Just a quick one. I went out with my camera this morning to take pictures of places that I had missed earlier in my trip.

Well, let me let you in on a little secret. If you are ever bored in tokyo, pop along to the Asakusa Temple and something will soon happen!

You may remember last time I went I met Mieko and ended up with the english lesson. Well I can't remember if I told you or not but I also got waylaid by an old man-about dad's age. I was there watching the little stream contemplating how lucky I was to be in Tokyo bla bla bla. When I was interruptted by this man.

'You know they fish?' He said pointing to the koi carp.

I nodded. 'Yes, we have lots of fish in England,' I replied. 'My mum and dad have a pond,' I continued.

'Mmm' he went and shook his head and then said 'but you not seen koi carp before.'

I said 'yes, in the garden centre' but he looked confused, I don't think that he could translate garden centre but it it did not stop him. Honsestly I must have being stood there twenty minutes while he told me about this place and that to go. Nice man. In his own way but I was thinking of a Japenese Roy Cropper from Corrie.

Anyway, there I am at the temple again today just clicking away and looking at these wooden things when this voice says 'do you know what they are for?' I say 'no' as I turn around only to see him. Argghh! Very quickly I listen to his meaning and scarper. I went around so many corners and bends just in case he was stalking me. Well, you all told me to be safe and you see all that stuff on tv but I think it is just the way he is. Maybe he has just retired or something cos I saw two other tourists later getting waylaid by him too. Think he just very proud of his country so wants to show it off at the temple along with his english skills which he probably realises is a lot better then most Japeneses' . He must be that temple all day every day. Last time, I went it was friday mid afternoon. This time wednesday before ten o'clock in the morning. I was even on the opposite side to where I was last time. I couldn't believe it. Bless him.

As if that was not strange enough. I then noted what a good photograph the statue of Budha and the flowers in front would make but everytime I clicked to take a picture, my camera just switched off. So I tried taking something else and it was fine. Back to the Budha and it off it went again. Honestly I do think there is something about that temple. I lit a candle for Jonny Vicks and Super Granny. I put at the front so they could see the people praying but also the mayhem outside with the fortunes and the incense. I'd love to know what they would have thought of it all.

Tokyo has being a little alternative universe today. There is elections going on soon and even as I type, I can hear the people outside with their megaphones shouting stuff. They do it from about 7in the morning to 8 at night. I guess it is part of their campaigns. I passed some campaigners earlier, there was loads of them in yellow jackets walking in a line down the street. They also have cars which go around and these people candidates? wave out of the window.

Anyway I said it would be quick and again, it looks like I lied but now I am gonna go and see if I can buy a cd somewhere to put my photos on as my memory card a bit chocca.

Sam

Ps it was nice to speak to mum and dad yesterday!