Hey guys, pics look great! im starting to get pretty jealous now. anyway hope you have a nice festive period (however it is celebrated?). take care xxx

Your story about the wildlife park reminded me of a story about 'politeness'. There was a torrential downpour resulting in a flood in a wildlife park. All the animals fled up the treas to save themselves from drowning. There was one particularly helpful and polite monkey who saw a fish swimming around down below. He felt really sorry for him, and being the polite little monkey he was, he fished him out of the water with the best of intentions...

Hi from snowy DC ! Just wanted to let you know Dad, Olivia, Archie and Harry are all over in USA with us for Xmas and we are all really enjoying reading your blogs......sounds like you are having a great time and looking forward to seeing you in DC next year.

I think the rating of two stars is appalling. I loved your posting! Am very impressed with the bug story...you know me, I would have been out of there like a flash with a scream that would have sent the rest of the hotel into shock. Here's to better days in better and more relaxing places!!!

Bad luck on the belly front. my aunt tells me the only way she avoided it was to never touch the water, food or put anything in your mouth that isnt in a packet. cultural. anyway, good luck making it over to the far east (weve got swanky toilets at least you can look forward to that)

As beautifully crafted as your first 'report' is; if u plan on keeping your readership base, I have a few suggestions - First of all stop writing it like you are expecting it to be marked by Darrow - Second take the filter off, or in Ruperts words "I wanna hear about how tight Alex is being with the beggars"

I think it would be better for us all if u considered these ideas

P.s - peace and love always - you know Ive been crying myself to sleep every night since...your blog

scratch that ive just read your itinerary, i might coincide my time in osaka with you too, if you dont mind of course, i need to check out the food there!

ps i think im gonna be in thailand on the 29th december maybe. great minds child.

good luck. when are you going to be in tokyo? i plan on travelling around quite a bit in feb, so book your spaces now!

Yea i concur, it's time you got going & don't forget to get me something cool in the studio ghibli museum!

When r u leaving? The sooner the better