Last Day in Tokyo

November 2, 2025November 2, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

It’s always hard to know how to spend your last day in a big city when you are facing an overnight flight.

I opted to give Steve a knife making class to celebrate his birthday.

But first I picked up my rings and my bangle. They quite a fuss presenting it to me.

It was a fun session. Thank you Nane_asakusa.

Then it was off to Bub Activity Centre

https://bub-activitycenter.com/#bub

I found this and it happened to be around the corner from our hotel so no long train journey!

It was so well run. We had loads of fun and learned something as well.

Run by 3 young people including Misa who turns out to be Russian! it was set up so well. And run in a fun but professional way.

We are set up with protective jackets, finger protectors, and our own sharpening stone.

We saw the different types of knives and selected one. They are a carbon knife and start just s as a blade. We sharpen!

It was harder than it looked! I’m going a vegetable chopping knife. Steve’s doing a standard kitchen knife.

They were helpful with showing us where we could improve how to hold it …. Where to add pressure

After we reached a certain stage we went to the engraving table. We learned how to write our name in Japanese, then engrave it on the wooden handle.

Back to the sharpening table to do the other side. But first we had to pass the ‘slice the paper’ test. I passed as did Steve.

Then we graduated to the next grade stone to finish ……back and forth. Up and down. Until the edge was perfect. My fingers were hurting!

We had photos taken and the knife was boxed for travel. We have to declare it. It’s a weapon. I hope theres no problem.

I would recommend this great activity. Especially as a last day thing when you’re out of the hotel and don’t want a huge day.

BUB as they are called run lots of activities.

We finished around 12.30. Had a quick bite then headed to Jiyucho

https://jiyucho.tokyo/en/pages/jiyucho-tokyo

When searching for bookshops or craft shops or writing centres I found this. It’s near Asakusa where we’re based ( Did I mention I love this area)

We tried to go yesterday and now today I really don’t have time to sit and sip tea and write and feel super peaceful. But I had to see it.

The lady who runs the shop – for a better word …. Is Eika. She was quietly spoken. Probably because there were 6 people sitting quietly writing.

The idea is you write a letter to yourself using prompts suggested by the centre.

You are given beautiful tea to sip and you write. In a year they post you the letter. What a lovely idea.

There are also postcards you can write to yourself or friends and they will post them.

There’s also a library. You can take a book and exchange but they ask you to write a letter to put inside.

Eika was delightful. She showed me around, talked so calmly and let me take lots of photos. And I bought some cards and coffee pouches with inspirational words on them. I had to use my translator!

The coffee bags with thoughts. Some translations don’t always’flow’

I think we need this in Brisbane. Japanese people seem so calm and patient. We need to adopt some of these traits.

We made it back to the hotel to change and get the Skyliner train. 41 minutes to Narita.

All very easy.

Tomorrow I wake up in Brisbane. Can’t wait to see the family friends.

Hiroshima: May it never happen again.

October 21, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

We left the hotel by 8.30 – not really wanting to as we’ve loved our stay here. But new places await.

Hiroshima is a must visit to make everyone aware of the outcomes of war. It’s a very sobering place to visit.

We arrived by a JR Train using our Suica card. Locating lockers is easy with the great signposting. Then headed off by tram for the castle. The city is all new – for obvious reasons. A constant reminder of what happened but in 1941.

We decided, due to time limitations to just walk the castle grounds before moving on to Peace Park and the memorial to the victims lost in the bombing.

One of the most poignant moments was seeing the memorial for the children lost in the bombing and the many who dyed after from leukaemia.

When reading to children in the library I would read the story of Sadako and the Thousands Paper Cranes. When Sadako became ill at 10 her room mate told her about the legend of the thousand paper cranes – if she folded a thousand paper cranes she would be granted a wish. She folded 1,300 but died soon after. Now the paper crane is a symbol of peace. Hope and healing.

There are cabinets of thousands and thousands paper cranes which people are adding to each week.

