Wild weather!

Its raining and apparently a high risk if flash flooding. We've also had thunder and lightening and the rain hasn't been that hard (compared to what I'm used to). 

At least I bought my rain coat!

Second day of flying solo

Man... Jet lag sucks. Had another sleepless night. I think I got to sleep around 5am? Ugh! At least Tim is sleeping slightly better than I. 

I managed to sleep on and off until ten. So tired today. 

It also rained this morning! Not that it was wet for long in this 30+ degree heat. And here I am wearing trousers. Lol

Went for a bit if a wander today and got some stuff that will help me sleep better (fingers crossed) and of course went to Hershey's chocolate world. 

With it's wall of kisses. Got something for me work mates providing I don't eat them first. 

Tim had his shopping spree a few days ago where he got some gadgets and managed to have his own cc blocked. Luckily I had already contacted the banks about our linked cards so the rest are fine. But was not able to have a flag put against his seperate card. Oh well. 

Day one

Tim's tirn to have a bit of jet lag :( and it's his first day at his conference. I slept okay last night. But he woke up around 6am. 

First day of flying solo in Vegas for me. So it was off to the m&m world :) 

Got some mint mms to try. And just basically had a bit if a wander around the local area. Didn't realised it was Monday today until recently. 

Correction - it's only Saturday. 

One in a minion

Out at in the afternoon I bullied Tim into having a photo with a minion 

The minion was apparently making minion noises too! 

There are a lot of minions, transformers and scantily clad angels and heroes that decorate the pavement I the afternoon and evening. Some if those costumes must be sooo hot! At night (after the sun goes down) it is about 34degC. 

Sleepless in Vegas

Night two and I didn't get to sleep until 6am! Stoopid work and jet lag! We had planned to get up at 10am and head to the Star Trek convention. That didn't happen. Managed to get six hour sleep and by then it was a bit late. So went to see some dolphins instead. Loved every minute of it. 

The heat doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. And yes we are wearing sunscreen. I wouldn't want to get burnt!  

Viva Las Vegas

Managed to make it here. Four hours sleep the night before flying out and then not much on the plane.... It was a struggle to make it to bed time! Staying at the Luxor with no kettle or coffee :( not even a fridge! Slept for 18 hours that night!

Nights in Seoul

Lol lucky me. I get to stay back at the room sick while he stays out till 2am and beyond. 

It's easier to stay awake rather than be rudely woken up when he gets in. Oh well. I'm in for a long night/morning. 

Sightseeing in Seoul

Well when we turned up we really had no idea what we wanted to do. So the first full day we had a bit of an explore and when to an electronics market. Ended up seeing a movie (captain America) which was in English. Cost about nz$9 and the seats were soo comfy! The next day we went to lotteworld amusement park. Was kinda cool. Didn't do too many rides as the queues were long and we were hot and tired. So it was time for another movie (Spider-Man) but I opted for the aquarium. 

The next day (today) was visiting the war memorial. We rocked on up to find some of it cordoned off with heaps (and I mean hundreds) of police and military types stationed outside. Apparently Obama was turning up in a few hours. So had a look at the outdoor exhibitions (tanks, aircraft and the likes) then had lunch. Just as we finished from our vantage point we saw the motorcade go around the corner so we headed back to the memorial. Met up with a random Aussie and Scott and got talking about each other's travels. I think we had one of the security guards eavesdropping and at one point (when a few other English speakers gathered behind us) those standing at the perimeter were reinforced. We managed to wave at him when we was leaving but I don't think he saw. 

Seoul

Made it to Seoul on one if the noisest planes ever! Noisy from the people on board (rather than the plane itself) and there didn't seem to be that much respect for the crew or the seatbelt signs. 

Had a bit if confusion when we turned up at the place as all three if is turned up at the same time. We used airbnb. The guys grandparents were there to meet us but didn't speak English. It was sorted through a phone call :) place is nice and is in a good location although it's up a bit up a hill from the metro. 

Oh my goodness - the metro feels like six floors deep. That is a lot of stairs when carrying luggage! Thankfully we only have the one case between two. (Oh how I love Tim!) 

