Transferring a UK licence to a Japanese licence.

My experience at the driving centre.

Konosu is my 'local' centre to visit to do the change over. I am lucky to be British today as we are able to take the required documents and have an eye check and get the Japanese licence... so I am told!

Konosu driving centre is a bus ride (5mins) from Konosu station (which in turn is about 20 mins from Omiya).

I went to JAF last year to translate my UK licence, buy it was on the day of the earthquake, so even though I got my licence (after also visiting immigration and attempting to renew my visa), there have been a few hiccups since. This cost us ￥3000.

It is important to check what is needed at each centre as it could differ. I was told, that after the translation, I would need proof of living in UK for three months after getting my licence....when I was 17!!!!

It was time to call my mother and get her to help me dig up this ancient passport. Then, getting it took a while as I did not trust then post, so waited until I could go and pick it up myself.

We had phoned a couple of times to see if my university certificate (which would prove what they wanted to know more than a European passport with countless stamps in would) but to no avail.

I did find out (unlike some others on blogs I had read - see below) that you need the residents certificate - Juumin-hyoufrom your ward office as well. Do not forget this! 

So, I rocked up today, green lights at each crossing, a bus waiting for me at the station..you know the kind of day. Even the receptionist was friendly. I had to head straight to the second floor and wait. And wait and wait. Actually, it was only half an hour, but I had hoped that whole thing would be finished by half past 11.

I arrived at five to 10. It is worth noting that the room is open at 10am, but you can start lining up from 9.40 and you may even get seen.

The policeman who dealt with me was really friendly too. (I think I read only bad horror stories...).

I was however very nervous. I realised that I forgot to bring number two passport (my first and third should have been enough...) and I forgot my university certificate as I had wanted as much proof as possible.

Anyway, he tried to check each stamp in the passport that I used from 1995 and I explained that in Europe they don't always stamp, actually I had to ask for them, but he was worried about entries into one country then nothing out.

He was very thorough checking everything, and my heart was beating fast even though nothing was amiss.

He stamped the forms, and we made an appointment for 1pm. Yes, there was more to come and he told me I should be finished by 3.30. I was to buy some stamps for my form...around ￥2400.

Counters 1& 2 are for the foreign licence exchange (and eye tests)

At 1pm prompt, the shutters to the counters opened. We were led through for the eye test, which took ten seconds. You can even answer in English - up down, red, blue. Easy.

Then, I was sent up to the third floor, room 6. I was the only one from the group foreigners; my heart was pounding...it still is...I am sitting in the exam room, so I had to check - I am not ready for a test!

The policeman was due (at 1.45...) to talk to us about safety on the road.

I was wondering which would be more boring...

Well, the guy came and babbled the fastest Japanese to everyone which was crazy; he was obviously up against the clock. Before he began his rant, he did say to me that it didn't matter if I didn't understand it anyway! He then went on to talk about the three people who failed their test today (including one foreigner...hey ho)

Then the guy led everyone out with me...ME at the front of the queue being fast-tracked to the counter to receive my card. I had to collect another ￥2050 worth of stamps and await my card.

After a quick picture, mouth closed (!) I was goof to go! And an hour earlier than expected too!

All in all, it was no a bad experience knowing that I didn't have tests along the way, but it didn't feel like that.

My advice - read around, but be prepared.

Double check your own offices requirements and be sure you have each document ready.

The blogs below helped and didn't help me in my preparation...Luckily, I was OK!!! 

GOOD LUCK!!!

THIS GUY HAD A COUPLE OF CRAZY VISITS TO THE CENTRE, BUT FOR A CANADIAN, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER!!

http://lart.ca/2007/05/01/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-1

http://lart.ca/2007/05/02/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-2-round-and-round

http://lart.ca/2007/05/02/my-big-konosu-adventure-part-3-getting-your-address-right-is-the-most-important-thing

THIS GUY WAS A BIT MORE INSPIRING AND MADE ME FEEL MORE RELAXED BEFORE I WENT

http://www.robertliu.com/archives/429

6 years in Japan!!!!

