Getting Nippy

The weather forecast here cut to London on Tuesday and said that it would be raining there and in Honolulu. I hear winter coats will soon be handy in both. I wish I had my winter coat here. It`s suddenly very cold.

Happy Birthday Mum, for yesterday. Sorry I didn`t manage to speak to you. This time difference is a pain in the arse. I hope you had a good day. I`ll try to call you again later today.

I had another Japanese class yesterday. I felt quite proud of how I`d pretty much re-mastered the Hiragana alphabet (they have three, although two are basically the same, but with different symbols - just to keep you on your toes). Sadly, the `teacher` was disappointed with my progress and forgot she told me to learn the script and not stock phrases, so went through them stutteringly once, then covered them and expected me to remember. My memory has never been a strong point... A new girl turned up shortly into the lesson and joined us. Sarah, green as anything, been here two weeks, had three days training and just graduated. Bless her, she asked where I went to university, not realising I left six years ago. When I said, her chin hit the floor and she gasped `so you just decided at 28 to come to Japan?!`. I hate the young.

On the way out of class, I had to take the lift with five Japanese ladies. With me inside, it felt fairly full, but on each floor, it crowded with more and more Japanese. Even with men in the lift, I was a full head height above everyone. Oh Gulliver, at least the Lilliputians didn`t laugh at your massiveness.