Booze Bus Tour and Pub Crawl

What a day!

Up early and cracked on with a few jobs — sorting the bar, walking Bess, the usual bits — as we knew we were going to be out all day. Shame about the rain, but we weren’t going to let it spoil anything.

Charlotte and Miles arrived, and we got an Uber into town and over to the Railway Station. Perfect timing — a bus was waiting, and even better, it was the only one of the day with a live guide: Andy (The Hat). Bit of a character, but I suppose you need to be in that job. I can imagine the other guides talking about him!

Off we went on the Hop On/Hop Off Red Bus Tour, sat on the top deck under cover while the rain came down. It was just the four of us and Andy the Hat. Really enjoyable, interesting and entertaining. It lasted about 45–50 minutes — plenty — and although the information came thick and fast, we picked up lots of snippets. We got off at St Giles rather than heading back to the station. No need to hear any more.

We headed to the Cosy Club for a beer (the first of many), grabbed some food, relaxed, and planned out the rest of the day. I fancied the old, nice, traditional pubs — and everyone agreed. Then out of nowhere, Zoe turned up. She got herself a drink and some food and announced she was joining the pub crawl. A surprise, and not the last.

A couple of pints later, Cosy Club had filled up with the lunchtime crowd, and we moved on. Walked through the Christmas Market — brief, as it’s hardly Birmingham — and made our way to the Kings Arms. Found a spot, and then Chloe and Nicole Holden appeared. They were Christmas shopping and planned to stay for just one drink… you can guess how that went.

After a pint there, we moved on to the Turf Tavern, busy as ever, but we found a place outside. By complete coincidence, Joe Willoughby and his family were there. And oddly enough, we kept bumping into them for the rest of the night as we all hopped between pubs. No planning, just funny randomness.

Then, completely out of nowhere, GG and Evan turned up in the Turf garden. That’s when I messaged Wayne to say I wouldn’t be making golf in the morning — I could see exactly where the night was heading!

Those were the surprises done. Charlotte had organised the initial tour and invited the groups. Millars and Holdens couldn’t make it, but it didn’t matter — we had a good crew.

Ev was his usual loud, bold self. Got everyone singing “Happy Birthday” to me — four weeks late — and kept getting recognised from “Rate My Pub”. He’s great company and keeps everything lively.

We finished up and went to The Bear. Too busy, so we stood outside for one pint. Then on to The Wheatsheaf — I liked the look of it, but was overruled, so although we stepped inside briefly, we ended up walking straight back out and across to The Chequers. No idea how we found a table, and Chloe even bought the round, which was lovely. Still a good atmosphere, but we stuck to our plan and kept moving.

Next stop: St Aldates Tavern (The Bulldog in old money). By now we’d had a few and were happily chatting to anyone. We ended up going upstairs — empty — and for some reason decided to help put up their Christmas tree. Miles even put the star on top. Eventually they needed the space back and ushered us out.

We walked past the Old Thom but no one fancied it, so we carried on to The Blenheim — I didn’t even know it was still open. Good pub. Had a great chat with Miles, watched a bit of rugby, and enjoyed it there. People got hungry, so we went to the Wetherspoons in the Castle for more drinks and food. Eventually it was time to head home. Zoe and the girls peeled off, and the rest of us swung by Sainsbury’s for more beers before getting an Uber home. Judging by the Ring doorbell footage, it wasn’t even too late — about 10pm.

Straight into the DSB and the party continued — dancing, singing, the laptop playing up, photos and videos everywhere. And that’s about where my memory ends. Woke up around 5.30am in the bar, freezing.

Reflection:
Just an incredible day — full of surprises, great company, brilliant pubs, and exactly the kind of birthday celebration I wanted.

Homeward bound from Morocco

The alarm went at 4.20am, up and quick shower, last packing and downstairs for 4.45am. Surprisingly, and with relief the taxi was waiting for us and we were off straight away. The hotel is only a 15 minutes drive so that was nice and quick. Through passport control and immigration with no issues and then found somewhere for coffee and croissant and then waited around killing time. Flight boarding was on time and we were off at 7.20am – just over a three hour flight and we slept the first half but then listened to music for the last hour or so which was enjoyable.

No hassles and then we’re in Stanstead, again through customs and passport control and collecting our bags really quickly, got the coach and I was driving us home. The girls fell asleep and then we were home and saying our goodbyes. We had a great time and we all loved it, I’d happily go with them again for another break if it’s suggested.

Tash dived straight into housework, I was less keen to do work but I got some done as I have training sessions planned for Thursday.

Sorted a few things out, Charlotte came home so we caught up with things – she has an interview tomorrow which is why she’s down here again. I was tired so ended up going to bed around 9.30pm for once.

A great break, wish I didn’t have to work!!

Weekend round-up

A lot done and achieved this weekend starting with working in London on Friday for Hodder at their offices with the Assessment Team there. It was a good session though and they were the best of the people I’ve been working with for the training carried out. Finished and left their offices around 4.00pm and fancied a beer so had a couple of pints in the Marylebone station itself for once and then got the train home. Got on the wrong train initially but luckily heard the announcement and changed pretty quick – had about 90 seconds to spare…oops!

Home and changed ready to go out and we picked up Katherine and Pete from theirs and make our way into town for a meal at Mowgli. We had some drinks in Victor’s and then had a really nice meal, loved it and then back to Victor’s afterwards for more drinks and some dancing…was a really enjoyable night. Taxi home and then walked down from First Turn as they had to go and pick up Lily as she was having taxi problems.

Saturday had a bit of a lie-in and then blitzed so many jobs! Icicle lights up on the front of the house and all other lights inside the house, kitchen etc all sorted. My drinking photos all arrived, they’re so good, really pleased with them so I was laying them out and sorting through them, my Star Wars Blueprint posters also arrived so that was good! More chores out in the garden, fixing the shower, porch light fixed, did really well. Took Bess and Bella on a massive long walk on the meadow and then back for something to eat and we even bought our Xmas tree from Carl’s shop and got that home ready for next week when the kids are all down.

