Hey!

I hope you all got a couple of my photos ok yesterday. Spent ages trying to post them here but got a little stuck! If anybody did not get any, there are a few floating around.

Went to the Imperial Palace yesterday,one of my photos. The palace is really pretty but you can only get so close because there are woods and a moat protecting the emperor. It was funny because there were policemen rambling around in the reeds of the moat. Just protecting the emperor of Japan who lives in the palace, I guess. Last year there was nearly a succession crisis when the Emperor's grandaughter(maybe daughter) fell pregnant. In Japan, only males can become Emperors and there had not been a baby boy in the family for 40 years but last year, it seems a future emperor(boy) may have being born.

Also went to look at places I missed so far like Kanda and Akasuka. Kanda is meant to have lots of bookshops but they were not like waterstones or anything. They were a bit like old town stores from the 50's or something absolutely crammed with books. No english ones tho. Probably good because I should not be spending too much money and I don't need one anyway, rereading Memoirs of a Geisha at the moment.At first, the book was Japan overload but it is such a good read that soon got over that and now can't put it down (but have to, I gotta make it last the rest of Japan!).I want to see a Geisha but haven't yet maybe in Kyoto. Apparently they dress all fancy and very Japanese.

Am moving to Nikko tomorrow (a bit nervous- my first big move) and apparently in my new place, there is no internet access so if you do not hear from me for a few days, don't worry, I am safe. Will try and get back to you as soon as I can and may even leave a quick entry tonight.

All of you take care.

Sam xxxxxxxxxxxxxx