29 February ... And I didn't get a silk gown...!

Due to the vagaries of our calendar, every year whose number is cleanly divisible by four is a leap year, and so contains an extra day tacked onto its February. Because leap years are seen as unusual events that disturb the otherwise orderly progression of days/months/years, certain beliefs have been attached to them. According to folk tradition, 29 February is the only time when a woman could propose marriage to a man, termed "The Ladies' Privilege."

In1288, Queen Margaret of Scotland decreed that a woman could – on 29 February – propose to a man; which, so entreated, the man must either accept the proposal or pay the refused woman a substantial forfeit for turning her down, such as a silk gown or ℓ100.

The origins of "The Ladies' Privilege" are not definitively known, but one posited beginning set in Ireland had St. Bridget complaining to St. Patrick about women not being able to ask the men they fancied to marry them. According to the folktale, he offered the opportunity at a seven-year interval, and she bargained him down to four. (If this tale is true, it's no wonder St. Patrick took to putting the run on snakes, because he sure wasn't doing well against women.)

Though everyone loves a good folktale, the beginning of this custom more likely has to do with February 29 being perceived as a day that does not properly belong on the calendar and thus as a period when the ordinary rules of conduct do not apply. Other superstitions play upon the underlying theme of "betwixt and between" times being occasions especially fraught with peril or periods when the unusual was not only allowed to occur, but was encouraged to do so.

There is a bit more to leap year lore besides girls suddenly popping up to hold out velvet-covered ring boxes to their beaux. Superstition decrees leap years are notably excellent for beginning important undertakings or business ventures. The choice of itself is deemed particularly astute in that even greater luck will attach to all that is begun on that day.

... Queen Margaret.... and "The Ladies' Privellege"....

29 February ... And I didn't get a silk gown...!

I got a job!!

And it is in INSURANCE!! ... In LONDON!! (and it only took me 1 month..who's a clever girl?!)

Stephen and I celebrated with Veuve Clicquot.

The best for the best...

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!

We are two drifters...off to SEA the world...

Moon River, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end-- waiting 'round the bend...
My huckleberry friend, Moon River and me.

The MOL Precision here (captured real time from satellite) is carrying the container with all of our belongings in it! Thanks for all your help, Rich... again!(Rich has moved us around the globe now... from Seattle to Tokyo, and from Tokyo to London!) ... Cheeky says hi to Moosey...

Muraoka's Lovely Girls

A night on the town with Stephen's collegue, Muraoka-san's daughters. Ai and Aya. At the Quality Bar in Mizo for drinks and darts. And then -- of course-- ending the night with Karaoke!


 

Taking a Winston...

Affects of the hot and humid days of summer in Tokyo...


my pooky takes a nap with moosey.
 

The Red Light District

In Shinjuku--Kabukicho (or Piss Alley) -- adverts for male "hostess" clubs...


Streams of screaming neon, high pitched shrieking sounds; people, people everywhere - silent and robotic. There's no room, there's no escape - earthquakes yet skyscrapers, it's hot, it's humid, it's calm, it's still for this is Shinjuku - a business and shopping district in the west of Tokyo and the ultimate, overwhelming experience. 

Park Hyatt in Shinjuku

We went to the New York Bar and Grill -- 52F of the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku. Absolutely stunning views! Especially when the sun went down and all the lights on the buildings came on.







Here we are with my friend Yuriko. She works at the NY Grill and Bar!


This hotel and bar, were the location for the film- Lost in Translation. Wakarimashita-ka? Iie....