Tash and I then went out to watch Jack’s football, we got there at half-time to avoid paying and he wasn’t on and when we watched the match it was soon clear the other side were better than Abingdon and they were soon 2 and 3 nil down. Jack came on and he was put into centre midfield and he did well. He went on one run which should have ended up with a goal but the forward messed it up – Jack really made an impact and should be pleased with himself even though he got 20 minutes and they lost 4-0.

He told us later that his manager praised him in front of everyone and pointed him out as the only one to come out of the game with any credit and also the other team’s manager praised him and said he should have been on the pitch sooner! So he was pleased about that. And to be honest, he’s absolutely right.

Tash and I went to Tesco on the way back to get some bits and pieces we needed and then home and our new student arrived, she’s with us for a week and seems nice enough, had dinner and then watched TV in the evening.

Sunday, Tash finally went through the Japan book I made, I think she liked it but did think it was a lot of writing – whereas I was downstairs and working on the drinking images, I’ve put them in one of the maxi poster frames I have (will get a new one for Iron Man!) and after a bit of trial and error and a lot of patience I got it sorted and it looks absolutely brilliant – I am so pleased with it. Shared it on social media and loads of people thought it a good idea. You can see below!

We worked on jobs again and I also went out to check out the camera I want to buy and decided on one which I then ordered on Argos and will pick up tomorrow in Birmingham. Got a picture frame delivered for the movies scratch poster I got for my birthday and also sorted out drinks for Xmas and then we got a fire going and Tash wrapped presents, nice dinner and went through x2 bottles of wine whilst watching The Gangs of New York

That was it – loads done and very productive indeed.

Drinking Images Compiled & Ordered

Didn’t get up until about 10.00am as we’d not got in from last night until about 2.00am, Tash was going out with her family to Milton Keynes so got sorted and was off. Charlotte and I sat at the dining room table, her working and me working on the drinking photos I have been taking all year round. I spent ages on them, the hardest thing was trying to get the best offer for printing them at a reasonable price and the size I wanted and the text I wanted in the polaroid footer of the image.

I settles for something in the end and proceeded to import the photos and then add the captions – it was really enjoyable, I can’t believe we did so much this last year. I had certainly done the right thing with the naming convention of the photos as I’d created and then saved them. I loved setting it up – so I worked through it all and it’s now ordered so hopefully get those in a few days time, probably the same time as the photobook!

Now I need to find a frame for them – that’s going to be just as hard to get sorted I suspect.

I feel I want another challenge now as my list of 50 Things is slowly being whittled away.

I pottered around in the afternoon and took the dogs for a walk and got a fire up and running and made dinner – we had chicken korma – not as nice as last night’s but it was good though. Mum came home and we didn’t do too much really, dinner with Tash, Charlotte, Jack and Miles and then Jack took C&M out to meet friends and we sat in watching TV or sorting things out for Xmas shopping etc.

Caught up on a couple of episodes of the dramas we’re working through but a nice chilled and relaxed evening

Jack the Ripper Tour in London

Worked at Banbury today running a training session with team from Hodder and it went okay, loads of questions but they seemed happy at the end of it so I think I did my job okay! I ran out of there at the end as I needed to get home as soon as I could and I managed to get back at the time I wanted and Charlotte dropped me and Mum at the Park and Ride near Wayne and Kerry’s and we met them and jumped on the x90 to London for a night out. Slept on the way there and made our way to Aldgate in East London and found the meeting place we needed to be at for 7.20pm, we were an hour early so went in a pub that was just like we expected for the Jack the Ripper scene.

So yes, we were on the Jack the Ripper tour that Wayne & Kerry got me for my birthday and we had a great tour guide but the first thing was that there were about 30 people or more on our tour, then you walked past another group of people and then another and across the road was yet another group of tourists on the same tour, it was amazing that so many people were all getting these trips around. It was fascinating and we learned loads from the experience, really enjoyed it. It’s so strange to think he’s so famous for what he did and yet he “only” killed 5 women and was “working” for 3 months in 1888, incredible.

What was amusing is that in the pub when we were waiting I checked Google Maps and said that we were quite near the area that we were going to stay in after the darts, Shoreditch, and sure enough – we actually walked past our hotel – really please as we’re in a great area. There was a road we walked along called Brick Lane which was so lively with bars and places to eat, can’t believe we’re so close to it. The tour was enjoyable like I said and when it finished we made our way back to Brick Lane and more or less went in the first curry house we came across – had a really good meal, really enjoyed it. A few more beers and we’d got the taste for it but instead of staying in the area we made our way back to Victoria station in case we missed the last trains or anything and “intended” to have a drink and then get a later bus, I knew that wasn’t going to happen and it didn’t happen, we stayed by the bus stop and got the 12.01 bus home – that was fine, we were tired.

Journey home was uneventful and in fact we just all slept, Wayne and Kerry got out at their stop and we carried on into the centre of town, Tash contacted Jack and he came and picked us up and gave us a lift home as he was still out so that handy.

A great evening, we get on very well with Wayne and Kerry – would recommend people going on the trip and visiting the area that’s for sure.

Japan Book sorted…at last

So having only just completed the USA book a few weeks ago I have to work on the Japan one and I was under a deadline because of wanting to get the best deal possible from Blurb but also needing to get it done before Xmas. So I’ve been working my bollocks off for weeks on this and over the last couple of days it’s been full on – took me about 4 hours or more last night and a couple more today again but finally it’s completed, uploaded and ordered!

We can view it from this link: http://www.blurb.co.uk/books/9084041-the-dark-family-japan-holiday-2018 

I am actually really pleased with it, there was so much to show and it’s huge but it’s done now and the discount I got from Blurb was 50% because of the Black Friday offer and it was absolutely brilliant because it brought down the cost of two books to £57.00 including the postage…phew!

