Goodbye London, Hello Kitty!

Cough, cough, splutter! A few months have passed and lo- my blog lies covered in cyberdust and the dried discarded wings of pixelnymphs long gone, dessicated between posts.

Having recently tipped my cloche in adieu to ol' London town and its cheerful array of omnibuses, I'm back where I belong in the Nihon. This time I have turned my back on the teacher's blackboard and soggy duster, and am instead engaged in professional pedantry at the hallowed halls of the Ritz College in the southern isle of Kyushu: a lush steamy island of verdant hills, hot springs, and the occasional futon bobbling by in the bay.

I first arrived and then farewelled Japan in the sultry summer months, and again for this sequel in my misadventures, I have arrived at a time when the air is throbbing with the rhythm of myriad insects, a time when it is difficult not to ride one's red bicycle without being clobbered in the head by a dragonfly the size of a Sopwith Camel.

To usher in the summer of course are the wonderful hanabi or fireworks festivals which are held in every town, usually over a river or attractive water feature. Here in Beppu we have a delightful bay (overlooking the futons) over which fireworks were verily banged and exploded, and many a "sugoi!" ("fantastic!") or a "kirei!" ("beautiful!") was murmured from the be-kimono'd crowd. See talkie below for firework shenanigans.

Sir S still resides in London Town - sigh! - but will be gadding this way permanently just before Christmas, when he will be just in time for Christmas - yes, Yuletide! - hanabi over the bay. Chilly, but spectacular by all accounts.

Now that I'm reconfrabulated to the Modern Communications Device provided by the chaps at Yahoo BB, I will no doubt return to these pages soon to further update my absent friends on goings-on and the like. Hurrah!