uni spaghetti

Having one of those days....

2012-02-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

Weeks....

You know....when the gods of science decree that your 14 day experiment will suddenly fail and become infected on the last day; the same one you've been trying to get to work for more than two months. When your incubators you grow cells in grow mold and suddenly stop working in cacophy of alarms and failing gas supplies.
When your careful plan of work for the day is turning into a day of being wearing masks and rubber gloves with a tub of disinfectant. And the website you really need in order to arrange going to a conference is down for 3 days and counting....

These are the days when you escape and eat cake.

A big slab of the most chocolately, gooey, moist cake....with an extra topping of chocolate sauce.

The march of time...

2012-01-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

This time last year I was spending my last few days in Japan...It feels weird, like it was yesterday and years ago at the same time. This last year has been pretty full on...starting a new job, moving, LOTS of new things to learn in lots of places. From September to December last year it was super busy. I had reports to suddenly write and prepare, courses to do (who'd have thought that financial management could have been so fun!) and I went off to 2 weddings and met up with friends I haven't seen for years. So Christmas was a really nice break away from all of that, though I still managed to meet up with a former flatmate and another uni friend during that time.

This year is filling up too... new projects and aspects to the project will start to happen, papers to write and maybe a conference or so. I'm looking forward to Oyomesan sailing in for a visit in the summer.

so 2012 bring it on!

Happy Christmas and a Merry New year!

2011-12-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

Found a quiet moment to sneak away from the parents open house christmas bash to say merry christmas and Happy New Year. Finally caught up on sleep- and my energy levels from all the chocolate has built up enough to power up the laptop.

Its been great being cut off from the world for a few days, just to catch my breath from jaunting around the country.

Nice pressies and relaxing with the family, taking the dog for long walks was just a perfect antidote to financial management courses and meetings and report writing.

Hope to write a little more shortly.

In the meantime, Hope everyone is having a nice festive break.

See you in 2012 (if we're all still here!)

back again

2011-11-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am here...The last few months have been hectic work wise and it left me without much energy for much else. I hopefully fill in some details of the last few months- the travels were fun and exhausting at the same time. I'm enjoying having November off the travels.

Views of the previous months...

Back in the saddle again....

2011-09-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

After a fairly quiet August, I'm off again with a month of travels. I'm glad I had a few weeks of peace and quiet, cause its going to get pretty hectic.

First though is a proper holiday with a wedding at the end. After the rubbish summer here in the UK, I'm finally off to get some proper sunshine and warmth in Italy. My first ever time and my first holiday with just my sister and I. Hopefully all the sights of Rome will keep us from killing each other too much. After Rome we're heading off to the Chianti region for my friends wedding, where I'll be singing...I'm still learning one piece, but it should all be fine now I've got it on the ol' ipod.

Once I'm back from Italy it all gets a bit hectic- with a couple of days to wash and pack for a working trip around the UK- all part of my project, and I've a few days back to change over and re-pack before heading off to Cheltenham for the wonderful Part 2 of the management course, where I'll be once again in "dragons den" mets "the apprentice" mode. Its formal business attire presentations (video'ed for ultimate torture apparently) and then a leadership course, which we have to bring "clothes that we don't mind getting wet or muddy" too. Which in the middle of October probably should be warm too, I'm guessing. Fun, fun, fun!

So Ciao for now

I leave you with one of the songs I'm singing for my friends wedding-I'd like to hope I can sound like Hayley here, though we'll only have a harp for the orchestra.

The 39 steps to a thoroughly British experience

2011-08-23T13:28:00.001-07:00

Well we survived the 5 day mad dash tour of the UK- even managed to squeeze in some

wonderful English riots along the way. I won't say much about that except that I have seen some of the worst and best in this country, I've been ashamed, infuriated, saddened and uplifted all at the same time.

Anyway we/they managed to

1. Have close encounters of the cow variety- in the city courtesy of the Town moor in Newcastle

2. Listen to choirs practicing Parry and Elgar in Durham Cathedral

3. Eat vast quantities of fish and chips- in fact it was fish and chips 3 days in a row- score 1 for British food, or was the other food that bad??

4. Walk through Heather and wild mountain thyme

5. Eat haggis (and like it!)

6. See Salmon jumping up the Shin falls

7. Take a red London bus and sit up front, upstairs

8. Be accosted by a Dumbledore clone on the Royal mile

9. Hear bagpipes on the breeze ( the best way in my opinion) and up close and personal

10. Kilts, kilts, kilts

11. Be delayed on a train due to disruptive passengers being removed,

signalling difficulties and waiting for other trains

12. Been searched through airport security with grumpy, unhelpful staff

13. Sticky toffee pudding

14. Drunk Irn bru (I think I may have 2 coverts to the cult of Irn Bru)

15. Been munched by the terror of the west coast of Scotland...the midge

16. Whiskey tasting at 11.30am

17. Met a real Highland cow

18. See some of the (in)famous nightlife of Newcastle

19. See some of the craziness of the Edinburgh festival including synchronised leg waving, victorian magicians and a full on street musical Sound of music/austin powers cross

20. Watch the sunset behind Edinburgh castle

21. Squished on a tube, with luggage

22. Pose outside Center court in Wimbledon

23. Cross the swinging bridge of Doom over a gorge and waterfall- witnessed by a million

tourist (that one joyous terror was all mine)

24. Enjoy a pint in a proper pub

25. Insulted by Neds on Princes street

26. Sitting on a london bus, watching a Hindu festival pass by

27. Experiencing a rowdy 40th birthday party in a restaurant including joining in singing 'happy birthday'

28. Superdry stores- which have nothing to do with Japan, but have random Japanese labels on the clothes, its the reverse of Engrish

29. Pub Lunch

30. The endless wait for luggage at Heathrow

31. Sheep, everywhere

32. Toasted bacon sandwiches and mugs of tea- first class on the train

33. Wrapped up in blankets eating BBQ outside

34. Oyster cards- I'm a lucky holder of a special commerative Royal wedding one...lucky me!

35. Splurging in a Cath Kidston store- we were in there for hours

36. Takeaway Ramen - Tokyo style in Newcastle

37. toast and jam for breakfast- no random salads or hot dog sausages

38. black cabs with british flag designs...the olympic fervor is stepping up a pace here

39. Collapsing in a big heap at the end of this and needing to sleep for a week

And a few snaps from the madness...

Tour guide duty....British style

2011-07-31T01:11:00.000-07:00

Well...hello blog, been a while again hasn't it. Not really my fault- work and life got in the way.

I came back off my management course full of confidence and ideas- which I got into practice at a meeting down in head office of the company who's part funding my project.

It was my first time there so I was a little nervous about what to expect. You know how you get these ideas of how places and people should be? that was me- I had visions of suits and suits with shiny white coats, glass windows, uber security, golf carts (like all the movies show) and well.... I got security, which was not unexpected, a few suits and mostly jeans and casual and lots of jogging people and an atmosphere like most university campuses.

Anyway the meeting went fine- it was a little weird at first not really knowing what everyone else knew, but apparently everyone seemed happy so I guess- yay for me!

From there I went off down to Wiltshire for a camping/christening weekend with my friends from uni. It was a lovely break, even if the weather was pretty terrible- heavy rain, then heavy rain and gusty winds. I think if it hadn't of stopped for a few hours each day it would

have been a pretty miserable trip.

With all this travelling on trains I wish the companies would give out train miles or loyality cards- I'd been in first class all the time with all the travelling I've done recently.

I had last weekend off to recover and this weekend by brother and family are up. Next week however, I'm on tour guide duty.

Two of my Japanese friends will be arriving for a mad dash around the UK for 5 days (as you do). We went on a 2 day bus tour of Rishiri and Rebun islands together 2 years ago- that was a strange Japanese experience.

Everyone one else (who were significantly older too) got up at ridiculously early hours in the morning and stomped around the ryokans we stayed in and then we had to practically run around all the stops we had on the tour to keep up with the rest of the group as they zoomed around the various sights of the islands. This time we're travelling by trains, planes and automobiles as opposed to trains, buses and ferries. It should be good fun, we're heading up north to my parents house for a couple of nights-a cultural exchange. Hopefully my Mum will not fully implode with stress before they arrive (and that my Dad and sister remain sane in the face of my mother in full on Visitor mode).

Can I eat my own words?

2011-07-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well here I am in my luxury hotel- just checking in with my email and life before another 3 course dinner. Dare I say it- I'm actually really enjoying myself on this course- I have learnt even more bizarre terms and acronyms- SWOT and PESTLE and all sorts of goodies like that and you know what- its all starting to make sense. Maybe there is a manager lurking under this scientist.

I've got another 2 days left here in my little luxury manager course bubble before the realities of the project might taint this happy feeling, but I think I may even be able to take charge a bit more and be more assertive.

It is a lovely break away from lab life- get up in the morning from my giant soft bed and black out- curtained room and amble along for a buffet breakfast, then an hour and half of work before tea and biscuit break. After another hour and a half it's lunchtime- another buffet with hot and cold food and desserts of chocolate cake. Then another session before afternoon tea and brownie or tea and scones. A bit of a break before dinner to take in some pool and sauna in the hotel before the next feast arrives and then we've been heading off the pub. I could get used to this life- though my stomach and liver may not.

Learning the language of *%@#**

2011-06-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Oh hell, I know I've not been very good at blogging. Its been hard to find the energy and something to write about too. Truth be told I've not been very good at getting anything going recently. I think I've been caught up in getting used to my new job and learning the ropes of all this new job entails, as well as catching up on friends, family and carrot cake.

Part of this is learning the business side of research and the language that apparently goes with it. And boy has it been frustrating at times.

The research side I love and really enjoy, already I've learnt some new things and I think I've nearly got the whole working with other people down pat (I'm almost surprised how easy that's been), but my funding is part university, part company and part government and this means I have to attend courses and fill out many forms along. Things like personal development plans, forcefield analysis, executive reports- things that take me far from my comfort zone. I'm happy in my world of PCR, western blots, shRNA, siRNA and transfections etc. (I'd explain, but that would take hours- so try the font of all knowledge known as wikipedia for an overview of those terms should you wish to know more;or bore yourself to death)

Now I have to take on a whole new world of language, and I've found it kinda frustrating because so much of it seems like rubbish. So much of it seems like stupid terms which hide what are in fact simple things; executive summary? Actually just a summary of work:forcefield analysis- nothing to do with Star trek, is just a list of people or things that influence the progress of a project. I think its this whole perverting simple ideas by wrapping it in crap terminology that has me bugged.

Unfortunately, I've got to embrace this language to complete this project; I'm off to a course in a couple of weeks which will will involve all of this so I'd best start embracing this sooner rather than later. The only consolation is that this course will be in a luxury country house hotel with pool and spa.

Wordless, but not soundless Wednesday

2011-06-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Wanderlust weekends

2011-05-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Phew...I'm having day 2 of resting up and its so good. I feel like I haven't really stopped for the last couple of months, moving flats, getting to grips with work and then I've been out and about visiting friends and family. I popped to Edinburgh at the beginning of April to meet up with my friends, who were across from Sweden on a conference and a fresh arrival out from Sapporo to here to wait for their work permit to head to Sweden. O was in Tokyo getting his visa for the UK on the day of the March 11th earthquake so it was good to see him.The weather was a lovely early spring day

From there I decided to pay a surprise Mothers day visit on my family- another 4 hours north of Edinburgh. It paid off, she had no idea and was grumping at the lack of card before I arrived unexpectedly; of course later she says she knew I was coming...

It was a lovely trip up and down, through some of my favourite scenery. Parts of Hokkaido always reminded me of parts of Scotland (maybe thats why it was easy to live there...). The following weekend, it was party time at the racecourse in Newcastle, where I managed to bag a prize from the prize draw, not the tickets to New York, but still very much appreciated.

A couple of weekends at home and then I was off travelling for Easter- down to London to meet up with some more friends for a trip to see the fantastic Legally Blonde musical and chill out in pre-wedding, heat wave tourist infested London.

Well, after all that its been nice to be a tad lazy, although when I say lazy, I have spend most of my weekends popping into the lab with various experiments to do and paperwork to try and catch up on. I think its all the work thats been keeping me really, really busy recently. and I still feel like I've got loads to catch up on and get to grips with...still, but more on that later (if I have time).

Golden weekend

2011-04-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still around. I'm enjoying the super extended weekend, thanks to a certain wedding (what! you mean you haven't heard about it? or seen the highlights repeated or the special edition newspapers/magazines/mugs or chocolates? have you been in a coma?).

I should be able to catch up on all of my recent travels, this being the first weekend in well over a month that I'm not somewhere else or having people over.

Wordless Friday

2011-04-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness its Friday...Chill out in front of the TV

100th post from the new pad

2011-03-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

Well apparently I've written 100 posts, or maybe thats written but not posted 100. Anyway Woo hoo! go me.

I've been a bit quiet on the old internet recently, due to moving out of the temporary uni accommodation into my new spacious flat of loveliness. This place didn't have internet...something I really find I really do need. My new place also has a flatmate , but she has no computer and no need for internet access...something which I and the guys in work find almost an alien concept. She's not old and is working at a perfectly modern job, but has no need for internet access.

Anyway, as of last Tuesday there is now glorious broadband installed in my lovely Edwardian Era flat, it took the poor old engineer 4 hours to get it in as the phone line seemed to have been installed in the Edwardian Era as well. I am glad to be able to freely check my emails of an evening or surf you tube, catch up on blogs and friends far away and finally free to watch UK TV and start re-discovering who's in and what crap there is to watch too.

I think about 10 days ago though I was very glad of my non-existent internet, the panic inducing, over reacting, constantly updating news from Japan was really getting to me. It was terrible listening to the news in the UK, according to them the WHOLE of Japan was at imminent risk of meltdown, foreigners fleeing and deserted Tokyo streets and stores, which I couldn't help feel really took away from those genuinely suffering in there smashed and swamped towns and was also really creating a panic here for those who have friends or relatives out in Japan. Watching the NHK news and reading the blogs of you lot out there painted a somewhat less over-reacting scene that the news painted over here- thankfully I might add. Added to this I was playing at Japan expert around the lunch and coffee tables in work as everyone asked about where I was and what was happening. The news I did get to watch left me disturbed and I had quite a few disturbing dreams. It was a relief to get to last Friday when the whole Libyan thing overtook the earthquake and tsunami news here. Not really sure what's happening in Libya and why we're there, but apparently no-one is minding at the moment (well maybe a certain Colonel and his cohort is...).

Aside from that life goes on here, work is pretty good- the boss seems happy with our progress anyway. I've already been learning new techniques, even been to a few talks too. I've even been to a Wedding reception; one of the post docs in the department got married out in a lovely country hall up near Morpeth and we all got an invite to the evening reception. It was a lovely night out, I even managed to get some dancing in (good ol' wedding disco music- 60's music for the parents and uncles, pop for the youngsters and some random stuff for the groom and his friends).

I'm looking forward to having a quiet weekend to really unpack and sort out the place properly, though not this weekend- I'm off to Edinburgh to meet up with S and her fiance O (fresh from Sapporo) for the day before a surprise Mother's day trip up home. Nor the next weekend, when I'm off to a ball up a the racecourse. Hopefully soon though. And shortly I will post some piccys- they're taken, they just need uploading, but as its now 1am and I have a western blot to run tomorrow I'd probably should get some sleep.

Night night for now

Not shaken, but stirred

2011-03-12T11:59:00.001-08:00

Stunned and horrified by the images I'm seeing on the internet, I'm glad I don't have a TV yet, because I think I would be seeing worse and wouldn't have been able to get to work at all yesterday. Last night the images replayed in my mind, along with the trip I took in that area last year.

I have spent the last day and half checking all the blogs, facebook, skyping friends, sending emails just to make sure, even though I know at the same time that everyone should be fine, that they don't live in (or even near) the Tohoku region, but when you see that almost unreal video of a black tide of burning debris racing over fields, villages, houses, cars, people you want to make sure, because its all you can do.

My family are profoundly happy I'm back in the UK, I'm glad too, although at the same time I feel like I should be there as well. All that tiny shakes I experienced in Sapporo I know were probably nothing like what happened on Friday, I can't imagine what it felt like even though I try.

I'm so glad everyone that I know or read are all fine; happy that my friend who had travelled to Tokyo could contact me. I hope it stays that way.

I'm not very religious but what ever peace there can be for those caught up in this I hope it comes quickly.

Let them eat cake...

