Today was by far the most challenging day I have experience yet.

It was meant to be a simple trip from Osaka to Tsukuba, taking about 3 1/2 hours but life had other plans. Once I paid the exorberant amount to catch the Shinkanshen, we got about halfway before the conductor spoke in rapid Japanese and the scene light up with 'Delays expected'. I thought hey, 20 or 30 minutes, thats fine. Got my book, got some water, got some music - all good. Two hours later we hadn't moved a bit, I hadn't eaten and the true hanger surfaced. The train was quiet and peaceful but I was keen to get to Tokyo before peak hour. My ticket suggested that I would arrive in Tsukuba at 2:45pm, as 2:30 approached I realised this was probably not feasible. Luckily it was airconditioned! The train finally started moving but it took 10-15 minutes to pull in at each station, including Tokyo. It had hit 3 hours of delays and I was feeling agitated, I had already spent 1 hour with my pack on my back transfering trains and getting to the station, I was sweaty and hungry.

Alas, we arrived in Tokyo very late. I still had one more transfer, I got on the Yamanote line as indicated but went 3 stops in the wrong direction - I don't think I've ever been angrier at myself. Once I finally got to the right station, it was another 15 minute walk to find the Tsukuba express and 10 minutes before it left. Once I was on, sat down and ready to get to Tsukuba after much confusion - I immediately gave up my seat for a disabled woman which I absolutely do not regret - I was surprised no one in the priority seating went to move. I'm young, I can afford to stand, I took my pack off though. It was not getting close to 6:00pm and I had told my course co-ordinator that I'd be at Tsukuba bustop to meet all the other students and get to the resident at 4:00pm, I sent her a message but she didn't reply. I felt awful. I finally arrived in Tsukuba at 6:30pm, the sun was setting and I was exhausted. The woman at the information desk was increidbly nice and I had no trouble finding the appropriate bus station. I got on the bus and followed the route on the map I had, and got off on stop number 3 under the assurance from the driver that it was the right spot. I was at a residence, but it was on the opposite side of a campus that has its own city based bus service. I was atleast 4/5km from where I was meant to be. I stopped a pair of chinese girls who spoke to me in Japanese and then tested their english and I got on another bus and got off on the right damn stop.

The adventure doesn't end there, I didn't get lost - I found the information check in desk and the man didn't speak any english, not even my translator could help. I tried one more time to call my course co-ordinator and the call finally went through, it was a huge relief. About 20 minutes later, she came and picked me up the community centre with a salad and a roll of sushi and toilet paper. The rooms are surpringly good - I have my own tiny bathroom, a small balcony and a desk and bed and stuff. It'll do just fine, I think. It's nice to settle down for more than a couple of nights. There's no wifi in the rooms, so I'm in the communal area again catching up and relaxing. Luckily, there is only class tomorrow and no field work. Although it does start at 8:15am...

I'm tired, still kind of hungry after more than 24 hours since my last proper meal and sweaty. Today was a challenge, for my patience and my body with the pack and I think I've begun to touch on the true meaning of backpacking. However, what I took from today is a very important message. We were told the delays were due to 'security checks' and 'car checks' but upon arriving, I was told a man had in fact taken his life on the tracks. I was frustrated and angry, but my comiseration for his soul knows no bounds. I felt horrible for feeling how I did, I hope he is at rest now, atleast?

Anyway, definitely bed time. I'm starting my new book about the wilderness of John Muir, I'm so excited! It took me 6 months but I finally finished the biography of Armand Dennis - also a good read.

Until tomorrow

xo Rach