Sorry guys, we are massively behind keepng you updated! Here's a quick catch up.

20-22.10.2016

The last two days in Japan, we spent in Ueno, the so called cultural district of Tokyo. I managed to find a hostel right in the centre where we had a private, Japanese style room. It felt like a five star hotel after our stay in Troy! We even stuck the sleeping Japanese matts on top of each other to make a comfy bed - worked out pretty well! And being able to take a shower without any "witnesses" was great.

A short walk from our hostel, stretched the long Amayaku market, where you can find pretty much everything! We particarly enjoyed having bits and bobs for dinner in one of the street bars, where we sat outdoors, hearing people laughing and trains passing by. Magda also had sake which came in... a glass! Lucky it was probably watered down and not as strong as vodka, haha! In the area, there also was a lovely park with a pretty bizzare looking pond covered in giant lilly pads and home to massive carps and clumsy tarpollines. We fed little birds who got accustomed to people and sat on our hands snatching grains of rice.

Nights in Tokyo look pretty much like daylight - who needs the sun when you can light everything up with neons and billboards! What struck us were the "gentlemen" clubs, adverts of slim bodied girls and the girls themselves, wearing long coats with probably not much underneath, presenting themselves like live adverts on the side of the streets! Some businessesmen-looking, middle-aged men were being stopped on their way by people inviting them to visit the clubs and use their services! Incredible, how open such a quite, polite and structured society is about sex life. Makes me wonder how some of the marriages function; however, shouldn't be surprised seeing signs of the oldest job in the world in the culture of geishas.

In the heart of Ueno lied a beautiful park embroided with shrines and buzzing with street performers, market buyers and hosting a gorgeous bonsai trees exhibition. We decided Ueno was our favourite part of Tokyo and also, it was good to feel alive after visiting quiet and rural Japanese areas.

All in all, we loved Japan and depsite the lonely moments, we are glad we could experience such a different culture and breathe in it for a while. We already miss delicious Japanese food and people's kindness! Thanks Japan, off to New Zealand now!