Around the World I

Day 16 - Sat 26 Apr 2003

Japan

Up at 6am, and down to the station by 6:30. The train is a complete contrast to the one that I came in on, wood floors, leather seats, pop out table from the arm rest, low voltage lighting, and speedy - I believe it's called 'Tusume'! The weather today is a bit brighter than yesterday, and the forecast on the TV was for sun (but there's a lot of cloud up there). Managed to get to Tosu no problem, and then changed trains to Kagoshima - managed to get a seat in a reserved car, but decided on a whim to get off at Kumamoto to have a look at the castle - and very impressive it is too.

Kumamoto Castle

Wandered around the town, and had a look in Tower Records. Took the tram back to the station, got some cash, collected my bag from the locker, changed my reservation and now on the 13:25 'Tsubame' train to Nishi Kagoshima arriving at 16:54.

My cough is getting better, but I seem to be suffering from hay fever - a double whammy.

The ladies who bring the food trolleys up and down the train bow when they enter and exit the carriage. We're now travelling down a beautiful bit of coastline - small bays, lush vegetation and views out to sea with small tree covered islands.

Arrived at Nishi Kagoshima - tourist info tried to book me into a small hotel, but they wouldn't have me, as I couldn't speak any Japanese! Hmm! anyway eventually got to stay in one of the LP listed Ryokans; walked into town, found a Internet cafe, sent some e-mails, and checked on the SARS situation - it's not good!

NextView my route around the world here