Blogs from Ishikawa, Japan, Asia - page 4

The train journey was relatively short in comparison to our previous ones which was a pleasant change …but in true travelling style, well, I should say mine and James travelling style, we still did not get to the Kanazawa till late afternoon. We had heard of a good hotel that was recommended on the typical backpackers grape vine called Pongi’s. We turned up during Pongi’s siesta time (but we did however persuade another backpacker to let us in to drop our stuff off so that we could explore and check in later on. So off to explore, the best thing about travelling is the exploring, being put in a new town walking down a new street, with wide eyes and taking it all in with the desire not to take out the lonely planet book to ... read more

Nagamachi District We walked to the Nagamachi District via Hyakumangoku dori (a million stone road). As we set foot on the Nagamachi District, we could see the flavour of the former castle town, with beige coloured walls and pine trees. We looked round the little garden consisting of stepping stones, lanterns, hedges with autumn coloured foliage, gravel surface, and teahouse, which was designed by the trainee. We popped in the art gallery displaying and selling numerous pieces of Kutani pottery (2nd well-known pottery after the Arita pottery in Japan). We admired beautiful plates, bowls, dinner sets, teapots, and vases. Nomura House (Samurai House) We continued strolling around the Nagamachi District, and then reached the heritage building i.e. Nomura House, known as the former Samurai House. We looked round the authentic Japanese rooms with the family's treasure ... read more

This day was certainly a very different day from what was planned. Most of it was totally unnecessary, as my mum would say a good smack could have done the trick (but we don’t hit children, or at least you don’t hit other people’s children no matter how much you think the little darlings would benefit from one - let’s not open the smacking debate, we will leave it at my parents certainly gave me a good hiding in my time and it did me no harm, in fact I still get a smack round the back of the head from my mum and aunt, obviously now it is done in good fun with all of us laughing). Anyway that is jumping way ahead. Again this day was billed as a quiet day with nothing much ... read more

I've been thinking of doing a round-the-world trip for 5 years. Now I'm finally at a point where I have both the money and the time to do it! I plan to leave in November this year, spend 1 year away, and then return to the UK and find a new job (and a new life). I got my first quote for the flights this week, and suddenly I've realised that this is really happening! All my planning and wishing is finally becoming reality! I'm excited and nervous just thinking about it. This is the year I start my trip. At long last I can start ticking things off checklists and packing lists. I'll keep you posted about how it's all coming along. ... read more

Not only is there piped music in the lobby of my smokey business hotel for the night, but to be heard at Kenrokuen park was the most serene and beautiful music befitting of the location.....a japanese harp player. My arrival in Kanazawa by train, 2 changes via naoetsu and nagano, was earlier than usual, and a great chance to see the city before bedding down in a smokey business hotel..........my reservation at the Garden hotel opposite the station was not on file, despite an internet reservation done 2 months earlier (I will be watching my credit card account closely as they have my details!) So a blessing it turned out to be as the extremely helpful tourist info people in the station, open until 7pm, found me a close hotel called the 'Econo' hotel, for only ... read more