Monthly Archives: December 2011

So, the weather turns bad and we can no longer go diving. We decide to set off on an excursion to the North of Okinawa to visit the famous aquarium. The day started unexpectedly with some kind of attack on … Continue reading →

So Happy Holidays to all. With sons James and Ben it is spent underwater in Okinawa, which is a bit like eyeless in Gaza. Xmas day is cold and windy but what do we care because we come from Scotland … Continue reading →

An interesting Japanese behavior pattern is backing into parking spaces. Everyone does it. Arriving at work in the morning, there is usually a small line of cars waiting to park. The cars however do not swing into the space but … Continue reading →

So, the first thing is all the plastic bags you get when you go shopping. The check out person meticulously packs everything into a plastic carrier bag, reciting what it is you have bought and how much it costs. Butter, … Continue reading →

This is a line from the most high church of carols, Adeste Fideles or less pretentiously Oh Come All You Faithful. I have been singing since I was ~ six. I still don’t really know what it means but I … Continue reading →

So a couple of days ago I got a strange missive in my letter box. I have to have my car safety tested. This is a big deal in Japan. The procedure is called Shaken. Before a test can be … Continue reading →

Back to the garden where I optimistically planted potatoes some weeks ago. I must have put in 30 or more seed potatoes and this what has come up. I am disheartened by this feeble showing. Ah well, I suppose I … Continue reading →

I love to polish things. I think black leather shoes give the most pleasure but silver and brass come very close seconds. It is very rewarding as you get an instant payback for your efforts. What was dull is now … Continue reading →

I use this title as I am visiting a world famous particle physics lab, KEK in Tsukuba. Being in an experimental facility I want to carry out my own little experiment. I used the title “Hiroshima” in a previous blog … Continue reading →