh, we not real sure what s going on with gingerbread man and Pinocchio. What The ...?

In the 7hrs there we went to Spiderman, E.T, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Snoopy Town, Terminator and the Roller Coaster as well as a street parade and Pink Panther show. We still had a fair bit to cover so will prob go back if anyone visits, maybe even when Platty comes.

It was a really fun day out, saw plenty but the line ups suck!! Ended the day with buying an Elmo and Cookie Monster teddy who now take pride of placement on our couch. Finlay finishing with tea at the Hard Rock Cafe and a long train home, getting back to watch a disappointing replay of the Socceroos draw against Oman and the Wimbledon Final. We later received a phone call from our friends saying there was a accident on the train lines and trains had stopped. Poor buggers were stranded in Wakayama. We were in bed but a longer night for them.

All in all it was a great day out and worth doing again. Next time we will spend a little more time there to see everything and make the most of it but its hard to balance train schedules etc. Hope you enjoy the pics. Take care of you all and Talk soon!!

Kimiidera Temple

This is Kimiidera Temple. This is one place we actually managed to find on our bikes!! One of Tans schools is at the base of the hill the temple sits on.

Kimiidera has something like twelve-hundred years history. It is renowned for its three wells; Shojosui, Yoryusui, and Kishosui, from which pure water springs forth year-round. It is the second stop among the 33 sacred locations in the Kansai Area on the pilgrimage in honor of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

We had no idea about all this. Just thought it looked cool and was worth the visit. One problem, we should of done our research, to get to the top you have to climb up the 231 stone steps to the main grounds. BUGGER

I was told that Kimiidera is also an ideal spot to watch to sun setting over the ocean. May have to try that!!

It used to be a place where lords from all around Japan came to pray for the prosperity of Family.

We are going back in March next year, apparently there are about 900 cherry blossum trees on the temple grounds. That will lok amazing. If anyone wants to VISIT us we strongly suggest Spring in March, Beautiful weather and Cherry trees are cool.

Wakayama Castle

This is just a quick update on what we have been up too. This is Wakayama Castle, we decided to go and have a look as it came recommended.

As you can see i the photos the castle has been restored but allot of old artifacts have been saved and displayed. The view from the top level was fantastic, A beautiful view of Wakayama, surrounding area and the Pacific. We tried to ride there the day before but kind of got a little lost so we took the train the following day. Safer and easier option.

Wakayama Castle was built in 1585. In 1846 the castle tower was struck by lightning. It was severely damaged and was rebuilt, but was burned down again in 1945 by wartime air strikes. In 1958 it was reconstructed to look as it did during the Edo period. Not bad history hey?

Check out the amount of fish!! There is a sign saying don't feed them but people do. I think they are carp, the carp are like some kind of fish God or something. I reckon (not a fool) there were easy 200 - 300 fish around the bridge at the entrance of castle grounds.

Wakayama Castle looked pretty much the same as Nagoya Castle as they are all built in same era so have similar style. The Castle grounds were allot more attractive, making it our favorite Castle so far. Cant wait for Platty to get here and go see Himeji castle and some temples and castles around Kyoto. we will keep you all posted.

kNEE

Im sorry you all have to look at this. Cummo and Grossy Request!!! Did its to myself in Nagoya o our last night of training after the exam. Was walking back from little men's room and a chair was pushed out, off course I fell over it. Apparently 23yrs of walking practice is not enough to stay upright. To my defence I had been drinking for a while. Hey... Tanya fell out of a bus!!

Anyway thanks to the help of Darnell, Big Al and Tan, I made it home and got Patched up. That took effort as finding medical supplies at 1am in Japan while drunk is not tat easy of a task. All good now, Just another scar to add to my collection.

CHEERS!

HANAMI FESTIVAL

Hello all, well this festival was like 3 months ago now but we think the photos are worth a look. A hanami festival translates to a Flower festival. In this case it was of the Sakura (cherry blossom) We went to a festival in Okazaki with the rest of the Tokai south Teachers. It was a great day out. Meeting at the local Mr Donuts and after stocking up on essential supplies of Beer and food we headed for the festival.

The festival went all day with food stands, beer stands, a Samurai fight reenactment, parade and fireworks. As you can see in the photos people everywhere!!

Here's a challenge for you. Find Me in this Photo. This was taken walking between the river and Castle, took forever to get there but allot of fun. Howard and I found Okonomiyaki and Chocolate covered Bananas on a stick! Only 300 yen, Bonus!!