2011-02-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

Hello *waves*

Yes, I'm still around, just not much happening and not much energy or time for writing recently.

This last week or so I feel like I've made the transition from feeling like I'm just visiting here to actually living here feeling, Japan has felt distant almost like a holiday. I put this down to the whole flat searching and friends visiting that I've been doing recently.

I've managed to get myself a nice flat- actually a maisonette, in a beautiful Edwardian red brick house in the nice posh area of Newcastle called Jesmond. Its really close to the swimming pool there and tennis club, so hopefully that will prod me into going and getting rid of the bulge from all the cake that I keep eating in work. It seems that we eat cake A LOT here. Lab meeting= cake, birthday=cake, someone walked by Marks and Spencer coming into work=cake.

Anyway, back to the apartment, it really was a lucky turn of events. A PI (head of a research group in Sciency speech) is friends with my soon to be landlords and told me about this place. I had some other flats to see which I'd found through agencies. I had appointments to see those last weekend, but the Friday before I popped up at lunchtime to see this one. It really is a beautiful house- Huge living room, probably the size of my apartment in Sapporo. Dining room with a huge granite slab for a dining table. The only thing similar to Japan is kitchen which is small and compact, although filled with lovely appliances, including a dish washer.

The landlords and really nice and laid back and with no fee's or even a deposit, it really was almost a no-brainer. The other places through the agencies wanted over 2 and half months upfront (not just a Japan thing obviously!).

So in a couple of weeks I'll be out of my slightly studenty staff accomodation which is costing me an arm and a leg and into a beautiful old house fully furnished. I think cakes maybe in order here

Downtime weekend

2011-02-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

Woke to the sound of rain today.It was really peaceful so I lay there listening to the drips and splashes. Of course this meant my plan for a trip to the sea was off the boil. I ended up going to the cinema to see Tangled. I was quite aware that I was there on my own, but once the film started I didn't care. It was a great movie to see on a grey, wet weekend day, I really enjoyed it. I thought about seeing if any Chinese new year celebrations were on afterwards, instead I ended up back at home making some lentil soup for the week and updating some pictures.There were a few fireworks outside the window a couple of hours ago, I guess the probably the post gradstudents from the halls of residence.Yesterday I had a glorious sleep of nearly 11 hours! the first big sleep for ages- the previous 2 nights were really noisy here with gales roaring through the bare branches of the trees in the park keeping me awake. I was all set for a reasonable lazy day when the police horse clopped by the window to remind me that it was match day.All snuggled up cozy next to the football stadium...makes for noisy Saturdays during the season

So instead I ended up taking a 4 hour walk around Newcastle suburbs and booking someappointments to view some flats. It was nice to walk around the streets- down the red brick, Victorian/Edwardian terraced houses of Jesmond and Sandyford and Heaton. I came across the Church where my sister was baptized when we used to live in Whitley Bay (a coastal town near here), so it was almost like a trip down memory lane. As I headed home the match was being broadcast across the city- A huge cheer went up at one point which echoed around for ages and judging by the noise it must have been an exciting match.

Later on, after the match, the cheer was replaced with the sound of the local teenagers shouting/screaming and howling at each other in the park. It was almost like listening to the sounds of the jungle- with those loud carrying howler monkey noises that the boys were making.

And finally....look at these little fellows, merrily munching away on the grass in the middle of the city, right next to a busy pavement. Wild aswell, I could imagine the squeals of kawaiii! if my J-friends saw these.

Fancy a frisk?

2011-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Little things I've noticed since being back...

1. Chocolate is more expensive- maybe its because the shop is in the hospital, maybe its to encourage you to not eat too much, but it costs much more than I remember.

2. Asking people if they want a frisk meets with a rather shocked look and silence as opposed to a yes please "itadakimasu".

3. There are birds everywhere- and they aren't just the mutant giant evil crows

4. I have no idea who any of the singers and bands are on the radio

5. The sun is just rising as I get up for work at 8am and I don't need thermals on to leave the house, but you can wander around the hospital without melting in normal clothes

6. People DO actually hold the door open most times...its very nice.

Praise be and bless you whoever you are

2011-01-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

I have internet...in my flat....hurrah!

I've spent this last week in almost nun like silence reading books, sleeping by 9am because of the lack of internet access.

I can use it in work, but I've been busy doing experiments with the super enthusiastic minion and million of cells to be used so I haven't had much chance there either (still waiting for contracts etc...but should be progress soon on that front).

Turned on the laptop for some noise whilst I eat dinner and try and drown out the slightly noisy hoodies roaming the park outside the flat and clicked the internet button as a habbit. Low and behold some kind person near me has signed up to some programme that loans out some of their wireless internet for others to access. So for a fee of a few pounds I"ve got a pile of hours to use on the internet.

The last week has been a blur of work- I was far busier than I thought, with meetings and experiments and everything. They all seem like a really nice bunch of people and I've seem to have settled back in the UK life of set tea and coffee breaks and cakes for birthdays ( I did my duty today). I've worked out the short cut through the hospital to the lab, watched the air ambulance from the coffee room window whilst eating my sandwiches and enjoyed the general banter and gentle leg pulling that you don't really get in Japan.

Home has been somewhat quiet, with only the itunes for company and unpacking boxes that arrived (impressively quickly) and reading books. I've made it through the entire Millenium Triology (the Swedish one "girl with the dragon tattoo" etc) this week, which I've enjoyed a lot it must be said.

But I am relieved to be able to get some internet access here now- I've been feeling cut off somewhat. But here I am, but I really should go eat my dinner before it gets cold. So catch up soon

Wye aye man

2011-01-25T02:29:00.000-08:00

Hello you all!

Just a quick post to let you know I've arrived in Geordie land. I left the meters high piles of snow and freezing temperatures behind me and landed into the winter greens and browns of Newcastle. I've already experienced the football match crowds and noise outside of my flat, shopped myself to a standstill and I'm slowly working through my 'my god I've missed you' foods and drinks. I even went and ate soba in wagamama and mistakenly ordered in Japanese much to the bewilderment of the waitress.
I'm borrowing a computer and log on address in work. After all the rush to get here, it turns out my contract has been finished yet- the company lawyers are being slow, so I can get a proper email and proper access, staff card or paid...at the moment. I have had calls to say this will be sorted, but in the meanwhile I'm hanging around my new lab and desk space, drinking coffee- eating cake. I may even get some lab work done today.
Anyway, once I'm back online more freely I'll be sure to update and stick up some pictures of greenery for any of those still stuck in a Japanese winter.

Ja, mata ne!

my life in boxes

2011-01-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

I'm at home this morning waiting for the post to come take away the first lot of boxes for shipping back to the UK. Inside this pile are the majority of knick knacks from the years here- random hello kitty keyrings from Nagasaki, Tokyo, Nara; Ainu mouth harps, Photo's from New Zealand, post cards from Taiwan and Thailand, nearly 4 years of memories in boxes.

My apartment is suddenly looking more spacious after the piano and other furniture was moved off to their new owners- in the middle of a snowstorm for that extra challenge.

Tonight is my leaving party from the lab so I guess I should go practice my leaving speech...

Well, that was a...

2011-01-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

bracing walk into work this morning.
I was wondering whether the rest of the world had stolen our snow allowance, but it seems to have arrived en masse in a swirling wind blown pile.
Today, I've got starbucks coffee on order to sweeten up my lovely secretary friend, while she helps me to cancel all the utilities for the apartment and sorts out some large trash pick up. I say helps, but actually she's really doing it all while I stand there to supply numbers or dates as appropiate. I've been feeling a little helpless in the last few days (seriously cursing the lack of Japanese to do these kind of phone calls), not helped by the lack of sleep and constant crushing weight of the LIST of things to do. It kinda came to head yesterday when I was in a particularly crabby mood, I rang another friend in work to meet for lunch and ended up having a bit of a weep down the phone at her. I didn't mean to as she has enough on her plate with trying to finish her PhD thesis, but in the end it was probably what was needed to clear my head and focus.
The lovely secretary came to the rescue yesterday and I've now got the shipping sorted for next week. Phew.... a big relief to tick at least one more thing off the LIST

Exploding stomachs and giant flying cranes....how I survived New year

2011-01-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

あけましておめでとうございます。こつぉひもよろしく！

Welcome to 2011.A year of big changes for me, most of which will take place in less than 3 weeks! crap...must pack, must pack....

Anyway, how did I spend my New Year? Well...my friend Y invited me to her parents house for O-shogatsu Japanese style. She picked me up Friday afternoon with my Wii that she's inheriting. We set off to her parents somewhere between Shin-Sapporo and Kita Hiroshima.
Her parents are really sweet, highly normal with an ageing half blind tubby dog. After a brief introduction we headed out off to the local super sento for a pre-new year bath....ahhhh, so nice and then back for dinner. Sushi, pasta salad, osechi stuff, huge slices of tako and salmon, chowamushi- which I ate! and enjoyed! (I'm an egg hater so it was a big thing for me), and fried chicken. I was so glad I hadn't eaten much earlier as all the portions were huge and they were all so encouraging to eat, eat and eat! so I did my best.
Then we sat down to watch the kohaku, the annual red and white song contest. The whole thing.... whilst being plied with coffee, fruit, cake and snacks. I particularly enjoyed the giant mechanical crane, topped by the woman. Last year she sang her song on top of a large replica model of herself so this was practically tasteful!
At 11pm "Mama Y" produced a huge bowl of new year, long-life soba noodles, topped with tempura prawns and the like for new year, my stomach was seriously protesting at this point,but I managed to slurp a few mouthfuls of noodles. The dog,Love-chan, also got noodles.
After the end of the Kohaku- won by the white team (men) again, we tuned into the bells being rung for the 108 sins of the year and a tour round the shrines and temples of Japan. It was lovely to see the shrine in Tottori-ken coated in heavy snow, but with the rabbit statues peaking out from underneath their snowy mantle, so cute.
And just after new year, after wishing everyone body a happy new year- with the bowing, we retired to bed. It took me til 3 to drop off as I feeling so full. And I woke with the sun in time to ring home for new year in Scotland, where my parents and sister were enjoying the fireworks and ceilidh music in the background.
Breakfast was another feast- mochi soup, a huge half fillet of Hokke from Obihiro, pickles and sausages.
In an effort to make some space for the food, we fired up the Wii for some New years tennis and bowling and then headed to the local shrine for hatsumode and a delicious cup of hot amazake.

After this Y and I headed to the local Jusco shopping center for the lucky bags. I thought the shops would be closed, but it was heaving with people and the shop assistants yelling ( I bet they must be hoarse by now!). I didn't mean too, but I ended up coming back with a lovely cardigan coat and scarf from Benetton....ah well.

After a quick pop back home we headed back to Sapporo, not before being loaded down with breadrolls, sweets, cheese mochi snacks and rice crackers....

I think the act of moving will help shift some of the new year calories. I hope it does anyway. Back to work tomorrow for my last 8 days of work in Japan. I've got 3 leaving parties in the next 2 weeks so its going to be busy 2 weeks.

Oosoji...

2010-12-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

Its the last day in work this year...we've got pizza on order for lunch and there are clothes hanging drying around the lab- hanging off the ice machine, draped over benches.
Yesterday I spent a happy hour clearing out my freezer space, removed the ice that had filled the box 1/3; boxed and bagged nearly 4 years of experiments and samples, threw out many litte tubes of PCR reactions, cloning steps which are no longer needed. I'll have to downsize again in the new year for leaving, but for now I can enjoy space and organisation that has been lacking for nearly a year.
Now the desk... I've started packing the desk, and also de-cluttering, its either that or up-dating my lab book and tidying is so much more satisfying.
My own apartment is currently resembling one of those overstuffed houses that you see around in Japan. The last few days that rubbish can be collected this year so I have bags of burnable trash, plastic trash etc already to go out on their designated day to avoid The Sticker of Shame on them. I should be able to pack a couple of boxes tonight, my cupboard is nearly sorted. Of course all I want is to bum around my apartment and catch up on the movies I've missed this year or sleep endless hours...
I suppose at least this way I can garantee the Japanese new year gods will visit my little apartment and send me off in style in the New Year.

Have a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas Eve

2010-12-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

Some how he reminds me of one of the two Ronnies (for all you Brits)....

Well we made it to Christmas eve... Dished out some little presents for the girls in the lab and I'll pop out later for some Christmas cake... I may even pretend to do some work.
If I hadn't cancelled my Christmas and New Year travel plans, I probably would have been stuck in an airport somewhere or disappointed at suddenly being unable to travel. As it is, I'm actually kind of relieved, very relieved in fact as it sounds like trying to travel in the UK is putting people through some form of hell.
Instead, I'm here spending time with my very good friends. Tonight I'm off to spend Christmas eve and morning in the company of Oyome san with KFC, mulled wine, christmas movies and good company to welcome in Christmas day. Tomorrow I've got 2 christmas dinners so I'll be pretty much pigging out all day, and hopefully they'll be a trip to Karaoke to sing some christmas songs. Not a bad way of spending my last christmas in Japan.

So, have a Merry Christmas everyone- I hope those travelling reach their destination, and those who have arrived or aren't travelling are tucked up cozy in the house enjoying your Christmas holidays.

On your marks...

2010-12-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

Is everyone else feeling similar here? I feel like I'm in some race to the end of the year at the moment. No sooner has one thing finished then another 10 things pop up and not to mention moving, which its own seperate layer of "fun" on top.

Last Saturday was our bonenkei, and although I would luuurve to post the video of our band of technicians, PhD students, fat foreigner and skinny bloke doing our finest AKB48 impression(please look elsewhere for information on the uber J-pop band of teenyboppers that is AKB48), I'm not sure the others in the video would want to appear to the world (well you few who read here and the mysteriously silent Russian contingent who read a few posts). That part was fun, the chance to look like 15 years old again and leap around being stupid is not going to come along until I get into the nightclubs in Newcastle on "skool night" if that is still popular in the UK.
Also fun was having the sound of the next doors bonnenkei soundtrack playing whilst our endless speeches were on. Its been a tough year in our department- his highness is still out of commission and has been for 6months so its been hard on the staff. He'd sent an email, about how we've all pulled together and struggled blah, blah and as it was being read out the "Rocky" theme started up from next door, which our table found hilarious. Our first formal bonenkei was followed by 3 increasing less formal ones, where the chair of the department took us from cocktail bar to sushi restaurant (yum!) to bar with karaoke and piano-playing bar owner. This guy knows all the good places, previous enkeis have seen me at possibly the coolest and at the same time kinda dodgy bar in Susukino (the entertainment area of Sapporo) - a secret bar with its own elevator entrance hidden behind a wall. Your own huge space with karaoke, pool, darts, fully stocked bar with 2 barkeepers (the stories they must know!) and a jacuzzi with disco ball which the slightly disturbing part. Anyway, I got home at respectable 3am from my last bonenkei and spent Sunday packing and sorting with the help of Oyomesan.
I sent off the last of christmas present by Monday, so then I could make a start on the Nengajo cards - so won't miss these, christmas cards are a chore already, but new year greetings even more, especially as I have to hunt through to find names and addresses in Japanese. Tomorrow is our departmental research conference, so I've been busy writing yet another talk and trying to get some last results to include. Following the conference, 5 of us are heading to an onsen in Jozankei for the night followed by a pottery session on Sunday (part of the package apparently). I'm looking forward to probably my last chance for an onsen here, although it comes at the price of not getting any packing done this weekend.
On the New job/moving front. I have some fantastic friends, who are taking the majority of my items- a BIG relief. I have a flat in Newcastle for the first couple of months, curtesy of the university. Its going to cost me an arm and a leg, but its fully furnished (down to bed linen) and gives me a base for posting too and finding a cheaper, less studenty and further from the football stadium place once I"ve arrived.
Very Jane Austen like don't you think? I showed the folks in the lab and their first question was whether it was that old inside?! Do they imagine I'll be cooking over some spit or living sewing by candlelight or something. ..the mind boggles.

A musical interlude

2010-12-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to write up the rest of my trip to Taiwan, but other things got in the way as you might have noticed. I wanted to make a movie of the photos with this cool song we kept hearing all around Taipei. When we were there the election campaign was in full flow. The green party had this really nice song with a native taiwanese singer- so a cool mix of chinese and native tune. My friend wrote the name down so we could find the CD- but alas we couldn't even find a CD shop in Taipei, let alone the CD!
If my friend can send it to me, it will make a nice memory, I'm sure only K and myself will associate this song with our trip- its weird how music can do that. Limahls "Never ending story" always reminds me of my family holiday to Majorca when I was a kid as it was playing in all the restaurants. Shakiras' "whereever, Whenever" is Cyprus- bouncing around in a landrover in the turtle conservation area.

