Kobe Sake museum...how can you go wrong. Excellent choice. Lattes and vending machines for everyone. Sounds like you had the real experience. Great stuff. keep on traveling
Sake Ren and Andrew, we'd love to try hot sake but it was just too hot when we were in Japan. We'd say it would be lovely as a winter warmer...we made do with ice cold sake. Yum!
How gorgeous! That deer should charge a fee. I love the idea of an island where the deer roam free and are unafraid of humans; and I love the feeding ban even more.
Deer fees :) Hi Ren and Andrew, yes the deer should charge a fee. It was lovely and peaceful standing behind the deer when we were taking that photo. They are lovely gentle animals, but saying that we didn't get too close ;). Even though there is a feeding ban, we don't think anyone told the deer that...they were eating everything they could get their hooves on, including paper fans and leaflets! Thanks for reading and commenting. By the way, you would love the Japanese food! x
Japan We had the same impression that Japan would be up to date on technology. Sad to hear that is not the case. The oysters sound fantastic. I'd love to live in a trusting society. Eager to learn more.
Not up to date with technology... Hi Merry Jo and Dave, we were surprised too that it wasn't high-tech robots at every turn ;). Although some of the technology was old, it worked so well! You would have loved the oysters, so fresh. It really was a refreshing change to be in such a trusting country. Thanks for reading and commenting x
I love your Japan blogs, they are absolutely fascinating! I've heard about the deer and how trusting Japanese culture is. I'm a little wary of traveling there by myself, but your observations make it sound ok.
Travelling alone Hi Andrea, Japanese culture is so very trusting and we would definitely say if you want to travel there, don't be wary about travelling alone. The Japanese we met were very helpful and friendly. Thanks for reading and commenting! x
Thanks for the compliment! Hi MJ and Dave, thanks for (still!) reading our blogs after all this time. We are glad you appreciate the observations! For us, the observations about countries and the people (tourists and locals!) make a place - we like to experience everything we can! We love people watching and observing!
place stayed on KPN ? hi Neil and Donna, I am currently in BKK, planning to go to KPN in the next couple days. I am quite curious -- where did you end up staying on KPN that was 550B ? That is right in my budget bracket! I personally believe in going budget with the room, to use the money on activities, travel, and food. Looking forward to hearing from you! THANKS! Chandra
Budget food They have that cheap Italian chain in Shanghai too. In a city where a beer usually costs over £5, that £1.50 glass of wine is a godsend!
Looking like a great trip so far guys!
Re Budget food Never realised it was in Shanghai too...as you say the £1.50 glass of wine is excellent, especially when other places charge a fortune. Apparently Saizeriya has a reputation in Japan of all the students and youngsters going there to get drunk before heading out to clubs! Don't blame them to be honest!
You guys are awesome! I first signed on to your blog in December 2007, when I was en route to backpack in the Philippines. I saw you went to Mindoro, so off I went. Had a great time there. Now 7 years later, you're still on the road, that's great! SAFE TRAVELS!
Japan So much to see and so little time. Love all your descriptions. We really must book a trip...sadly that won't happen for a while. We've heard so many wonderful things about Kyoto.
Onsen chickens! Boo! I loved your excitement about the Shinkansen journey, and you've made Kyoto sound even more attractive to me now. I think I would feel at home with all the 'order' and 'balance' in Japan :)
Japan The journey is key not the destination....with that said it is always nice having a fast train to get you there. :) Seat warmers sound great. Luck you. Glad you got your noodles & peaches. Life is simple isn't it?
faster trains and seat warmers ;) Yes, MJ and Dave, the journey is key but it was lovely to have super-fast trains which ran on time! We do get pleasure from simple things like peaches, noodles and seat warmers on toilets...we are missing the Japanese toilets :(
Tips on Japan Hi Per-Olof, thanks for commenting and reading. We'll be putting lots of tips in our upcoming blogs about Japan and food etc. It really wasn't as expensive as we thought. We loved every minute of our time there!
We saved for 3 years and then went Hoff to travel the world. Chris Columbus and Magellan eat your heart out...do you reckon other people will have already discovered the places we are going to? You bet!
About Us
Neil, originally from Hartlepool, UK and Donna, originally from the Wirral, UK have known each other for 19 years. We bought a house, got cushy jobs in Nottingham and always had a passion to travel and see what more was out there in the big wide world (sounds corny or what?). The opportunity came when we were both made redundant and given nice r... full info
aspiringnomad
Jason
I don't read everyone's blogs...
But I do read yours. Which have got me to thinking...to be continued...