Wow - just reached my Japan-iversary...#groan#

BUtttttt, it is always exciting to recall how long I have been here because I left the UK with the plan to check out Japan and be back in a year (and collect my turtle!!). And, here I still am, sans turtle (RIP T.T) but with hubby, dog, hamster and SOOooooo much fun wrapped up in a big ball of memories.

Sure, it has been an emotional journwy what with recent events, but I would not change Japan for anything else. Not yet, anyway.

I have learnt to snowboard, I study Japanese - whether I can speak it is debatable. I am learning Taiko and I love origami and almost refuse to leave the house without my lunch looking 'kawaii'.

A furoshiki does the amazing job of making a regular tupperware pot seem exciting!

I have (re) developed a crazy kitty obsession with possession ranging from hundred (yes) of hand towels with pictures of Hello Kitty dressed for each region, town etc...Chopsticks, socks, computer cleaners, stickers, ear muffs (modelled by one of my students!), a chair, slippers, bags and just regular toys, but the toys don't last long when Elbi is around!

It has been an adventure to say the least; I have explored some long-dreamt-of Asian countries and hidden places, not least Indonesia. I have taken a new path of life, not just down the teaching road (absolutely LOVE kindergarten work) but, also developed a deep interest in the environment around us and am furthering my studies in that field too.

When I left England, I had a suitcase that had far too many clothes in and had to be sent back; I cried more than buckets for I thought my life was over...Really, it was just beginning!! Woo Hoo!!!

An English Christmas

In the final run up to the 'big' day, try and eavesdrop a conversation or two. If you are listening to the host, I can guarantee you will hear something along the lines of this :

"Well, we have 8 bottles of red, 8 bottles of white, Courvoisier, brandy, oh, 4 bottles of champagne, Bacardi, rum, vodka, etc etc..."

Actually, the list can and will go on and on. I heard one guy in the pub and I had forgotten how we, the English are when it comes to our christmas days, boxing days and the rest. It's a big booze bonanza and you have to be in it to win it.

Actually, I secretly scorned this gentleman; maybe he did have a big family after all, or a lot of house guests, but, he did have a big list of alcohol. I though it strange, annoying and funny all at the same time that he chose to list, at a loud volume, all the alcoholic beverages in his house. And then, in true irony, I sit here sans vin, for we have drunk and over drunk our own collection of booze (which was very modest anyway and not boast worthy, at least in comparison.)

It just makes me realise that we Brits love our booze and how Christmas isn't Christmas without it. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed an extra dose of green tea these past few days, for which I am grateful. Merry christmas.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:UK

Trains, planes & Elbi

So, we have had things turned upside down of late and we are now planning to move back to UK.

Luckily, very luckily for us, we have until Spring 2013. We have plenty of time to prepare and make a list of things to do and see in Jappers (there's sooooo much even after all this time!)

It's a good job we have so long too. We have Elbi. He is such a special dog, to us and to the canine world. So special in fact, that we face a big hurdle. Most other dogs can happily sit in a crate and be shifted as cargo to foreign lands, long haul and otherwise. however, Elbi simply can't.

Elbi is a short nosed dog, (Bracycephalic, for those care to remember such a word). He finds it difficult to breath at times. he can't stand the heat, he can't stand being alone for too long (this has nothing to do with his nose, mind!) and he could get stressed easily. Basically, all of these things mean that he cannot be sent as cargo on a plane, most certainly not to UK. There is such a high chance it would result in his DEATH....Yes.

I have already read horror stories within the States where dogs haven't made it and that is a relatively short flight. Short nosed dogs are the ones who die on flights so a lot of the airlines are refusing to take them these days.

So, wehn we learnt that we should move back to UK, we actually had to start thinking about ways to get Elbi back home. We had talked about the train (trans siberian), we now had to see what existed.

In the past two weeks, I have researched so much. We are both determined not to leave him in Japan, eve with a loving family, because, quite simple, Elbi belongs with us. He is so much part of the Hawgood family, that we could not bear to be without him. However, we couldn't risk something horrid happening en route either. (We had just read the most awful story about poor, poor Kranksy - http://kranskybulldog.wordpress.com/ and couldn't let that happen to us wither. The move was already filled with enough sadness as it was.)

