24.07.2007 - From yet another net cafe.

This one seems a little different from the others though. When I went in they asked me if I wanted a "flat floor" room. I agreed asuming that anything other than a flat floor would make me feel disorientated. What it actually is apparantly is a padded box which you climb into and sit down. The whole floor is cushioned so right now I am hunched over the key board realising once again that every time I type a comma,　it switches to Japanese input. Aside from listening to the drunken japanese businessman snoring in the next cubicle, its pretty homely.

My thoughts on the holiday so far? Japan has not really changed over the last year. Indeed aside from the banners Akihabra seems to be just how we left it. I've really been able to take my time and explore Tokyo,　especially the parks and temples of which I have discoverd a bunch. Its past the point where I can give a day by day analysis of my trip so far but tomorrow I hope to head to another big park a little away from the centre. I still havent visited Odaiba again yet but the weather was so hot this morning I didnt want to risk it without a hat. Much to do yet heres hoping I have time to squeeze it all in. Well I'm off to take advantage of the free soft drinks and coffee. Sayonara everyone!

Til next time,
This has been MMI (In Toky0)

23.07.2007 - Well I survived a week!

Yes, now its monday in our neck of the world which means all of the touristy things have been done. There is still much to be done however, however Tokyo is far more expensive than I remebered it, so the pace of the next week will be much slower, time for sleep and catching up with TV shows I havent touched for a while。Lord knows I might even hammer out a bit of work on the old notebook on a slow evening, One thing I know is that this trip has really solidified in my mind the things which are important to me. Being out here on my own, no matter how much fun it has been, has reminded me of how important family and friends are. Im pretty stupid to have not worked out the dialing codes for England and Taiwan by now and even my phone which holds all of my addresses has died. It also made me miss Taiwan, something which I never thought I would feel. The big lights and shiny coating of this city have made me feel lonesome for the sleepy town of Taichung. I saw Martin Freeman of the office fame today in the street. I couldnt think of anything to say to him but it reminded me of England. Not much else to say except all these photos and phonecalls will be made soon. Love to all, Aaron

Til next time,
This has been MMI

19.07.2007 - Net Cafe in Shibuya

I feel kinda helpless without a secure internet connection. Not only am I behind on my podcasts but also kinda cut off from the ones I lovｅ。Well, as I said before, things are going fine. Ａｓｉｄｅ　ｆｒｏｍ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｋｅｙｂｏａｒｄ　ｂｕｇｇｅｒｉｎｇ　ｕｐ．Ｃａｎｔ　ｇｅｔ　ａｎｙ　ｐｉｃｓ　ｕｐ　ｓｏ　ｆａｒ．　Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ　ｋｅｙｂｏａｒｄｓ　ｓｕｃｋ！　Ｈａｖｅ　ｔｏ　ｔｒｙ　ｌａｔｅｒ！．　

Ｔｉｌ　ｎｅｘ　ｔｉｍｅ
Ｔｏｏｋ　ｍｅ　ｈｏｕｒｓ　ｔｏ　ｔｙｐｅ　ｅｖｅｎ　ｔｈｉｓ
ＭＭＩ　ｂｅｅｎ　ｈａｓ．

17.07.2007 - Somewhere sometime in Tokyo

I am a wanderer in a strange land, so far its going pretty good. Relying on the kindness of strangers and the knowledge of kobans. Japanese people are pretty nice to you once you break that thin sheet of ice. I played guitar with a couple in Yoyogi park yesterday. I also nearly met guns and roses, not much of a story I know. I am finding it hard to get regular internet access at the moment but im sure I will remedy that situation soon. Im having the time of life so no need to worry. Many photos have been taken and aproved. So many nice people have shown me the way. Very shenmue. Although no black car, rain though, we narrowly avoided the typhoon. Yesterday was a public holiday, they opened the streets in Akihabara, things were going on, again until I find a stable internet terminal things are stuck on a memory cards. I miss everyone so much, So until next time, Ill keep wandering and enjoying my time off.

Til next time,
This has been MMI

02.07.2007 - Moving

Well, only 11 days before I head off to the land of the rising sun. Most of my children have already gone off on vacation and that leaves a kind of peaceful final stretch of work to finish off. I am signing a contract for my new house this afternoon and will be moving in on the 1st of August. The new place is a world apart from my current house, closer, newer, safer, bigger and nicer in every way. I expect to spend a happy year in there. All that is left to do is to refresh my memory of Japanese before I leave on the 14th.