We finished our roadtrip in the states without any prangs, even though the driving around LA is priceless. Its like watching British Touring Cars. We visited the Grand Canyon (amazing, as you can see from the photos). Then on to Joshua Tree Park, where we bottled out of camping cos of the snakes and tarantulas...! Because of the time difference we lost a whole day flying from LA to Tokyo. We were absolutely knackered when we arrived, but had to find our hostel using a Japanese map (not their greatest art form) around the tiny back streets. We stumbled upon it by accident, thank God! (or is it Buddha?) The place was a fab traditional Japanese ryokan (futuns, tatami mats, communal hot baths etc). Japan is a mind blowing culture change. Firstly, they are generally bonkers. Its like living in super Mario land with beeps and tunes playing every time a door opens or a traffic light changes. They are all in a rush to get everywhere. The bikes are a pain in the bum. They ride them mostly on the narrow pavements (apparently they have no brakes), or the wrong way down main roads. They ride them whilst holding umbrellas, texting and eating, all at the same time. BUT, on the subways, in shops or other public places, they are extremely quiet. They have to turn off their phones on the subways. Which is just as well, because most of the riders sleep on one another. The young people ALL wear t-shirts with english slogans on, most of which dont make sense. And the guys have taken the mullet to the next level. The food is great. Even Stew has been eating the local delicacies. We dont know what most of them are, but we can identify raw fish, octopus, crabs with the legs on, etc. And our chopstick technique is coming on nicely. They have gadgets galore. There are toilets which will wash and blowdry your bum (quite a surprise the first time you press the button to see what it does...). The Sony centre is choc full of THE latest in everything. But the Japanese are also proud of their traditions, and especially in Kyoto, there are temples, shrines and gardens on every corner. It is a beautiful, fascinating, confusing place, and were loving it! Keep watching for the next installment of photos.