So, with many tears in our eyes at the loss of one family member, and at the prospect of life without Elbi, both my husband and I, across the oceans started a google frenzy.

There are airlines able to fly Elbi (Lufthansa and KLM) but it still didn't seem the right choice. Lufthansa even boast a pet lounge in the Frankfurt terminal - sounds like fun, but not if your dog doesn't make it through the 11 hour flight.

I mailed many many animal shipping companies. I got some replies offering me quotes ($5000 - although, money wouldn't be the issue, I would eat rice for a year to get Elbi home) and the 'reassurance that Elbi 'should' be OK.

Grumpy!

SEA - The main option we thought about was by sea. There is ONE cruise ship that allows dogs. Cunard Cruises - They even dock in Japan (passenger only, though). The New York - Southampton route is the one that would offer Elbi as much luxury as us! But, how can we get to NY (without flying!!!) It still remains one option, so we are now looking into getting to America, because doing the whole trip in English would be sooo much easier!

I looked into freight ships. Some journeys from Hong Kong to UK or a DIY route, through China, and then onto the train...

I didn't get many replies from all of the emails I sent out. Needless to say that people must think me very strange indeed when I begin a mail with something like 'Can we bring a French Bulldog on board your cargo ship!'

LAND - I found comments on the tran siberian saying that, depending on the conductor, animals were permitted in the baggage section! JOY! We had a lead.

7. Pets

Dogs are required to be placed in the baggage wagon. The owner must provide a cage and feeding. There are no official rules about smaller pets (cats, birds, small dogs...). You will have to negotiate the issue with the conductor, cabinmates and possible pay a surcharge. We do not recommend to carry any pets with you inside the regular passengers cabin for long distances.

Now, how can we get him TO Russia?!

We need this to at least get him to West Japan!

I found one freight company based in Japan, who very kindly put me in touch with DBS ferries. They travel from West Japan, via Korea, to Vladivostok (very near the train station, I believe). I received a mail back and BINGO! Elbi can travel.

So, the main option we have so far is this.

JAPAN - RUSSIA, by ferry

ACROSS RUSSIA, by train

RUSSIA to GERMANY by train ( I hope, still waiting on a reply!)

GERMANY to HOLLAND by train / by car, whatever it takes

HOLLAND to UK by boat (Stena link are a VERY animal friendly ferry)

This is by no means the end of our worries (nor is this the definite route...still researching!!).

In fact, we have to prepare so many documents (good job we have that year; it will take at least 8 months), but, we can rest at ease knowing that our Elbi can travel with us alllllllll the way back to UK.

This will be an epic journey. I cannot wait to blog it all. Watch this space!!

London riots - The aftermath

I haven't really ranted here about the events of last week so much, but I feel I should, just a little bit.

I have never really been political per se. Right and left meant nothing much. Even a knife and fork can change hands, and so do the plans and manifestos of the governments.

I have never really believed that one person could be so strongly swayed in just the one direction and I still believe this.

So, if you ask me whether or not I am a full blown conservative, don't expect a direct response.

I hate it when people so stubbornly claim to be on one side (whichever that may be, people are always stubborn, but they usually choose the side they believe to be the right one!) and, as a result, come out with some harsh criticisms of the other.

In the UK right now, people are blaming the government. What government, we don't know. Certainly the rioters don't know...

Listen here for a horrendous example of who is involved and the mind set.

The BBC talks to two girls involved in the riots.

They talk about the fun of it. Sure, drinking at 9am can be wild. Hopefully they will have a hangover to teach them something to that effect

But, they talk about 'showing the police that they can do what they want.' It's a kind of freedom, then, I can only assume, proof that they, the rioters are in control.

But, who are the rioters exactly?

We have had reports of an Olympic hopeful, supposedly representing UK next year (remember we are supposed to be hosting the Olympics next year too), I read about a 12 year old, (whose mother blames the government for creating enough things to do for her child), there was a doctor's daughter, a millionaire's daughter too. How are they disgruntled?

There wasn't just the 'yoof' with nothing to do but go on a crazy spree, there were men in their 40's too.

I have been told that they are just 'angry' people. Angry about what I wonder? Job cuts, unemployment, dim prospects....

