another use for my umbrella

Incredibly, I found myself dragging my feet last week after tutting at the end of last summer with all the people scraping their shoes around me. I think it's the heat. but it could be from the tradition of sandals. in any case I seem to be changing in yet another way. and to complete the transformation I go in for surgery next week. if only I could master the language. and lose some height.

something else I never imagined using was the compulsory mini-towel which lies in every japanese bag. I thought this was simply to do with lack of towels in toilets but I've since realised that with the amount of sweating that goes on in an average summer day - it's essential. I go for the multi purpose onsen towels which I've picked up free on hot-spring visits. granted - they're a bit bigger than your average flannel, but I find myself tieing it around my neck, builder style, enroute to the train as I lose another litre of body fluid. there is no escape. I now use my brolly as a makeshift parasol if it isn't raining. it's survival of the fittest.