Here ( I can get it to work) is the tune curtesy of you tube . Its a nice de-stressing tune..enjoy

Do you have any tunes you associate with a particular time or place? feel free to share.

Headless chicken

2010-12-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Oh god! has it been a week already?
Monday was letters and tears last week, by Wednesday we had two visiting researchers to talk too from Europe. By Thursday I had been shaken from bed by a rather scary earthquake (the epicenter was about 3/4km from my apartment) , packed and flown to Wakayama for a conference. Friday- my brave little umbrella I first bought in Japan met its end in a mini typhoon when we went to try the local ramen. Saturday I gave a talk....
Went to karaoke with most of the foreigners who attended, rolled into the hotel bed about 3am.
Sunday- got up at 6am, to depart for Nara with the girls from my lab. Cycled around Nara trying to avoid marathon runners, hoards of tourists and roaming ravenous deer
Flew back to Sapporo, headed to the lab for a practice of our routine for next weekends Bonenkei- well its my last chance for humiliation so I volunteered for this... I finally reached home at 9pm.
Yesterday I started making plans for moving- I will start work on January 24th in Newcastle, so this week I've got to start getting the important things sorted...lists have been started, Christmas flights to the UK cancelled.
I spent an hour last night staring around my apartment wondering what I'm going to do with the things I have. Then I realised I still have all the presents for Christmas to post....

Finally, Thanks for commenting- its nice to hear! I will try and keep up to date on the blog once I"m in the land of brown ale and crazy football fans and skimpy nightclub outfits. Newcastle is definately an interesting place.

Fog on the Tyne....

2010-11-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

....will be all mine all mine, or maybe that should be sub-arctic temperatures and drunken Geordies will be all mine all mine.
I got the job. Despite the fact I didn't think the interview went that great. The fools! or am I the fool? I was very weepy yesterday, still a bit today. I'm happy of course, but its a wrench to leave so many wonderful people behind here- some I've not even met!
It will be a quick change- maybe thats good, scary too- I have to move in the middle of January... and start working straight away. Maybe this will help make the transition better.

How to survive a SKYPE interview: part 2, Revenge of the Powerpoint

2010-11-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

Round 2 with the guys from Newcastle took place on Friday last week, hence the reason the trip to Taipei hasn't been properly written up.
Having agreed to go for the next round of interviews, I was hit with a barrage of emails asking for presentations, hoop-jumping forms about disability disclosures, proof that I don't need a visa to work in the UK etc. etc.
The up to 20 min presentation on why my background was suitable for the position had me most worried. Fortunately I cheated a bit, having already prepared a talk for this weeks conference down in Wakayama so with a few extra slides from other projects and previous papers and a sprinkling of photos of me in Japan with the lab, I emailed it off, in time for my interview at 9pm on Friday.
Friday morning brought news of the snow in Newcastle, with planes sliding off runways and I had visions of them not being able to make it into department to host the interview, afterall the Brits (well English) never seem to cope with a light smattering of the white stuff, let alone the inches that have already fallen, but no, they all managed so there was no escape.
Once again I opted for the home for setting up the interview, so they got a charming veiw of my curtains and I got to sit on my zabuton and try to look and sound professional. I went for smart shirt and cardigan and tried to conceal the dark shadows under my eyes. I think I kept the swaying under control this time. There was a panel of 3 people, though I could only see one at a time and thankfully (so very thankful) I couldn't see the giant projection screen of me that they were looking at.
The presentation went pretty ok, except for the slight stress that my laptop decided it didn't like all the images and froze up. Non-existing scouts training had kicked in and I was prepared with a back-up paper copy of my slides...always be prepared!
I had a couple of brain-freeze questions, that threw me, but they were genuing quite tricky. After an hour we wrapped it up and I signed off, swore loudly (after checking the call had finished ;)) and got into PJs and stuck the heating on and tried to forget about checking my email every 10mins to see if they'd made a decision yet.

Terrific Taipei, Taiwan trip

2010-11-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

A perfect antidote for all the stress of the past few weeks, was to completely forget about jobs and interviews by swanning off to Taipei for a long weekend. My friend K and I had booked this trip a couple of months back as a short break before the winter set in.
It was really nice to flight direct from Sapporo to Taipei, no transfers at Narita or Kansai to add to the journey- well that was the theory anyway.
The new international terminal in Sapporo, is all clean and shiny with a silver birch/outdoor and nature motif throughout, its also a bloody long walk from the main terminal building and only has a couple of restaurants and cafes, fortunately it wasn't a long wait until we were boarding our flight. Our seats were in the middle of a noisy Chinese tour group and the women who was assigned to our row was clearly unhappy to be sharing with two whities and kept trying to swap seats while the plane was loading. Eventually she found an empty space leaving us with an extra seat free on our row.
Shortly after takeoff our "fun" started. An announcement came over asking for any medically trained people on board for a sick passenger in business class. I felt for the little J-woman who got up, I bet it must be a situation you never want as a doctor. All the tour group around us are standing and trying to see whats going on by this point. As K is vegetarian her meal was served up first, somewhere over Tohuku 30 mins into our flight. Just as she started eating, the plane made a huge bank around and we headed back to Sapporo- goodbye to her meal.
Back on the ground in Sapporo, it seemed to take ages to take the passenger off, meanwhile half the plane were up being nosy and K and I contemplated our plans for the evening. Now 2 hours late, we would miss our dinner plans with my Taiwanese friend and the karaoke that was planned after, with no way of contacting him or the hotel to let them know we'd be late. Eventually 2 hours late now, we set off again for Taipei, into the night. Our 4 hour flight seemed to take forever, endlessly dark outside, with no lights to give a reference that we were actually getting anywhere, endless turbulence. I had visions of that Steven King novel about that plane with only a few people left on it (the Langoliers?). I really noticed the difference between the J-passengers and C-passengers, who were always standing and moving around, even though the air hostesses were trying to get them to sit down as the plane bounced and shook through the sky.
Just as we thought the plane should be landing we remembered that Taiwan is actually an hour behind Japan, so another hour of torture ensued. It was a relief to finally see the lights of Taiwan and get off the plane. Thankfully, the car we had booked to take us to the hotel was still waiting for us and I could ring my friend and let him know where we were. A luxury blacked out window sedan with a silent driver and water helped ease some of the tension from journey. My Taiwanese friend was waiting for us at the hotel, we dinner and karaoke still on, so a quick change and freshen up we headed out into the muggy night for some hot pot.My friend persuaded me to try the congealed duck blood that comes as standard in the spicy side- actually not that bad! I guess all the years of eating pickled seaslug guts and the like are paying off, that and the black pudding I like at home too...
Finally around midnight we headed off to Karaoke- taiwanese style, which is pretty similar to Japan, except there seemed to be a buffet for the food and you got the original pop videos for the songs. The choice of english songs was more limited,but as we only had an hour of energy left in us, there were enough. My taiwanese friend and I also sang some enka together, a memory of our times together in Sapporo.
The bed at the end of this day was very welcome, I think I was out like a light less than 10 seconds after turning out the light.

How to survive a skype interview..part one?

2010-11-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

Last night I had my second skype interview in my life (my first one, was for the position here), the first time using a webcam. Its a weird experience, seeing yourself, seeing them. I notice I screw my face up a lot and move side to side when I'm thinking, slightly like a lunatic. Still all in all it didn't go too badly.
Despite all of my stressing in the last couple of weeks, it was nice. We had a good talk- he explained the project in more detail, that I would get my own technician (my own minion! as all evil scientists should have). He asked a lot about my PhD, which was weird and tricky, as that is very much a distant dream of the past and I pulled my weird face whilst thinking back to what I actually did and what got published from that work.
Thankfully no decision needs to be made straight away- there will be a second interview if I choose to continue, this time with other people there too, but for now a breathing period; a chance to digest the information and weigh up the options.
I had the interview after running around like a demented person at my tennis lesson- which was probably a great way of not getting too nervous. There was no time to think about that, no time to breathe either. Despite the fact this should be same level as my usual Saturday class, this alternative lesson Thursday feels like a level higher. It was a non-stop work out of high powered shots, smashes and serves yesterday- my right arm is aching from the extra work today.
I went from there, straight back home to change to a smarter top, put on some make-up to try and disguise the dark circles under my eyes, clear the area around the camera field and arrange the lighting so I didn't look too much like one of the un-dead. Now if I can just get my screwy face and swaying under control I might just be able to try this whole skype interview thing again.

Bits and pieces....

2010-11-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry, been absent recently- lots of stuff going on, I think mostly in my brain.
I was going to write about the really nice walk I did the other weekend, but I think that will wait- if you look at the photo's on the right you can see what I did, pretty much.
Its been an see- saw past few weeks. I saw a position back in Newcastle that's still in this field (which is good, it's getting too late to keep changing fields, plus next years European conference is in Barcelona and who wouldn't want to go there!). Anyway I applied, I emailed the guy too to ask for more information- he wants someone to start straight away....hmmmm....my brain started wibbling at his point, did I want to move so soon? could I even do it? I really don't want to leave yet- I feel like I've found a second home here, I'm comfortable, happy. I've been feeling really torn- am I staying because its comfortable, easy here or should I go and work harder on a career? I even though of giving up on research life, and then do what?
Anyway, I submitted- it was an online application so I had to write the answer that you would usually speak in an interview- why do you want this position, what makes you good...its weird to write this. I bad enough talking about myself, let alone writing, it seems so fake to have to write such positive things about myself.
While I submitted, I chatted with our new de-facto head of the lab (Scotland lover), who had been talking to his highness (still out of commission, until January now!) he mentioned that if I wanted there would be possibly some money to work another year- it would mean a paycut. This he mentioned briefly and then went off to the clinics and other hospitals and trip to Singapore; leaving this little spot of luck dangling, but without any confirmation or more information.
Last week, I got an email that my application was being considered for the short list in Newcastle, which was a nice feeling, though at the same time a feeling of dread. I've been tearing up everytime I thought or had to speak about the possibility of leaving. Then came the email of "lets have a skype chat" last Friday and spent the weekend flip-flopping from happiness at getting this far and all whole host of other negative feelings. I missed the skype message until late on Friday night and there was no way I could hold a normal conversation, let alone an interview at midnight that night, so I ignored it.
Thankfully sitting out under the beautiful autumn leaves with Oyomesan, was a great tonic for the soul (thanks!) and I'm feeling a bit more positive- ish. I think its got me in a tizz because its all so soon and I have a load to do before now and christmas without the whole nightmare of moving country.
Monday- and I have a chat with the returned Scotland lover and there is a firmer idea of what would be the option if I stayed- a big pay cut, but I could stay for another year. So Japan is back on the table- it would mean some budgetting and careful saving for trips or flights and the end of tennis on Saturday.
I still have to have the chat with the guys in Newcastle- tomorrow or Friday night and find out more.
Thankfully this coming weekend I'm escaping this for 4 days in Taipei, maybe this will give my brain a much needed rest to get some perspective.

Sorry for the ramble- needed to get this down and out of my brain.

Last weeks snow

2010-10-31T21:52:00.001-07:00

Just maintaining my childlike love of snow here for another week.
It was pretty heavy snow (after the thunderstorm and storm force winds). It was wet and heavy though, and I'm suprised that there are still piles lingering around town.

The day after the storm was beautful blue and white with autumn colours poking through the snow. I really wanted to skip work and head to an onsen at this scene, unfortunately I resisted.

Preview of coming attractions...

A Chilling update

2010-10-25T18:28:00.001-07:00

That would be the former olympic ski jump (Okurayama) in Sapporo which I can see from my lab.
As forecasted, its snowing- Well about 100m higher from where I am. Down here we have sleet, with gales. It makes me feel like I'm back in Scotland. Yesterday I taught my lab mates a new word- driech, which pretty much summed up the weather yesterday, and how I felt.
I spent Sunday on my couch with waves of pain in my abdomen and a feeling that I was about to re-inact the chest bursting scene from Alien. I'm still not 100% today, though at least the pain has gone...mostly.

update....update..... its 10.30pm

Its all white outside and still snowing heavily!!

Something chilly this way comes

2010-10-21T20:13:00.001-07:00

Best dig out my thermals for next week...

Rambling along...

2010-10-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Not too much going on here. I'm slowly resigning myself to the fact I'll probably have to leave Sapporo (and probably Japan) next February or March. I'm looking for some other jobs and things. I have one I'm preparing for, its an online application- which is freaky, I have to write answers for questions such as what qualities do I have or why do I want to work there- its hard enough answering those in an interview, nevermind thinking about how to write down.
What else has been happening....hmmmm...not too much. The days are lovely and autumnal here, mostly anyway. Hopefully I can get out of Sapporo for a walk soon...
Our lab is slowly adjusting to life without the mini-boss. This means that the second window in our lab is now free of towering piles of papers and slides, so its got much lighter, the prodigal son (he who recently returned from his stint abroad in Scotland) has assumed the mantle of head of the lab and has moved up to the mini-bosses desk. We haven't seen much of him, apparently with great power comes great amounts of work in clinics all over Hokkaido. I got a weird cultural thing we do moment when the lab was discussing whether the Golden Child who is up next to the prodigal sons position should move to make way for the newest person to sit. Apparently its an unspoken rule (?) that the newest person should be closest to the boss- why? no- one could say. any suggestions? Our system in the labs in the uk was wherever there was space you got that.

Oh, and his highness's name has re-appeared back on the work schedule for next month- it seems he'll be back and we'll finally be able to find out what was wrong with him- or will we?

Happy Feet

2010-10-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, these will cheer me right up!

And these...

Jumping on the Meme wagon....

2010-10-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well everyone else is doing it....

1. What is your middle name?

Ann- with no "e", I like that is makes my initials HAL- like the 2001 Space Odyssey robot

2.What is your favourite magazine?

Glamour when I can get it, Empire or Total film, or any other trashy mags. I do also read Nature, but I don't think that should be counted as a magazine

3. What are you wearing right now?

Old jogging pants, 3/4 length sleave t-shirt with a fluorescent pink bear eating a geeky bearded man (hey- its a uniqlo t-shirt, do I need to explain more?). I'm may have to do battle with my leaky washing machine shortly so I"m opting for safety clothes.

4. What colour are your bed sheets?

Currently black base, cream duvet and pillow, shortly to be purple and grey moose patterned duvet and pillow and cream base. I"ve been waiting to put these new ones on all summer.

5.Who was your 3rd grade teacher?

3rd grade? No idea, I can't remember at all- maybe I had more than one. I loved that Primary school though.

6.What's the weather like right now?

Stormy skies- gusty wind, grey threatening rain and about 16C, so a wee bit chilly

7. Do you know how to ski?

I'm learning- every winter here, with the help of my fabulous friends Oyomesan and her ski-instructor boyfriend ;).

8. What was the last thing you drank?

Drinking a mug of tea (with milk naturally). Alcohol wise- Champagne earlier in the week.

9. Dream Vacation?

Riding horses across the Mongolian Stepps is high on my list at the moment.

10. Favourite article of Clothing?

Anything blue or my pink "this is your brain on joy" t-shirt

11. Do you prefer baking or cooking?

I love both- but baking I do for fun and friends.

12. Is your hair above or below your shoulders?

On or just below- I"m growing it long again after my first short hair cut in 15 years.

13. What drink do you order when out?

Out with the lab- Umeshu (ice in summer, hot water in winter) after the kampai beer.

Out with friends- cocktails, or ice-tea, Cola if need to be awake later.

14. What book are you reading?

Just finished book 4 of the 12 Kingdoms (yes, I do like to read childrens books- I am a geek). Probably some Georgette Heyer tonight- I do like my witty historical romances.

15. What did you dream about last night?

Nothing I remember

16. What was the last movie you went too?

I think it was "The Sorcerers Apprentice" way back in August- I need another cinema trip soon.

17. Any injuries at the moment?

Nope, still in one piece.

18. What colour is your bathroom?

White vanity unit, beige loo and bathroom, grey/blue fake wood lilo, Off white walls. And a non-leaking washing machine- finally!

19. What is the state of your laundry just now?

One load is on, at least one more to do- It piled up this week, I was too scared to try washing in case the thing leaked again.

20. Do you take vitamins?

21. Where do you love to shop?

Monsoon- back in the UK. Here I love Loft and the shops in Sapporo station. Clothes- I actually bought some clothes in Japan that fit me! A wonderful little ethnic/unusual style shop in the underground shopping street.

