Two weeks earlier than originally planed I arrived last weekend in Tokyo, after spending the final three weeks of my stay in New Zealand on the north island. There I had some very spoiled days with Laila and Sean in Wellington, I enjoyed the beautiful Art Deco city of Napier, I almost froze to death in the hostel in Taupo, warmed up again in the thermal region of Rotorua and finally ended my visit with two nights in Auckland.
Although I very much enjoyed my time in the country, in the end I had the feeling I stayed a bit too long. I guess I changed hostels too often, saw too many nice mountains and in the end it was definitely too cold for relaxed traveling for such a long time. Therefore I very much looked forward to get to Japan.
The first week in Japan I spent in the mega-metropolis of Tokyo. Although over 35 million people live in the greater area it is a perfectly organized city and actually rather quiet. It doesn’t take long to get used to find your way around – it for sure helps that the street names and subway stations are labeled in English, but also Japanese are very helpful (although there limited skills in English). When I left for Suzaka, a small community next to Nagano, for my next Workaway stay there was still so much to see 😉
Whow! so many exciting places that you have travelled to. We love reading about your adventures.
Matt and Lisa are leaving for Auckland next Friday! Michael, Grace, Harry and I are heading up to Singapore, then on to Bangkok for 9 days. We will catch up with our son David, his wife Melissa and their little son, James – so excited. At present they are in Paris, after having some time in Sweden with his Planet Arkadia project. They arrive back in Singapore on Wednesday, we arrive on Thursday!
All well here. Michael has done a huge amount of work at the beach house. Rick and Glenda’s home on the hill has now been pulled down in readiness for their new home – should be stunning. We managed to score (be given) the kitchen, laundry cupboards etc and many other bits and pieces from their old home (it was only renovated 4 years ago. Lots more work to do but getting there slowly). We have had SO much rain here. I drove home from Inverloch today – 4 different areas along the road were flooded – not enough to stop us but I certainly had to slow down and take it quietly. The guy behind me was in a little car and was speeding – they then wonder why accidents happen! I certainly appreciated the big car today!
Must get some sleep. Jon and Emma’s baby is due in 3 weeks, – Emma has finished work and is now getting ready – hopefully not whilst we are away! Bianca is due on 6th September – both girls look and feel great. Very exciting times for all of us.
Stay safe – enjoy the travelling – love from both of us, Moira