Is it? ...It is, isn't it? Yeah...it's me!

Yes yes, do try to calm down people. It aint Robson! Shock horror. An update, then?
Sooooo what have I been doing in the last however long it's been? Robson's updated re. all hallows eve and the Van Gogh exhibition, but fear not! I have a few things to add!

Firstly, a while back (I forget when), we went to Asakusa for the day. It's a slice of old Tokyo, and is a really nice place, if not a little run down. Best of all it has a building whose roof is adorned with a giant Golden Turd. Spot the turd in the photos that follow, I know you all want to see it!
We wandered down Nakamise Dori, which was somewhat of a challenge as it seemed that everyone in Tokyo had heard we were going to Asakusa for the day and turned up. Also, it was raining. HARD. Some Typhoon or something. As we made our way further down the street, occasionally getting distracted by souvenir shops, Asakusa Kannon Temple loomed into view. It's a lovely temple, and apparently Tokyo's oldest. To one side of the temple, we saw the even more beautiful Gojuno-to - a pagoda.
Having had our fill of the traditional stuff, we moved on to look round a bit more- having a peep at Japan's oldest funfair, Hanayashiki. We didn't go in, it was way too wet for that. You won't see me in a full body rain poncho on a merry-go-round anytime soon. On the way back down the aforementioned Nakamise Dori, we stopped to admire a man making some sweetie looking treats. We bought some. MISTAKE. They were filled with some sweet bean paste. We thought it would be chocolate. Bleugh. We had to take a handful of free taster rice crackers just to get rid of the taste. Photos? I think so...

CAUTION; not filled with chocolate.

TURD

So so so what next? Well, I went up a mountain! A small group from my dorm got the train out of Tokyo to Mount Takao. It was the first time I'd been properly out of the city and into something slightly like the countryside. First impressions when I got off the train; the air was cleaner, the spiders were bigger and greater in numbers. The climb up was hard work, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. We kept stopping for snacks and to take in the view. There were some beautiful temples too. And of course, the red leaves for which the Japanese Autumn is famous for. Perhaps I'll let some photos tell the tale? 

Also had my first trip to Kabuki-cho in Shinjuku recently, it's a mental place. Went out with 'the girls' and had a laugh. For the benefit mostly of my Mum, I'll introduce the ladies...Pay attention, mother, I'll only say it once more!!

From left; Nermeen (Egypt), Melanie (England), Dunja (Croatia), Lin (Finland), Mirja (Finland)

Hope you got that Mum, there will be a test later.

So this is where I leave you. Be back soon! (ish)