After a frantic race across Shanghai, I boarded my flight to Fukuoka, and eagerly anticipated the arrival. I had recently read 'Hokaido Highway Blues' by Will Ferguson, which had given me a fascinating insight into the Japanese psyche.I have always been intrigued by Japan; it has always seemed to be a country that has it's own unique culture and mentality, and I couldn't wait to experience it for myself. I was therefore a little surprised to be subject to a thorough inspection at customs, with my bag emptied out onto the conveyor belt and dissected for the world to see. However, the official looked as embarrassed as me to see a wet towell, novelty boxer shorts and a champagne cork come tumbling out, and hastily sent me on my way! I arrived at my hostel, and ... read more

I arrived in shanghai at 7.30 am via the sleeper train, feeling very sorry for myself having spent the night being ill. I was also finding it difficult to understand the logic in having a western toilet on board the soft sleeper carriage, but keeping it locked throughout the journey?! I made my way to the hostel and awaited the arrival of Rich, a friend from home who coincidentally was to be in Shanghai at the same time. Upon his arrival, we made our way to a chinese restaurant with Austin, a moustacheod American from the hostel. I am afraid that I abstained from the 'jews ear' or 'fish blood soup' so cannot actually tell you what they entailed, but I am sure that they were delicious! I quickly became aware that Shanghai is a 'lively' ... read more

What an amazing, rollercoaster, eye-opening week! I arrived on Thursday the 12th August after a mammoth 27 hour sleeper train ride, and was welcomed into the volunteer apartment. I honestly didn't know what to expect, so to find a spacious, homely apartment full of English, American and Dutch volunteers was a very pleasant surprise! I was lulled into a deep sleep by the sound of distant babies, and eagerly anticipated meeting the children the next day. My first day involved a tour around the remaining three apartments, which are home to children from the age of just a few months, to three year olds. The majority of the children arrive at Starfish from other orphanages with health problems that need additional care and eventual surgery/medical treatment that the orphanges just can't handle. This includes condititions such ... read more

Day 1 So, here it is, the anticipation is over. No more sleepless nights Auntie Chris. No constant refreshing of the browser Lee. The first blog is here!! And what a place to start, the sleeping, brooding hamlet of Hong Kong. Yeah, right!! Day one started with the usual panic attack. Am I really doing this? Have I left enough time to get to the airport? Am I really going to take the extra small '***** *****' boxer shorts given as a present from Andrea and Kirsty?! Thankfully, the answer was yes, yes and 100% YES!! Once aboard the flight, I was very impressed with Jet airways....very clean and calm, Something about Mary on the TV monitors, and curry for tea, lunch and breakfast!! After a brief change of plane in Mumbai, the excitement really began ... read more