Japan has one of the world's most extensive urban rail networks, composed of surface trains and subways that carry some 40 million passengers daily in Tokyo. Trains are undoubtedly the most convenient form of transportation in this concrete labyrinth. Caridges are crowded in the morning and evening commuter rush, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with passengers and even more unpleasant are the bizarre creatures that lurk on these trains. Let me explain these 10 Yōk...

This is new to South Africans, the giant cricket as I called it for weeks. He isn't dead, we found him lying outside our door this morning - and Ro will now help him to his feet! Cicadas (sɪˈkeɪdə/), alternatively spelled as Cicala. Prominent eyes, though not especially large, their wings are well-developed, with conspicuous veins. Cicadas live in temperate-to-tropical climates where they are among the most-widely recognized of all insects, mainly due to...

A beautiful Sunday, beaming golden sun rays, close to heaven with the pristine surrounds of manicured gardens and nature. Peaceful water features of various kinds, range of routes depending on your taste/mood of the moment. Tranquil instrumental music playing out in the gardens, creating the most relaxing atmosphere - our parents would LOVE it here! For the young at heart, there is also the great train ride encircling the park...kids catered for as much as the...

Quoted directly from Asia News: Japan heatwave kills 3, hospitalizes 2,500 AFP | Jul 9, 2013 TOKYO: Sweltering temperatures and scorching sunshine have killed three people and sent more than 2,500 to hospital across Japan in a week, the government said on Tuesday.The mercury hit 39.1 degree Celsius (102.4 Fahrenheit) in Yamanashi in the centre of the country today, while dozens of other spots recorded temperatures of 35 Celsius or more.A total of 2,594 people ...

We dread these guys, more than ever before. The mosquitoes here seem to be little ninja-versions of the variety back home, which were loud, slow, and easily killed or avoided. The local "tiger" or "forest day" mosquito, Aedes albopictus seems to be smaller, but faster, stealthier and in general just harder to kill. Once you get one into you house it seems like the only way to kill it is to offer yourself as a sacrifice and wait for the eventual sting. Many a ...