Jeju Great few days driving around in Jeju. The drivers are much more aggressive drivers and keen Red light jumpers! So quite surprised that car hire is so cheap and accidental accident etc. Is waived. The weather has proved to be much better than we thought and ideal for sightseeing. On our first day we went by ferry to U-do island and decided to cycle around it...it's only about 16kms all the way round ( youngsters seem to prefer electric bikes!) We felt that we deserved our Fish lunch, which included octopus, squid and abalone. It was delicious. It's a volcanic island and has lava dry stone walls surrounding small fields of peanuts. They also do great peanut ice-cream! We were able to watch the old lady divers who were 'fishing' at various points around the ... read more

We caught a fast ferry to take us over the sea to the Nagasaki Prefecture. Then the local train that took us along the coast. By lunch time we were at the city of Nagasaki, located on the west of Kyushu well known due to its history. Surrounded by majestic mountains the city feels less 'city' like than many of the other places we have been to, with trams rattling along the streets and a huge port area. In the evening we had a catch up drink and dinner with Davids cousin, Alison and her husband Rod,who only live in London but we haven't seen them for ages. The next day we went to the Peace park and museum... bumping into Alison and Rod.. In the evening we took the cable car up to the viewing ... read more

Well that was stressful! Especially when Fiji scored the first two tries... But firstly I have to say what an amazing job the city of Oita did. They'd organised a super fan zone by the station and free bus service to the stadium which was about 15 mins away. And hundreds of stewards directing us to the right place. When we got to the stadium there was a bit of a walk from the bus park and all along more 'helpers' high 5ing and shouting hello. In the stadium there was drummers, and bands playing. There was over 38,000 people!.... mostly in red and various other forms of dress... some daffodil hats ,dragons and sheep. I think they'd be very hot as it was a very warm evening. 38,000 people is a lot to get back ... read more

I'm having a bit of a final catch up of our last few days in Cuba now that we're back home and have some internet. It's been a nice break from 'The outside world'.....but quite annoying not being able to get any information or check anything! Santa Clara Just an overnight stay in Santa Clara to break the journey back to Havana. known now mostly for the large monument to Che Guevara as it was here that he blew up the train carrying all the weapons and reinforcements for Batista's forces in the city. The town was really buzzing in the evening as it was Valentine's day, lots of people carrying one flower...no large over the top bouquets here! Our final few days are back nearer Havana on the coast for a few days of R&R. ... read more

Another Collectivo taxi and another town about 3hrs including a stop. A UNESCO site the city was a wealthy slave trading centre and hub of sugar production. The wealthy traders built fine homes and mansions together with colourful houses lining cobblestone streets that have barely changed since the colonial era. Plenty of restaurants and bars and we are having rum far too many times during the day......which can make walking on the cobblestones a bit of a challenge. This is more like what we were expecting of Cuba really, glad we made time to visit this town. Our Casa is slightly up the hill and on her top floor you can sit out on the balcony and watch the sun set. Next door is a rooftop restaurant and next to that there’s another one and they ... read more