So I haul my sorry ass up to Kyoto after a week of Board of Governors meetings and stuff. I go to the STS Forum. Instead of conference hotel, for the like of which I have developed a very strong antipathy, Naoko books an Airbnb apartment a couple of stops down the subway from the conference center. What a good decision, thanks Naoko. It is in the middle of a straightforward Kyoto residential area and so calm. I am not obliged to speak to people. I find anonymity very alluring.

Good ol’ Abe speaks

My apartment, which is great but has no TV so I miss the Blossoms bashing Samoa.

Young ladies on the subway

P

The Prime Minister of France

Incidentally, the Prime Minister of France, whose name escapes me, is the only person throughout the 3 day meeting who does not speak in English.

Just beside my apartment is a river.

Beautiful walks. These are cherry trees. Imagine the Spring.

Everywhere you look, people are getting married

Spot-billed Duck

I like Kyoto.