Well into the great unknown we go, the team has arrived in Japan and we've settled into our first hotel (we're shifting in 3 days). Was good not having a huge flight, though some of the boys got upgrades to business class, was feeling very envious for most of the flight especially as Mahe kept coming back to tell us all how great it was up there.

 

After Lucerne we headed back to NZ to get back into the serious training, it took some adjusting to get used the cold and dark again but was good to be home especially since Andy and I have got wedding planning to complete before November. It was definately harder focusing on the prize then usual, the distractions of life that are put to one side when your in some cottage in the arse end of Belgium, come rushing back in when your in a normal life environment.

 

However there are some advantages. Travelling to Japan is alot shorter, and for once it's the Europeans that have to travel and the course will be new to everyone, a great leveller.

 

Hotel we're in is pretty good, one to a room which is change, nice to have some space and George is probably glad not have to put up with my snoring. It's pretty bloody muggy outside thank goodness for airconditioning though it's seems to struggle in the middle of the day, nothing a few cold showers couldn't overcome.

 

Went for our first row on the course this morning, it's on a river!!! and it was pretty windy and therefore very choppy if it's like this the whole time we're here it's going to be very interesting and not in fun kind of way.

 

Didn't do a second row the water had gotten even worse by the afternoon so we went for a bike ride around the course, was prety good fun and I feel much better for having done that as opposed to trashing around in the crappy water.

 

Japan is pretty cool, nobody speaks English so thats a bit of a struggle, but there is a european style resturaunt just down the road so at least we don't have to get too adventerous with our food choices. Loving the experience so far. Lots more to come...