Nothing bland about Japan

It was Sunday morning. Cat had left the hotel and began prowling the nearby streets for a coffee shop. The Japanese were obviously NOT morning people.

Finally Cat found an open shop and mindful of her GPs advice, let her eyes glide over the array of delicious, mouth watering, cakes and cheese cake.  She ordered coffee, and took her tray to a vacant place near the window. She looked out onto an empty street.

She stared for a while at the two cups of coffee appeared. One black and small one medium latte. Obviously just pointing at the pictures had its flaws. Cat mused for a moment and decided to drink both. No point causing a fuss.

Unfortunately, she had chosen a perch in the smoking section and was now enjoying a coffee with a cigarette. The airconditioner was not working, probably because it was Sunday, probably because of power cuts, probably because Cat was wearing a thick T-shirt and it was all becoming personal.

A small spider appeared in the froth of the latte. Dressed as a ninja  the spider looked up at Cat with its eight japanes spider eyes. Cat smiled and resisiting the urge to strike out and destry, gently lifted the wounded spider out of the Latte and decided to just dring the black coffee. After all, Cat thought, you never know where those little feet have been.

The meeting with the Convent mice had shown Senso-Ji in Akusuka  the Clan the way to use the subway and JR rail so now they were off to explore Tokyo.

With Sami Sui acting as guide the Clan stepped down into the subways and began the tortuous task of deciphering the time tables and finding the right train to catch. An act of faith to be sure.

Then they were off to the Ginza District, the streets full of shops and high fashion, onto another train and off to see the Harujuku girls and Shibuya youth culture.

One thing Cat quickly noticed the beautifully dressed women of Japan, all dressed in different designs and fashion styles all of which seem to work. Even the wild and the wonderful look classy. The effect is one of difference, like a kaleidoscope, all falling into place to bring a colourful ever-changing pattern.

Tomorrow its off to Kyoto on the fast train another experience. Of course they would have to find the right station first.

The Clan and the Convent Mice

First day in Japan, the Clan slept in. Cat woke first, she was pleased that she did not need to use the phrase "heya ni mushi ga irun desuga". 

She then went on a recon of the hotel and found a coffee bar that served bacon and eggs. While the bacon was poached along with the egg and lay on a bed of of lettuce with tomato and cucumber it was actually quite tasty. Part of the set meal include as small bowl of yogurt and fruit a small glass of orange juice and a beautiful cup of rich strong coffee. Cat was to discover that the Japanese had embraced the coffee shop with vigour the result being an astounding array of coffee shops on every corner. 

The rest of the Clan found Cat as she downed the dregs of her coffee. It was now safe to talk. The kittens and Panda ordered breakfast and were soon munching away contentedly. Cat consumed another coffee, just because it was available and so good the first time.

At 10 am Sister Anne (aka Sabine)and and Sister Nashima arrived. 

Cat, Sr (Sabine) Anne, Sr Nashida

Sister Anne was the Chaplin at the Hospice and Sister Nashima, the Reverend Mother (RM) of a college. Sister Ann looked the same as she did at the last Skype conversation. In real life she was thin   (damn her thought Cat) and a little bit shorter than Cat. The RM was much shorter with a melting smile. She was more excited than Sister Anne to meet the Clan. 

"We thought you might like to go to a temple and to see some of the sights, then we will take you to a restaurant that has been recommended by a friend. Are you happy with this arrangement?" asked Sr Anne.

 "We are happy with anything, having you with us on our first day showing us around will be perfect", said Cat. It was enough for Cat to have found her friend again. 


Forty one years ago Anne, Jane, Zita and Cat had set out from Adelaide for a great adventure. They had thrown aside the conventions of the time, they had not settled for the career aspirations of their mothers, to marry well, settle down and raise children. Not these four musketeers, rather they had stepped out to embrace a wider challenge. The Women's Royal Australian Navy (WRANs) was their escape hatch. It was something different for those days. Forty one years later, in Japan, two Nuns meet a Cat, a Panda and two Kittens. Cat thought to herself, I wonder if its possible to talk to a Catholic Nun and have a Zen moment at the same time. It is a crazy world to be sure, to be sure.

Sister Anne and RM showed the Clan all around, the Temple was still in operation, and Cat felt a little overcome by the strong incense, the Panda likewise found it difficult to breath. The Kittens were distracted by all the shiny things in the nearby markets. RM bought a small gift of local cakes for the Clan. 

Lunch was a special treat. To the delight of all Cat and Panda struggled to sit down on the floor and had to hide their feet under the table. Getting up was a another unique challenge. With little dignity Panda and Cat struggled now to stand up on numb feet. They hobbled out to the place where their shoes were waiting for them. Bending down to put them on was about as difficult as standing up.

The tour continued with Cat's growing concern at the toll it was taking on the two mice. Not only did they run to keep up with the strides of the Clan they were also in their winter uniform. The day was warm and humid.


Finally the tour came to an end, all were exhausted. Gifts were given, a book about Australia for the RM and an autobiography of another South Australian girl made good. The story of Mary McKillop was enthusiastically received. The final gift, two packets of Tim Tams were obviously the favoured gift.


Sr Anne was a little concerned that the Clan may not find their way from Shinjuku station to the hotel. Fortunately, the Kittens were part homing pigeon and they found their way back with no trouble.


Sunday they would be on their own but at least they had an idea of what to do.