Cheeky Airborne Part II

Stephen working out the physics of getting Cheeky airborne.

Sorry about this, Cheeky...





Augghhhhh!

Now I've flown in TWO countries!

My new car!

Look what Stephen bought me! A Jaguar XK-R !! Topless Driving!

/r

Gorgeous Weather at the Pier

The weather has been absolutely lovely here! Stephen took Cheeky and I to Clacton Pier.

Clacton Pier was one of the first buildings to be built in the new town of Clacton-on-Sea by a Peter Bruff. He was an engineer and the manager of the Eastern Union Railway. The Pier opened in July 1877. The novelty of the Pier for promenading soon became popular with the vast number of day-trippers arriving from London on paddle steamers.

We had fish and chips on the Pier...very traditional British thing to do. However, even in Summer, usually done all bundled up and being blasted by the winds! Not today!

/R

Revising for the Driving Exams

I am the proud owner a holder of a Provisional Driving License... I am a "learner". All learners must mark their cars with this big red L. (utterly humiliating!)

Studying for the Theory Test:

Q1: A pedestrian at the crosswalk has a white stick with a red tip. This person is: a-blind b-deaf c-blind and deaf d-a Manchester United fan.

Q2: What should you do when passing sheep on the road? (Yes! Sheep! and quite realistic too!): a-honk your horn several times to let the herder know you are there. b-stop, but rev up the engine to let the herder know you are irritated. c-slow down and prepare to stop. d-shout and drive as fast as possible so you can get past them as quickly as possible. See?! It really is a zoo over here!

Q3: You are approaching a roundabout. There are horses just ahead of you. You should: a-accelerate past as quickly as possible. b-press and hold down the horn while you pass. c-drive right next to the horse and yell at the rider. d-be prepared to stop. while choices a,b, and c look most attractive, I suppose the answer is d.

/r

It's a ZOO!

I thought traffic in Tokyo was crazy... It is a ZOO here!

Zebra, Pelican, Toucan and Puffins. OH ME! OH MY! These are all types of pedestrian crossings. Yes, crossings.

The use of improbable animal symbols began in 1951 with the introduction of 'Zebra' Crossings.

Zebra: White stripes across the black tarmac. (understandable).

Pelican: The name derives from a cute pseudo-acronym for 'Pedestrian Light Controlled', with the 'o' changed to an 'a' in deference to the bird. (i think the transportation minister had a few too many when he came up with that one!)

Toucan: Same as Pelican but allows cyclists to cross as well "two can" cross... (oh. this is just bad!)

Puffin: (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent crossings)
Infra-red cameras similar to those used to find earthquake victims trapped under rubble are being used to help people cross the road. (isn't that a bit of a morbid comparison??!)

There is further, a Pegasus crossing -- for horses?? (sheeesh.) Cheeky is petitioning for a Monkey crossing.

wish me luck on the licensing exams!

Radies and Gentlemen...

Radies and Gentlemen. May I have your attention, please?!! It is official....

The Spiced Couple have left Tokyo! Cheeky with Rebekah's passport, UK Visa & a one-way ticket from Tokyo to London!

Campai, Tokyo! Sante, Paris! Cheers, London!

At Mizonokuchi Station with all of the bags.

Union Jack in Mizonokuchi

Our home in Japan...with the Union Jack snowboard hanging out on the balcony (and all of Stephen's white shirts drying...please refer to previous blog where upon I expound on the inadequacies of the Japanese washer and dryers... not to mention the mistaken washing powder/bleach incident!)


We gave a Union Jack to the Quality Bar and both signed it with our farewells. (Is that defacing the flag? I don't think the Queen would mind, the flag is proudly floating in a small city in Japan!)

Farewell Quality Bar-The Regulars

Out back on the patio with edemame, nama biru and dear friends Naoki, Yuki, Tom (the laughing man) and Kozo.

Master and Maru even had a proper cake for us! (Kozo again and also at right are Dean & June).
Maru, our favourite bartender and the best Master....We'll miss you dearly! You were more
Salty Dogs ever! Good luck with the future! than just our local, you were a friend! Thank
you for everything.

The locals told us that they had never heard more English spoken in the Quality Bar as the entire duration of our lives in Mizonokuchi. And further, no one knew Master could speak a bit of English!
To all...Thanks for all the Japanese lessons and being patient with us! We had some good times, didn't we?!! Mata'ne.

Mitutoyo & Friends Farewell Party at Quality Bar

The Mitutoyo boys--playing darts and watching Japan in the World Cup...











Below, Asakano-san, Joyce and Katayama -san. Above, Duncan (UK) is very excited about a kiss from Stef (FR)

We felt so honoured to have so many people attend this farewell. They even gave us gifts! We will enjoy using them all in the UK and will think of you all fondly!

My Students threw me a Sayoonara Party

Every Thursday, Yumiko, Aina and Miki came over for English lessons. We had so much fun and they really came a long way.

I felt so honoured when they arranged for a special dinner and brought me flowers, gifts and lovely cards. I will miss you all! Keep in touch!

From Irishimasu...To Bonjour!

I kept saying Doomo Arigatoo instead of Merci. Saying Gomen Nasai instead of Pardon. Shouting out Sumimasen! to get the waiter's attention... Finally I decided to just stay with not speaking any NON-English!
Every morning we popped into the shoppe, bought a Camembert, a bottle of French red wine and a French stick -- for our daily picnic at a beautiful location.
CHEESE!!

Tower Power

Yesterday had a view of the Tokyo Tower. Today the Eiffel Tower.

On the Batobus on the Seine River...

4 Japanese men in black suits....? Am I in still in Tokyo???

Where are we going??

Please don't forget me on the aeroplane...

Toma's...the last night........ sniff

Our tagged bottle of shochu... Toma2.... (spicy!! fried pasta maker! :-)

The menu.... and Toma. Subarashi!

The Hub

The Hub.... The Happy Hour here was phenomenal. (V.strong) Drinks were half priced. Any ordered item is purchased at the counter a the time of order. This is very differnt to any other Japanese establishment. So much so... that there is an extensive Guide To Ordering Sheet for patrons to refer to..... hoi!