22. How often do you buy groceries?

I try a big shop every 2 weeks, then little things on the way home during that time.

23. Do you have a pet/pets?

Not here- I'd like to think that my Dad's guidedog is a pet when I"m back home. I had goldfish before I came to Japan- Bob and my first pet was January the goldfish- who lived for many years.

24. If you're married when is your anniversary?

Not married- but if anyone knows of a Japanese guy who wants a foreign geeky scientist wife- I'm available ;), especially if it means I can stay here.

25. How often do you take tea or coffee?

Usually, coffee in the morning at work, tea in the afternoon- with a sprinkling of starbucks and Sunday morning coffee's.

26. Mac or PC? Desktop or laptop?

PC desktop in work, Macbook at home. I"m on the look out for a netbook at the moment too.

27. Favourite month of the year?

January or February- Mid winter, lots of snow, bright blue skies and snow festivals. Or October when the leaves are peaking in the colour here. I love cold frosty mornings with blue skies when you can see your breath.

28. Do you have a hobby?

Music- I've got a piano here and my clarinet and the karaoke is less than 5 mins away (I actually have point cards for most places in Sapporo). I"m also starting to really like photography. Hiking when the mood takes me.

29. What salad dressing do you prefer?

Goma is sinfully good. Otherwise I like the honey and mustard dressing that I make with avocado salad (preens).

30. Live or Fake Christmas tree?

Real- I love that piney smell.The fake one I have here is pretty nice though.

31. Did you walk or take the bus to School?

Primary and Middle school- I walked

High school- I walked a mile or so to the bus stop and then a 12 mile bus journey to school.

32. Any Phobias?

Spiders, man made heights- suspension bridges etc. nail files, broken finger nails, the sound of knives being sharpened.

33. What's your favourite snack food?

too much to choose one- I'm munching my stock of salty licorice at the moment.

34.When do you take your shower/bath?

Usually at night- more time for lying in bed that way.

35. What time did you get up this morning?

10.30!!! so, so happy. Its been so long

36. Whats your favourite animal?

dogs, wolves, bears and penguins in no particular order

37. Have you ever broken a bone?

Touch wood- no

38. Do you wear makeup?

Only for special occasions or when the bags get too big under the eye.

39. Do you speak any foreign languages?

Poor Japanese and rapidly worsening English, I can remember random phrases in quite a few languages- I can say I love my car in Hungarian.

40. Have you ever played a sport?

I take tennis lessons once a week, and I like swimming. I loved rounders when I was at school, but I was never in any sports teams. My PE report was tries hard but rarely succeeds....

41.Your last UPS package contained?

Two amazon books- a guidebook for Taiwan and the next 12 Kingdoms book.

42. What's on your desktop?

A photo looking out over the blue blue sea of thailand from a restaurant where we had lunch on my holiday in March.

43. What's your homepage?

The apple webpage here, google in work

44. Introvert or Extrovert?

Introvert- definitely introvert

45. Favourite board game?

Pictionary, cranium, trivial pursuit and cluedo

46. What class did you like best in High school? College?

In high school- music and biology

University- Anatomy and the cell biology ones

47. What would you do with an extra hour each day?sleep

48. Do you have allergies?

I'm allergic to penicillin, and vaccines

49. Are your nails painted?

Nope, I'm usually never bothered to do it.

50. Where are you right now?

Sitting on my couch with Dollhouse on the DVD. I need lunch.

Its all getting a little melodramatic....

2010-09-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

This morning I felt like bit-part in one of those sickly horrible overly melodramatic movies that seem impossibly popular here in J-land. Imagine the scene....
A group of 30 something women and a silent man meet at a train station through a careful co-ordination of text messages. Anxiously we wait on the platform like a bunch of sad VIP stalkers. Then a wave and cheer as a diminutive man comes up the escalator weighed down with 4 bags of suitbags and a computer case. After handing the things on the waiting train there are bows, hugs... awkward silences as we try to figure out what to do next. Then the whistle blows and we line up to wave off...tears in the eye as we wave our beloved sensei, onto his new position as head of department down south.
..... And cue big strings or maybe some warbly MISIA or Angela Aki song and a misty montage of lab parties, photo's, beers and cake.
Yes, this was me at 0810 this morning- I dragged myself out of my bed early to do the group bonding farewell thing. Its been a pretty emotional week here in the lab- we've had about 3/4 goodbye parties- drank lots of champagne, lots of handshaking and huge amounts of bowing (I think the chiropracter will be having a busy week).
I also was told that unless I get my own funding- there's no job for me from April. So I'm on the hunt for a new job- hopefully in Japan, but I'm on a global search, or one last stab at getting my own funding.

Hei Hei and Moi moi Helsinki- part 2

2010-09-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ahh yes, the naked blacksmiths statue of Helsinki- for students apparently...what more reason do you need?

Sorry its taken a while to write the next not so exciting installement of Helsinki, I took the weekend off to relax and then this week has so far been work, getting covered in dust as my mini boss packs up his stuff for his imminant move to Nagoya.
Anyway... where was I? Ah yes, back from Tallinn. The next day the conference started and I went along to show my support for one of my colleagues who was talking. Poor girl, I think she was petrified. The talk before hers was a very european abstract talk- practically philosphy. Anyway, she did fine, we skipped out the last few talks to go on a bus tour we'd signed up for, which was good for me as I was suffering from a headache since I had woken up at 3am in the morning (yeaaaahh..gotta love jet lag). It was so nice to be able to understand everything being spoken on the bus tour- my previous one was my 2 day tour of Rishiri and Rebun last year- a full on Japanese tour and I spent most of it in ignorance about the islands and what ever fascinating titbit there were saying. 2 hours is more than enough to see all the sights of Helsinki- we even saw somethings twice its that small. We stopped off at the Sibelius momument.Isn't he a cheery looking chappy? Wonderful music- miserable sod from his face.
From here we headed to the Rock church- a church carved out of the rock- imaginative name...
Its got really good acoustics and was crawling with about 5 tour buses from Russia mostly. But a pretty place for a visit. Santa's shop was close by too.
The tour dropped us back at the conference sight in time for lunch- all the goody two shoes headed to the lunchtime seminar- we headed to the market for lunch. Salmon soup and fried crayfish all for 7Euros- which is very reasonable for Helsinki. I hope I can find some dill here soon and try this recipe out- Its perfect for a Hokkaido autumn I think!
The only downside were the many wasps which wanted a bite of the soup and crayfish too.I had forgotten how annoying wasps in Autumn are in Europe, so persistant and always there when you're eating.
After a quick amble through the market we headed for a quick look at the cathedral, the main landmark in Helsinki- heck its visible from some miles out to sea. The square had a collection of "buddy bears" each one painted to represent a different country. (anyone else think that the china bear is looking particularly smug?)(Yes this would be the British bear- don't ask what's on its head)
It was also populated by a whole crowd of students wearing bin bags and paper hats or overalls in badges. Crowds of them were seated on the steps of the cathedral with loudspeakers calling various groups to buses- no idea what was going on, but it was fascinating to watch. I guess it was some new student orientation weekend or something. anyhoo we escaped the madness into the cathedral which was a lovely oasis of calm after all the noise of the morning.
After this I headed back to the hotel for some sleep as the headache hadn't really gone away and the others were good little conference attendee's. I had a nice afternoon nap and got up in time for the evenings entertainment- a welcome party at the city hall- I slipped the lease and ended up going out for a beer with the British contingent who, as usual, were the latest out.

Next day was spent actually attending some of the conference and then a nice if somewhat windswept and lenghty walk around the world heritage site of Suomenlinna, which was pretty autumnal looking...In the evening was the conference party- which was a big buffet and drinking session with a live band and dancing-much to the amusement and googly eyed-ness of my colleagues. Though the sight of leading names in the field dancing like your Dad at a wedding is kind of funny in that slightly embarassing way. My former boss (who's now in Australia) and I managed to get them to dance for one song, then we retreated to the hotel bar so my mini boss could finally try Aquavit- his sole reason for coming to Helsinki it seemed like.
The last day of the conference- was the busiet for me- I actually went to most sessions, stood in front of my poster talked science and stuff and met my parents, who came across for the weekend. My colleagues also got to met them, and were declared "kawaii" so I suppose thats good. Later they said how interesting it was to see us hugging- do they shake hands with their parents after not meeting for a long time or something?
Conference over- I moved across to my parents (Russian)Casino style hotel near the train station and we ended up back at and even colder and windswept Suomenlinna island for the morning as the ferries to Estonia were way to expensive.

There we are my trip to Helsinki and Tallinn. I came back with a pile of salty licorice, a dress from Marimekko ( only Japanese people know about this designer apparently), a liking for reindeer ( I think we ate all of Santa's sleigh and more), knowledge that many Finnish words are actually pretty rude words in Japanese- or so I've been told, and a promise to visit my friend in Taiwan in the next two months. So thats a nice way to get over a trip - plan another one.

hei hei and moi moi Helsinki- part one

2010-09-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

Goodness, where did the time go? No sense in asking what day it is at the moment- the second day running I've been convinced it was the next day not the actual day, this means unfortunately another day at work tomorrow in which to prop my eyelids open and attempt to restart some experiments. Its only a 6 hour time difference to Finland, but I'm feeling pretty darned shattered at the moment.
So yes, I've spent the last week swanning around Helsinki and Tallinn under the pretence of a conference. I did actually attend the conference, though not as much as I was planning. Partly because I was enjoying myself sightseeing and partly because I was laid low with a migraine for one day. It was weird returning to a city that I had visited some 6 years previously as a fresh faced PhD student on another conference. This time at least I had some decent spending money and didn't cry at the prices of food or drink like last time. Still Helsinki is a pretty expensive city to spend time in.
My fears of being the departmental tour guide were laid to rest, when I saw everyone had their own copy of the same guide book- there must be only one for Scandinavia, they all had it, even the guy sitting next to me on the plane had the same book. I had about 5 minutes of awkwardness when I realised that the guy next to me was also going to the same conference, we exchanged pleasantaries and then thankfully proceeded to ignore each other for the next 9 and half hours or so.
Helsinki was gloriously cool with clear air and a cold wind. It was so nice to snuggle under the duvet and wake up not sweating as I have spent the summer doing. Its nice to be back in the motherland of the EU when I swanned through immigration waving my EU passport whilst 95% of the plane cued to get a stamp- fortunately the plague ridden immigration chappy evened up the odds at Kansai airport on the way back where it took him 3 times as long as anyone else to process our re-entry permits and there were only 5 of us, compared to the 20-30 visitors and 100's of Japanese.
Still,the clean fresh air of Scandinavia helped stave off the jet lag and tiredness, we checked into the very nice hotel in Helsinki-thank goodness for internet deals. I got a huge junior suite sized room all to myself. The only dissappointment was the bathroom, which was functional in that whole kinda soviet type of functional way. After quick freshen up we wrapped ourselves up and headed out into the cold Helsinki evening for some food. Its a really compact city so within a couple of minutes we were in the central harbour area.So we got our first taste (or re-taste for me) of Finnish cuisine.I had Chanterelle soup- which is an autumn speciality. It came with some really gorgeously nutty rye bread. We followed it up with some local sardine sized fish fried on a bed of mashed potatoes and a plate of smoked finnish delicacies, including reindeer. Unfortunately half way through trying those the tiredness kicked and all of a sudden everyone got really slow and tired so we had to skip out without finnishing.
Next day we headed to Tallinn, over in Estonia for a day. The planning us women had! Whilst all the guys from the department arrived the day before the start of the talks, we arrived the day before registration so we got an extra day of sightseeing in- much more logical ne!
I also went to Tallinn 6 years ago with some friends after the conference. We enjoyed that it was at least half the price of Helsinki and got pretty drunk on the honey vodka that came with out medievil themed dinner. this time we really only had time for a 3 hour non-stop walk around Tallinn before taking the boat back to Helsinki. Its nice to see it hasn't changed too much- a bit more English is spoken, but there were no signs of the drunken English stag parties I'd heard had kinda ruined it.Tallinn is still much cheaper than Helsinki and if you're ever in that area I really recommend a visit- its a really nice atmosphere, gorgeous old and quirky buildings. The only issue was trying to find a loo- I was getting pretty desperate, all the loos are superloos requiring 3 EEKs (Kroons), and of course I had no change. In the end we manage to find a cafe for a spot of lunch and a pit stop. It also allowed us to get away from the incredible noisy Spanish party who seem to stalk us around the sights. Seriously, it was a cacophony of noise from them - all talking at the same time, loudly. heading back to Helsinki, the sun came out and I ventured out on deck- a risky affair as the ship was a jet liner so was going at 63mph so it was like standing in a wind tunnel. But coming back through the islands of Helsinki it was really pretty. We got back to hotel to find the rest of our guys had checked in so into was a quick change into a suit to have dinner with crowd of other Japanese conference goers- where they caused chaos trying to order Japanese style in a Finnish restuarant, the dishes aren't really designed for sharing between multiple people, but we managed some how.

Part two continues later, when I've caught up on some more sleep....

And on the left....

2010-09-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Everything is all calm here after the emotion of the last posts. Today is the last day in work before I depart for a conference in Helsinki, so unlike all the others who are going who are still working, I have no experiments, just sorting out information, rolling posters and getting some Euros. I'll just include my mini rant against the stupid, backwards banking system in Japan right here.
Why is it that in a country where everyone works themselves to death or at least ridiculously long hours do the banks only open 9am to 3pm and why the hell do I have to travel all the way to the center of Sapporo to go to the only bank IN sapporo that has foreign currency- what the hell!!?? Don't get me started on the stupid ATMS with their closing times.....
This is the first trip abroad with the girls on the lab, last year I as in Budapest as the only woman amongst the department members. I was also the only one who bothered to learn some Hungarian to take taxis, get the bill etc. And as the token foreigner amongst the J-crowd I was constantly being spoken to in Hungarian by people. I guess they figured I was the translator for the group or something.
I have my suspicions that this will happen in Helsinki, in fact I know that it will. I have already heard the dreaded comments " but you'll be there to show us or to speak for us" from at least 3 seperate people, despite me telling them that everyone can speak English in Helsinki (well most people, but I'm not telling them that). I might add that all those 3 were wimpy guys. These would be the same guys who didn't leave their hotel in the US, because "it wasn't safe", this was a hotel in the center of the city not some ghetto I might add. At least the women are much more relaxed and keen for sightseeing and/or shopping. Hopefully I can steer them to the chococlate and cakes shops ;)
So I'm about to become the department tour guide for Finland, fount of all knowledge on all things Finnish and European. Right I'm bogging off early to pack my suitcase and sort out my little flag and white gloves.

Normal service resumed

2010-08-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

Feeling much happier today... I'll put yesterday to be overly tired and emotional. Not sleeping and other things really contributed yesterday. I think meeting up with my friend and stuffing ourselves with a sukiyaki tabehodai followed by an ice-cream like cocktail in a favourite bar (yes a bar, not an izakaya- New Orleans style) helped alot.
I have also gained a new neighbour in work. Like a prodigal son, he has returned from his 2 year maturation stint abroad. Luckily, he was in Scotland for this and misses Scotland a lot (he didn't actually want to come back), so we can chat easily in english- a big bonus.
And can I just say, like 50 billion others have probably said. But its bloody hot still. Despite the appearance of all the autumn onsen adverts on tv (and I have no doubt the snow tire ones will start soon), it is roasting....still. I'm now counting down the days till I leave this heat for the cold and rain of Helsinki, even if its just for a week.

P.S. And would you believe it, I saw 3 snow tire adverts on TV last night, despite the fact I was lying in minimal clothes with the fan on and an ice pack at hand.

Down in the dumps

2010-08-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Excuse this post, I'm just getting some disappointment off my chest here... should be back to my more bubbly self shortly.
I have just spent the last few weeks and days working on this fellowship proposal. I think I wrote a good one. My mini boss helping me out too, even got a blush-worthy letter of recommendation from a former boss. Yesterday we were due to sit down and check everything before submitting, he came and asked me when I got my PhD. It turns out that this fellowship is for those who get there PhD from 2005 onwards. I got mine 2004. So all of our hard work has been for nothing. I'm kicking myself for not checking the guidelines properly. I did look and I did see a deadline,but that was back in March when it was still 2004 as the deadline, from April it changed and I didn't check or didn't notice again. At the age of 32 it appears I'm too old to apply for this grant because in the UK educatioin system you can complete your PhD much earlier than in other countries. So now I'm back to worrying again. I know that his highness said there would be money if I wanted to stay, but its not quite the same reassuring feeling as having your own grant and he's not around. I"m trying to be all positive,but really I'm feeling a bit lost at the moment.
This is compounded by one of my really good friends leaving. She's off to Sweden tomorrow to take up a new job- she's been my lunching companion for the last 2 years. We've been able to bitch and off load when working here gets to you, and as she's also a researcher she gets the little frustrations of research that is sometimes hard to explain to others in other jobs. I'm going to miss her alot, but such is the life of science and the life of an expat.