So that’s one thing off my list of things to do and it’s a great thing to have sorted.

Such good memories in the book as well – mum and Tash will be delighted with it.

Booked Marrakech

So one of the 50 things on my larder door was to go to Marrakech and this is now ticked off as being organised. We mentioned it to John and Pauline Bampton a couple of weeks ago and they were up for it. We wanted to get it booked so we followed up with them a couple of days ago and they said yes definitely, sure enough, Pauline has now booked it for 4 days in March. Should be good fun and we’re going for quite a long time so should really experience the most from it.

Tasha is delighted to have had someone book it for her instead of her having to do all the work!

How exciting!!

My 50th Birthday trip to the States – Boston bound–Day One

Flight was great.

Drinks were flowing – kept getting topped up or helping ourselves – didn’t once not have a drink in my hand for the whole flight there.

Magnum ice cream at the end

Banging music. Loved it!!!

Bit tipsy

Quite a wait at the passport control and then Tucks picked us up

Back to his house pretending to be sober but drank more and had a great catch up

Should be a good weekend

England v India Test Match at the Oval

Woke up with a heavy head head but not feeling ill and we got ready to go. Last minute packed lunch made us Tash and then she dropped us off at the train station for our 8.45am train...can’t believe I was on such an early train. The boys slept on the way there, v tired from last night and there were no problems whatsoever getting to the ground. It was fun “people watching” on the train and then the tube as so many people were going to the match.

It was mad when we came out of the Oval tube station as you were going up the escalator there was so much noise at the top and it was mayhem. We got into the ground fine and found our seats and the ground slowly filled up. It’s a strange experience as there is just constant drinking and eating. We were in a good section and it was fun. Jack and Lewis were both asking questions about the game and cricket in general, they’re not fans but I think it was okay for them. Doubt Jack will come again though, he did have a snooze a few times. But then it was a long day just sat there watching no much happening...admittedly it was a slow days cricket but I enjoyed it. Saw Steve Escott for a catch up as he was in a block near to me and had seen my Facebook post saying I was on my way. Managed to have about 5 pints of lager but it was tough going and eventually gave up...

Bit of history witnessed because Alastair Cook had announced his retirement and we got to see him bat for the last time. He wasn’t out and by the time we left at 6.15pm to get our trains England were in command having got India out and only losing two wickets in the evening session. Lewis was getting a different train to us so we said our goodbyes and Jack and I carried onto Marylebone. We were 50 minutes early so got some food and pottered about and then home at 8.35pm, almost missed our stop as both of us were fast asleep. Tash got us and we caught up and then had an early night

Japan Holiday - Day 15 – Homeward bound

Sat on the first of two flights on the runway at Japan heading for Seoul, were delayed about an hour but thankfully should still have an hour for the transfer so if we take off shortly I will relax, but I must admit I’m getting a little anxious about missing our connecting flight!!

As predicted, no hassle getting up and out and found a coffee shop in the terminal area and also walked round the shops buying last minute gifts to use the money or just put on creams and smellies!!

Hold on, I’m pretty certain the captain just said the departure is now delayed by 1hr and 20 minutes. I can’t believe that’s the case and hope he’s got that wrong. We surely can’t be sat on the plane parked for the next 80 minutes, that’s mental!! It will mean we will have problems with our flight from Seoul to London. Fuck all we can do about it.

Well that was exciting. We’re now on the plane at Seoul as that was delayed by an hour. We didn’t know that when we landed at 2.15pm and raced off the plane and ran all the way to transfers, it was there that we found out that our 2.30pm flight was now 3.30pm and was at the same gate as we’d docked at. Meaning we were getting back onto our original plane!! What a stroke of luck. So all of us that had panicked etc were calmed down and now we’re ready to go for 12 hours flight. I’m bored of the films now.

The flight home was fairly uneventful, I forgot to mention on the first flight the turbulence was pretty bad, this flight had some but not as bad as the first one – quite scary but all okay. Watched loads of films again and didn’t really sleep and we got home to Heathrow about 7.45pm, no problems whatsoever with Immigration, there was no queueing at all and then got our bags and car, stopped in Headington at MacDonald's and home for 9.15pm and Miles was waiting with Bessie and predictably she went mental but it was all good.

Caught up on things with Miles and then every crashed out around 10.30pm.

What a fortnight that has been – absolutely loved it so very, very much. Now to pay for it!!!

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Japan Holiday – Day 14 – Shirahama to Osaka

Relaxing by the pool in the morning having checked out at 10.30am and after lunch. Had quite a hangover this morning and everyone was tired. Had a snooze then Jack and I walked to the Family Mart to get money out and then walked to the Divers Bay centre and paid one of the guys for the scuba diving. Over £340.00...that hurt!!

Got the family sandwiches and crisps and back to the pool for lunch and the last hour went quickly so we had to change and get our taxi to the railway station. No hassle there and we got the train got a two hour journey in which most of us slept.

Arrived at the Hineno station and got a subway train to the airport. That was interesting as the airport is on an Island just off the mainland connected by bridge. The hotel was really nice and posh and we settled down for an hour or so before going out for a wander. But because we’re at the airport already it was all the same expected shops and restaurants!!

Mum and Tash managed to buy some things they wanted and we went to a nice Italian restaurant that was reasonable and was great food. Just right.

More walking around the airport shops and these all closed at 9.30pm. The kids thought it weird walking round an airport but it was a laugh though

Back to the hotel and crashed out. Good idea doing it this way as we can get up at 7.30am and not have travel hassles or worries.

Shame we’re coming home and back to the real world. Have really enjoyed this holiday.

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Japan Holiday – Day 13 – Shirahama relaxing

Today we did literally nothing all day!

Up late and down for breakfast in time and then out by the pool to relax and enjoy the weather and sleep! Went out into town to get some lunch from the Food Mart but that was about it, had some cocktails by the pool and snacks, really, really lazy time that we all needed.