People's square in a roundabout way

Breakfast this morning consisted of raw oats and milk (and coffee). The boys had toast and jam (no butter). There want much if a selection. 

Went off to meet the rest of the group in Peoples Square, but they kept changing the places where we were meeting (we were on time for once and they were running behind). Ended up waking past the same duck statute outside a shop four times! It took us about 90 mins to finally find them. 

The group turned out to be about 22 people! And some were able to make the morning as their flights were delayed from nz due to weather. 

So we send around the museum and then went to the markets and left to our own devices for a few hours. I only ended up getting some nail varnish (shock horror). It was a rabbit warren. Twists and turns everywhere. Easy to get lost in. 

People's square in a roundabout way

Breakfast this morning consisted of raw oats and milk (and coffee). The boys had toast and jam (no butter). There want much if a selection. 

Went off to meet the rest of the group in Peoples Square, but they kept changing the places where we were meeting (we were on time for once and they were running behind). Ended up waking past the same duck statute outside a shop four times! It took us about 90 mins to finally find them. 

The group turned out to be about 22 people! And some were able to make the morning as their flights were delayed from nz due to weather. 

So we send around the museum and then went to the markets and left to our own devices for a few hours. I only ended up getting some nail varnish (shock horror). It was a rabbit warren. Twists and turns everywhere. Easy to get lost in. 

Shanghai

Tool the subway to the hotel. It was packed and loud! It's a totally different feeling to Tokyo. Managed to find the hotel easy enough. The hotel might have been nice twenty years ago but leaves a lot to be desired now. With wallpaper peeling, only one dim lamp for lighting and the laminate coming off the cabinetry. But it is a place to sleep. 

It rained overnight and I'm not sure whether that is a good thing or not. 

It's interesting to note that in amongst the tall high rise buildings there are small areas that are almost like shanty towns, where they appear to be derelict and empty. We are in the fringe of one. 

Farewell Japan

Just on our way to the airport on the bus ( which turns off when waiting at traffic lights). Yesterday we went to the ueno zoo and saw some interesting animals. Some of the enclosures were quite small :( then we went to shinjuku and crossed the biggest pedestrian crossing in the world. There were so many people waiting to cross! And then a quiet final night before packing up this morning and getting ready to leave. 

Random train trip

Jumped on a train with the JR pass and ended up here. Tim loved it. Lots if gadgets and computers. He has made the first non food purchase of the trip!

Back in Tokyo

Uh oh. What sort of hotel have I booked? You can pay for part days. Seems nice enough though. 

Snap

Someone on our floor has the same sneakers as me. I got mine three years ago in nz and she got hers in japan. We both must have good taste!

Manga galore

Also made it to the manga museum today and read about the history of manga and how it has evolved over time. It's actually houses in an old school.  It's a shame we were so tired though as it would have been cool to read some (it's like a library - you can read whatever you like but you can't take it off the premises.). 

Sight seeing in Kyoto

Did a lot of walking today. Some of it around in circles. Visited the Nijo castle. It's a world listed heritage site. It was an interesting walk through. We also visited a few temples and had a walk around. All of the above places were so calm and serene. 

Kiwis in Kyoto

We've managed to find our hotel room okay as I used my katakana skills and spotted the sign and arrow pointing as it was down a little alley. So we're here for the next two nights in this little room. 

Faster than a speeding bullet

Now on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Man it is fast. Keep having to pop my ears.  

To Tokyo...just

We finally made it to Tokyo bit out was a close call. We had stop over in Seoul and that was running late. By the time we got off the plane we had less than ten minutes run and get through security to the other gate which was miles away. There were about 15 people in the same boat as us. We all got special stickers to give is priority for security.  They ended up waiting for everyone for about twenty minutes. We were initially told we'd get our luggage in the morn but thankfully they managed to get it on.

Are we there yet? Asia 2014

Still packing... and we leave tomorrow afternoon for Sydney... I get the feeling its going to be a mad dash to the finish line... again :)