Now excuse me while I go have a wee teary session in the loo and dig out my emergency depression chocolate supply.

From the Scuttlebutt...

2010-08-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

So last time I mentioned that His Highness (aka the Big Boss) was AWOL with my fellowship hanging in the balance. Well.... as it turns out, he's in a hospital somewhere in Sapporo! He came back from his hols in the UK (apparently the UK isn't to blame for this-well I hope not, not a very stunning recomendation to visit otherwise) and went into hospital. Its all been very cryptic, the first I heard of it was on the gaijin grapevine (or the beer garden in Sapporo) when a friend of mine who helps with proof-reading etc. was called into work to help draft emails cancelling various events. Naturally he passed this on to me. Then the next day around at a friend from works house we all sat round and discussed that my mini boss had recieved a phonecall on Friday, saying that he was in a hospital....much gossiping ensued, most of it lost on me with it being in Japanese.
At work last week, the lunchtime has been spent with much discussion, but it seems that those who know are being tightlipped... I've tried plumping the lovely secretaries for info (because if anyone knows I figured they would be the ones) but they ain't saying anything. Also that he's not in the university hospital either is pretty telling, the entire department would have known whats wrong within minutes most likely. All thats known is that he's out of action for the next couple of months...now all we can gossip about is what it is thats wrong with him and enjoy the fact that the department meetings will probably now take half the time without him there...
Thankfully though, my mini boss has stepped in and (bless him) is helping me complete the fellowship application. So there's progress there, thankfully.
It was actually a very medically drama theme week last week... the visiting Prof, that should have come last week cancelled due to being holed up in a Bangkok hospital with food poisoning and then whilst out with a friend for dinner at open plan restaurant, a passing eldery salary man crashed headfirst into the seats right by our table with something pretty seriously wrong with him. I was already to leap into action with my very rusty first aid skills when a what I think must have been an off duty doctor got there first- probably a good thing as I can't ever remember the word for ambulance in Japanese.
All this and Oyomesan's melon sized cyst too. I can't imagine what I would do if I was if it was me with that inside me. I don't think I would be coping as well as she seems to be! Hang in there Oyomesan!

Meanwhile I hope everyone else is healthy.

What I did this August by me aged 32 and half...

2010-08-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

These last two weeks have brought new cinema trips- the sauna like heat drove me indoors to the airconditioned places. I went and saw the new Ghibli movie The Borrower Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arietti). I'm pretty impressed that could follow most of the dialogue despite my crappy Japanese, though I guess it helps that it is a kiddies story.
It was really beautifully animated and the story was easy to follow with really nice music- in ENGLISH! well sung by a french woman in English at least. I also saw The Sorcerers Apprentice (suprisingly enjoyable even if its horribly cliched).

I also survived my friends hen party- kept the peace between competing chiefs at the event,well attempted to at least.

I spent most of last week with swelling, pain, itching and eventually antibiotics. The blasted heat and humidity addled my brain and I stupidly left the screen open overnight so that a maurading mozzie enjoyed a feast whilst I slept. The resulting bites were not pretty.
The evil bugger even got my little finger which swelled up and turned purple with a scary red line advancing down the back of my hand. Fortunately being in a lab in a medical school means that my neighbours are doctors with boxes of free drugs so within 2 minutes of showing my hand a pack of superstrong antibiotics were given to me which stopped me from indulging in my hypochondria of tetanus and amputations.

I have been working to. I wrote a fellowship application so that I can get 2 years of money and stay in Japan. This would be great, but recently new complications have come along which are causing me some small worries.
Firstly, my mini boss got promoted, which means he's moving off down south where the big bugs roam. It took him by surprise, on account his interview was waaaaaaaaay back in February. And they want him to start in September so he's reaching new levels of stress at the moment trying to do everything. This means that the money for our research is about to also head south so we've been on frantic spending spree's to see us through to next year. Also non of us (probably not even the mini boss) knows whats going to happen to our group. Who will be the next head of the lab? what happens to the technicians, students and me???? is this fellowship for here or the other university. I don't know, he doesn't know....
We would ask his highness, but he's been away on his summer hols and hasn't appeared back when he should... so with an AWOL department head things are feeling abit unsettled for me and the application deadline is rapidly approaching.

Salt and vinegar update

2010-08-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Not too much to report, I've been taking it easy since the epic of Fuji aided by the crappy weather and hellishly busy week at work last week. It was mostly busy because random visiting profs and my talk I gave about Scotland (which I think went pretty well if I might say so *insert smug smile here*). The random prof. was German and as we (I and some of my other lab mates) showed him round the humid and damp sites of Sapporo kept on bringing up The War, Jews (in a very non- 3rd reich way btw) and other extra-sweat inducing topics- and of course all I had in my head after the first comment of his was Faulty Towers and "don't mention the war" comments in my head after this.
I can be thankful that most of the conversation probably went over the other peoples head, they had already been buggy-eyed at the fact that he's gay. J-people, GET A GRIP!
One of my colleagues is going off to work in America- California, no less so he'd better get over it quickly otherwise his head may explode.
That was a long day in an already long week- I didn't get home until around 9pm pretty much every night last week. This week is the opposite- both the Supreme Commander (aka his highness, or the big boss) is away and also my mini Boss is taking a well earned rest (more on that development in another post I think) so I fairly skipped out the lab in the daylight at 5.30 last night and met a friend for a cinema trip, finally getting to see one of the many films on my to-watch list.
Salt- Angelina Jolie in super-action mode. I really enjoyed it, its a little bit Josephine Bourne, and also kinda freaky given all the recent real Russian spy stories from America. That it also has one of my favourite actors in it too is an extra bonus (Chiwetel Ejiofor). If you have the time, give Salt a watch I reccomend it.
And speaking of movies, another I want to see is Toy Story 3, but the stupid cinemas in Sapporo have decided to only show dubbed versions of it, so I'm screwed. Does anyone know if its the same in other parts of Japan- because previously they always had a subtitled version for these kinds of films and I hope this isn't a new trend.
Anyway, the rest of this week should be also quiet- I hopefully will be off on Thursday for a R&R session with another friend, before she leaves for Sweden and before her Hen party on Saturday- I'm not sure Sapporo is ready for a bunch of foreign females on a Hen Party, lets see...

The scientist who went up a mountain, and came back knackered...

2010-07-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to include that quote about climbing Fujisan that every other account I've read online seems to do. Not one Japanese person has mentioned that to me, when I said I was going. Anyway, finally I can tick off another one of those life ambitions and say I've done Fuji. As I sit here I can feel the legs telling me this is a loud chorus. Before going I read many stories from those who climbed Fujisan- having done it, either they lied about how easy it was, forgot, or were all some sort of superhero. Here is my tale...The first part from Sapporo to Shinjuku

and out to Gotemba was easy, pretty relaxed even in the heat and humidity of Tokyo.

We got half way up the windy road to the Subashiri go-gome and stopped, a huge traffic que, I thought maybe an accident as we saw police cars and breakdown trucks skip past us up the road, but when we eventually got moving again (nearly an hour and half later!) it turned out that the other side of the road was full of parked cars, for miles people had parked for hiking so essentially there was a single track road for up and down and not enough space for the 2 of us...the joy of holiday weekend travels.So having arrived late we came of the bus to be met bycrowds and people asking if we'd booked a space in the hut yet.

We sat back whilst they rang various hut to ask for a space. We luckily managed to get the last 2 spaces in a hut at the 7th station. So later than we liked we set off...

The woods at the subashiri trail provided from shade from the pretty intense sun, though it mean there were flies and mozzies. The sweat pouring from stopped most of them getting a bite,except on my leg (as I noticed later).

We carried on up, stopped to rest our calves and take pictures. It was a nice feeling to be able to keep pace with the younger students on the trail. At least some of the running and hiking before had a good effect. Soon the first 6th station came into view.

It was still pretty warm here, but nice to get the pack off and cool down. I was starting to regret not packing deodorant at this point (Doh!). After this 6th station it got a little steeper on the trail up to the next 6th station.This is the evil part of hiking is the number of 6th, 7th, 8th

stations there are. Even though you know, its hard mentally- you almost feel like no progress is being made. The second sixth station was a small hut with seats perched on the edge- like

sitting on the edge of the sky. we stopped only a short while here concious of the lengthening shadows and later afternoon light. Onwards and upwards...

We got to the 7th station as the sun was setting. So we got to see the Fujishadow.

Unfortunately this wasn't our 7th station we still had another 300m to climb up to our hut for the night.

The last climb up to the second 7th hut was hard, mentally and physically. The trail was much steeper and rockier and it was the first time I was climbing at night with a head torch on- it just seemed endless. I was very grateful to get to our hut and collapse. So 7th hut 3200m up-

highest I'd ever climbed. Dinner was curry rice and pickles, but I was so tired I wasn't hungry and had to force myself to eat a few mouthfuls at least. They rolled out the futons and everyone settled down for a few hours sleep. I tried sleeping, but for the first hour I was still recovering form climbing up (cold and sweaty- nice!) and then I was thinking of when we had to get up- meanwhile everyone else was gently snoring around me.

One good thing was that I didn't really get any altitude sickness. Around 1am people started getting up and leaving and soon my friend woke and we decided to carry on, though I was feeling a bit sick at this time. I decided that I would see how I was at the next station and maybe stop there for sunrise instead of trying for

the summit. when we came of the hut the crowds climbing at night became visible. As did the stars. The stars were amazing especially when you could also see

the lights of the cities below- all the way to Tokyo....

I wish I could have taken a picture of them, we could even see the milky way. All the way up the to the summit we call also see the lights of all the hikers lighting the way.

As soon as we started again, the tiredness came back replacing the sickness. I had to pause more often and at one point it was a battle of wills to carry on, but we made it up the next hut- the first 8th station. Around the corner from the 8th station the wind was blowing strongly which made me nervous. I'm not really confident at climbing when its windy and at night... but I decided I would make it up to the next 8th station. One final push for me, I decided that the 8th station was enough, it was clear so the view be virtually the same and I'd have more energy for the climb down. Once I made this decision I felt happy.

The second 8th station was a god send- not only hot drinks and a place out the wind to drink them, they also had a 3 hour rest option, so my friend dropped his rucksack, packed his camera and made a bid for the summit for sunrise and I went and rested and saw the sunrise from the 8th station (3400-3500m up). Sunrise was spectacular...

After the sun rose I went and had a wee nap whilst waiting for my friend to come back from the summit. I figured he'd be a while because the crowds were big- it was busy enough at the 8th station. It was near on 7am before we started heading down the trail back to the 5th station and the bus.

The trail down was dusty and busy with tour groups and other individual hikers, all kicking up clouds of dust and slidding on the lose gravelly ashy trail, but down to the 7th station level it wasn't so bad. According to the map and guides, the trail straight down the mountain

(sunabashiri) is a quick way down, dropping about 1000m or more in less than an hour, people run it! Once I got close to it I knew there was no way I was running it. It was really steep and full of lava rocks, not just gravelly sand and ash. As you walked down you sink up to you calves in the trail and its a matter of controlling your slide more than walking.

Some people of course ran, many passed me, but I wasn't going to risk a twisted ankle or cut up face (like some we saw). so my progress was slow and painful. Whoever came up with this trail was some kid of sadist and I hope that they are stuck in some level of hell where there knees are being roasted over flames and beaten with sticks. This would be close to what it felt like for me descending that part. My friend was waiting for me in a copse of trees and bottom of the long straight section, after cooling off I felt happier that I had nearly finished, the 5.5 station would just be round the corner and cold drink would be waiting for me.... As it turned out about 30 tree's later the tree's stopped and another steep slope of the same material was there. Needless to say I was not a happy bunny, I was practically sobbing here and my knees were all wobbly and aching. It took supreme efforts to keep going- I think I would have murdered anyone passing, on the 4 wheel buggy they use for hauling supplies or with a horse (wrong trail unfortunately), at this point in time. Another eternity and roasting by the now intense sun the 5.5 station came into site and stumbled into the shade for a rest and a blissfully cold lemonade. The end was almost in sight, though as it turned out there was one last loose gravelly, straight section- which was got through with much swearing from me- my friend wisely read my grumpiness and left me to it. Then into the woods where the torture continued. On the way up the trail gently rose through the trees with stone steps. Down was narrow and full of roots and uncomfortably large steps down, designed to thoroughly finish your legs off and kill your spirit.

The ice cream at the 5th station was mana from heaven, it was weird to be back with all the high-heeled shoe wearing day trippers and those super-genki climbers just setting off. All those finishing were covering in black dust or sweat and dragging their sticks along the ground.

The trip back to the airport was another adventure... the so -called express train from Gotemba to Shinjuku was no an express in a million years so instead to have any chance of catching my flight up to Sapporo, I had to get off an random station and run to the Inokashira line transfer for Shibuya, then run through Shibuya and Hamamatchusho to try and get to the airport on time, in the heat and humidity, still with black dust on my skin and sweat in my hair.

I made it with 1 min to spare and then had to run to the gate. Thankfully no-one was sitting directly next to me and I was trying not to move and smell too much.

So here ends my Fuji adventure. My legs have finally stopped aching everytime I sat down, stood up or walked up and down stairs. Would I do it again?..er no, no thanks

Rest in the bosom of the woods

2010-07-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

Listen to the mumuring of a stream, Run after wild birds, Rest in the bosom of the woods....

I snapped this one in a parking lot of a super sento I went to last night...how very evocative, even though its a wheel cover from the back of an SUV.
A friend and I skipped out of the lab early yesterday for some R&R. It was great... hot stone rooms from 6C (with snow falling from the ceiling!) to 61C (didn't feel that much different from 53C or 2 weekends ago in Sapporo). Big pools and out door baths and a great mini reflexology session- all for around 2000Y.
All ready and relaxed for weekend, maybe too relaxed. I didn't want to get out bed today after sleeping so well.
Anyway just 2 experiments to run today and I can go. Its the last weekend before Fuji so its the last chance for a warm-up hike. Maybe I can find a wood and mumuring stream...

On the 7th day of Biscuits....

2010-07-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I ambled to my pigeon hole today and another parcel of biscuits was waiting for me...on Monday there was another bag...
So that makes 5 lots of biscuits in the last 2 weeks. Enough is Enough!

Sorry to tired to write anymore of the super wonderful weeks I've been having...the summer slump has begun

Friday Haiku

2010-07-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

Crumbs on the paper
Sticky fingers on the keys
Tim Tams next to me

Yep- more biscuits arrived today, its a conspiracy...

This is why the Yukata's don't fit...

2010-06-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it was safe to go to my postbox in work....

Everytime I'm free of these biscuity presents for doing some teeny tiny favour another bag arrives- I feel like Hansel being fattened up by the witch to be eaten. Last time it was getting a DVD back after one of the lovely secretaries lent me a DVD less than a week ago. This time it was for giving the photos I took of our department baseball team losing badly (once again). I might add she'd emailed me and asked my for them so it was hardly an unexpected favour, still more delicious biscuits appeared in my pigeon hole yesterday. One wonders what I would get for saving someone from a speeding truck? And I can't not eat them- I try and share them around, but I still have to eat some, all the running, cycling and walking is not getting rid of the biscuit bulge though...

This is compounded by the joy of looking for a yukata that fits, I'd really like to wear one at some event in the summer as I've been having yukata envy ever since I set foot on these shores. I have a pretty nice cheapy one- I even figured out how to wear it properly (You tube videos are a godsend)....well as long as I don't move its fine. Then I saw this gorgeous obi belt in this shop in Sapporo- lilac and silver flowers and then silver check on the other side- classy, nice.

But the yukata is a no- go according to the girl in the shop- of course a waif all cool and elegant in her yukata. She was helpful and gave us some other shops that might sell larger sizes- however, Mrs. Snooty in the second pulled out a hideous purple creation (which of course doesn't fit) then said maybe the mens would be better- thanks for that lady..way to make me feel great.

