Hi

Just a very quick one to say I have found out about the masks. They were used in the Sars outbreak but it is traditional, this time of year, for people to wear them anyway. It's a tip for you Dad, they use them to conquor hay fever! Apparently the Japanese have worn them for years. I never knew but it could be useful. I have started sneezing (and again, typical. it is considered bad manners to sneeze over here and i always need to just as i get on the crowded train) since I came over. Not sure if it hay fever or a cold.

I found out about the masks cos I got waylaid by a Japanese lady Marioka today at a temple. She was absolutley desperate for a native english speaker. anyway it is a long story but I am doing an english lessons with her tomorrw afternoon. Should be interesting. She took me for traditional japenese tea today, i was sceptical at first but it was lovely even tried some seaweed.

If I survive will log in soon to tell you about the lesson. Ooh before I go. One more thing also done this fortune thing at the temple, it was not good. said things like not to start a trip (oops, bit late to tell me now) and that there is some clouds where the moon shines but at least I can see the moon shining now that the fog has disappeared. anyway was not very impressed so in Japenese tradition -this is what they do with bad fortunes- I hung it in a knot, so the fortune can not escape the paper and become reality, along a rod. i think the japenese must be good at origami. have you ever tried to knot paper without tearing it? well, mine was very difficult to tie but i was determined to and then i teared it a little. I hope the awful fortune does not escape through that.

Also took a boat ride and saw the city from the water. it really demonstrated the whole city of contradictions thing. lots of modern buildings (like NYC) squeezed in with little houses and flats (not like New York). There are these huge skyscrapers and then in front of them really old fish markets and fishing boats (japanese style). Also got lost, they are so short of land here that the signposts take you through buildings and shopping arcades because there is not enough room for footpaths to everywhere. My knees are going to ache too soon from all the bridges.

Hmm. . .this entry was not so short after all, sorry! Will be in touch soon. Take care Sam xxx