Foreign climes

Welcome to the first destination on our odyssey, a remote little town you've probably never heard of called Nu-Nea-Ton.

Almost as soon as we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the locals. The very first couple we met kindly invited us to stay in their home. They speak a strange guttural language which is incomprehensible to me but luckily my wife is fluent.

Locals

Last night, the lady of the house served up a delicious chicken stew served with what they called "vomtebongs": tiny green spheres and orange coloured mini-batons the likes of which I've never seen in Scotland. They were good but would have been better deep-fried.

Today we explored the local market. Just look at the strange stuff they eat round here!

More "Vomtebongs"

Weird

"Tea". I doubt we'll see any of this stuff again.

Tomorrow's our last day here before leaving for Japan. There's still loads to see and do so I'd better sign off. As the locals say, "This won't buy the bomby a new bayonet". Don't ask.

Next stop, Tokyo!

Bye bye Edinburgh

Well, that's it, we're finally off. The fridge is defrosted, the alarm's on, the secret webcams are running in the bedrooms and the cat's staying with her Italian foster parents in Kirkliston (Ciaow Smudge...)

Bye bye flat

First off, a quick trip to Nuneaton to see the in-laws and then, Japan!

Before the travel blogging starts in earnest, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteered to help look after things while we're away. In no particular order:

My Parents
Karen's Parents
Marisa & Carlo
Lisa & Andy
Rachel
Pip & Pup
John (thanks for the Asian themed Spotify playlist - syncing it now!)
Ian

See you in 6 months...

Hole-in-two

On the last hole of my last round before going away, I thought how nice it would be to finish with my first hole-in-one. 

This is how close I came... 

Hole-in-two

If you've ever seen me play golf, you'll know that the chances of me getting any closer are negligible, so I thought I'd better record the moment for posterity.

Packed!

Well, that's our rucksacks packed. It was a bit like a 3D game of Tetris but I'm very pleased we opted for 'smaller' rucksacks, mine weighs enough as it is!

The cat hasn't packed hers yet though ... lazy devil!

Wheeeeeeere's Johnny?

Here's another little appetiser to keep you going until the main event.