ohayo gozaimasu, konnicha wa or konban wa, depending on when you are reading this

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I have indeed made it safely to Tokyo, Japan and only stick out a little. I have seen lots of things, enjoyed all of them and have understood little, most of all Sumo - it is one strange sport. The bouts can be over in seconds, yet the competitors have a maximum of four minutes to glare at each other, slap their (own) thighs, and throw salt around. It is actually quite exciting despite this. The current hot news in the world of Sumo is a 22-year old Bulgarian who has risen very quickly to the grade of ojeni (sp?!), one grade less than the top one. The top graded Sumo wrestler is some large Mongolian dude who (I think) was actually beaten yesterday (well, the crowd went a bit crazy, so I clapped and cheered too). I shall add some photos when I get to Australia as I currently can't figure out how on earth I can download them as this computer is in Japanese.

I haven't had sushi yet, but I have worked out how to travel the Tokyo metro - again another incomprehensible quirk. I have wandered the Imperial Palace gardens, been to Ueno, Ginza, Shinjuku and Roppongi districts, and have forced myself to stay away from the Karaoke bars. It was tough but I managed it. I am off to Cairns this evening and will arrive tomorrow morning where I hope it will be slightly warmer than it is here.
Sayanara!
Liz x

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Photos

Sumo wrestlers enter the ring before competing
Does my bum look big in this?

On your marks...
"Have you been working out?"

Tokyo metro system
Er?

Wooden prayer tablets
At a temple in Ueno park

Comments

[Team Southey]

Sayanara to the yen ? ...
We see from the FTSE that Japan closed early yesterday as all traders were selling like mad ...could this be your influence ? ... lots of love xxxxxx Us xxxxxx

[kes]

feel somewhat disappointed that the Japanese haven't experienced a melodious rendition of calafonia dreaming - but then we never did quite master singing four part harmony with one voice not for the want of trying. glad your safe lizzy whizzy. so sorry i was pathetic and poorly for your bash. sounds amazing already and i'm just very surprised you didn't slap and grunt in the ring with the best of them. they maybe big but there is no substitute for the southey slap and war dance. i am sure you'd have them running for another 20 raw eggs and 5 whole chickens!!!

[LizBiz]

Update of info
I have been reliably informed (by a Mr Andrew Prestwich) that the grade I refer to above is ozeki and the top grade of Sumo is yokozuna. Many thanks, Mr P!