On arrival in Japan, fingerprints and a photo are taken at customs. This time around the customs officer must have thought I was dodgy as he didn't pass me through and made me wait in another area where another officer questioned me about where I would be staying. I had to start thinking in Japanese again pretty quick and after he got in contact with Sachiko (above)who I was staying with he let me on my way. I watch an Aussie program called Border Security and it felt just like that!

The next day after a fine luch, A-chan and I visited a Japanese garden in Hakata that I never knew was there.

Taiko at Solara Plaza after.

After a sushi lunch. Hitomi (right) and her mum. I used to work with Hitomi at Nijo Junior High.

Then it was then off to Nagasaki to see Shannon. She kindly picked me up in Hakata and then we zoomed down to Nagasaki in time to see a festival with fireworks - intermittant fireworks. Shannon's theory was that a eye patched, peg legged pirate must have been hired to lightn the fireworks and that was why we got to see just three at a time. Hmmm...

Shannon and I with lovely, clean, fresh aired Nagasaki coastline.

After the fresh air it was time for Bio Park which is one of the best zoos I have seen this side of Asia and you could pat and feed (special park food) a lot of the animals. We spent 5 hours walking around.

What do we have here? The meercat playcat centre page spread?

A one fanged bat.

And a shy armadillo.

But my heart was captured by the capybara who are so friendly (or like food) and have delightful characters.

Then the monkey part - feed, pat cuddle and in my case get peed on.

Shannon with some mischief.

The next day we enjoyed some more nice coastline and a scone cafe.

The cafe had lots of antiques like this toilet!

After my scones I left with a tear in my eye and a hug from Shannon back to Fukuoka. I was spoilt again here with the above view from my friends apartment in Shimayamoto.

I am very thankful to friends who are very close to my heart and their awesome hospitatilty. There is a place for you here anytime where I would love to treat you like you did me.

Afternote: In Seoul I was passed through immigration in less than 7 mins. Unbelievable. A can of beer I brought back for Woogi leaked (how I don't know as I can find a hole in the can but it is definitely empty) into my bag making for a nice beer smell through nearly everything.