nihongo computer

i had high hopes of publishing a loooong post with millions of pictures but the internet cafe computers are in japanese and uploading images is a total nightmare when you cannot understand the functions! again a promise to try harder on the weekend and give ya'll a detailed photo diary

i have moved into my flat and got my bike. riding through the streets of mihara at night through tea bushes and buildings alike is completely exhilirating.

my flat is nice (pictures to come!) it has a little bit of a studenty feel due to serious furniture mismatching so this weekend i'm going to blow a bit of cash on nice japanese style cushions and rugs and things. it has an air con which in this weather is vital!

went to hiroshima memorial service last night. it was very moving, thousands of paper lanterns sailing down the river and crowds of suitably silent onlookers. i put a paper crane at the foot of the Sadako monument; i did feel a bit like a blazen cultural tourist but i think it was ok to go, ask Nixy pointed out, just as a sign of respect. I will spend monday through to wednesday next week in Hiroshima for prefectural orientation (read: enlgish teacher piss up) but hopefully i will have some time off and be able to visit the museum in the peace park. there is also a really good bookshop in Hiroshima and I'm keen to get my hands on some books that Peter Carey writes about in his book Wrong About Japan that I have just finished (Thankyou Rob!).

Still well, waiting for inevitable culture shock to kick in.

Much love and (hopefully not empty promises) to deliver on the weekend.

ok lets try again with a piccie:

aha! this blurry thing is the bridge in hiroshima memorial park. crowds watching lanterns sailing down the river.