20 Years; 20 Places: No.8 Japan

20 Years of Blogging has compelled me to select and write briefly about my memories of Charlton players I have held in high esteem, and of Places that have stuck with me in my life.

My No.8 pick of 20 Places is Japan.

Japan is the most amazing and stunning country I have ever visited. It is such a puissant assault on the senses. I loved it there, and I have been itching to return ever since.

That one visit was in 2007 and we got to see so much of the country thanks to the efficiency and 200mph speed of the Shinkansen (bullet train) system.

We spent time in the insanely busy Tokyo that is such a dazzling adrenaline rush. Then in Hiroshima, where souls are searched and the bewitching Kyoto, whose graceful simplicity is of a different time. Then we explored the natural beauty of the mountainous Hakone and finally got up close to the sacred mountain of Mount Fuji.

We only scratched the surface, but memories have never dulled of the incredibly courteous people and their fascinating country, a fusion of modernistic and tradition.

Japan. Holiday with the other-half 2007.