Well today was a ‘mixed bag’ of trials for the travellers.

Firstly, overnight there was a fall, which resulted in one of the travellers needing to visit the local hospital this morning to undergo tests to make sure nothing was broken. While sporting some nasty bruises, the tests proved that there was nothing too serious to worry about, and for $300AUD, the patient left with peace of mind, one leg in a brace and a handful of strong painkillers. The patient also received this medical card (for follow-up tests I expect).

Secondly, Mick texted me early this morning to let me know that he had lost one of four shoes he took with him to Japan – and the one happened to be from the expensive waterproof pair he had bought about a week before he left, specifically for the trip. In fact it was the second pair he bought for the trip. The first pair, cheaper than the ones he took (and now lost) at slightly less than $200, were not as comfortable as he thought – so he gifted them to our son. Now tell me, how do you lose one shoe?

He said there was a large store next door to their hotel and he was going to try and buy a new pair of ‘something’. From experience though, buying clothes and shoes in Asian countries is difficult as they do not usually cater for large (shoe) sizes. I am keenly awaiting an update on this challenge.

Undeterred, some ‘excursions’ still were completed, albeit a little different from the previous few days. There was a need to find activities that required less walking, and not only now for Mick’s sake.

As expected, Mick and Bernie visited the fish markets where Tom and Emma had been yesterday, and they had a ball (not really – here they ate oysters, eel and loach fish). They loved the seafood saying it was “Oishii“.

All four of them visited a Samurai Museum which showcased some beautiful outfits and displays, and provided a spot for Mick to take a little rest, and for Bernie to play ‘hide and seek’.

Bernie and Mick were also able to re-live some of their fondest childhood TV memories.

Both, but perhaps Mick more than Bernie, (and certainly not Emma) watched the television programs The Samurai and Monkey (I thought it was called Monkey Magic but I could only find this show) where they watched ninjas throw these star-shaped weapons – Ninja Stars or shuriken in order to attack the ‘baddies’.

The museum they visited gave them the chance to actually throw Ninja Stars, and it appears that both (older) boys were excellent.

I hope they work out some safe way to get them on the next plane, as they each left with only carry on luggage, particularly as they are to fly to Sopporo tomorrow.