Mount thingy-ma-jig...

Today was probably the nicest day we've had in a few days. it was warm and sunny, but not too hot. I went for a drive to the nearby mountains, they have a name, but as usual, my memory fails me, i know it began with a 'Y', but then again, most things do here. the drive itself was gorgeous, bascially its a 30 minute drive down the coast from my place, then a long windy road to the top of the mountain. the views from the top are amazing, on one side, there is the sea (at the foot of the mountain), and the other side is the plains (completely flat) where i live.

i have been told that everytime nature does something exciting here, it becomes an organised event. the cherry blossom is supposed to be spectacular..but it gets compartmentalised as does when the leaves change colour, you almost have to queue to see it! anyway, its kind of similar on the mountain, i mean, its beautiful, but they have tried to make it so touristy, that it kind spoils the illusion. they even have a huge steel lift tower right in front of the viewing platform so that people can get a better view from the top of the lift....i think they miss the irony. never the less, it was a good day, amazing views and a great drive.

my flat is still looking like a show home, and is a bit sterile, so i went to Tokyo Interiors today (big home furnishing shop near where i live). i bought a few odds and ends, then bought a whopping big book shelf, again, this causes issues in that i had no idea how to buy the bloomin thing. in the end i stole the bar code from the display one and took it to the check out. a few more 'sorry..im an idiot who doesn't speak your language, i wish to buy this bookshelf please' and pointing and looking pleadingly into their eyes to just let me buy it without looking too stupid...while a huge queue formed behind me, and a guy brought a big box out of stores and took it to my car. anyway, 2 hours later and a few swear words later, and its up. one thought i had today was that you know you have hit 30 when you buy scatter cushions!...i bought 3, it almost felt like a right of passage..buying scatter cushions, all those of you under 30 just wouldn't understand. anyway, today was a bank holiday. tomorrow back to work...