Visited Hama-rikyu garden on Monday with Sue and Barney. We expeienced a Typhoon on Sunday evening so many of the flower beds had been flattened. The area is adjacent to Tokyo Bay and was used by the Shogun for relaxation and sport (duck hunting) many centuries ago. As you will note it is surrounded by the high rise of the business district but an oasis in the sea of concrete, steel and glass. As per the local tradition we took tea in the tea-house.... read more

A relatively easy journey to our hotel near Heathrow courtesy of Josie. Puntuated by a very good lunch at the Plough Inn, Bolnhurst near Bedford (found via tripadvisor). Would thoroughly recommend it and worth the slight detour from the sat nav instructions to Heathrow from Newark. Must end now as wi-fi is £5 per hour at this hotel.... read more