If you like film try and see the movie called Touch. It’s a beautiful but sad story of a young Japanese woman and Swedish man who fall in love. and the impact of the bomb years before.

We continued on our journey. another train. A Shinkansen.

Heading towards Okayama the McGregors got off at Ominichi. They are cycling for two days.

We continued onto UNO Port. I’m very keen to visit the art island of Naoshima. We’re staying in the port tonight.

Luckily for us we got a booking at Bluno. Recommended by a friend it’s French Japanese food.

Our hotel was a little bit of a mystery. We couldn’t get anything on the island and many hotels here were booked out so we booked at one with a Japanese name.

Turns out it’s small but perfect little rooms. Comfy beds, lovely yakatas and an opening window for fresh air. Just fine for 2 nights.

Taken from my comfy bed. The navy white yakata

We’ll explore a little before heading to Bluno. There is an art trail of outdoor sculptures. Such an interesting place.

Dinner was delicious and lots of fun with the Wilsons as we reminisced about the holidays we have done together.

Tomorrow we head to Naoshima Island just 20 min by ferry. it’s become a destination for lovers of art.

Temples, Shrines and Castles.

October 16, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

A mix up with tour bookings led to the three couples going in different directions.

The Wilsons wandered locally , the McGregors did the Palace and Castle tour and Steve and I headed to two shrines

We caught the number 59 bus for lots of stops which gave us a good look at the suburbs our yo the east side of the city.

We started with Ryoanji temple. This is home to the most famous zen rock garden. It’s simple and it’s quiet and quite mesmerising.

Photo taken as a panorama shot. It’s rectangle garden.

This garden has sand which is raked meticulously. There are 15 rocks in the space.

We moved from this space into the gardens and loved the lake walk and the bamboo poles holding up the trees.

There are little corners with running water and statues of Buddha. I loved it.

We moved on to the Golden Temple. It’s probably the most famous of the temples here in Kyoto. Truely beautiful.

A quick taxi ride took us to the tour we were doing if the Imperial Palace and Castle. On arrival we found that the palace and gardens were closed as the Royal family were in town.

Our guide Jasmine was young and had the biggest eyes! And long blond hair well it really was black like all the other Japanese girls we’ve seen but she had dyed it blonde!

She broke the news that as it was closed we would instead go to the art gallery in the castle grounds.

We had a good tour of the castle and Jasmine explained the history of the shogans and their relationship to the Emperor.

The painted panels were beautiful especially the peony room.

We finished the evening with a tea ceremony. A young 19 year maiko explained her world as a trainee geisha. Very strange life in this day and age.

Last Swim Days

June 30, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Guila smearing me with Vasalino for the last time…..to prevent swimmers rash!

Oh I’m so behind in my blogs. I’ve been in Palermo for 2 days and I’m still back in Favingnana ! Well the blog is.

The last day swimming was once again without our dear Francesco.

He would hate being sick and missing out.

The last swims were different and perfect.

The swimmers have relaxed and all chatting more.

In the evening we’re having a farewell dinner at Eduardo’s brother’s restaurant. It’s all about family here in Italy.

Eduardo has been lots of fun. He has told us all about his girlfriends but now declares his true love is Guila. It’s become a funny ongoing joke.

Francesco has asked us all to send him a few words about swimming and the sea. Something that shows our feelings for it. he has a game for us.

Everyone dressed up a but – island style for the last dinner together. We shared taxis and drove along the island to Giuseppe’s restaurant. It’s a big area. All outdoor tables facing the bay and the setting sun. A beautiful simple setting.

The fun begins with Aperols and continues with more Aperol or a Grillo ( a lovely light white wine)

The food is shared grazing plates and is simple but beautiful.

Photos are taken memories made.

We’ve known Francesco for 11 years so are so pleased he’s made the dinner so we can say farewell. This could be our last swim trek.

