Grant's Long service

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Grant's Long service
The exploration of Tokyo continues
January 17, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
We have probably slowed down a little bit as our time in Japan is drawing to the end but still out and about checking out some new things. Notably, we went to Ueno Zoo, which for the kids meant seeing Pandas for the first time. The size of the zoo is quite impressive however I can't say that it is best example of how a modern zoo should be set up. It certainly shows its age not just in terms of infrastructure but also in practices. With only a $6 entrance fee I can't help but feel that increasing the price would have better outcomes for how the animals are kept. The extended parklands of Ueno were definitely enjoyable to stroll around. We also went to Akihabara which I found quite interesting. It is the suburb for all things hobby. The anime and figurine stuff doesn't float my boat but I did enjoy exploring the hobby shops with Frog...we could definitely spend some money here. Spent one night in Shinjuku to visit Godzilla. Shinjuku isnt my favourite places in Tokyo but it was to take the kids back to see Godzilla... this time without tears. Of course the culinary adventure continues but a visit to our local Indian restaurant is always on the cardsRead more
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Grant's Long service
Hard to believe
January 19, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
It is hard to believe we have to pack up and say goodbye to Japan, which also signifies that our trip is nearly over. I don't want to return to the mundane routine of daily life and can honestly say that I could continue to travel indefinitely. If this trip has taught me one thing is that you don't need possessions and that experiences are far more fulfilling. Frog wanted to get an aerial view of Shibuya crossing so our last night in Japan we did exactly that. We got some time lapse footage of the crossing at a bar from above the crossing. We also went to visit all the snowboard shops in preparation for our next trip at the end of the year. We started our acquisition of snowboarding equipment by buying a travel bag, which will be handy for getting home all of our purchases. Our last night was spent at a nice hotel near Narita airport overlooking the runway to off with a buffet dinner and a few more of my new found Japanese alcoholic grapefruit drinks.Read more
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Grant's Long service
$ingapore
Jan 20–21, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
Quick stopover in Singapore on our way to Bali. Can't say this place impresses me at all. Although the food options are good (more curry) after the countries we have visited, the people we have met and the rich and diverse cultures we have been emmersed in, I find Singapore overpriced, over rated and far to sterile and clinical. Probably the best part was seeing Ferns reaction to our accommodation, which was very basic with a shared bathroom....definitely not what she has become accustomed. It was also Frog deducing that Singapore was once under British rule which he worked out because of the powerpoints. (who said missing school and travelling isn't learning)Read more
TravelerSee you are all back to summer.
1/20/25Reply
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Grant's Long service
Back to Bali
January 21, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
Well, we have come full circle back to what feels like home at least (one day). Just spending the last 5 days at the beach and getting the kids some waves. The main aim is to relax and enjoy the simple life ( as well as getting a new surfboard for Frog) before rejoining the real world. After an extensive search for a board with the right dimensions, we scored when board shopping and managed to find a second-hand Channel Islands board in excellent condition for half the retail price. To say Frog was stoked was an understatement, but this was short-lived after injuring his foot. This also meant our return to Australia was eventful, nearly being stopped from checking in before authorisation from the airport doctors.Read more
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Grant's Long service
Home unfortunately
May 21, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
I know the kids are happy to be back home to see their friends and get back to their routines (sport mainly), but I can't say I have the same enthusiasm. Looking back this has been the best experience I thinkRead more
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Trip end
January 28, 2025

The exploration of Tokyo continues

Hard to believe

$ingapore

Back to Bali

Home unfortunately