The cherry blossoms are only out for around three to four weeks and during this period the Japanese go crazy with cherry blossom fever. Japan turns pink, ice dream and chocolate, gimmicks, toys etc are all cherry blossom taste or theme, restaurants have specials and the streets are also pink with the flowers. It really was spectacular. Japanese people spend allot of time sitting under the trees drinking and enjoying the season. It is believed that if a blossom falls on you it is good luck.

Any way enjoy and we will post another blog soon of more up to date pictures. We haven't really done allot here in Kainan yet as we are still getting things right at the apartment and exploring the local sights.

ANPANMAN EXIBITION

Well for those of you familiar with Japan and their children's cartoons you would all know Anpanman. For those who don't he is basically a super hero that is made of a bread like substance that saves the day from the evil Baikinman (bacteria man) Any way him and his friends, a cook, and other hero's made from "good" food fight evil etc.

Anpanman is my favorite character and the students find it funny that you actually know a Japanese cartoon.

I made him my identity to my younger classes and draw pictures etc. The young students love it and older ones think im an idiot.

Anyway there was an exhibition at the Wakayama marina and I couldn't resist going in. It was so much fun, heaps of people and Anpanman stuff to see. Kids going crazy everywhere!!

If you can remember mother, Sayori gave me a Anpanman figure however many years ago it was. Its the Anpanman 30th Anniversary this year so he is huge. Here is a picture of Tanya with Baikinman, he is the bad one made from Bacteria. Need I say anymore. Thats payback for Tanya mentioning our training exam results!!

We made a Anpanman magnet now prominently feature on our fridge. Got some funny looks as it was in a kids craft area but there were other adults there also. We think they may of been making it for their kids however whilst they were running a muck inside the exhibit

Anyway we had a blast, its been one of the many highlights so far in Wakayama so we hope you enjoy.

Talk soon!!! Love u all!!!

KAINAN APARTMENT

This is our cosy little home in Japan. Its nothing to special but its been made very home like by us and the people before us. No as modern as our apartment in Japan or as big, but we like it.

It has the tradition Tatami mat floor which is good and bad, its cool cos its the Japanese way but sux because if you dont spray them with bug killer, flees, ticks, and all those little nastys grow inside and bite your feet. We just spray regularly.

We have a couch and a kitchen table, you have no idea how rare that is, Japanese people love the floor tway too much. As you know we also now have pet turtles the Internet and a home telephone.

Our Kitchen had a microwave but I blew it up, our next addition a rice cooker, Yumy...RICE!!! We actually feel weird if not eating it. its like our Potato back home, always makes an appearance.

Our bathroom is tiny, toilet shower bath and sink all together. Ah well im over it.

We have a great view of the mountains in the morning out our window and the beach is near by so good for summer.

We like it here, everything is close, not that much like Creswick after all!!! Come here and visit us and see it for yourself. We are an hour and bit from Osaka and have plenty of spare bedding.

HELLO FROM JAPAN

Hi Everyone,

We have been in touch with everyone while we have been in Japan and you all know what we been upto through emails and telephone but i will fill you in anyway.

We have been in Japan for 3 months now and we spent our first 2 months in Nagoya doing our training and we meet so many great people that we are still in touch with. We finish successfully of course and note Tanya bet Mark on the exam haha.

After finishing training we got into working with Peppy Kids Club and got to hang out with the Tokia South area group and did a lot of team teaching and hung out a lot with them, we also went to the Cherry Blossom festival with them.

Mark and myself got to know some great people in the Tokai South group such as Heather, Lisa, Eunice, Al and Vince, which we miss heaps.

This photo wa at a beach day in Hamamatsu, there was sun sand and beer. The 2 gilrs are Eunice(left) and Heather (middle). The guy, Brent. Ex teacher!!!

Well after Nagoya we came to Kainan which is where we will be now for 15 months now. We have been here for 3 weeks and i think we have settled into the apartment and Kainan city itself. It is very small compared to Nagoya but we are getting used to it. We are getting to know other Peppy teachers in the area there names are Sundeep, Jeff, Rob & Katrina.

We have also meet a wonderful Japanese lady her name is Kyoko, she is our Japanese Tutor and our Japanese mum. She has been helping us to get settled in to Kainan and she has helped us if we ever have any problems especially with the language barrier. We are so greatful and lucky to have her here with us.