After dinner Francesco and Guila say a few words of farewell and start to give out the certificates. But on the back there is a quote written by one of the group. We have to guess who wrote it.

I read one out. It was a Haiku and I guessed Colleen. Later in the evening it was Colleen’s turn ( Dora the explorer) she read out the words. It was a Haiku! Mine. She guessed straight away. So funny we hit each others. Steve and her husband also got each others. They were both the shortest quotes.

Mine said

Swimming in the sea Blue water beautiful fish Gives me calm and peace

Steve’s: Adoro I’ll mare

Lots of photos. Lots of hugs. It was all over.

A Beautiful Swim at Marettimo:

June 29, 2025June 29, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Today we met at the ferry terminal. We were catching the ferry to Marettimo.

The islands we visited off the coast of Sicily.

Marettimo has the reputation for beautiful waters, national parks. No cars, white buildings with blue shutters and very friendly people.

It takes about half and hour on the ferry and the first sight gives the impression of landing in Greece. It is actually quite close to Tunisia and our watches will switch to their time.

Today Francesco our guide is sick. Guila reported that he was up most of the night with vomiting and diarrhea. A virus.

Poor Guila is sharing a small apartment with him so let’s hope she doesn’t get it. Or us!

We arrived at the north port and walked through the small village to the south port. Where the boats are moved to when the winds blow.

Today is perfect for swimming.

The town is very traditional. White houses, blue shutters, ( except one house has brown?) terracotta downpipes, and tiles on the wall outside each house announcing who lives there.

We stopped at this house.

Off we headed with Peppo and Nico

They found the perfect spot for our morning swim. We swam into caves, over beautiful fish , red starfish. It was beautiful. No hurrying.

We had Colleen and Dana our American friends with us. Colleen is like Dora the explorer. She stops and looks at everything. And she’s a geologist and expert I’d say in water quality. It was so much fun swimming with her. the 3.5 km went by in a flash.

Lunch by the boys mother was good. But not as great as Eduardo’s mum!

Guila , our guide cooed so well as the only guide. With Francesco sick she was on her own to supervise us. Lucky conditions were perfect.

The second swim of about 2km and again just perfect.

My swim group. Colleen ‘Dora the explorer’

For me the swimming is near perfect. No stingers, warm enough, no currents, no leaking goggles.

Back to the small township we wandered the small streets with little shops selling the usual souvenirs. It’s so colourful. It’s hard to resist.

Marion and her two daughters were great company.

A Sicilian favourite: brioche filled with gelato. No I didn’t try one!

Swim Trek : Day 1

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Francesco said ‘ breakfast at 8 and be ready by 8.45’ we were to be escorted to the boat on day 1. After that. We’re trusted to walk.

Down to the marina we met Eduardo our boat captain. He’s a typical young Italian man. Very tanned, bald head, chain necklace, vape folded into his fist and a cheeky attitude.

Francesco outlined the day and away we went.

About 30 minutes later the boat stopped in a sheltered bay. We did our orientation swim where they look at our speed and later give us our groups.

I could have saved them time looking at me. I knew I’d be in the slow group and I’m happy to be.

I’m surprised so many wear fins. I’ve always loved mine. I think the group is mostly over 60. There are two sister here with their mum. They’ll be fast.

We swam around 1.5 km maybe more and then stopped for lunch on the boat.

Lunch made by Eduardo’s mum was a huge pasta salad and done cold meats and cheese. Just perfect for swimmers.

The afternoon swim was much longer in our groups. I’m with Beth, Kaz and Steve

We made a tight little group and I was happy with how I swam. It worked out at around 3.5.

Back to the boat harbour it was buzzing and we headed for the nearest bar. We needed a beer after all the salt.

Steve and I headed out for dinner around 7.30 – the others went off in their groups. It would be nice to start being more included.

An English Garden Party : Sunday 15th

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Back in Rusper our friends have hosted an open garden for the village church.

And today our last day we are dressing in our garden party clothes and drinking G& T in the garden.

