Numazu

Arrival in Japan with the Jarvis family.



Finn and Rosa's sleeping spot in Karen's apartment.



At the noodle house last night.


Hey folks. Thanks for you comments, I always try to have the last word in the comment box (what is new there?) so if you have written a comment, do look back because I might have said something especially to you. Not that it will be world changing, but would be a shame if you missed it...
We had a busy time transferring from Hua Hin to Bangkok, then waking at 3am to head to the airport. It was all made so much more bearable by having the company of the Jarvis family who were doing the same thing on their way back to Okinawa. They are a fabulous family and we know we will see them again. We really lucked in by having them on tour with us - and yes, I hope they read this! x So Rosa spent a bit of time with the Jarvis girls on the plane and Gordy, Finn, Meg and I managed to watch 'The Blind Side' together which we all loved...highly recommend as a family movie for around Finn's age.
Meg and Scott helped us navigate Narita airport before we had tea at McDonalds (and because I know you'll be interested...we had a meal deal each and it cost the four of us about $45) and said our goodbyes to them. Then we caught the bus down to Numazu. It took about three hours - the children were asleep when we passed through Tokyo city - but WOW! I think it is the most impressive man-made view I have ever seen. It was dark and drizzly and it was like passing through a model. All the buildings were lit up and they seemed artfully arranged around us on both sides for miles and miles. Really beautiful. So now we are onto our second day here. Karen has a lovely wee flat. Four rooms with sliding walls and doors - really practical for such a small space. There is a view of Mt Fuji but we haven't seen it yet due to weather. Yesterday was lovely - today it rains. We have been on a little walk but that is all. We are just chilling after our busy time...and gearing up for our next few days.
Now, at long last, after adult voices have dominated....I introduce to you....FINN CADDIE!

We are in Japan. Yesterday it was nice but now it is raining.
Last night I learnt how to use chopsticks that was at a noodle place where we got huge plates of noodles. Today we are just hangin' around here.The trip so far has been fun fun fun.Tuesday was hard work getting up at 3.00am and going to bed at 11.00pm.
Tomorrow we are going to Disneyland we are all looking forward to that.
My highlight in Thailand was elephant riding. It was cool watching one of the elephants paint a picture - his keeper pulled his ear for the elephant to move his trunk different ways to paint. It was nice for the elephants who live at the centre because they are well looked after compared to others who are drugged by their owners to work long hours and are taken into the city to beg for money.
Another favourite memory is the tour ride in the long tailed boat in Bangkok and also having a ride in a rickshaw. So far the trip has been 10/10. Kawp khun krup for watching our blog! (That's Thai for thanks - from boys. It is Kawp khun ka from girls) Sawadee krup!

Yo bro it's Rosa here. We've just been in Thailand and our tour guide's name was Khag. Our first activity with her was a boat ride. I liked going to the waterfall. We swam in it. There was fish in the water, mainly around the edges. We had to step through them to get in the water.
Now we are in Japan. We are staying at our friend Karen's house. She is a teacher at a school. We are going to Tokyo Disneyland tomorrow. It will take about four hours to get there on the trains! We will put some pictures on the blog after we have been there. Kawp khun ka!

Gordy here!!!
Everyone has said most of the things I'd be saying (what's new there!)
Thailand was a fantastic adventure. I can't speak highly enough of the country as a place to visit and we would have loved to stay longer. Never mind though as it leaves us with a great excuse to come back again one day! Highlights were many but if I am forced to choose then I'd have to mention the waterfall swimming, the elephant riding, the homestay village and the beaches around Hua Hin. Above all that though it was the experience of a whole different culture, their smiling easy going ways and the atmosphere that I will will remember most.I really hope they get their political situation sorted soon because it is an awesome country with awesome people and they deserve to live in peace.

Arrived in Japan and the 3 hour bus ride through central Tokyo was amazing!!!!! I thought Sydney Harbour was unbeatable but I was wrong!
We are catching up on sleep and rest ready for our Disney visit tomorrow. We have decided to go mid week in the hope of beating the massive weekend crowds-fingers crossed! The disadvantage is that we will be flying solo as Karen will be at work. We have to catch several different trains so hope we get there before closing time!!!

We about to put on Jackets for the first time and head out in to the Japanese rain.(Looks very similar to NZ rain!)

Hear from you real soon!
Gordy