I am not going to be anywhere near the top of the line in advertising my home country, nor city as a place of paradise. but, it isn't all that depressing is it?

Ok, so there are no 'youth centres' for the kids to hang out and occupy themselves when they aren't at school.  Let me just point out, that I was on my way home from a youth centre when I was mugged at knife point in south London. I was 11, my attackers, 16. Youth centres are not the answer.

I haven't lived in England for almost 6 years, so, yes, I am out of the loop. However, I knew that I had to study to make it (what/wherever 'it' was - still learning). I knew that there was a difference between right and wrong. Surely this is a basic instinct?

But riots, revolutions, passionate protests aren't always about basic instincts. They aren't even about getting results, but no one is going to stop to think about it, are they?

One brave lady even tried to tell the rioters this as they ran amok on the streets of Hackney. You may have already seen it (it made it to various news sources).



And she is so right in her words.

What results did the rioters want last week? New trainers & a six month jail term?

Yes, the law is coming down so super hard on this rioters. Some say too hard (labour /liberal supporters) and some say not hard enough (conservative supporters).

I say they deserve the penance for sure. You commit a crime, you do the time. It is simple logic and nothing left or right, well just right.

There is talk of taking away their benefits (super conservative). It is true, some people are living on ridiculous benefits.

This is nothing to do with rioters, but a family from Somalia are living in rented accommodation. They have just moved form the north to Camden council area, and are in a house where the rent is £8,000 ((!!!)) a week. Camden council are picking up this bill. The saddest thing here is that that money could house so many families from Somalia. It isn't a question about immigration, but about balance and fairness.

Now, those who say that the conservatives have caused all this damage, we must remember that we had labour before for 13 years. Those who do remember, are pointing out that both governments are Thatcher's doing.

Now, I was a lot younger, and I don't remember her policies so much. But, I do remember there was no bullshit. I also know that it was the current conservative government who actually lowered the maximum housing rental allowance to the unemployed to £400!!! That is quite the sum and you can get a neat pad for that in zone 3/4.

We need balance.

I agree with some of the jail terms, although I wonder what purpose it will serve later down the line. Will anyone learn?

I agree with the Liberal Democrat suggestion of getting people to do community service as punishment. Doing time and helping the communities (they have damaged) will teach them so much. It can teach anyone a lot, criminal or otherwise.

So where is the balance between the apparent conservative's headline grabbing sentences (I can't say I agree with four years imprisonment for inciting a riot on facebook, when some murderers get let of with less than this) and those who believe it would be more important 'talking to the rioters'???

We have a big rift going on amongst the UK coalition government.

One of the things we need to be prepared for is that that this may happen again. It may not be in such a  scale, but there will always be rebellion, especially in the UK. What we need to do is find out why it happens / has happened (during their community service/jail time, of course) and be prepared.

It is pointless fighting crime with few cell spaces or adequate laws in place.

Good luck England! You're going to need it!

Ok, I will be sure to save this post so that even if it doesn't upload, I have the words down to copy.

My last post began with the point the the British Embassy have advised its people to leave Tokyo. This is sound advice and not at all rash like some other embassies. Our embassy is looking after the British people up north and keeping an eye on the potential dangers down south. They are supporting Japan and it has not gone unnoticed.

The main advice is to be beyond 80km away from the plant. Our house is over 200km, and now we are further away.

On NHK this morning, they were showing you how to make nappies out of towels and plastic bags and toilets out of cardboard boxes and bin bags. Yet amongst all this battle for survival, I still witness an older lady wiping and keeping clean the mat her family is sitting on.

And it this these older people who are becoming a concern too. Tohoku has heavy snow right now and it is very cold. If people can't stay warm, they will get sick.

Why is this happening?

News has just come in of the Mizuho banks nationwide being unable to dispense cash at ATMs. What will this mean?

The jma site has shocking reports to read...
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

So far, we are alright although, I am worried. So much is unsure right now...

We have faith and we have had great news that more friends have been seen in rescue centres. They are alive and well!!!

More later xxx


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Shopping, Shipping & Acupuncture

Another day by the sea in England.....
We woke up to a grizzly day, the clouds were heavy and grey above us and it was really rather cold when we stepped out of the door! Oh my, and this is the 'height' of summer? No thanks!

