Val Clapham Blimey mate, you're home! See you soon. Love Val

Val Clapham Hi Karen, Just read July 10th. Brought back memories of my stay in a hotel on the Maranuchi Ginza - right near where you were today. The palace you went to see was open to the public when I was there so it's a sign of the times security-wise that they're now closed. Have you found the Japanese very friendly - we did. It is a bit of a culture shock - all that neon. Monk Series 4 is out on DVD now but it's only Region 1. If you see a Region 2 snap it up as Aunt Kitty and I are starved of our favourite American detective series. Managed to write-off the Rover at the weekend. Ryan and I are fine - luckily Aunt Kitty wasn't in the car - and no, it wasn't my fault, Mr Ocado man decided to make an early delivery of food into my boot! Bit of an exaggeration but it sounds funnier than the actual event. No probs. Looking forward to seeing you and getting time to read the rest of the journal. America is fantastic - bet you have a great time. God bless. Val

Kent Now then...how you doin luv? A month since my last message but you're constantly in my thoughts and prayers Kaz! I must say really great pics, i can only imagine what it must be like seeing, smelling and tasting the atmosphere! Guess i should fill you in on my own travel plans. Was due to meet friends in Finland and then catch up with others in Latva (mid-July). But it's all fallen apart and now i may just end up visiting London for a couple of days! Not as exciting as 'King Kong' i know but don't you go pitying me!! Hey i've got a theory that once you're back home your journal's going to produce you a book...am i right! :)) Take care mi dear. Kent .x. PS. Got a surprise planned for your return...Chineese takeaway! :)

The Normans Dear Karen Hope you are well. Sorry havn't been in touch recently computer has been down for quite a while with one thing and another. We are all well here. Just read the message board 4 July about your visit to loads of Chinese restaurants. Sounds great. Ted at Ashburnham at the moment. I'm glad you didn't try dog it wouldn't have been right! Take care and God Bless. Sue xxxx

Julie S Hi Karen Been reading your journal - you really are having the experience of a life time - can't wait til you can go on line again to find out how life in the wilds of China has been. Take care and keep safe. love Julie

Valerie Clapham Hi Karen I've just been catching up on your journal entries. It seems like you are coping better than you thought you would. Only another 6 weeks to go. Still, you're coming up to the more civilized bits soon - so not much longer to "tough it out". Bless you loads. Val

Val Clapham Hi Karen Jenny is sitting here with us. She got baptised on Sunday and it all went well. Will show you the funny video when you get back. We are just crying. What you are doing and experiencing is just fantastic. We want to be there with you. Aunt Kitty was fascinated by the way she could see pictures of you right now even though you're thousands of miles away. We love you loads and of course we are praying for you. Hoping to get together with the ones you left behind soon. God bless you and your friends. Love Val and Jenny

Julie S Hi Karen Glad you are having a brilliant time - I would love to go back to Thailand and see more of it - lovely country and people. Did you see much to do with the King's celebrations last week? Keep enjoying yourself - look forward to reading about China. Love Julie S

Kent Hey baby!...give me KISS! :) Sorry not been in touch lately (working away all wk) just got home! Kaz, been reading up on your adventures and it sounds like you're having such a blast lady...and your pics...so COOL! Well the 'monkey in your lap' made me laugh...but you know i'm not really an animal person so that monkey would have found himself flying through the air (in love of course)! Ok gots to go luv...Take care! Kent .x.

The Normans Hi Karen Glad to hear from you on Wednesday and enjoyed reading your encounters with the monkeys. You sound as though you are having a great time with alot of different experiences. It must be an amazing site to see the buddist statues and monks. Hope you keeping well and the heat isn't too much,we are having a bit of a heat wave here. We are all fine and Sam is gradually getting better. God Bless you with our love. xxx

Joanne King Hi Karen, Glad to see that you're having a great time! I'm really jealous!!! I'm looking forward to reading your journal on the Great Wall of China, I've always wanted to go there. We've just got back from Spain, 1st time the kids have flown! Harry didn't like it! Needed lots of cuddles on take off and landing!!!! Take care and God bless, joanne xx

jeannette Hi Karen, have just enjoyed your photos!! The sunsets must be amazing. You look as though you are having a great time. The snorkelling and swimming in tropical storms,it all sounds fantastic. I understand how you can feel far from home sometimes, but if you've gotta be anywhere then you've not picked a bad spot! Thinking of you and praying for you Karen. Lots of love Jeannette x

The Normans Hi Karen Sounds like you are having a great time. Miss you especially at Church and housegroup. Glad to receive all your messages and have enjoyed reading them. Everything fine here and waiting for your next instalment of your travels. Take care and God Bless. Sue xx

Mark Hi Karen, Sounds like you are having an awesome time! It has been a cold damp day here today, and half term has gone by very quickly.... God Bless, Mark