Stayed and played games at the end of the day like Bananagrams and cards etc and then went and got ready.

We had a meal booked in the evening at the Italian restaurant we couldn’t get into last night and that was excellent, really enjoyable food and after that we went back to the cocktail bar that we were in last night. It was quite lively in there and we were in a mood to make it livelier as it was our last night…we did just that!

The drinks were flowing, the girls were all on cocktails and knocking those back and the music was great. We then got some of the bar games out like table football and the like and other people then wanted to get involved and more people came into the bar and it was a great night. At some point we were all up dancing and singing…don’t remember that though…but the photos are evidence of course!

We stayed pretty late and then all staggered home and crashed out! A nice end to the holiday experience.

Japan Holiday - Day 12 – Shirahama – Scuba Diving

Shit nights sleep, the cold I’ve got just gets worse and I’m throwing up phlegm and coughing like mad...it’s not much fun. Anyway, enough feeling sorry for myself.

Alarm woke me and I really didn’t feel like going but had some breakfast with the two boys and we jumped in our taxi to go to the diving school. When we got out the guys there were not expecting us, I think we’d gone to the wrong location, luckily we kept the taxi there and he took us down the road to Miss Ocean but they weren’t expecting us either. Was getting a bit pissed off but they were good and the lad we were dealing with made some calls and it got sorted out. So he then took us to another location right by our hotel and I think this is where we should actually have met in the first place!! Ah well.

The good thing was that there were other people there but more experienced so instead of being with them we had the lad for the three of us. So we got set up and a quick refresh on the basics and putting the gear together and then got on the boat and the others also came along and joined us. I think they were beginners as well but it was fine. Got some looks as we were the only westerners!! It was very choppy getting out to the location, only about 10 minutes so not far but the waves were making everything very rocky.

So we got our stuff on and went over backwards into the sea and went towards the road we needed to use to get us down to the sea floor. Jack and Lewis cane in and we started to dive, however, I didn’t like it and panicked a bit and returned to the surface. I couldn’t see anything and I couldn’t breathe, it was horrible, I really considered stopping, but we loosened the chest straps and that was better. But it took all my self control to push down and dive, it really was only about 2 or 3 metres of visibility down there. The typhoon had swirled up all the sediment and was buffering us about. I couldn’t keep sight of the boys and that scared me loads, I was worried we’d lose jack. I also had problems equalising and a few times I needed to stop as my ears wee really hurting with the pressure.

About 10-15 minutes in I gradually relaxed and assumed a bit more control of myself and breathing and it went okay. We saw some shrimps and crabs and a few fish but otherwise just moved along and kept close to each other. Eventual returned to the surface and got on the boat where Lewis and I were both then throwing up, we weren’t the only ones!! A few of the others were the same. We went back to shore and were asked if we still wanted to do the 2.00pm dive but we all agreed we didn’t want to and so we called it a day. That was fine. We’d done it and proved we could manage, but the view underwater was so poor there wasn’t much point going again

So we sorted a few things out, got some food from Family Mart and came back to the hotel, bloody hot again, but we had spaces by the pool so that was good and we just crashed out and relaxed in the sun, shade or the pool. It was nice just sat there doing nothing more than people watching. There are a lot of Chinese here and a number of Europeans but we’re definitely outnumbered.

I was quite wiped out by the scuba diving and slept, I also had a real issue with my left ear, I simply couldn’t pop it and that only got sorted out he following day, so I couldn’t really hear much when spoken to.

We stayed by the pool until closing at 6.00pm and then played cards for a bit before going to change and get ready, had a couple of tinnies left over from last night so had those and then walked into town for our usual frustrating and fruitless search for a restaurant that we can all agree on. The one that looked really good was packed out but we made a booking for tomorrow and we walked on a bit further and found a nice local one and had more beers and tried sake. It was okay but not something I’d want to taste again, just not a taste I appreciate as opposed to tasting horrible. The food was really good and they were so nice when we left as the waiter, owner and kitchen staff all shouted their goodbyes.

We walked down the road to a cocktail bar we liked last night but didn’t go into then, tonight we did go in and ordered drinks. The loud group of friends from our hotel were all there playing games and being boisterous but it was fine watching them and gradually we joined in when singing or clapping so it was a good atmosphere. We had more drinks, the girls were all on cocktails, and then the noisy lot left but new people came in. It was nice.

Once we’d had enough we went to Family Mart again to get nibbles for tomorrow, some more beers and sweets for sitting on the seafront. Charlotte was annoying a lady that worked there as she kept walking out of and into the shop to set the melodic beeper off. So we went down and sat watching the stars and sea and then entered some philosophical discussions about the end of the world, God and how little time humans have been in earth etc. That was nice hearing them talk about that.

We then went back to the hotel and it was about 12.15am so it was quite late. A nice day but that scuba diving was definitely an experience!!

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Japan Holiday - Day 11 – Kyoto to Shirahama

Leaving Kyoto today...Kyoto obviously didn’t want us to go!! More of that in a minute.

Our train wasn’t until 11.45am so we didn’t rush in the morning and had breakfast and packed, Tash went off to buy some things and we then all checked out just before 11.00am and went to the stations. Did well to use up the balance in our Simoco cards using the fare balance option and got to Shin-Osaka with loads of time to spare, we were on the 12.15pm train. The airport train was sat there at our platform and didn’t move at 12.00pm. The kids were joking each time the announcement board kept increasing by one minute late...slowly our time passed...nothing. To cut a long story short, we were told there was nothing we could do, there had been a fire on the tracks and nothing was moving. So at around 1.50pm the helpful English speaking attendant suggested and alternative route but the train we needed to board left at 2.30pm.

