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.

I was supposed to meet up with some Travbuddy people, for the Czech Beer Festival, but they never turned up at the rendez-vouz. I went off on my own to sample the remaining beers of Prague.

It’s a beautiful city, with lots of history. If you go – make sure you go down some of the little side-streets, to find the bars down there. Not only will you evade the hordes of stag-parties – but you’ll discover some interesting people as well.

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.

Going to see a baseball game in Osaka, which should be cool. I’ve only seen one before in Boston, where we managed to sneak in (shhh).

Hello Lost In Translation!

I’d love to go there, especially as colder climates appeal to me. I’m really not a hot-weather person.

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

A few pics can be found on Flickr here.