Jap Blog 11th August 1996

Slow morning. Magazine, breakfast and a talk. Finally go underway and Mrs Hazama flew into a panic because she left it a bit late to drive us to the train station. Made the first train in time. Everything went ok until Wayne took us to the wrong train. No harm done as we could still make it to Oita in reasonable time. Travelled through Usa (the story behind this is that pre-World War II all electronic equipment from Japan was crap and so they badged it with "Made in Usa"). As we had all of our backpack material the train driver in Oita wanted to know where we were going, i.e. “Are you lost?” It was unusual for him to see two foreigners (giajin). Had tea at a cheap restaurant and Wayne’s aikido sempai paid for the meal. Walked to Oita diagaku (university) and checked in.

A package was waiting for Wayne and it turned out to be my toiletries bag. Met Kiyoshi Okazawa. Rang mum and Wayne rang some people. Kiyoshi then drove us to Yufuin (some interesting protest material here) and some onsen (hot springs). Spent 35 minutes in “the tub” and a girl came in just as I was about to leave. She was slightly embarrassed and went back outside. During this break in proceedings the Japanese guys became excited and one guy jumped out to put his glasses before she came inside again. We were naked in the onsen except for a face washer but this girl wore a towel into the water. Drove back to uni. The dormitory is a slum and the place should be condemned.

- posted by Hammy @ 8:08 am