Tokyo-Frankfurt-London

Big travel day yesterday - about 12 and a half hours flight time, plus transfers, train time, waiting in airports. But I am finally in London!

The end of my time in Japan, and it's cute, precise and efficient ways - the heated toilet seats, clean and safe streets, inforced recycling (the provisions for every possible type of waste, you can't not recycle), and picking out what you'll have to eat by pointing to the wax replica of the dish in the front window. I was quite surprised at the prevalence of smoking, and especially smoking in restaurants in Tokyo - bit of a shock compared to Aus, although here in London and through the airport in Germany, smoking was everywhere too, so perhaps I just need to get used to it.

I flew with Lutfhansa, and it was strange being around mainly caucasians again, and still not understanding what was going on! Lots of things and people seems "so European" - I guess I'll have to get over that too! Hee hee!

Met at the airport by Charles, which was great to see him. He also saved me from the luggage nightmare that I have managed to bring on for myself, which was very lucky. I think I am developing a complex about my damsel-in-distress propensity around Charles, especially after arriving into Bangkok sober this time and realising what he managed to organise when I was otherwise incapacitated...hmmmm. I am staying with Chucky for the weekend, so thanks heaps Charles! Looks like he will get to show me the ropes in London.

So, here I am. In old London town. I have no idea what I am doing, what I am going to do, and even have little clues about London itself - I don't even have a guide book. Talk about jumping without a parachute. Bring it on!