Hi guys, I’m back! Anyone miss me?? I hope no one thought I’d stormed off in a huff after a couple of negative comments… Actually, just had the perfect time away- when you have a great time in another country but then are really glad to get home. Having a holiday where you can’t bear to leave might seem better, but makes it a bit difficult to get on with the rest of your life…

In this case, was indeed very glad to get back home…. to Japan. Can’t really give an entirely bias-free assessment of the UK, as it is the place I come from and going back is just as emotionally complicated as meeting up with an ex-girlfriend- you had great times together, but there is obviously a reason why you split up and everything that happens seems to have a deeper meaning than with ordinary people/ countries. I must say, though, that London really got me down.

Part of the problem was interference from the Japanese language (L2 interference-mistaking 1st floor for ground floor etc.) and  Japanese culture (C2 interference????- bowing and apologising all the time). Part was having to adjust not just to English norms but to Italian, Turkish etc. etc. norms depending on where you are in London. Mainly, though, it was the sheer aggressive feeling in the air as ambitious people of all nationalities quickly judged you to find out if you are someone they need to butter up or stomp on on their way to the top. Great to be back in the land of great service for everyone and the comforting warmth of heated toilet seats- like being back in the safety of a creche, in fact…