Still...we had to figure out the final touches for our outfits for our special day on Saturday. Shopping is always great fun, at least it was when I was young. Now, as much as I love having the new things, I can't always be bothered with the process of going out and dealing with the crowds.

You'd think that living in Tokyo that I would be used to crowds, but there is something different here in Brighton with the groups of people out on the streets. The discerning tourist, the loud mothers with their tearaway kids, the happy couples window shopping at a pace that is bound to trip any passer by up....

I find my self moaning quite a lot in England. Was this the way things were before? Have I crossed the line and there is no return? Did I once belong here? Really? Will I ever again?

We had wanted to buy a house in the countryside here in the south east but even on our first night revisiting this seaside town, we knew that Brighton and its surroundings was not for us. We took the last train from London and arrived at around midnight to Brighton, where people where dawdling in the streets shouting, drinking, smoking, generally, acting annoying.
And it wasn't just one area, it spread everywhere. But because it was the pride weekend, we let it rest....but days later, things haven't changed.

Even by day, this place is hard work and a few hours shopping drained us of the energy we had.

Still, we bought even more shoes (one of the perks of this country - the shoes can fit!) and sorted out our outfits.

Then I had an acupuncture appointment, my first time ever! I had no idea what was in store, but I knew it would be needles in my body, so I arrived already slightly freaked out.
There was a consultation first of all and we agreed that I had bad circulation. Lucky me, but that it was gathering in my left side, at the shoulders and now at the base of my spine.
I lay down and even though I was in my underwear, I had to undo my bra so the back was fully exposed. Without explanation, the needles began. To be honest, as in most cases when you enter the unknown, you fear the worst, I did today. But, with each small prick of the apparently not so small needle, I breathed calmly. There must have been almost 20 attached to various parts of my back and even my legs. Then the doctor (is that what you call them?) placed some sort of machine over my back with a timer ticking away manicly and left the room.
I had no idea what to expect, and hoped that he wouldn't be gone for long, for I panicked far too easily. I lay there , trying to understand what was happening on my back , not that I could see, but I did try. I saw a big plastic thing, that I guess was attached to one of the needles and I could see the machine hovering. It was all rather surreal and, as the pins in my back started to heat up, I sneaked a peak the other side. I could only see a flat ish white plastic disc. To be honest, had I seen anything else, I would have freaked out. Seeing things attached to your body that shouldn't be there....weird.

It wasn't too long before he returned and pulled them all out pretty painlessly. Then he massaged me.
At first, I thought that his small hands were never going to ease the horrid tension I suffered. He placed both of them at the top of the shoulders and gently squeezed them. Then, when he moved down the left side, we could both feel the tension, blocked toxins, he said. It didn't feel good. But his hands were able to push the tension slowly, surprisingly away.

And then, according to my ears, there was a flame burning, from a lighter or..? What was it? Then, heavy weights were put on my back., they felt cold and tight to the skin. I had no idea what it was, but when he said 'capping', I understood it to be ''cupping''. Madonna, Gweneth Paltrow had been associated with it, I suddenly felt special. And for five minutes, I stayed that way, just lying waiting.
Ian arrived asking for me. I was lucky he came to meet me. I still had another 5 or so minutes, but when I did finally rise, I was a sleepy wreck, more tired than I had realised.

I had, in the end, enjoyed the experience. When we talked about it after, they recommended some treatment for me. Some liquid vials of ginseng and some pills (dosage of 5o!!! per day!!) or more ginseng. Their hard sell was pretty shocking, considering the fact that the treatment was costing 40 pounds...then pills and the vit drink would have set us back 20 pounds! I am sure that my ciculation wasn't that bad!! And they had the nerve to tell us that it was OK to do acupuncture everyday!! That in china they did it every day but in UK most people did it weekly. In other words, they knew I was in Brighton for a few days adn they wanted their money...at the expense of my bruised back....not thank you.

So, even when things were about to seem to be on the up, they shot straight back down. Where the customer service supposedly improved, the selfish money making intention shone forth.
What a shame.
England.....oh England....