Report from the mean streets of Sapporo...

2010-06-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

Phew...thats done. Just back from a lunch meeting with the head of department, the guys in the lab were giving me "gambatte's and Fight-O" before I went just to make me really nervous. Maybe their meetings are much worse, we however chatted about golf, the joy of travelling business class and whales and The cove. I fairly certain they don't discuss these topics as he wasn't even aware of the high levels of mercury found in Dolphin meat etc. before some one else had told him the other week. This general ignorance of things like this accounts for most problems here I reckon.

This past week has been exciting up in the mean streets of Kitaku, Sapporo. On Wednesday last week, I cycled past a crime scene on my to work... police tape, police cars and policeman standing guard and a camera crew. The camera crew was the alarming part for me, as I had my skirt hitched up (and tucked in my thin leggings) for cycling. Thankfully the news crew was facing the other way. Yep- murder and mayhem on the streets of Sapporo! 2 people mown down by a car, whose driver escaped the scene. Well that was as much of the news that I could follow and what my lab mates explained to me. This, just 3 blocks from my house. Then yesterday amidst all the rain and gloom here, I noticed that there were a whole load of fire engines and smoke billowing from an apartment block near the hospital. As soon as I mentioned it in work, half the lab immediately leapt up to go see the excitement...yes , our research is THAT exciting...

Weekend activities

2010-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

sunset from the lab a couple of weeks ago

Work and social life have taken off with the onset of warm weather here.
I finally sat down with my Fujisan buddy and booked the flights to Tokyo- so July 18th me and the Bolivian mountain goat -like friend will be skipping up Fujisan (well he'll be skipping, I'll be gasping and crawling my way up I suspect). With the imminent threat of long grueling climbs approaching I decided to start weekend walking/climbing training.
2 weekends ago I climbed Moiwa yama, which is a really lovely hike in the suburbs of Sapporo- I added an extra twist of taking the long route back and breaking in my new boots and hiking poles New boots+ climbing mountains= blisters, at least its better to get them now rather than up Fuji...

Last weekend, Oyomesan and I escaped the city and headed to Biei in Central Hokkaido. It was great, felt much longer than one night and 2 days away. We stopped off at a sculpture park in BibaiAnd stayed in a lovely little pension in the hills around Biei, which had 2 gorgeous retrievers (Nana and Nuts) so I got my dog fix, and 2 goats. We stuffed ourselves on the BBQ dinner they provided, watched the stars from the bedroom window and listen to the birds and cicadas...
The weather was great -so clear and sunny, Hokkaido is so beautiful and so green at this time of yearFrom there we headed to the Daisetzu mountains and the onsen (of course). And (pat on the back) and I did a 9km walk round Shirogane onsen, singing loudly because it was very quiet and very much in the woods which had bear warnings posted... fortunately only birds and deer for company. Maybe the bears don't like Scottish songs (or my singing)...
I met back up with Oyomesan at the onsen, and then headed back to Sapporo.
So only 5 more weeks till Fujisan assult... I hope the weather is as good as this...

X-rated X-gal

2010-05-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

Searching for chemcial information online is sometimes a dangerous thing to do. If they ever look at my internet use, some eyebrows will be raised (not least, the amount of blog-time and facebooking during work...)
Science meaning of X-gal=X-gal (also abbreviated BCIG for bromo-chloro-indolyl-galactopyranoside) is an organic compound consisting of galactosidase linked to indole.In gene cloning, X-gal is used to indicate whether a cell expresses the β- galactosidase enzyme, which is encoded by the lacZ gene, in a technique called blue/white screening.

Google meaning of X-gal = Cyber sexy.com etc. , choose your avatar and do something that will probably get you arrested if they find out...

Voyages in Sakuraland part 2

2010-05-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

May 1st

Bleary eyed from 2 hours sleep I stumbled into the taxi at Niigata ferry terminal. I can't say I saw much of Niigata aside from the train station and the usual apartment blocks and hotels.
The first train to Aizu Wakamatsu wasn't until 8.20 so I had more than 2 hours wait, time enough to get some breakfast and a doze in the waiting room. I dozed on the train for the first 20 mins or so as we left the city. The sight of the first blooming sakura trees woke me up- finally some spring colours (very much missing from Sapporo). We wound up through the mountains following a large river. The journey was like passing though another time in Japan, old wooden houses and straw hatted villagers working in the fields, an old shrine in a cedar forest and a wild monkey munching by the trackside and everywhere dots of pink and flurries of pink. That and the hordes of camera's...there were crowds of middle aged/ elderly men with more camera's and tripods than any press conference crowded at stations and bridges and the like. I fairly certain that the train was a perfectly normal train so why all the uber train spotters?

As we approached the Aizu Wakamatsu I got that usual faint feeling of dissappointment you get in Japan, all you could see were concrete hotels and parking lots, not a sign of the old houses or samurai past, the town is famous for. As I had arrived earlier than check in I dumped my bags in the lockers and headed off to the town busMost people got off at the castle stop and I could already see the hordes of others ambling amongst the cherry trees, so I decided to escape the crowds and headed for the Oyakuen, a Japanese garden built by the then ruling Aizu clan to grow medicinal plants and for relaxation. And it was relaxing, the gardens were pretty empty and I spent a pleasant hour walking round, breathing in the spring air.
Back on the bus again, this time to the Bukeyashiki, the chief retainers house. It was a pretty impressive building, many rooms, but suprisingly far from the castle, where he must have had to visit almost daily I would have thought. I got to try my hand at some archery and even managed to hit one of the tiny side-plate sized targets, though it was as much fun watching the Dads showing off their archery skills to their kids.
Here some of the some of the tragic history of Aizu comes out- the wive of the retainer killed herself and the children during the Boshin war (Meiji restoration, kind of civil war) because she thought her husband was going to die during the campaign. I definately felt the whole cultural differences here and later on when I went up Mt. Inomori where more suicides occured. By the time I reached Mt. Inomori I was feeling shattered, my brain was still at sea, but I figured I would see this, leaving the castle for the following morning.
So me and crowds (which became a familar theme) headed up the slope and steps, the lazier ones taking the escalator. I went up (and down) the weird pagoda which is very Escher like in its design inside. Then for a final push went and saw the graves of the Battosei- young samurai's who believing the castle was burning (again during the Boshin war) decided that killing themselves was the best option- one boy survived to tell the tale...there was a strange mix; on the one hand there was insense and flowers and a tragic feeling and then there were monuments to their "bravery and courage" - strangely enough some from Germany and Italy during their fascist period. I could see nothing brave or couragous about a complete waste of life.
I stumbled back down the stairs and dragged my now seriously carcass to the hotel, asleep by 6pm, not even a strong tremor disturbed me....

Golden week- voyages in sakura land

2010-05-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the length of the posts, its mainly just to provide space for the pictures. What better way to get over a nice holiday then to write and post pictures of it.....ne!?

So April 30th

"crunch pssshhhst" as we slamed into another wave. Only 16 more hours to go. I grabbed my book and ipod and headed to the upperdeck and grabbed a seat by the window. My bunk was too inside to be pleasant especially with the odd feeling weightlessness that goes with every big wave.

Leaving Otaru was pleasant enough...the shore crew waving us off as they do here (it always gives me that slight feeling of foreboding). At first it was calm though the wind was strong, gradually though as we came out of the shelter of the bay and the headland the wind and waves grew in strength, forcing my newly aquired "ferry nakama" and I inside.

After promising to meet up for some coffee later, I headed to try out the onboard onsen.

The pool was forming minature tsunami's and I wedged myself into the corner shower. It was a strange feeling to be sitting in a bath that was moving almost as much as the sea outside. After I left the onsen the opening times vanished and a tacked up sign suggested it would be unsafe to use...ah well.

Below deck was quiet save fore the creaking and crash and shudder of the waves. I made the foolish mistake of heading to the bathroom- I walked in and came back out quickly. I guess most of the women on board weren't coping with the rough conditions.

I spent most of my time sitting watching great clouds of spray blowing by the window and the steely grey sea, foaming white, until after dinner, then I tried sleeping, though I found myself putting my hand out to steady myself every so often...sleep came eventually at 2am, only to be woken 4.30 am as the car decks were being unlocked and the annoucements and lights came back on again.

Friday haiku

2010-04-23T02:57:00.000-07:00

backache... clock ticks by
slides 1 to 25 done
suits tomorrow morn

A life on the ocean waves....

2010-04-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

*cue Great Escape music*

With the lingering itchy feet from the last holiday, I decided last week to get out of Hokkaido for golden week and see some other parts of Japan. Golden week is one of the busiest travel times, also one of the most expensive with everyone on holiday, so I had a cunning plan.
When I was little we lived near Newcastle in the north east of England, a ferry port and a truely cool place to visit if you're ever in that region. My Dad is also a keen sailor so many holidays were spent, by the sea or on the sea. We took ferries to Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway and I loved every minute of being on the ship- it feels like something from another age, almost exotic. I enjoy being on the sea, I even don't mind if its a little rough.
Japan being the island nation it is has many ferries and I've been dying to try them out. Last summer I went up to Rishiri and Rebun islands (the most northen islands of Japan), taking the ferry from Wakkanai to the islands and back again.
This time I'll be taking the ferry from Otaru to Niigata and back from Akita to Tomakomai. Whats really cool is the price- 12,800Y for the ferry (that's there and back). This is less than a flight from Sapporo to Tokyo, one way! Of course you could pay more and get a private cabin or even a first class suite, but I decided on a 2nd class berth- a bed in a 4 bunk room. There was a cheaper option of a large communal area- basically a place on the floor, but I splurged and decided on a little more privacy and comfort.
The only slight problem I've got is that I misread the timetable and thought I would be leaving Otaru at 10.30pm on the Friday and then arrive 0700 in Niigata on the Saturday. Maths was never my strong point and somehow my brain was incapable of recognising that this was considerably less time than the timetabled 18-20 hour long voyage. As I booked it yesterday at the travel agents I realised its actually a 10.30am departure from Otaru, so I'll be taking the Friday off as holiday. I'm not changing it, so that will have to stay. My return trip from Akita to Tomakomai is a day trip and I'm looking forward to passing through the Tsugaru straits between Hokkaido and Aomori in particular, that and trying out the baths on the ferry, after all this is Japan.

Friday haiku

2010-04-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

leaving the campus
chicken on the stomach's mind...
Friday happiness

Back from Holiday grumps

2010-04-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to be positive and happy, I mean I should be all relaxed and happy. I've just come back from 2 weeks of not thinking about work once, relaxing with my whole family- being able to catch up with everyone at the same time, re-connecting with my nieces and chilling in the pool and swimming in the sea. Not to mention the spa of heaven....
I got back from Thailand on Wednesday, popped round and saw off one of my friends whose off to Europe for a month of job hunting. Came into work for April 1st- our labs estrogen count has increased even more, which is great. I have a neighbour back on one side, and should be getting my other neighbour shortly once he's completed his tour of duty as the departmental secretary (a hellish job, I'd never want to do). Eased back into lab life- I even set up a PCR to check my newly arrived primers (which I'd spent days designing before the hols). It probably started on Friday when I ran the gel of the PCR and got a blank picture instead of glowing white bands next to the markers....

Meaning my primers are crap and its back to the drawing board. The mysterious ways of finance mean that I"m unlikely to be able to quickly get any new primers until the new finicial year kicks in properly sometime in May most likely. Seriously, why does this take so long? we've been on limited ordering powers since mid January for goodness sake.... anyway.... I shall prevail.
Got to the weekend and caught up with washing, said goodbye to yet another friend, leaving 2/3 of us for the next month for company. This year has seen many of the fellowship of foreigners departing these shores, with little prospect of meaning new ones as I've no time to take anymore Japanese courses. Thus adding to the slight empty, grumpy feeling.

Oh oh.... I"m in trouble

2010-03-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Darn...just when I thought he'd forgotten....the email arrived yesterday, no doubt directed at me, though my mini boss nicely wrote for everyone.
"He has never received weekly reports or monthly reports from lab members
these days."
Its a phrase that filled me with dread. I've been shirking my duties in the writing of weekly or montly reports- emails about what we did and what we will do. The last few months I've not done them, mostly cause I initially forgot, especially coming back after last years conference.

I think deep down I"m rebelling, this constant checking up and goal setting is not something I'm comfortable with. Plus, there are weeks where its fairly quite or routine or you've spent a week growing cells and preparing and writing- doesn't look very busy and as your expected to have multiple points of activity.... Then there are other times I'm superbusy so there's no time to write. Its not like he doesn't get monthly updates either- we have meetings where all the researchers (PhD students and me and the other postdoc) present our latest results etc. This happens every month.
Any way I sent it off along with a reminder that I will be away for the rest of March from next week.
Today
"Please do not forget your WR and MR. As a researcher, you need to
control yourself', including this matter."

Ouch....
Must try harder....after the holiday

Another post from the Abbey

2010-03-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Finally finished off a figure- hopefully second one also completed this week along with some writing...I can live in hope that most of the paper will be done before I'm off on my hols. I've still got a strong urge to take my laptop and work on my paper whilst away, is this really sad? Maybe its not such a bad thing, I'm already expected to check my email regularly in case the lab needs to urgently contact me...the last time they did I was in New Zealand and it was to tell me I would be in quaratine because of the extreme paranoia outbreak (aka H1N1 flu). The thought of taking my laptop on holiday is quite depressing though, I feel like I'm turning into a my PhD supervisor, who used send daily emails whilst on holiday and even ring the lab to check up on us when away (well, until his wife banned him that was).
The quietness continues- I don't know why its been bothering me recently, as its always been pretty quiet.. I guess cause its also pretty empty... the docs are off at other hospitals on clinical duty or are actually in hospital - as I discovered last week when they wandered into the lab in their hospital PJs (nice green/blue tartan ones), I still haven't quite figured out what he's got, no one has been particularly forthcoming on the gossip here.
Last week was the Burns night of luxury down in Tokyo of which I shall post later, once I have my photos sorted. I think we can say we had a good time, though I wouldn't do it again- definately swimming in different ponds.

2010-02-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

The reign of silence continues in the lab- although it was broken yesterday by the lunchtime watching of the short programme of womens ice skating, we all crowded round our mini tv/DVD combo (brought by some previous PhD students when they graduated- cheers guys), and silently watched or hissed through teeth when there was a stumble from any competitors.
Anyway, today I'm listening to some most excellent music- Scottish Ceilidh music, pure joy and energy... my second amazon parcel (the royal mail/Japan post route) finally put in an appearance yesterday, bringing this super CD. Its quite old fashioned ceilidh music, but all the famous dances are on it. I don't care if I look like some insane person in the lab- bobbing along to this, it makes me smile and is so got me in the mood for Saturdays extravanganza party in Tokyo of Scottishness.
This link here will give you an impression of the general chaos and fun that is a scottish ceilidh. The men in kilts are added bonus

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

2010-02-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

I'll type this as quietly as possible- its so quiet here today, there are people here, but one is sleeping and the rest are quieter than librarians with gags on. Not that this is particularly unusual, I have my own personal ipod induced sound bubble around me to get over the quietness. In the labs back in the UK we had a radio on- playing at low level unless a good song came on and people TALKED to each other, here there is chatting, but only briefly and for short periods ( a minute or so). Rest of the time its quieter than the grave (excluding the phone and its hold tune of Jesu, joy of mans desiring of course and boy that song really gets in your head).
I like peace and quiet don't get me wrong, but the hours of non talking and silently working or setting up experiments gets to you after a while. I'm a music person- I even revised my final exams at university to the star wars soundtracks to cover the sound of stressed scribbling and muttering in the university library. Its not that everyone hates each other here- we're certainly a friendly open bunch compared to other labs.
Is it some form of antidote to the sound assult when you step outside? Perhaps thats it. Outside the streets are a bit of an aural assult course- tweeting and chirping crossing sounds and mornful bing- booong of the subway entrance noises, trucks with their "we're a truck making important deliveries sounds so we'll tell you to be careful cause there's a truck sound every 5 secs " sound, and don't get me started on the loudspeakers planted all over the place with their inane babble- either babbling on about something that no one is listening to or playing musak that adds un neccesarily to the noise. Or the giant tv screens at major crossings that play clips and adverts very loudly competing with the men and their portable speakers SHOUTING that their products are simply super and you should come see- once they've said all the super polite phrases 50,000 times.
Perhaps this why people here are so quiet? Savouring those moments of peace and quiet?