The weather is beautiful….. English style. Started out grey and cleared to blue skies by the middle of the day.

The guests arrived. Some walked from the village. Some drove from as far as London just over an hour away.

We had an hour and a half before we scrambled up the airport.

Gatwick is like all big airports. Lots of people and long walks up the gate. Ours was a good ten minutes of constant walking.

Then the theatre began. An announcement telling us boarding was delayed. That we had a full flight and there wouldn’t be room in overhead lockers for all the carry on bags. They offered free under plane storage and early boarding if people volunteered to check in their bags.

3 people came forward. Then a rather forceful lady started walking around the gathering line of people pulling out some and asking them to put their bags in the size measuring contraption.

It was actually quite funny watching grown men and women trying to cram oversized bags into the frame. If they didn’t fit they went to one side. Check in!

A women sitting near us tried to hide her rather heavy looking bag, a big back pack and handbag. She did it and later boarded!

We then sat on the tarmac waiting for take off. An hour later we did.

Arriving into Turin it was still light so we dropped our bags and headed out for a late dinner. Another salad Nicoise for me.

Next morning a long train ride up Lerici. We’re staying with our niece for 3 nights.

I love Lerici.

Cute Cotswolds

June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

An early start for Ros and David who left Bath for St Ives.

Steve and I sorted our bags and cleared the apartment and were on the road by 9

The next few days we are wandering the Cotswolds. People love this area. There are always debates about which is the cutest villages.

I will run my own survey !

First up Castle Combe. A very small village, it was quiet apart from a few meandering tourists.

This tiny village was used in the movie War Horse and there was a display about this in the local church

I’d heard about Painswick from two people. One was a lecturer in my arts group who lectured for ArtsNational last year. She lives there and recommended a visit.

The second is one of the therapy girls, Donna whose rugby-0playing son played the the region and lived in Painswick.

It’s beautiful. The Main Street is narrow with some lovely shops. The side streets have beautiful houses, an arts centre with a good cafe, a church in a large park with lines of trees. Donna told me 99 trees were planted there.

The local cafe in the arts canteen was buzzing. Lots of lovely local ladies meeting for coffee and lunch. They chatted in what to me sounded like posh English accents and were dressed very ladylike.

The Painswick hotel was recommended for afternoon tea…… and is as lovely as it looked – but we had cute villages to see.

Next stop Nailsworth. A lovely Main Street.

Studeley Castle and Gardens sounded great so we drove down narrow lanes to get there only to find out it was closed. We’ll have to come back.

It was time for Stow on the Wold. Our room for two nights is in The Porch – reported to be the oldest inn in England. Well I’m not sure if that fact, but it’s old. Up and down steps, low doorways, beams, old lights, dark common rooms but very comfortable rooms. Ours overlooked the small park opposite.

We walked up the Main Street to the town square. Beautiful old honey coloured buildings. Lots of city shops, including a 3 story antique shop. So much in there. So well organised! My friend Ginetta would love it.

Steve heading for the antique centre. And the car.

I found the town library. Modern looking inside a very old building. I think this village might be right up there with the best of the Cotswolds. Certainly consider this as a base for exploring the area.

The gardens of the Cotswolds are renowned. Mondays most are closed so we missed the famous Rococo gardens in Painswick and Studeley. Today we stoped at the old market town of Burton and bought a few things. And headed for Bourton Gardens.

The beautiful house was closed to the public but the gardens are open

The house and a small section of the garden.

We loved it. The white garden was stunning, and the way the garden was laid out was fascinating.

Another thing that is common to many UK gardens is the over planting. In Australia we tend to plant more sparingly. Here it almost looks crowded.

Nearby was the railway museum. Naturally Steve wanted to visit there. By luck the old steam train was about to leave.

