The day started bright and early. I finished the last bits of washing and we finished packing our things. With some change left in our pocket we opted to take the local Subway.

We arrived at Tokyo Central with plenty of time in hand. We headed through the crowds of people heading to work to find our Airport Express Train. Down on the platform we hear the bad news. A train has hit someone and the trains to the airport were cancelled.

We hurried up the stairs and headed out to find the buses to see if we could catch one. Beverley ran into the ticket office to be told she had to buy one on the bus. I ran back into the shopping area to hunt for an ATM. We had 5mins to catch the bus. Japan has a lack of 2 things; 1 is Public bins; 2 is ATM's. I finally managed to get cash, but it was in-vain. The bus had abandoned us in Tokyo. We resigned to the fact we would miss our flight but still opted to head to the airport anyway.

We arrived at the airport at 1220. The lady at the counter said we could still make it if we had no bags to check in. She even mentioned us taking the bag on board but I pointed out I wouldn't make it with the weight. She arranged to put us onto the next flight for a small cost. Checking in our bag we thanked her for her help and headed into the airport to wait for our flight.

Buying Sushi to take-a-way we boarded. Unfortunately we weren't seating together, but the flight was only 2 hours. Beverley made a comment about spending our 1st wedding anniversary in an airport, but I said it makes sense as it's where it all began (I proposed in an airport).

The flight took off and in no time we found ourselves landing in Seoul, South Korea. (?? Yes adam did write Seoul). Those following this blog will notice that this is a change from our original plan. We've made other arrangements too, which we will revel in good time. For now we are in Seoul for 2 nights.

We exited Seoul's very impressive airport and headed to the train station. We jumped on the slower train as it cost 1/4 of the faster Express. We managed to find our hostel, washed and sat to watch the lights of the cars go by outside.

We ventured out for something to eat. Stores and markets where closed as we walked past. The place we wanted to eat at had stopped serving food so we found a chicken and chips place. People sat at tables in the street outside stores and food places - Eating, drinking and catching up with friends. The city was still awake with traffic as we walked back. Market stalls where accepting their stock deliveries' as bin men collected the built up islands of rubbish.

Seoul's sky line is a mix of new shinning high rise buildings with old worn out buildings in-between, it feels like parts are moving quicker than some can keep up with. We sat in our room watching the traffic and people go by while eating ice cream.

I personally will miss Japan. It is a wonderful country with its good balance of modern and ancient traditions, history and culture. The people of Japan are incredible friendly and helpful. If you struggle to communicate they don't make you feel bad they just help the best they can. We have so many examples of their kindness towards us. Kyoto had the more relaxed and modern cultural feel about it (I bev really liked Kyoto and Nagano but not Tokyo so much). While Tokyo felt like the beating business heart of the country. We observed many aspects of Japanese cultural which we loved and wanted to bring home with us. Overall we will be back for another visit.

Author: Adam Turner
Editor: Beverley Turner