Monday, January 31, 2011

Back in Japan!

 I've just returned from a fantastic whirlwind trip home to NZ. We timed it perfectly between tropical cyclones and scored great weather and surf. It was also amazing to catch up with my Mum, Dad, Nana, Sister, Nieces and Nephews, and a couple of Friends along the way. A huge 'THANK YOU/ARIGATOU/MAHALO' to everyone that helped us along the way with cars, places to stay, dinner, bus/airport drop offs and pick ups, etc. Photos will follow, but just give me a little time to digest everything that has happened in the last week.
Back in Japan, we were greeted with -1 degree temps at Narita Airport. The car was all iced over, but the sun was out. Then in the evening it started to snow! (photo taken from the balcony)
 Apparently in Niigata, they've had constant snow the last couple of days and there is now 4m of snow lining the streets! Still life goes on and the young volunteer to shovel snow for the elderly, fisherman head out to sea, and the school bell signals the start to classes.
This morning's sunrise with the ocean looking more like a bath as the steam rises from the surface in the golden light.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fantastic to see you all.
Luv mum

Unknown said...

Still amazed at how much you managed to fit it. It was great to see you all.

J said...

Amazed myself at how smooth everything went,too. I day either side and cyclone weather would've played a much bigger part disrupting travel arrangements, etc. It was soo good to see you both. Is the car alright? it went like a dream (except the back left window which screeches when it closes).

Unknown said...

We have tiki-toured down to Wgtn via otorohanga, Taumarunui, Raetahi, Jerusalem (on the Whanganui River) Whanganui (new spelling), Upper Hutt and go up to Paraparaumu tomorrow for Uncle John's 70th. The car has performed perfectly - thanks for giving it a good run in! Home on Sunday afternoon. Back window has been like that for some time - no worries.

Looking forward to the article you will no doubt get pressed to do for Dave's online mag - Kamogawa Power? - plus the pics on here - once you get sorted.