Chuck

No, not Norris. He is not here. But, Cox is. Or so says his email. I would have written this a few days ago since it is from Monday/Tuesday but I tell you time flies when you have to walk all day and then drink sake at night. Either that or the fact that some fat guy in an orange shirt is constantly on the computer here. Which is a Mac but I think that it was the first Mac and gets some good use the quickness level is not high. At any rate I got off the limousine bus as it was called for some reason at some random hotel in Kyoto. While standing amongst my now 49kg of luggage I realize I dont know where I am or what the hell to do. Luckily I did some Lonely Planet reading on the way and as trusty as ever it was pretty wrong. I can't read though either so maybe that played a part. So standing looking studpidly at too small and too wrong of a map this dude comes up and asks if i need help. In English. I say I am heading for bla bla hostel and i think i know but where is the subway? He points me and we part. However while again staring stupidly at the machine by which you purchase subway tickets he reappears and helps and we have a good chat. He says there is a hostel near his house so i head there with him and find the place. It is a YHA known worldwide for rules, and boy do they have them here. To start: lights out 10:30, wakeup 6:40, eat dinner 7-8, eat breakfast 7-8, out of hostel 9-4. I thought that i had entered hell or at least a regimented military school. Head up to the room and the rain starts which will last the next 4 days. Go and have dinner and find I have just that day missed the biggest festival of the year. Head back up to find Chuck.

Charles actually and hes from Canadia so its all good. I cant find apostrophe or spell check on this computer my sincere apologies for mistakes. Im not so smart as i seem. Well we get to talking and he whips out the mini magnetic chess board and challenges me. Anyone who challenges strangers at chess is probably pretty good. That, plus the fact that i havent played for 3 years. Minus the game with Ellet on our fridge that never ended. Well he beats me 3 straight but tells me i am the best beginner he has played. Woo hoo. We plus a German, Swiss, and Taiwanese dude end up talking about what the human needs really are and why most are against polygamy. That and whether Drs should be able to pull the plug. Gotta love backpackers. Got to bed at bed time and it was pretty nice i must admit. Waking up is like the damned cruise boat or train in China when they come on and yell at you to get out of bed and you have no idea what is going on. Packed up my stuff because i couldnt stand another day of these rules.

Headed out with Chuck to find the internet and a new place to stay. He led me astray but thats okay. Hey hey hey whaddya say? Well we found it and i got a banana juice/espresso drink and played for a couple hours. Dude was ok but over enthusiastic about substitute teaching. Had some sushi train and parted ways. This is when i searched out Kyoto Cheapest Inn. If the name is right I am in for a treat.