Big In Japan
My only really previous experience of Japan is in the second row of the chorus of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” during the fourth year at Grammar School.
Having been in the school play, a limited number of pupils were allowed to make up the chorus of the annual Gilbert and Sullivan production. Dressed in a range of hired kimonos and holding fans made by the art department, we sang forth “If you want to know who we are, we are gentlemen of Japan, on many a vase and jar, on many a screen and fan.”
I’m not sure if I was a hit as a Japanese gentleman, but it never imbued me with any real desire to visit the country itself. I suppose I just didn’t have the yen for it (stay with me on this).
Until my separation came along, and I decided that holidays needed to be adventures.
Browsing through the Sunday Times, one morning earlier this year, I found the company ‘Inside Japan’ who put together self guided adventures for tourists so that you can work your way round the country on your own, joining in with groups at certain times, but remain an individual and not have to follow somebody holding a multicoloured parasol every time you step outside the hotel.
So you could say I found the yen. At the post office actually who had a very good rate of exchange. Now I’m making lists and I’ve bought a new suitcase and I’m excited and nervous.
When I’m dealing with public speaking training, I talk about nerves being another form of excitement, and that is true here. This will be the biggest trip I’ve ever made on my own. A 13 hour flight in the luxury of Japanese Airlines premium economy to a country where I may not be able to distinguish the signs on the loos.
I’m hoping there’ll be a little man on the door, although from what I’m told, there will be little men all over the place. At 6’2” I may stand out a little.
The guidebooks are browsed. The itinerary looks exciting. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyasama and Osaka, before returning back to Tokyo.
Paul Clayton
12 chapters
23 Apr 2023
Pre show nerves.
May 27, 2023
|
London
My only really previous experience of Japan is in the second row of the chorus of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” during the fourth year at Grammar School.
Having been in the school play, a limited number of pupils were allowed to make up the chorus of the annual Gilbert and Sullivan production. Dressed in a range of hired kimonos and holding fans made by the art department, we sang forth “If you want to know who we are, we are gentlemen of Japan, on many a vase and jar, on many a screen and fan.”
I’m not sure if I was a hit as a Japanese gentleman, but it never imbued me with any real desire to visit the country itself. I suppose I just didn’t have the yen for it (stay with me on this).
Until my separation came along, and I decided that holidays needed to be adventures.
Browsing through the Sunday Times, one morning earlier this year, I found the company ‘Inside Japan’ who put together self guided adventures for tourists so that you can work your way round the country on your own, joining in with groups at certain times, but remain an individual and not have to follow somebody holding a multicoloured parasol every time you step outside the hotel.
So you could say I found the yen. At the post office actually who had a very good rate of exchange. Now I’m making lists and I’ve bought a new suitcase and I’m excited and nervous.
When I’m dealing with public speaking training, I talk about nerves being another form of excitement, and that is true here. This will be the biggest trip I’ve ever made on my own. A 13 hour flight in the luxury of Japanese Airlines premium economy to a country where I may not be able to distinguish the signs on the loos.
I’m hoping there’ll be a little man on the door, although from what I’m told, there will be little men all over the place. At 6’2” I may stand out a little.
The guidebooks are browsed. The itinerary looks exciting. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyasama and Osaka, before returning back to Tokyo.
I’m sure there will be plenty to see, to love, to wander out, to enjoy, and to tell you about
I just hope you enjoy
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