Homeward Bound

After the long flight from Tokyo we rest in Chicago for two days of time zone re-orientation.

We down a Rockets hamburger, whiz up the Sears Tower, shop the Magnificent Mile, hop on a double-decker bus for a tour of the city, catch our reflection in the cool-looking 'Bean' sculpture (above) and then it's...

home sweet home!

We're back in Litchfield, Connecticut where we began. Did it really happen, were we really there? To think we have gone around the world for eight and a half months seems like a dream. It was amazing.

We stay at home for a few days but since packing our backpacks daily has become habitual we HAD to go somewhere so we through a few things in a bag and drive to New York for Sandi's birthday. Where in the world will we end up next?...

Memoirs of a Lot of Sushi

Whenever we land in a new country we try to spot the first thing that's different or unique from the other countries we've visited. In Tokyo Louis Vuitton reigns supreme. Practically every second person it seems (both women and men) carries a Louis Vuitton handbag in some form or another. Japan is, after all, the land of the elegant, demure geisha and as in the distinguished mark of a Louis Vuitton handbag, we find a refined, sophisticated style prevalent in its people, with a few Goths and trashy-trendys thrown in for added flair.

With only a couple of days to experience Tokyo we get down to business by going up for a view of the cityscape. The Tokyo Tower (above) is the stand-out. Built in 1958 for broadcasting through the Kanto region, it was modelled after the Eiffel Tower—just over 30m higher than its Parisian counterpart.

On to the area of Asakusa and the temple of Senso-ji. Thought to have been founded in the 7th century, it was rebuilt in 1945 after WWII bombing. The atmospheric energy is the real attraction here.

The Imperial Palace is the home of Japan's emperor and the imperial family. We stroll the area around the palace—one of the best places in Tokyo for leisurely exploration with picturesque scenes like the bridge over the Babasaki moat.

If it lives in the sea, it's probably for sale here—the Tsukiji Fish Market—where acres and acres of fish and fish products pass hands in a lively, almost chaotic atmosphere. Mountains of octopus, rows of giant tuna, endless varieties of shellfish, tanks of unnameable fish. Sushi heaven.

Tim-san has always wanted to ride the 'bullet train' from Tokyo to Kyoto so here we go. The Japanese have got it right when it comes to efficiency—this thing smoothly and quietly whisks us along at a speedy 300 kilometers per hour!

Hazy, snowcapped, postcard-perfect Mount Fuji (look closely) through the window of the bullet train.

The joy of travelling in Kyoto is the quest, the pleasure of uncovering that perfect Zen garden, of happening upon a quiet temple, of mustering up the courage to slide open the door to an unfamiliar restaurant and being rewarded with the perfect bowl of noodles.

We walk through the famous district of Gion where streets are lined with 17th century traditional restaurants and teahouses, many of which are exclusive establishments for geisha entertainment. Men of considerable means may pay more than US$1,000 to spend an evening in the company of a geisha. Tim is very glad he has Sandi who asks only for a gin and tonic.

Many local women still wear traditional kimono.

The narrow alleys in Gion come alive at night with red lanterns hanging outside of restaurants luring patrons inside to dine.

As with many of Japan's traditional crafts, fans were first made in Kyoto and continue to be produced prolifically here.

A Buddhist monk stands still and silent, waiting for alms.

We wander around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, first built in 798 with reconstructions now dating from 1633. The main hall has a huge veranda that juts out over the hillside supported by 139 15m-high wooden pillars while the terrace commands an excellent view over the city centre.

The Chion-in Temple is a must-see for those with a taste for the grand and glorious. The massive two-storey gate at the main entrance is the largest in Japan.

Ginkaku-ji is easily one of Kyoto's most beautiful sights. The gardens include meticulously raked cones of white sand known as kogetsudai, designed to reflect moonlight and enhance the beauty of the garden at night.

Nature's glory in a Japanese garden.

Sandi purred when Tim bought her this cute kitty (which we named Myowko). Lucky cats are very popular in Japan. They are placed at the entrances of houses and in store windows. Japanese love to have them as mascots, to bring good fortune, to invite happiness and to bring prosperity to businesses.

We head back to the United States now aboard a 12 hour flight from Tokyo to Chicago where we'll stop for a couple of days of rest before heading home to Litchfield. The time has gone so fast and we've had the adventure of a lifetime. What a world!!! We'll keep posting until we have arrived in Litchfield so stay with us.

Hanging Out in Hong Kong (and Macau)

We arrive in Hong Kong very late in the evening at the door of Tim's cousin, Malcolm and his family, who have kindly and generously offered us a place to stay in their fabulous home. Despite the hour Malcolm cheerily greets us at the door and offers up a cup of tea. Many thanks Malcolm, Mary and kiddies for treating us so well and showing us such a good time. We are still humming 'Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend' (or Sandi is at least). Keep going with the trumpet Calum!

We begin sightseeing with a bargain-hunting trip to the Stanley Market and a wander along the waterfront. Seeking fresh breezes and an easy stroll, we board the Peak Tram for a circuit of Victoria Peak and spectacular views of the city skyline—undoubtedly one of the finest in the world.

At Tsim Sha Tsui we hop on the Star Ferry to the area of Kowloon, facing the sparkling high-rises of Hong Kong Island for a walk along the promenade and a sunset sharpener in the lounge of the Intercontinental Hotel, the perfect spot to watch the nightly sound and light show involving 20 buildings on Hong Kong Island. Sandi proudly shows off her new $13 Hermes belt! Is it real or isn't it?

Tim calls up one of his mates from school who he hasn't seen in 35 years. Rob, who has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years, invites us to stay for a few days and in true Shirburnian style, treats us to his good company as well as some of the best eating establishments the city has to offer. Upon his good recommendation we visited Lamma Island to seek out the local specialty—pigeon cooked to your liking. We felt we were being watched by our choice of this baked variety. Thank you for everything Rob!

Chinese opera isn't the easiest form of entertainment but is certainly colourful.

The fortresses, churches and food of former colonial Portuguese masters present a uniquely Mediterranean style on the China coast on the island of Macau—intermixed with cobblestone alleys, temples and shrines and a self-styled Las Vegas of the East. The ruins of the church of St. Paul's (above) are the most famous sight in Macau. The facade and stairway are all that remain of this early 17th century Jesuit church.

We hike up the hill to the museum in Monte Fort. Monte Fort, built by the Jesuits between 1617 and 1626, survived a two-year siege but the cannons were fired only once during the aborted attempt by the Dutch to invade Macau in 1622. From the top of Monte Fort we aim the camera at the Casino Grand Lisboa.

O solo mio. You can't be alone at the Venetian Hotel in Macau as it's the world's biggest casino—bigger than anything else in Las Vegas, large enough to hold ninety Boeing 747 jumbo jets. Needing to save dollars for our jumbo jet flight to Tokyo, Japan we fight off the urge to gamble but welcome the urge to have a couple of beers with complimentary nuts.