Bits n' Bobs post

2010-02-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying my 2nd week free from crippling migraine headaches that I was getting from my tennis lessons. For the past year I've been going to tennis lessons on a saturday, an hour and half of running around. I love playing, but I often found myself unable to do anything afterwards due to the headache/nausea/photophobia that followed a few hours later. The last one was on my birthday party and though I went out with friends I was hardly the soul of the party and came home early without eating much. Since then I've been implementing a careful pre- tennis and post-tennis routine which, touch wood, seems to be working. I think partially it was dehydration and that, currently I'm not being as active as I usually would be so that saturdays burst of energy really buggers up my physiology.Hopefully some more exercise in the week will help, though the recent chilly weather doesn't encourage this. The dehydration is being solved by water, pocari sweat or aquarius sports drinks and recovery konyaku jelly drinks.

So I'm sitting on my couch loafing on the internet listening to Rin

I'm tracking my parcel from amazon uk which is bringing me lots of new books to read...

My parcel has so far visited 3 countries and 6 locations, including Cologne in Germany and Shenzhen in China. Strangely my second parcel from Amazon (from the same order weirdly) is being sent by Royal mail, its like some odd experiment in delivery systems by amazon here.

Even more weirdly is that one of the books in the parcel that went via Shenzhen is a graphic novel about the very same place written by a Canadian animator who had to work there. Maybe they wanted to see what he'd drawn about them?

Oh and I went to the Sapporo snow festival, this was my favourite sculpture.

I shall go to the ball...

2010-02-04T17:35:00.001-08:00

Yesterday in a fit of post slump spontaneity my friend and I booked an overnight ANA package to stay in a swanky hotel in Tokyo at the end of February so that we can attend the St. Andrews society Burns night supper.
Apparently the Ambassador will be there and with the ticket prices being pretty hefty my friend and I indulged in flights of fancy of rich, single investment bankers with their lovely Scottish burr leading us onto the dance floor for a gay Gordon's or a dashing white sergeant. I hoping that we won't be the youngest ones there and that our frocks are going to sufficient for hob-nobbing with the bigwigs.
Anyway at the end of the month I shall go to the ball- well burns night supper. The things I do to get a wee taste of haggis

Burn's supper of tea and irish chocolates...hmmmm

2010-01-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

Monday was Burns night in Scotland; a chance to eat Haggis, read poetry, drink and be merry (well if you attend a Burn's supper). I"m missing the little things like that and a good old ceilidh (Scottish dances, excellent music, super exercise).
One of the chaps in my lab went off to Scotland last week for an interview so I handed him my last Scottish 5 pound note with a list of getting some oatcakes and haggis, tinned, on account I don't think Japan would let real haggis in (Real haggis live on the mountains of Scotland and have 2 legs shorter on one side of their body, making them quite easy to catch as they can only run one way round the mountain....really....I'm not telling porky pies here oooh nooo).
Today I got in to find on my desk...
Oatcakes (Orkney ones, excellent)
Scottish blend tea (ok, not on my list, but I'm not complaining)
Butlers chocolate caramels and pralines

NO HAGGIS! I have infact Irish chocolates instead. As nice as they are, I would prefer a tin of haggis. I'm feeling a bit deflated,cause I"ve been really looking forward to it. According to him, he didn't think even tinned Haggis would make it into Japan.

So excuse me while I go and lament my loss of haggis with a wee cup o' tea and a chocolate

Oooomph? where are you?

2010-01-25T23:16:00.000-08:00

Its gone and I can't seem to do or achieve anything in a day.
In serious need of resetting January and trying again with more energy.
I feel like I've lost direction and purpose in my projects at work and its sucking energy from the rest of my life.
Need some Oomph...

I love Hokkaido winters!

2010-01-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

We had our first really big fall of snow this weekend over 30cm in about 24hrs. It makes me smile... and giddy like a 3 year old even though this is my third winter here and they last so much longer than the UK. Maybe its cause for the first time this this year I've finally got more snow than my friends and parents in Scotland. I've been a little bit jealous of the cold and snow the UK have had the last few weeks, sad I know, but I was born for winters. I'm finally at a temperature thats comfortable for me and I can wear all my favourite pink jumpers. Summer is too hot for my liking. Thanks for the toasty, fun socks Mum! You can wear these in winter and get away with it!
What I really like is the gorgeous blue sky that follows a snow storm...that clear blue sky, white misty breath as you crunch through deep white fluffy snow. Mmmmmmmmm....
There are stairs there somewhere....

I love how the snow lies on the branches of the tree's and the soft sparkle that it has in the sunshine or at night in the streetlights as I walk home from work.
This is other thing I love about winter... I would have never considered skiing before I came to Hokkaido, but I've been bitten by the ski bug. Bring on more snow is all I can say

Theres only 2 things certain in life.........

2010-01-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to write a paper this week and failing miserably. Today I've been especially bad at writing anything (as me writing this post during work time testifies to), I just got back to the lab after a long coffee break with a fellow gaijin scientist and opened up the word file when the phone goes and M.san the technician is waving me over to the phone. This is strange, no one usually wants to speak to me, except the big boss and I know he's still on holiday (oh, god I hope he's still on holiday!). She says something to me about who's on the phone and not one syllable makes any sense, but still she hands the phone across to me
.....moshi, moshi... I say in my best Japanese. I have an inate fear of using phones in Japanese, because people rarely say the phrases or words that you're taught in the language text books.
A serious sounding male voice replies and I think the look of horror and non- comprehension on my face told M. san I didn't have a clue as to anything he was saying.
He paused and I squeezed in
sumimasen...chotto wakarimasen (more like a thumping great big wakarimasen) and handed the phone back to her appealing for help.
She starts writing down kanji and then more kanji with connecting arrows, non of this kanji is familiar and there's no hint of hiragana or anything in it to help.
.... It must be serious, she sounds serious and I"m getting a little nervous here- who is it? Am I about to be hauled off by the police? Has someone died? Is there a nest of criminal masterminds living in my building I should have been aware of?
She stands up and directs them to the departmental secreteries and hangs up. N. sensei looks over at the note and helps translate
I'm very sorry....the Japanese government (oh crap, my visa? my apartment? no, no...I've still got a year and more left on those)
...needs you to pay tax

TAX? is that it? Definately not the end of the world then, especially since the tax rate is nothing like European levels.
Apparently my tax free period of living in Japan is up....

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

New Year at Hokkaido Shrine- crowds throwing money and praying

Happy New Year!

あけましておめでとう！

This year I'm going to try and blog more and maybe work out what to blog about- should I stick to general stuff? put in more science? put more weird observations?

And this year I have resolved to get fit and climb Fuji san- NO excuses this year.

A Thoroughly Japanese Christmas experience

2009-12-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

Yeah, the last post was a bit gloomy, the next part gets better, but I'll write that soon.

Anyhoo, I survived the madness that was Daimaru on the December 23rd holiday and it was seriously crazy....up there with Christmas eve shopping madness in the UK!
Got cake for work. I figure that since I don't want to be in work this week and working, I'll make it as nice as possible and buying cake means I can distract those hard working Japanese guys in my lab and turn them into lazy British bums instead through the power of cake!
I got home after the crush, stuck on all the Bourne films (with perm-a-frown Matt Damon) and wrote up a pile of nengajo cards (that will be Japanese new year cards to the non residents of Japan), a challenge for me as the address and names I wrote in kanji so lets hope those were all right for posting and that I haven't unitentionally insulted them with some dodgy kanji mistakes.

So here we are christmas eve the cake is in the fridge in work, just finishing my coffee, and sat through the earthquake we've just had- it wasn't big, more like a lurch and then some gentle circular motions. M6.4 off the coast of Sibera, but widely felt across Japan.
I"ll be in tomorrow, but I"m planning the great escape off to my friends (Oyome sans) house to cook christmas dinner- with turkey and crackers!

Merry Christmas!
Some christmas joy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDa40nOCat8&feature=related
okay not so christmassy, but its so funny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hixZec86Ys&feature=related
More christmassy and its got my favourite muppets in it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_8kmOmxyk&feature=related
Very Christmassy muppets!

enjoy ( I am)

Stolen moments in Nagasaki- part one

2009-12-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

This is gonna be a long post, but I wanted to remember this day as fully as possible.....

I pulled my tired, dehydrated body from the bed with the alarm reaching for the water bottle lying by bedside table. The previous 2 days of conference socialising, presentations and listening weighed heavy on my head and stomach: too little sleep and too much kampai'ing.
I realised I'd already missed the first train I was going to catch and was in danger of missing the next to Nagasaki so I pushed my body into gear and decided to for go breakfast for now.
The fresh cold air of a Fukuoka December morning helped soothe some of the headache whilst the pills kicked in as I hurried to the train station.The carriage was empty when I first boarded and I unpacked my ipod and water, aiming to doze the 2 hour trip from Fukuoka to Nagasaki away and gain some energy for a day of sightseeing. A large crowd of senior citzens came in laden with boxes labelled in Korean, rucksacks and hiking sticks, well seasoned travellers who rapidly stowed their bags and boxes and organised themselves in the carriage. As we pulled out the station I became aware of one of the group hovering near me and nudging and commenting from the rest of the group.
I knew what was coming and there was no escape, everyone one who lives here has probably had this experience at some point- the English practice conversation.The elderly gent sat next to me and we started chatting, the usual information was exchanged. They were travelling back from Korea after a short holiday where they had climbed a peak near Pusan, they were all over 70 and all in the hill walking club- I talked about my wish to climb Fujisan (they've done it). The talk gradually turned to what I was doing, was I going to Nagasaki- yes, what will you see? .....Will you visit the Atomic memorial- I think I should, afterall its an important part of the history....How long will you stay? Just the day! too short!....but I have to return to Sapporo tomorrow so.....
The scenery outside the train became rural- large rice fields, stark and bare for the winter, and the sea steel grey reflecting the bleak sky, I pulled out my camera to take some shots- aware of coversations going on between my neighbour and his friend.I was introduced to another gent sitting in the chair across from ours, he didn't speak any English but his house was close to the Atomic memorial and he wants to drive you there so you can see it. I tried to protest, hoping to have a quiet day to myself and a gentle amble around some sights, but it was no go. I couldn't come up with anyway to say no and so the plan was hatched.Back to the conversation, suddenly the plan became not just the memorial, but all the sights of Nagasaki. Again I protested...you've just come from holiday, I'm sure you must be tired....no, no we want to take you...he has a car, how will you see everything otherwise....
Its impossible to refuse or at least very hard without being rude here and so I was cornered.
We came off the train at Urakami and jumped in the taxi, first to house to collect the car. On the way we passed signs with photos, a primary school was here, the memorial is this way... This hill was completely destroyed by the blast. My "guide" and I waited by the gate whilst our "driver" for the day, went inside to tell his wife to expect some strangers. By now my brain was churning, trying to remember the polite phrases and things to do when visiting someones house in Japan, cursing the lack of any gift to give them.
Come up..come up...he waves and we enter the house, his slightly bemused wife is sorting out slippers and all the polite phrases I can remember are slipping from my lips as I'm taking off my shoes. Tea's brought and I've barely time to take a few sips before we being ushered out and back into shoes to get into the car.
The car is a typical Ojisans (old mans) car, white lacy seat covers and all, my English guide and I are in the back like royalty.
He drops us at the entrance to the Atomic museum, only the two of us and "he'll pick us later"...
Inside we spiral down to the entrance, to the sound of a ticking clock.

In the next section, the clock sound stops and so does the talking. There's not much to say about the memorial and I won't discuss my own thoughts about the why's or should they's here. I wandered around in silence, partly fascinated, partly horrified. The shadows of flowers or clothes, permanently imprinted on a wooden wall as a result of the intense blast of radiation energy was bizarre; the same kind of shadows but of a man and his ladder were more disturbing as was the melted glass bottles, one infused with bones from the hand holding it at the time of the bomb.

I caught up with my guide towards the end of the exhibits and was conscious of the time and the other gent outside in his car so we continued out past the stories of the surviving Hibakusha...

Our "driver" was waiting outside, but as we got there he suggested we go through the peace park and he pick us up at the end and off we strode....
He bounded up the steps like a gazelle, I huffed and puffed behind him trying to keep up and we strode quickly past the stark black monolith which marked the hypocentre of the blast and then onwards up more steps to the peace park, built on the site of the Nagasaki prison destroyed in the blast- only a few lines of bricks showing what was once there. As we walked (I was nearly jogging along, trying to supress the hangover and tiredness) my guide decided to tell me how much many Nagasaki people like to visit the memorial, understandable said I and inside I realise its highly likely these 2 men were young children in Nagasaki at the time of the atomic bombing and the guilt and sadness rises.
The park was bleak in the grey December weather and felt quite folorn. The sculpture of the man with one legged crossed and a finger pointing to the sky is suprising ugly close up, but as I had some moments to spare, I pulled out my camera to at least take one or two shots of this area to remember it by. And then we were off, our "driver" met us in the park and we quickly strode off to the waiting car for the next part of the tour....

Post conference exhaustion

2009-12-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

My brain is on overload at the moment, partially from the conference I attended in Fukuoka and all the socialising that went on there and also from the 2 days of intensive sightseeing in Nagasaki and Fukuoka. Sleep was thin on the ground and it was a hard day back at work tomorrow so strong coffee was needed and I slunked ( I hope thats a real word!) off early last night.
I've realised that I should post all my christmas presents this week to make sure they arrive in time so I've been wrapping and card writing since I've got back. After that I can sit down and organise my thoughts and photos and write some of the experiences down. Assuming all the departmental activities let me;the calendar is filling up again and my stamina is not high at the moment.

heavenly daifuku

2009-11-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

Oh god....bugger the diet, this stuff is wickedly good

Purin daifuku (custard pudding mochi cake)

Outside, soft mochi (pounded rice)

inside custard and kuromitsu (black treacle)

Happiness.

They sell out before lunch in the canteen.......

its sooooooo goood.

yum yum

Ginkyo madness

2009-11-18T03:14:00.000-08:00

On the university campus is famous avenue of ginkyo trees which in Autumn becomes a mecca for the citizens of the Japan (or at least Sapporo). There are probably 2 reasons for this; firstly is the beautiful colours of the leaves. This brings masses of the amateur photographers of Japan to this spot during the peak of the colour...

The leaves are pretty spectacular and in the last weeks I've also been out with the camera

Spontaneous leaf throwing is a common side effect of ginkyo madness

The other reason is nuts...

I don't know who first discovered that you could eat the orange seeds that smell like vomit and give you rashes, but its become a firm favorite among the Japanese during the autumn season.

Ginkyo nuts look much nicer than they smell.

Apparently they're very delicious in the savory egg custard dish Chawan mushi. The nuts themselves contain a chemical that often causes contact dermatitis (itchy rashes) so you can see the people picking up nuts with chopsticks or wearing gloves. It seems particularly popular with the old folks of Japan- maybe because they know what to do with them, or they have destroyed their sense of smell of the vomity nuts over the years.

Some are seriously hard core....
Extreme nut collecting- throw the sticks up into the tree wait for the smelly nut rain to fall

Quick! look like we're just doing some normal shopping.....

selecting their next prey.....

Who owns these nuts? I'm pretty sure the university does, but within full sight of the security guards, hordes of nut theives with bulging sacks go about their not- so - sneaky business.

The "grey brigade" carefully co-ordinate their routine, with the getaway bike close at hand.

I did a quick search (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba) to find about the ginkyo trees and found that the nuts themselves contain chemicals which are potentially beneficial for Alzheimers disease and memory enhancement. Perhaps these nuts are the key to a healthy old age. Personally, I wish someone would engineer a tree that does not have such an awful smelling fruit with such beautiful autumn colour.

Sliding towards winter...

2009-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Struth! Is that the end of October already- where did it go?

*Enjoying the autumn colours here in Hokkaido- the campus is really colourful at this time of year and I often find myself hanging near the kettle staring out at the changing leaves...what am I saying? Actually I like looking out the window at anytime of the year or day. Its probably a good thing there isn't a window at my desk otherwise I would do even less work.

* Getting back to Soranuma dake (actually finally going on a hike!). When I first arrived in Japan almost 2 and half years ago, I went hiking in Golden week here. At that time it was full of snow (over 1m deep in places... in May) and we stayed in the mountain hut overnight- one of the best experiences I've had in Japan. So it was great to go back in an autumn setting...going under tree trunks that I had gone over in the snow and seeing the glorious autumn colours. I must go again and finally make it past the hut (the warm log stove and gossipy ladies lured me in this time, walking in deep snow did it the previous time) and get to the peak.* Getting accepted for another conference in December- this time I'm talking about my own research. It's in Fukuoka in Kyushu so I finally get to see a new part of Japan. This has finally inspired me to try and do some more work and work on some new experiments. Fingers crossed they yield some good results!

