If you’re after somewhere to stay with a lot of people – then I can recommend Buntshill Barns.

My last night there gave me a strange dream about having a pet hippopotamus, that escaped into neighbour’s garden, squishing both of their dogs and rabbit.

Some pictures here.

Some thoughts on what I observed:

- Some trains (JR Loop Osaka) have ladies only carriages.
- Shop staff will hand money/credit cards back using both hands, or have one hand under yours.
- No tipping in Japan.
- Shoes! Take your shoes off before entering hostels, people’s houses etc. Then you put slippers on. BUT – there are also slippers especially for the bathroom – so take your house slippers off before entering bathroom, then wear bathroom slippers.
- It’s deemed rude to eat/drink whilst on the move, unless it’s a festival.
- Lots of women wear short skirts, high heels and knee-high socks.
- Commuters will form lines to get onto trains/subway.
- Lots of nodding and bowing.
- In a group – it’s deemed rude to pour your own beer, if you are sharing. Wait till somebody pours for you.
- It’s deemed (or I think it is) rude to fold your arms, or have your hands in your pockets.
- Don’t point your chopsticks at somebody. Also – use the top-end of your chopsticks, if you are taking food from communal bowls of food.

Kyoto is less modern, once you leave the station, and lots of tourists. Both have their own merits. Temples and shrines in Kyoto are interesting – try going to some of the smaller ones, as you can find yourself alone, instead of with the hordes of tourists.

Any spelling mistakes are my iPhone’s fault, not mine.

Current header image is a Garter snake (I think) that we saw in Ontario.

A few pics can be found on Flickr here.

A friend needs to go to Canada to validate his visa (he is moving to Canada), so we’re making a road-trip of it.

Just downloaded the first track of the new album from Kings of Leon. It’s kind of more of the same really. The track is only available for a short time.

Now only six days left till I return to the UK. Off to see some friends who emigrated to Perth, on Thursday.

A friend’s band, whose EP I will listen to shortly! Cheers Lara.

On the way back to my cousin’s (where I’m staying) – I stopped at Victoria Market. I can recommend getting a Borek and a juice (Liver Healer!) in the market.

Now in Wellington, flying back to Auckland tomorrow. Then, sadly, leaving New Zealand for Melbourne on the 24th.

Did some walking yesterday, mainly to get a better view of Mt. Cook. Also went on a tour of the Tasman Valley/glacier which was amazing – just seeing the glacier gouging the sides of mountains is great (see Flickr pics).

Back to the east coast today, not too sure where next – need to be back in Auckland on the 24th, for flight to Melbourne.