So we rushed for a subway and got that, we then weren’t too sure it was the right one and loads of people were all checking their phones and giving us their opinions. It was quite funny really and everyone said goodbye at each stop...they are all locals or Chinese tourists I think. Luckily we were on the right one but when we got off we had 6 minutes to find the platform and this really helpful guard took us from one platform to the train itself and we made it with 60 seconds to spare!! So I’m sat on the train to Shirahama typing this now and we’re about 45 miles away which means we will miss out transfer bus and will have to get a couple of taxis which is annoying. That’s been our most eventful journey so far but we made it. Everyone is now crashed out asleep!! It all meant we lost about 2.5hrs because of the delay.

Got to the location fine and ended up using a normal bus and the town looks quite quiet and we walked up to our hotel reception, quite literally “up” as there was a steep hill that we could have done without with all our luggage!! The hotel is very nice, it’s a Marriott so you know what you’re getting!

We had 30 minutes before the pool closed so quickly chucked our bags in the room and jumped into the pool to cool down. It’s small but will do us fine. Played some cards and then got showered and ready to go out. Wales into the town centre and where the restaurants are but there wasn’t a great deal of choice and we walked around for a bit before deciding on a rough looking one for some reason. There was plastic sheeting on the chairs...I think to stop sand ruining it and an old lady sat watching us. We think she was the owners mother. So we ordered our food and after a hit heard the microwave ping...that set alarm bells and Charlotte was funny as she then offered to get water but she was really looking over the counter to check out what was happening!! Then they started frying stuff and sure enough it was delicious when she brought it out for us. Really tasty food.

Had a couple of beers and then walked into town and it was really misty, I guessed I might be BBQs, I wasn’t far off, it was loads and loads of fireworks being let off on the beach. We went into the Family Mart and got some food and drinks and sat watching the sea (although it was pitch black) and watching the fireworks being let off. It was nice and chilled and then we went back to the hotel and another night ended. Didn’t go too mad on the drinks as we’re scuba diving tomorrow!!

Should be nice to be able to relax for a couple of days now.

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Japan Holiday - Day 10 – Kyoto

Had a bit of a lie-in this morning as didn’t want to rush everyone and after breakfast we got the subway line north and went to the Grand Palace gardens. Sweltering hot (again!) and we made every effort to walk through the tree to avoid the sun.

After about 20 mins of walking in the outside of the walls I found the main entrance and quickly realised why it was all so quiet and deserted...the palace is closed every Monday!!! Bugger. So we walked through more of the park and onto a main road that would take us towards the next place we wanted to go. I say we, the kids are fed up walking I think!!

I can’t blame them, it was very warm walking along there and there wasn’t much to see, not even many shops, mostly residential area.

Anyway, we eventually made it to a dojo we wanted to get to and it was worth it. As we walked up to he entrance there was a chap getting things ready for a Kendo lesson he was going to run later in the afternoon. He gave us a bit of background about the dojo that was really interesting and offered us to stay for the lesson and watch. It was too far away in terms of time and too hot to wait around for so we politely declined and moved on

We were heading for the Path of Tranquillity which was miles away but Tash was adamant we could walk there. Eventually we jumped on a bus that took us right there and that was the correct decision as we weren’t close at all!!

Walked down some of the pathway but it wasn’t too spectacular if I’m honest, we can all imagine what it would be like in Spring with the cherry blossom on show or in Autumn with coloured leaves but as it’s summer it was just full on green leaves but it was nice. Didn’t go too far as we got the gist of it, you can walk for a couple of miles down the route with loads of shrines but we all agreed that wasn’t necessary!! Did a bit of pottering about and then got on the bus back to Kyoto station which took almost an hour with all the stops but it was interesting as it went through a part of the city that we’d not seen yet.

Grabbed some sandwiches from the station and got back to the hotel for 4.00pm to crash out for an hour and half and then back off again at 6.00pm, nice to be leaving the hotel during light!!

We walked along the main road and did some last minute shopping and continued into the Gion district which was bright lights and shops and then in a side road all traditional Japanese buildings that Walter mostly restaurants or homes.

We found an excellent restaurant and had dinner there and it was all Italian pasta that everyone had and it went down really well. Jack was loving the toilet and this one even had a dryer...this announcement meant everyone had to go and try it out. Must admit, it’s not something I’ve tried yet and I probably won’t. An added bonus to the nice meal was that we were not charged for the bottle of wine that their girls had. So it did feel like a really cheap evening.

We walked round some more of Gion in the hope of seeing a Geisha girl but we were out of luck so we made our way back along the Main Street with the intention of going back to the hotel but not before taking a detour to a bar for one more drink. It was a standing bar which meant we didn’t have a cover charge and on the bar we’re a couple of bottles of whiskey that had a snake and scorpion within then which made for some gruesome photos and Charlotte reading up about it all on Google.

That was it really, back to the hotel about 10.20pm and to bed nice and early although with the cold I’ve got I wasn’t really looking forward to another night in the air conditioning!!

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Japan Holiday - Day 9 – Kyoto

So we woke up this morning and had some serious hangovers! Took it easy and got some breakfast just before it closed but weren’t very enthusiastic…had a walk around outside and then got the tube and train to near enough the same place as yesterday for the tea ceremony but this time we went to the cycle place and the lady was waiting to take us on our tour. After a quick briefing we were off and up the hill towards the main template that you have to see, the Golden Pavilion was the first place we went to and walked around. Really interesting and great to get the background information and history that we wouldn’t have got without the guide. After that we were off again and cycling down back streets and alleyways to another temple.

The next one had 12 stones in the Zen garden that were positioned so that when viewing them from the side it was impossible to see all of them – one would always be out of sight. That was a deliberate design.

Off we then went through some paddy fields - it was hot today – not an ideal day to go cycling, but we persevered and it was well worth it. We made it eventually to the bamboo forest and this was amazing, had a wander around before making our way back to a local town to leave our bikes, say our thanks to the guide and get some well-earned ice cream and a train back to the hotel.

