JAL Just Can't Be Bettered

We've book our flight to the UK via Japan as per usual ... JAL gets our vote every time. The hotels in Tokyo (The Oak; hopefully room 417)and Kyoto (The Palace Side) have confirmed our booking so that we know we have somewhere to rest our weary heads. Even more exciting, is the prospect of having a small kitchen in Kyoto. We already know where there are two excellent supermarkets, around the corner from the hotel, so the taste buds are drooling at the prospect. We have yet to book our JR pass so that we can shinkansen ourselves senseless to, from and around Kyoto.

Nothing booked in the UK means crossed bits-and-pieces until our friend, and property manager, finds an appropriate apartment somewhere in Sheffield - yes, back to Knife, Fork and Spoon Ville. Our friends, who live in the Peak Distric Park, are storing our tent so if all else fails ...

Other plans afoot: Venice (of course) and a list of possibly places as long as my arm - that's the list not the places ...

We'll have some time in Devon and Cornwall this time - family have moved there - and several visits to Lincoln and its shire.

That's all for now ... it's the Life of Riley and no mistake. (Who was Riley anyway ...)

Time For A Sydney Trip

It's that time of year again so I've knocked up a portrait to take to Sydney for a comp. I doubt if it will be sellected, but you have etc etc etc ... It's made from aluminium strips held in place on an an aluminium mesh by beeswax.

We've been experiencing some not-so-typical summer weather in the last few weeks so that the usual pooh-poohing of English weather by Ozers seems unwarranted. Rain seems to be the norm with intermittently blazingly hot days. Still, we have peace and tranquility, which is a blessing when you consider what is the daily round of most of our comrades in other parts of our world.

It's the w/e so we are hoping that the tourists come to town and empty their pockets ...

Hot, Cold, Hot, Cold, Wind, Torrential Rain, Cold ... What To Wear?

After the last few days I'd be astounded if it didn't snow! What weather? Changeable! For those of you who have an idyllic vision of Oz sun and surf, I take great delight in disabusing you of such myths. I've been through my whole, though limited, wardrobe in one day - even Wellington boots! Not that I'd want to be in Qland - poor souls. Mind you I've been an Ozer for long enough to know floods and cyclones are a yearly event; some devastating like this year. Building on floodplains, beaches and estuaries is nothing new. Similarly, taking no regard for the weather, when pitching the tribal tent, seems to be the nature of human migration to far-off climes.

Today I'll brace myself for the rain-sun-wind and go for a stroll in the bush - fingers crossed in the hope a tree doesn't fall on my head!

Hot But Not Cyclonic

It's been a tad warm today 41 C - about 105 F in old money. Well, it makes a change from the snow and ice we experience in Sheffield last year. I can't really make up my mind which is more uncomfortable - cold or hot. I must admit that I really dislike temperatures over 24 C.

I'm glad we don't have the prospect of cat 4 cyclone tonight. Spare a thought for the poor souls in Qland.  Yep, I'll stick with the heat thanks!