news and all that stuff, part 1.

It was recently pointed out that I have missed a week of news. Last week was the 'official' Japanese Summer Vacation for those poor souls who don't get six weeks off like I do. Friends wanted to do things, and things were done...here are some highlights.

Tuesday - drinks at a principal from last year's house - lots of beer, not enough sleep.

Wednesday - dinner party at a friends house - lots of great food, my quiche was a hit.

Thursday/Friday - a short trip to an area of Japan I've never visited before. Known as the Kumanokodo (old road of Kumano), it's an old pilgrims' route, with fantastic scenery, temples, shrines, food and natural splendour. Photos:

This was a pretty cool rock formation. Nice coastline too.
Wonderful little shrine with a STEEP staircase to climb to reach the main part.
Boat ride on the Kumano River. Sadly this is right about where my camera battery went flat. sigh.
This area is so off the beaten track that it was just fantastic. Anyone that comes to Japan before I leave will get taken here. And I'll charge the camera next time...