Osaka, Nara and Kyoto

March 17th - 20th

actually i was only joking about the punch up as i could not think of anything funny to end with.

well the weather took a turn for the worst the day after and it absolutely lashed it down. just as well really as i had to book in for my hostels around japan and actually decide where and when i was going.

went for some ace food called Okonomiyaki. the place did not speak any english, but i got the hostel to write it down for me. basically the table you sit at is just one big hot plate, then they mix up your dish for you and you cook it yourself at the table. luckily the owner knew i did not have a clue, so he did it for me.

the day after i caught the train to Nara, which was the original capital of Japan. It was cold, but at least it stopped raining. there are a load of temples in what is almost a country park where there are deer that just wander around.

after that i caught the train to Kyoto, but my hostel was pants and out the way of everything, although for once i actually found it without getting lost, and i was cold and my feet were killing from walking all day, so i stayed in and watched 24 series 2 on video.

Jonnie i could kill for a curry.

In the morning i went to the golden Temple and resented having to pay not only for the bus to get there, but also a few quid to get in.

All the locals were loving it, but to me it was just a very small temple with a lick of gold paint, but it was all like alton towers with ice cream stalls and souvenirs.

i do not recall ever hearing about the historical descriptions of these places quoting that they were built originally to sell ice cream and souvenirs.???

Back on the train and then off to Tokyo. My rail pass did not cover the fastest bullet train, so i had to take the next one down, but it still went like the clappers.

so it was all a bit tame really, but i was saving it all up for the big Tokyo..

next installment.....hammered and lost at 5am............