Where have I been lately?

[olirow]

I still haven't worked out how to post pictures on here but thought I would post anyway...

Have been in Fukuoka and the Japanese countryside these past two weeks. Managed to bump into a friend at Hakata station in Fukuoka, pretty long odds on that happening.

Being in Japan just made me feel again how badly we have messed up our country. Everything works in Japan, it may not always be new, but it's been maintained, and it works. The infrastructure is all there, a world away from what we have in the UK. Older people are valued, many still work, they play an active role. Things have been thought through, everything is highly organised and efficient. It's quite a good time to go too, the yen is weak and it felt pretty cheap.

Now I have flown to Vietnam, currently in Hanoi, which is a different world. It's chaotic, but vibrant and everyone seems happy and friendly. I saw my first ever water puppet show today, was wonderful.

I have had the privilege of visiting Vietnam, Nepal and Cuba in recent years. The people are lovely, genuine, interested and kind in all three countries. I wonder what they have in common?

Edit: Hah, it worked:) This is a picture of St Joseph's cathedral in Hanoi taken tonight 

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[calndel]

We spent a few days on the Holy Island and the start of December.

The causeway was closed for most of the day so the island was very quiet. We managed got a walk every day and even managed to avoid the worse of the rain. Del walked around most of the island on the driest day. It was a 6 mile walk mainly on the flat which was easy going and lovely views.

At night we simply enjoyed the peace and quiet along with a glass of wine or two.

[beef]

Work, shopping, bed, to the bins, the loo... repeat on shuffle... wish it was more exciting.

[Zenrider]

Decided to take a short trip (better excuse to not get things done around the house while on vacation) to Hannibal, Missouri. Mark Twain's childhood home. Molly Brown, that is the Unsinkable Molly Brown's too, though her childhood home/museum was closed.

Anyway, first afternoon took a walk through town from the hotel to Lover's leap. Sensible people probably drive there.
Saw some interesting characters on the way. It's a pretty steep hike up, but pretty.

It is interesting that pretty much every place that has a similar rock formation has a similar story.

Not sure why the one picture laid out sideways, don't have time to edit. OK, it right side ups when you click on it.

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[mikey]

Oct 29, 2024 13:18:39 GMT Zenrider said:

Not sure why the one picture laid out sideways, don't have time to edit. OK, it right side ups when you click on it.

fantastic pics,  the autumnal colours are lovely, just like here in the Forest of Dean at the moment (although not quite on the same scale)

[digitalmonkey]

I've just come back from a short weekend away in the Cotsworlds and stayed at the very pretty village of Chipping Camden.

We ate at a delightful Mediterranean restaurant in the village, saw a few fireworks at Stow, made use of the spa in the hotel and explored the area a bit.

Next trip France end of the month

[olirow]

I have been in Oaxaca these last few days, and Mexico City for a week previously. Both fantastic places to visit. There's an optimism here which is tangible and refreshing. Just a big collective sigh when Trump was elected. Tomorrow, I go to Merida. Might post a picture or two if I can remember how to do it:) Which I have kinda managed to do, after some serious compressing:) Biggest tree trunk in the world (Tule), Grand Parade for the Day of the Dead (Mexico City) and Hierve del Agua.

[Zenrider]

My pics are probably going to bounce around a little. I caught this Peregrine Falcon when visiting Tintagel Castle.

Oh, and please, let's keep politics out of this thread, it should be a happy place, not an opinion place, even if I get it, sigh. That's what the Chunter thread is for.

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[mikey]

Two great sets of pics

[Zenrider]

A few more from Hannibal, MO. Took the Mark Twain Riverboat tour on a River Paddleboat converted to diesel. The reason Mark Twain moved west for a while was he didn't want to serve the Confederacy as a Riverboat Pilot.

Jim's Journey: www.jimsjourney.org/  Was closed while I was there. The house is the Welshman's cottage.

The lighthouse was built as a tribute to Mark Twain and serves no actual function.

View of Lover's Leap from the Mississippi River.

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[beef]

Mmmm... let me think... work... the supermarket... the bins... yep, think that's been it for quite a while...