Two experiences we both learnt from: Tam went for a run, but decided to go one road in from the main road to avoid the heavy morning traffic. Well, after an hour of running the pace dropped substantially to walking. Seven people along the way were super helpful in directing; thank goodness I knew my home area name. Home was found 3 hours later with the help of a Brazilian gentleman who walked me to my closest train station when I knew from there how to get ho...

The Japanese Zen garden style has attracted world attention. Known as Karesansui in local lingo. The Zen garden that is gaining popularity today finds its roots back in the history of Japanese culture. Sometimes known as the Japanese rock garden they are known for their simplicity and lack of plants. Although still considered to be a garden the Zen style hardly makes use of any greenery. In fact you will find many Japanese Zen gardens to be void of any plantati...

Licenses from certain countries, South Africa included, require both a written and a driving test in order to get a Japanese driver's license. If your license is from one of these countries you will be able to obtain your license only after filing paperwork, taking a short written test, and passing a driving test on an enclosed course at a testing center. The written test for Japanese driver's license is available in English, however, the instruction session just...

Three main convenience stores found in Japan: Lawson's; Circle K; and Family Mart. They are fabulous! Not only stocking almost any and everything, they have well kept/clean toilets, fax and photostat machines, they post for you, ATMs abound, home waste recycling, fast foods and more! One on every corner which really makes life much easier!! What IS really CLEVER is that all ones bills get posted to ones door. If it needs to be paid, u take the bill to the co...

Friendly visitor to our window this morning...must have been a good luck charm-many prayers (tho all for the same one thing ) were answered today! More to follow...