PinstripeTuesday

I said i wanted a small house by the beach, and hooray, a year and a bit after seperating from my partner of 15 years, i’ve just done it. i thought i couldn’t afford it unless i sold off the family home, but i’ve managed to find something small and simple enough that i can buy and keep the other place. I’m over the moon!!! The little house is in a very mixed area but i’m ok with that. The street is lovely, with lots of families who seem on the whole pretty house-proud with quite a few really well kept gardens (which means a lot to me!! i intend to plant out the garden first thing after moving in!!) THe backyard is little but it has a covered eating area i can hang out in the cool, and a old garage and shed which i probably will rip down before it falls down, but heh, i like a little DIY project. Kitchen also needs some work but i don’t care, i can get that sorted. The main thing is that it’s got lots of lovely sunlight streaming in the windows, and nice wooden floor boards and a very VERY short stroll to a wonderful beach and the coastline i’ve called home for 15 years and never want to leave….. aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh…..

You must go to Japan. Avoid the western brand hotels and stay in ‘ryokan’ which is a traditional japanese inn. Similar to B&B in australia, often run by families in the rural areas. You get an amazing cultural experience. Best to read up on japanese food and life before you go, so you know what to expecct. How to behave in the onsen for example.
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That’s the hot baths – a ritual to wash the work day from you, socialise and get in the mood for dinner. Very relaxing and wonderful. Especially if you are able to get to the traditional outdoor onsen where the waters come from natural hot springs under the ground… ahhhhhhh…..

I live in a seaside town where each beach has a little rockpool carved into the hardland. The rockpools are great places to have a dip in, i was in the other evening at 8pm, just as the sun set. I bobbed up and down and watched the pink steaky sky change to orange, and fade to darkblue and black. Some nights in summer i go for a walk, with no intention to swim, but the water is so beautiful and I decide to strip off and have a swim anyway. I’ve been skinny dipping in the pools a few times, just dry off in the air and put clothes off again before walking home feeling so beautiful, and refreshed.