* Going to Marukoma onsen with my best friends in Japan (big hugs for you!). A perfect Sunday activity, sitting in the deep bath which is fed by water from Shikotsu ko (Lake) and enjoying the last of the autumn leaves and naked man spotting (an added bonus?).

* I"m managing to go Swimming every Thursday and can do 40 lengths non stop in around 30mins (40 lengths=1km if I can read the sign right in the pool). I hope I can keep this up when the snow arrives.

The start of the obsession....

2009-09-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

I've put my pictures up on my flickr site for Budapest so you can go there
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42633451@N04/
I just can't be bothered to write up anymore from that, so if your interested look there.

Anyway, I can see that Sunday out and about with the camera might become a habbit (or perhaps a hobby).
for your delectation I bring you Looking towards downtown Sapporo from my apartment. I really love how I can see the hills from my apartment, on a clear day I can see the distant mountains (above), I don't know what they are ...maybe the Hidaka range or even the bottom of the daisetsu range? I'd love to know.

the streets of Susukino in Sapporo.... Its about to get more colourful
I took a walk down the main street in Susukino on Sunday. Susukino is the largest nightlife "entertainment" area outside of Tokyo apparently. The last image is what most people photograph, I did with my other digital point and shoot, but my new baby does make it much sharper and brighter. I'm looking forward to autumn coming properly so I can see how the leaf colours come out with it.

Silver week snoozefest

2009-09-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

This week we had 3 days of holidays, 5 days including the weekend. I was gloriously lazy, I slept alot and enjoyed just being around my apartment.
I had to come into work on Monday as I had to revise a manuscript for a journal and the deadline was that day, I'm glad I did as on Thursday I got into work to find my review article has been accepted for publication, big smiles all around.
Its the first national holiday I've had with no plans, I've not gone anywhere or had anyone visiting. I kinda liked it....maybe I should do this more often?
Of course you'd think I'd have written up my post on Budapest-well sorry, it is coming shortly though, I think it will be a photo heavy one too.

Back in the land of efficiency and miso soup

2009-09-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Back, in body if not in mind.... I think thats still somewhere over Russia. My poster had such a good time its hanging around Helsinki airport still (I wish I was there). The last stage of the journey from Osaka to the apartment was a trail yesterday.... I was seriously sleep deprived by that point. Caught up a little now but I think this afternoon in work will be nap time at the desk and its not helping that its so quiet. Anyway when my brain reaches me I"ll write up my trip report and put up some pictures from my snazzy camera.

Pre conference flight plan... 2 days to go

2009-09-06T17:22:00.001-07:00

The last week I"ve been working away getting organised to go. Yeah, I know I'm not trekking up Everest or anything, but hey...
All of a sudden on Tuesday, my mini boss looks at my poster properly and we decide to completely re-arrange etc etc. so I ended up working till 10pm.
Finally on Thursday the poster was good to go, I spent an hour cycling round the campus trying to find the print unit, I even walked past the office but didn't realise. The office name is completely in kanji ( i think I was expecting to be able to read print in katakana or something, more fool me!). In the end I came back and made puppy eyes and sad faces at the guys in the lab and got them to ring and arrange a lab pick up. So all being well the poster arrives today.

At the same time as this I came up with the theory of how it all works- I even animated it, I"m pretty impressed with it so far *preens*.

Last weekend I got some old kimono's from this great shop in Otaru- my mum wants some for some friends of hers, however being old and mostly silk, they're pretty heavy, I hope I can fit them in my suitcase....
I also splurged and got me a digital SLR camera (Nikon D300) with 2 lenses, so this week I"ve been getting to grips with the basics and getting a practical sized camera bag. I hope this means that my Budapest pictures will look fabulous.
Yesterday I bit the bullet and got my hair cut. Theres a new salon at the bottom end of the campus, next to my old apartment. I requested (with photos) the Cameron diaz look from "The Holiday" and I"m pretty impressed. Its the shortest its been for a while, but the guys were good- a fabulous head and shoulder massage and the stylist even showed me how to brush and dry into shape. And the shampoo'ing and styling did not turn my hair into grease. Its weird to have short hair again, I keep running my fingers through and abruptly it finishes. The guys in the lab were suitably impressed this morning. *grins happily*
Now all thats left is to pack this evening and pray the typhoon currently coming close to Osaka keeps away.

Minor meltdown averted- threat level reduced

2009-08-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

After my crisis post, I'm pleased to report that a rough draft of my poster is done and the talk is mostly done. PHEW!!

The plan for swimming was abandoned in the end.

I'm back at home relaxed and I'm going off fill my bath and chill out I think

Rabbit in the headlights

2009-08-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Bugger, bugger, bugger....

Why am I getting so stressed about tomorrow??
Tomorrow is the practice run through of the talk and the poster for my conference.
Perhaps its because I haven't done my poster, maybe thats because when I look at what I've got I can see the holes in the data and experiments that should have been done. I'm sitting at my desk but not actually working, I'm not setting up experiments that might just plug some of these holes. I feel like a rabbit in the headlights. And at the same time some part of my brain is telling me to not stress too much, its only a run through and I'll be making changes and its ONLY a poster. I"ve got a civil war going on in my mind at the moment.

Right thats off my chest, I'm going to set up a rt-PCR and then go for a swim, maybe that will do the trick.

Its that Friday Feeling again

2009-08-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Playing with powerpoint to make a montage of Sapporo from the top of Maruyama

I think Friday should be declared a permanent national holiday. I'm sure large parts of the world will join me in wanting this too.

I actually managed to do some work this week. I think the fact that I've got 3 weeks left till I'm at my conference has been a great incentive for work. That and the practice run through, poster check that will happen next wednesday.
My mini boss returned from his conference in the states in one piece, despite having to run the gauntlet of bears between his cabin and the conference site! It certainly makes for a more interesting conference, maybe they can throw those who over run on their presentations out for some bear mauling. Since I'll be in Budapest, I think the chances of me meeting a bear will be much lower- I'll just have to run the gauntlet of not being able to speak any hungarian.

I got some random (read: ARggggghhh why is it like that??!) results and so I've spent this week trying to repeat and see if it was real (which means much more complications if it is). I loathe real-time PCR at the best of times, but today I nearly had a hissy fit at the damed machine.
The real-time PCR machine is several floors below me in the main lab and so I trotted off with my USB drive to pick up my results from the overnight run, thought it all transferred so closed down the ancient laptop. Back up at my desk I discover that the file of results is blank, despite being able to see them on the laptop previously. This is the second time its done this trick, the last time it took 3 goes up and down and then eventually I gave up and had to copy the data by hand off the laptop (which with 60+ samples is not fun). Apparently it objected to my file name this time so fortunately I was able to pull the data from it second time around.
The results aren't ideal still so I guess this means a morning in the lab tomorrow to run some more experiments and pin it down..... SIGH!

Another lazy Friday

2009-08-07T00:56:00.000-07:00

Well the end of another week. My motivation levels are pretty low still. This week I've also not got so much sleep, its got all hot and sunny and me being the weakling that I am doesn't do so well with nights that are hot (20C- see how much of a weakling I am). I even had a little nap in my favourite hiddy hole in work- the cell culture room with its gently drone of the extractor fans and sunshine and extremly comfortable chair. That was after I cleaned out the crap that some previous user had left behind. Someone doesn't seem to clean up their spills which gets me gnarky, but I shall zen and not say anything for now.....
Disappointly, I have decided that I can't get to Fujisan this year. Stuff happens- work has gotten in the way of the weekend I was going to go and I've got work that I should be doing hanging over me too. Also, its pretty expensive to fly off to Tokyo for a weekend and then not to be able to climb because the weather is crappy or something. So next year then- by which time I'll be amazonian- woman- like with my fitness (ha ha).
My mini boss is off to a conference next week and we're into the Obon quiet time in the lab, so hopefully I can sneak an afternoon off work undetected.
I think this evening is time for a "pamper me" session in the bath. I have some onsen bath salts from Kyushu to try out. Have a good weekend

Friday loafing

2009-07-31T01:08:00.000-07:00

I'm stuck in the lab when I'd rather be outside enjoying another summer day in Sapporo (2 in a row!-miracles will happen). Thank god for my ipod and the guilty pleasure of S club7 and facebook.
I have attend a lecture at 6pm this evening- it will be very medical and the only reason I'm going is that its in English, that and the email which came a few days ago suggesting I go. I've realised when they email in english its usually it means "you will go" as opposed to "could go". I should be reading papers, preparing my poster or something, but heck its Friday and I was at the beer garden yesterday so I'm all mellow.
I love the beer garden in Sapporo- there was a good crowd of us foreigners and we had an excellent time, but the locals around us were really in the party spirit last night- up on the tables dancing at one point. It's so refreshing to see everyone relaxed and informal for once.
Lets hope the weather keeps up for the weekend so I can get to the beer garden.
Have a good weekend!

Messing around with format- whaddya think?

2009-07-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ohh pink is much better I rekon....

right time for lunch I think- I need to pop back to the apartment and load up on my anti-moz stuff since its time for the annual departmental BBQ today (and its not raining for once!!)

A monthly summary

2009-07-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

July has been knackering...It was super busy at the beginning submitting abstracts for meetings and sorting out accommodation for another meeting in September. Then I was put on registration desk duty at an international meeting our department held. Mostly for english language support- though I found myself speaking alot of Japanese. I couldn't stop bowing to everyone, including all the Aussies who were there (score one for loopy foreign behavoir- I think I need to escape Japan for a bit). It was punishingly hard days though- smart and heels for 4 days and smiling and helpful from 8am till 10pm at night. I was a little miffed at being called "secretary" by the department head when he introduced me to the delegates- though I suppose thats what I was actually mostly doing at the conference.
Thank god the following weekend was umi-no-hi holiday weekend. I was incredibly lazy for the whole weekend and it was great, shame that the weather was wet and cold. Though I ended up with a sore throat and fever off that weekend. My hypochondriac brain went into overdrive as I though maybe it was the dreaded H1N1... however a day off work sorted that out. Last weekend I went on a full on Japanese tour up to Rishiri and Rebun island (off the north of Hokkaido), which I will post about at some point.
This week has been a bust on productive work though as I"m fighting off a cold I got when I was up there and I just can't seem to find motivation at the moment. Probably its this god awful weather we've had this month. Not as bad as the south of Japan admittly but still, grey and cool and rain almost everyday- so very different from the last 2 summers I"ve been here.

Okay lets be positive to finish
1. I'm leveling up in my tennis this weekend!- I will no longer be lowest of the low (newmon), but will be at the beginner stage which means an extra 30mins to the lessons (up to 1 and half hours now).
2. I think in the next week I will be able to eat my first ever homegrown (by me) tomatoes last weeks first fruits

3. Finally booked my flights for the meeting in September in Budapest, managing to squeeze an extra days holiday out of it too.

And the title for worst blogger goes to....

2009-06-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I suck at blogging. I don't know, sometimes I get these ideas that such and such would be wonderful to do, and then give up.
Work has got in the way along with life and I have had no motivation to write anything, especially after reading other blogs and getting major blog envy.
Maybe I'll see if I can stick to just writing small update instead of essays and pictures.
So this post is me trying look busy in work at 7pm at night as the lab is still buzzing with people and I don't want to be the first to leave as I usually do, especially after sneakily taking Friday afternoon off to fly to Tokyo for the weekend.
I should be probably doing some experiments or writing that weekly report or trying to get my figures into my manuscript, but my brain is not functioning at 100% today.

Hibernation blues

2008-11-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend I've been in full hibernation mode- its much nicer to watch the snow showers from the warmth of my fleecy blanket and toasty apartment than being out in them. I realised I've been very bad at updating my blog- I barely got started and my friends arrived from the UK and I went on holiday round Japan. We had a great time visiting the sights, a busy 2 weeks. I got back to work and found I had been missed. So I've spent the last 2 months catching up and making up for taking 10 days holiday. I don't think it bothered me last year, but this year the small amount of holiday has been hard. Anyway, lurking round my apartment I figured I may aswell update this blog.

Its gone from Autumn to winter in the past week. All the last remaining leaves fell with the first snow last week and this week, we got our first good snowfall. The first picture is on Hokkaido University campus (where I work) about 3 weeks ago. The Ginkyo tree avenue is one of the popular photograph spots in Sapporo (for Japanese anyway).

This is the view this week.

I'm glad its thawing a little now, so I've got chance to get more prepared for the long winter months- I've a pair of ice grips now for crossing the streets. My ski gear is being sorted, I started to learn to ski last year so I'm looking forward to learning some more.

Out and about in Sapporo

2008-08-22T03:31:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I went for a hike up Moiwa yama. It sits just on the outskirts of Sapporo and has a ropeway (cable car) and touristy stuff on the top of it along with a few hiking trails. I jumped on the subway near my house down to Maruyama koen and walked up the begining of the trail. Its a very popular hike, so there were many "Konnichiwa's" on the trail up. Mainly retired folks,decked out in full hiking gear complete with bear bells(- apparently the 531m mountain is equivalent to Everest), and a few families. This is the first time I've hiked up Moiwa this year. I went earlier in the year with a couple of friends, but we took the wrong turn on the way to the start of the trail and ended up taking the cable car up (it was free on that day luckily). This time it was just me, and the other hikers.

I really like living in Sapporo because although its the largest city I've lived in, its still has a small town feel to it and the mountains and countryside is so easily accessible. The trail wound up the mountain with plenty of nature to look at- mostly insects and birds though.

There's a popular rest area just before the final km zig zag to the top and stopped for some tea. There was a family there having a rest with some small children (2 years to 8 years I reckon). I think this was their first close encounter with an "alien" cause I got saucer -eyed by the kids. Eventually ,with the parents egging them on, we exchanged sweets and 'hellos' . This is the first time in ages I've had the meet the foreigners conversation so I'm guessing they were from out of town.

I stopped at the top to warm up cause it was windy and chilly too. The top has an amazing collection of tacky Hokkaido souvenirs- hello kitty Susukino and Marimo algae men key rings, magnets, towel- you need it they have it. I headed East down the mountain aiming for the ski runs and met an entire High School year heading up the mountain in there track suits. 300 Konnichiwa's and Hallo's later I started down the trail. By now the wind was really quite strong and the path seem quite corroded with lots of little rocks, but I had the trail to myself. It was weird walking down the ski runs, this was where I first learnt to ski this winter and now instead of m's of snow it was a huge meadow.

Unfortunately the buses that run from the subway station to the ski jo don't work out of season so I ended up walking another 4km to a bus stop in the middle of the edge of town car salesrooms. It was a nice hike, though tiring at the end.

Beginning of the challenge

2008-08-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

I don't know at what point last week I finally decided to start a blog but here it is. Last week was a slow week in work, many people were away- I assume back to their families for O-bon. It was hot too, well actually its been hot for the past 3 weeks, which for me gets tiring after a while. Sapporo (and Hokkaido) is way much cooler than rest of Japan in the summer, but for a lily livered Brit like myself I become sloth like. So I spent some of my time last week planning stuff for when my friends come in September on holidays, and as I looked around the internet I came across a site that describes all the routes up Fujisan and I came to the decision that I wanted to climb it. Not this year obviously, since the official season is almost over for one, the other being my general unhealthy ness.

I bought a Wii fit about 2 months ago and I still haven't improved my age on it- I'm currently 55, which is way much older than I am really - let me just state. Though I don't suppose that not being able to understand the Japanese instructions on the the balance exercises help (Obviously this is where I'm going wrong, not the whole being generally over weight and unhealthy). Anyway the combination of a slow week in work and finally deciding to get fit has led to this- This blog and My Fuji challenge.

This weekend, I went back on the Wii fit (the temperature dropped to a nice 25C again) and I was full of plans, so I spent the weekend watching 5 DVDs and going shopping- a great start to my fitness regime I think not.

Ah well..... there's always next week.

Random Drink of the week- Lucky Cider (as I didn't win the lottery and nearly got hit by a car on my bike I'm not sure its all that lucky) it even has extra kira kira (sparkle).

Random thoughts- why do Japanese fire engines and ambulances have sirens on at 3am when nothing is on the road?