A rest and freshen up and we were then out into the town and looked around Kyoto station because of the architecture and then found a nice restaurant for dinner, nothing fancy but it was a laugh and was clearly popular with the locals…we ordered and sat waiting and then all of a sudden the waiters and manager came rushing over..Lewis had been pressing an emergency button, instead of a toothpick dispenser!

So that was it, we were all tired and ready for bed, Tash had other ideas!! So we jumped onto another train and went to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, it was spectacular. The brightest orange pillars led all the way up a hillside to the main building, there are literally thousands of them. It was late and we didn’t want to miss the last train but we walked around and got a good feel for it all and it was another good experience. Because it was so late there were very few people here which was nice..although a bit spooky.

That was it then, another couple of trains back to the hotel and to bed, the end of a long but enjoyable and absorbing day

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Japan Holiday – Day 8 – Hiroshima to Kyoto

Back on the bullet train this morning, currently writing this travelling to Shin-Kobe before changing for Kyoto. This train wasn’t until 10.54am so we were able to relax this morning and not go down for breakfast until 9.30am. Same as yesterday so that was fine, finished packing and then of to the station after checking out of the hotel.

As great and posh as the hotel was I have to say I was disappointed that they charged for the use of the pool, about £14.00, which I feel is taking the piss!

Anyway, couldn’t board the train without a bit of drama, Lewis somehow got a cup of coffee poured over his leg and scalded which upset him. He’s in a different car to me so not sure how he is, but got him a drink to cool it down and Mum’s with him so he’s in safe hands!!

Apparently there’s a shedload of things to do here at Kyoto...as if we’ve not done enough already. We have signed up for a tea ceremony and a cycle tour of the city, both in really awkward places to get to and both really expensive for what I think they will offer...but I can worry about that when I get home and not now!! Signing off for 30 mins. We have an 18 minute window for our transfer which I hate this rushing around and not knowing the platforms, that’s when I get stressed in this holiday!!

Our train this morning wasn’t early so there was no rush in the morning and we took our time with getting up and having our last breakfast. No issues with travelling, we had plenty of time and the one change we had we didn’t even have to change platforms!! I Kyoto the station was huge but we found our way and got to the hotel with no problem, it was hot here again as well but it looked a nice area where we were.

We had a walk around for a bit after freshening up and then made our way to where we were going to have the tea ceremony. Before we got there we got off the bus at a couple of stops early and went looking for a market that was near a temple. Very hot walking round and we were soaking but we found it, and the temple grounds were amazing, could have walked round them for ages but we were on a time limit, we left after watching a bit of a monkey show, it wasn’t very good or animal friendly so we weren’t particularly impressed!!

Found the tea room and went in, the girls were led upstairs and us boys led into the room downstairs where we got to choose the colour of the kimonos we were going to get changed into and a young lady dressed us up in the full gear. Took some photos and then the girls came down fully dressed up and looked good, cue more photos and laughter!

The girl doing the ceremony came in and introduced herself and went through the process of explaining the history of the ceremony and it was really interesting. We then had to participate as she gave out tea and we had to bow and say things like “I will join you” and “sorry for going before you” which you can imagine made Jack and Charlotte giggle!! We then made our own, it was powdered tea, Mitcha, I think it was called, it was fine and I’d drink it again if offered to me. It was very interesting and we learned a number of things so I’m glad we did it and then it was over and we left, crossing over the road to get the bus, train and subway home. Same again tomorrow as the bike place was near here too.

Back at the hotel we slept for a bit and then went out and stayed in the downtown area. We walked through the fish market that was all closed and more of a mall and got distracted with all the shops offering so much, it was good walking through here. Went down so back alleys where it was all old stuff and shops and cane out them and into a glare of bright lights and modern shops, it was amazing the contrast and we walked through for a bit. By now there’s a bit of hunger going on so we went to the bridge which was nice and you could see people eating on terraces overlooking the river so we decided to find one of hem and we did really well with our choice. It was unsurprisingly expensive along here but we seemed to find a reasonable one and went in and they were so accommodating. What was also nice was the waiter was from America so we were able to pick his brains on where to go and that was invaluable. Stayed quite late and it was a really nice evening. Next door was a bar that we fancied so we went inside there up the stairs and it was a tiny little place with about 5 people in there quite drunk and loud, all young including the barman. We just got some drinks and took in the scenes for a while and they were having a laugh, the tv was being controlled using YouTube videos and after a while we asked for control and put some on and started singing and joining in. It all got quite drunk and hazy from there on in! We had a great time and didn’t really want to leave, obviously we did and staggered home to the hotel only to be greeted by the main staff saying we’d left our key at the bar...no idea how the bar knew we were staying at that hotel but we had to wait for one of the staff members to go and collect our key for us, cost me £10.00 for him to do it!!

Very lucky as I guess they’d charge a lot for lost keys. Thankfully it didn’t ruin a really great night. We do join in with things so easily and quickly.

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Japan Holiday - Day 7 – Hiroshima

Supposed to be kayaking today so needed to get the 8.21am subway train so up and down for breakfast at 7.30am and after about 15 minutes Tash got the email that we sort of expected cancelling our excursion because of the weather. Not so much that it was raining, it wasn’t, but the wind. As we would later find out that was the correct decision!

So we went back to bed after breakfast and left the hotel at 10.30am instead. Last night and this morning I’d tried for baseball tickets for tonight’s game but it’s completely sold out. I hoped that going to the stadium which is only 10 mins walk might prove differently.

We wandered down and loads of people were queuing but clearly we were not going to get any tickets. The people queuing we think had non-reserve tickets and like a concert we’re hoping to run in and get the best seats. This was at 11.15am and the match kicks off at 6.00pm. It was burning hot and there were already a few hundred people queuing like this. It was astonishing. I Hat made it stranger is today is Thursday...don’t they work?!?

