The Land Down Under....

Oh what a terrible cliche that is. Anyways I arrived in Perth two nights ago to much more reasonable weather (13C). My cousin Laura thinks that is atrocioulsy cold and has been wearing a scarf during the 18 degree days. The first day I was here we went to Swan Valley which contains a number of wineries, a lovely chocolate shop (with free tastings) and a nougat factory, very yummy. I proceeded to taste a large number of varying quality wines. Unfortunately the ones I liked are not sold anywhere but the wineries.

I fulfilled a number of my sugar cravings yesterday by pigging out on chocolae. Laura made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and then we sampled quite heavily at the chocolate factory. I also had Devonshire tea and scones yesterday which were absolutely wonderful. We went to a flick last night and saw Breach which was very good. Plus Ryan Phillipe is quite nice to look at for 2 hours.

Today we went for breakfast and walked around some markets, ate some delicious gelato and had fish and chips along the water. Tomorrow I'm going to explore downtown Perth while Laura is at work.

Sorry I just realized how dull this post was. Oh well.

Miss you all.

Leaving Japan

Hey all,

Sorry I havent posted anything yet. My blog only comes up in Japanese and doesnt seem to accept my posts.

Anyways Japan has been really beautiful. Ended up using my Japan Rail　Pass more than anticiapted. Went to Hiroshima and found it difficult not to cry in the Memorial Museum but the hoards of school children managed to lighten my spirits enough not to. I also visited Nara which is the location of the 2nd largest wooden structure and the largest Buddha (15m tall). They were really amazing. The Buddha was made of bronze and astoundingly huge.

Visited al the trendy spots in Tokyo (or at least I think so) and managed to not shop. It was very very difficult to do. Went to Kyoto and visited a few of the 1200 temples and shrines. I really love the gardens hee in Japan. I also wet to the Arashiyama monkey park which was super exciting. For those of you who are primatologists you will know why. For those of you who arent it is a very famous monkey group half of which now lives in Texas.

Today I spent in Osaka whic is my least favourite so far. In an odd smelling hostel in the only skecthy part of Japan. I did go to Tonnaji park tay and wandered around the zoo and then the park surrounding it.

I did discover an amazing treat known as the Green Tea KitKat. Although it sounds odd it is truly a delight and I would love to fill my suitcase with them.

Miss you all.

Write me notes and let me know what new and exciting in your worlds.

Love Lana :)

Tokyo

So I arrived safely with little issue actually. Singapore airlines was fantastic and the food was phenomenal. I was reading about it and they actually have a pressurized cabin to test it in before they serve it on the planes. Im pretty sure air canada never did that.

Anyways my travels so far have been really good. My hostel is super clean and there is even tons of hot water and pressure in the showers. The food here is fantastic. Ive been eating alot of stuffed buns and dumplings. No sushi yet though as it is about the same price {or more} than at home. My feet are killing me because all I do is walk. Ive been to a coupleof really cool markets, beautiful parks and musuems. Lots of shrines here too.

I am going to rest my tired feet and have a bit of nap. Hot weather makes me sleepy.

Lana :}

The day of.......

I didn't do too bad at the whole sleeping thing. Fell asleep about 11 and up at 4 which is only an hour before I needed to get up. My family is freaking out a bit but I'm sure they'll make it. Not really looking forward to the flight but I guess its kind of a necessity. Still doesn't really seem real yet.

3 days to go

Ok so this will be my travel blog for all of you who are interested in keeping up with my travels. I have 3 days left until I leave and am getting closer to seeing the floor in my apartment thanks to my grandparents. Beers tonight at Wildwood to see everybody for the last time :(