Finally got to Studeley house and gardens. It was important during the reign of Henry V111 and is now maintained by the present owner and its priority is living in harmony with the animals of the world. Hence the elephants in the gardens

Our second day of wandering the Cotswolds took us up to Broadway – probably one of the best for a base with it’s lovely pubs, restaurants, shops etc. – very pretty place. It was hosting an arts festival when we were there. Lots of painters in the streets.

Then Bourton Upon Water. Again soooo pretty but suffering a little from tourists so losing its small village feel

Burford a lovely medieval village. Chipping Norton home to the car man …… Jeremy Clarkson.

Then into Oxford. Very grand buildings, very crowded. Full of students flying around in their gowns. It’s exam time and they must wear their gown with a flower on the lapel.

I went to an Art Society lecture at Magdalen College. Similar to my ArtsNational lectures. It was great meeting people from Oxford who follow the arts.

And our final morning was spent at the lovely Oxford Botanical Gardens. A very interesting garden with an excellent’Plants as medicine ‘ section. Well labelled. And a literary section

The literary table. You are invited to sit , reflect and write something. A lovely idea.

At the end of the day a beautiful lunch in a small village pub on our way back to Bill and Marie France in Rusper.

Concert Day in Bath

June 16, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Our big day started with two pop up performances in the bust Sunday crowds of Bath.

People must wonder who are these people singing in the streets. Dressed in Soul Song t shirts and occasionally chanting Aussie Aussie Aussie. Which I find a bit embarrassing. We’re not a sporting team!

But it does identify us as Australians. And then people are interested!

We had two shows today. 2pm and 7pm. They didn’t attract the crowds that Brighton did but went off very well. And we had fun.

Long days!

And the weather is still cool.

Bristol

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

The choir travelled today. On the bus by 9 we left in drizzly rain. We are supposed to be doing several pop up performances but if it rains there will be no audience.

First stop was for a Bansky street art ! A busy artist his work pops up everywhere.

Off to the Clifton suspension bridge. The hardy climbers went down 130 steps to a cave to view the bridge from a different angle. But I was happy up top.

We lined up along the wall and did two songs for a small but appreciative audience!

Back on the bus to the centre of Bristol and another bit of Banksy street art

We walked towards the river and set up for a pop up concert but it rained. So along the wharf for lunch and a wine.

We tried again after lunch and succeeded.

The highlight of the day was going to St Stephen’s Cathedral. we had been invited uk join a local choir for a concert in the cathedral.

They made us so welcome. their musical director. Beth is from Brisbane but living in Bristol. Our Musical Dircector Jac is from this area but lives in Brisbane.

They made contact and set up this joint concert.

We rehearsed the song we were to sing together ‘What the World Needs Now’ It sounds great. And the choir. – all women were so friendly.

Each one of us received a hand written post card from one of the choir. What a thoughtful thing to do.

We also were treated to a cream sherry. Delicious and were told it is medical. Good for singers throat.

The concert started and we sat in the church and listened.

They sang about 5 songs. Then our turn.

The acoustics in the church were beautiful. I’m sure it enhanced our singing.

We finished with our joint song. What a great experience. I think this will be a highlight of our tour.

Back on to the bus to Bath and a few photo opportunities. The Royal Crescent is as i remember from 1976. Very elegant. Though the grass was under construction. A Robbie Williams concert is coming up so they were constructing the stage.

We walked as a raggedy group towards the city centre. Passing the Jane Austen Centre. It’s the 250th Anniversary for Jane and there are special celebrations everywhere

A group of girls emerged all dressed in period costumes which is a better sight than some of the hens groups we have seen around Brighton and now Bath.

Some outrageous and sometimes tacky dress ups have been spotted!

It was more Gin o’ clock so we found a great gin bar and tried a few of the gin combinations. We paid for 1 but after awhile the waitress appeared with a trio of different gins and a bottle of tonic.

Yes please we all said!

A delicious rhubarb gin with ginger ale!

A slow walk through town to meet David and Steve.

Fell into bed exhausted.

frans travel tales

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