So we left the stadium and I treated myself to an expensive baseball cap which I’m happy with. We got the train down to the xxxxx station and straight into the ferry. Our JR tickets meant it was all for free which really is brilliant. So this Island was really quite a surprise, there is a shrine in the water and a cable car until the mountain but that was turned off because of the wind. However, the big surprise was the modernness of the town itself, loads of nice souvenir shops and restaurants we were spoilt for choice.

However ignoring all that we did the touristy bit and walked round the area and the shrine. The sea was out so we were above to get on the beach and walk under and through the shrine. There were loads of coins in the ground around the bottom of the shrine which I think was the result of people pressing coins into gaps between the sheeps encrusted on the base of the pillars, for luck or prayer, and these had either stayed with int eh gaps or been pushed clear to fall at the base of the structure. Interesting.

After that we walked round more of the town and it’s been the hottest day so far I think. We kept getting breeze but it was constant sweating! Nice!! Got something hung to drink and nibbles at a brewery and then walked down this great Main Street where I found a great t-shirt (in my opinion!) and then a mojito bar...that went down well!! Got some postcards and then the ferry back home but not before missing the ferry we were there for and needing to wait another 10 mins for the next one...so grabbed a beer!!

Writing this whilst on the train home to the hotel, such a good day so far and need to make it a good new night. We’ve given up on the baseball so will go out into town and will likely give karaoke a go. Just to try something different. We feel that the city break is perhaps dragging for everyone so we want to keep their interest. We have another few days of this in Kyoto before the beach! I don’t mind it but I just hope the kids aren’t getting bored by it.

Will update this tomorrow on the train as I intend to have a few drinks now and won’t be able to write in here later. Perhaps “able to” os the wrong word, I will be able to as I’m not going to be drunk, just “can’t be arsed” to update it tonight!!

Didn’t sleep as we tried to organise things for Kyoto and then I went out and got some food/crisps to keep everyone happy whilst we looked for a restaurant. At 8.00pm we got the last green tourist bus and went to the same place as last night but went off to a different area. I knew the bar I was looking for but it was too small so we walked around aimlessly looking for another restaurant. You’d think nothing could be easier...ah no...mum wanted authentic as not western food, basically we were after noodles but could we find one that was right?!? No chance. So we sort of gave u and went to a small restaurant that surprised us.

We had to sit outside because it was busy and the first two items we ordered weren’t available..this was going well! We got that sorted and the waiter was lovely, really wanted to help and Tash was happy because her Gin and Tonic came full and strong in a pint glass!!

The food when it came was lovely, and it was delivered by the cook and he too was really nice. Then it started raining and by that time upstairs was now empty so we were cleared a space and went up there. Loads of locals were around, in fact that’s all it was we had a laugh though and fancied another drink so we crossed the road and went to an Irish pub. That was packed full of mostly Europeans and I suspect English. Had our first pint of the holiday and the girls had their cocktails...Mums second of the day! Again it was a nice atmosphere in there now and it was good fun, I’d happily have stayed longer but it was already 11.30pm so we went and got taxis as the tram had finished and made our way home.

Another good day, we do keep ourselves busy and full on with what we try and do, perhaps it’s a bit too much and we need to slow down a bit, but we’re only here for a short length of time so we want to as much as possible...we can sleep on the train and plane, but I do appreciate that being tired during the day makes the holiday become a chore or a challenge to get through, we don’t want it to be like that. Hard balance to get right.

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Japan Holiday - Day 6 – Hakone to Hiroshima

So I’m writing this on the bullet train to Shin-Osaka, which we will then change to go to Hiroshima. We did well this morning so far because the train were on is not the one I planned for and I don’t understand why it wasn’t suggested sooner that we go on it. For some reason this missed all the recommendations and timetables. We have another 90 mins on this for something to go wrong like they come and charge me for this journey but looking at our paperwork and what the guard said I think we’re ok...

Anyway, I’ve jumped ahead, Much better sleep for everyone, although someone’s alarm went off at 3.30am which woke us all up but we went back to sleep quickly and at 6.00am I was up and packing and writing the diary, Tash got up and was sick loads, she’s not well, it’s not the beers as she didn’t have too much so must be the food, she’s been more adventurous than any of us!! It’s a shame and she’s laid out next to me on the train fast asleep so hopefully that will do her good.

No breakfast today, checked out and went down to the station, we were way earlier than planned but it was fine. Went to the ticket office in Odawara and asked for the specific train I’d researched and it was all fully booked. We could only get the non-reserved one. So we made our way to the line and realised there was a train in 3 minutes and having rushed for it and checking with a guard we jumped on board. And away we went!!

There was loads of space on our carriage and we all made the most of it and now we’re at the first stop which is Nagoya, a large city having travelled about 120 miles in just over an hour!! The weather is holding up but I think we still have more than 250 miles to go...anything can happen!!

Nearing Kyoto and I have to say that these trains are amazing!! Absolutely bombing along the track, every now and then we curve round a corner but the speed of these things is incredible. I love it!! Spacious and clean, everything you don’t get in the UK. Probably get bored of them by the time we leave but this has been a good experience, I keep drifting off to sleep though and cross I didn’t make my book more accessible but will be better organised next time.

In saying that I’m enjoying he scenery and the towns and buildings and countryside.

So we got to Hiroshima and off the train and everything was in order and not a problem, I’d worried about it all for no reason. Our hotel, The Sheraton Grand Hotel, was next door to the station and we walked round and checked in. The rooms we had were deluxe and certainly lived up to their description, they were lovely!!

We crashed out for an hour and cleaned up and then went out to explore the city. Our JR passes meant we could use the sightseeing bus so we jumped in one of these and it took us to the main Hiroshima memorial park, in fact it was the bombed out A-Dome building that we got to at first and this was the main sight I was really to see here. I had to explain to the kids the significance of this building and it was great how interested they were. Loads of questions to clarify their understanding of what this all meant and how Japan were our enemies in world war 2 and how the Americans are viewed.

We walked through the park and took in the memorials on show and the museum and it was really interesting. Bloody hot it was so any chance to jump on the bus or view a museum was taken and appreciated!!

It wasn’t morbid or anything and it was as one of the guide books say, a little bit generous to the side of the Japanese in terms of the facts about the history of the war involvement and bombing but they didn’t whitewash the facts to be far.

It was incredibly hot and I’d happily have walked round for longer but we decided to move on so jumped in a sightseeing bus again and travelled towards the Hiroshima castle. Got some ice creams on the way and then walked around the moat, I loved this. The moat and the castle walls were reconstructed to resemble what it would have looked like about 400 years ago and we walked through the gardens towards the castle tower itself and got some good photos, we didn’t go up the tower, no need to really. Walked back towards the bus stop and managed to get one immediately and this took us on a long route back so we got to see more of the town.

Crashed out at the hotel for a couple of hours, Jack was disciplined and went to the gym but the rest of us couldn’t be bothered!!

After showers and a freshen up we caught the sightseeing bus into town and walked towards what is called the Entertainment District which is what we’d seen on the way back on the bus earlier in the day. Why it was called the Entertainment District quickly became apparent...it was like mini Tokyo. Full of bars, restaurants, slot machines and gentlemen clubs. We walked round for a bit looking for an authentic restaurant but it was quite hard work so we settled for a small bar/restaurant open to the street called Nee York, New York...and yes it was a western menu! Had a couple of beers and I had the Japanese Chicken Burger which was delicious, I could have ordered a second one, it was so good. It was nice to have ‘proper’ food to be honest.

I think everyone was quite tired tonight, it wasn’t exactly stressful or a nasty atmosphere but there was a quietness about the evening so we called it a night, jumped on the tram and made our way home. I’m not surprised people are tired, we were up at 6.30am and it had been a really long day. It was interesting outside our hotel where it is next to the train station, it was a sea of mostly red with white clothes. Tops and caps all from the baseball match, it was incredible, there were thousands of them. I went to 7-eleven to see about getting some tickets but they were sold out, might try tomorrow but not too hopeful as I tried again in the evening without any joy

Ah well, a good day, I like Hiroshima and it seems a lively place to be. More sightseeing tomorrow and hopefully do the kayaking but that’s going to be dependent on the weather

Oh that reminds me, the typhoon didn’t materialise and the weather was fine. A bit windy but nothing more than a normal day in England! On that though, the heat down here is quite oppressive, it’s like a sticky heat, as soon as you’re outside it just feels sweaty and sticky, apparently Kyoto is hotter..that’s going to be interesting.

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Japan Holiday – Day 5 – Hakone & Mt Fuji

I slept appallingly last night, I was in so much pain because of my back, I think everyone else is getting there though with their sleep patterns, and we were all up for our 8.30am breakfast wondering what we’d better getting this time, as we arrived at our room you could smell the fish!! And sure enough another traditional Japanese breakfast banquet awaited us.

Loads of unusual things again and rice and we got through most of it but admittedly felt more comfortable with leaving food this time, didn’t feel quite so guilty. At least there were some orange segments at the end!! Oh, and nice coffee as well.

We then packed up and went on a tour firstly by bus to the south of the Aisha Lake, that journey in the bus was good as it went up and over and through the mountains which were really winding roads and chock full of forests and trees. All very much as you’d imagine and see on telly. We walked from the bus stop through some of the forest called a cedar trail and then also through a replica traditional check point that would have been manned by soldiers and guards.

Found the booking place for the boat trip and was delighted to realise we were on one that resembled a pirate ship and an old style pirates of the Caribbean design. From the jetty and then from the deck of the ship we had a fantasy view of Mt Fuji. The sky was really clear, it was bloody hot, so the sun shining and causing real bright colours so we were really lucky

Stayed in top deck for the 25 mins journey to the north of the lake where we then boarded a cable car to the top of one of the mountains and again the view was spectacular

We had to change cable cars and took the opportunity to walk around a vantage point and this was the best place for photos and the view. It was from here you could see for miles and then appreciate how big Mt Fuji is when compared to the surrounding area, it dwarfed everything else around it. There were clouds around it but these just added to the setting. Really pleased that we made the journey to see this, it was excellent

So we then had to make the downward journey and this time got a type of tram down the mountain and then finally a very slow train back to our town. What was nice was that there was a commentary and explanation of various key points on the way down, although pretty much everyone was exhausted and slept!

Back to the hotel and we sat on the outside with our feet in the springs and caught up with some of the world on the internet before showering and getting ready for the evening.

We went down to the train station first because whilst still in our room Tash received an interesting phone call...it was from our trip organisers who warned us of an on-coming typhoon that was going to hit Hiroshima!! She suggested we get an earlier train and just get there ASAP and into our hotel. So I spent quite a bit of time working out the best trains to get but we couldn’t do anything at our current station so need to sort it tomorrow and change tickets and all that.

We then went to 7-11 where Jack got his dinner and Charlotte got a pot noodle and we got supplies for breakfast tomorrow and more importantly a couple of cans of beer and we went and sat by the river again. Seemed really funny Charlotte being in Japan eating a pot noodle!!

Back towards the hotel and we got a couple more beers and sat on the bridge drinking and chatting and then went for our meal at 7.30pm. It felt more “western” today in that we had a bit more normal food and even a beef steak that was lovely. So all in all it wasn’t as hard as yesterday’s meal but I’m happy to eat normal now, but we had to do it!!

We then sat in the lounge area and because there was no bar I popped back out to 7-11 for more beers and we just relaxed and it was really pleasant end to the day. What was interesting is that we witnessed the groups of businessmen brining in girls to eat dinner with them. There were about 6 girls and there were all dressed in identical uniform and left after dinner. Quite interesting and something we will probably never really understand what actually that was all about

I think that’s it, set the alarm for early and crashed out, such a good day and Mt Fuji was an experience and we were so very lucky with the weather, just wondering what to expect now when we’re off to Hiroshima. Both in terms of the city but also the weather!!!

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