Bank Failures in Japan

Following the problems in the sub-prime lending market in America nd the run on HBOS in the UK, uncertainty has now hit Japan.

In the last few hours Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up and Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches.

Yesterday, it was announced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song, while today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived.

Samurai Bank is soldiering on following sharp cutbacks, Ninja Bank is reported to have taken a hit, but they remain in the black.

Furthermore, 500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank where it is feared that staff may get a raw deal.

Golden Bay

The Te Waikoropupu Springs hold the world record for fresh water clarity! Wow, the water was beautiful, like no where else we've ever seen before.

Inside the magestic Ngarua Caves on the Takaka Hills.

Farewell Spit

On Sunday we drove across the notoriously twisting Takaka Hills to Golden Bay where we ventured out along Farewell Spit, a 26.5 km sandbar which extends from the tip of the South Island. The views were absolutely stunning!

All for Life

Wayne and I went down to Nelson over Labour Weekend to attend the All for Life Conference where Focus on the Family launched New Zealand's first online counselling service in partnership with "Ask Chris." http://www.infocuscounselling.co.nz/

Cycling Chaos

There seem to be no road rules in Shanghai! You have to walk in a straight line at a constant pace to make it across the road alive! But there was no stopping me tackling the streets by bicyle afer all those years in Japan... I borrowed a Kiwi friend's bike to explore the French Concession and Tai Kang Lu district of Shanghai. It was charming with exhibitions and craft shops scattered along narrow weaving alleyways.

Iku chan

I extended my stay to catch up with a special friend from Kyoto Uni - Iku chan. We studied together for six years, and then both returned to our home countries about the same time to marry soon after. We explored Nanjing Road and Yu Garden, and ate lots of spicy food together :)

Massage

Close to our hotel was a massage place where all the people giving massages are blind. It was a great way to unwind after performing!

Zhujiajiao

Before Katei flew home we squeezed in some sightseeing at a nearby canal town called Zhujiajiao. It was charming walking through the narrow streets lined with vendors.

The Bund

After Katei's final performance at a Auckland University Alumni Reception we headed to No. 3 on the Bund for a celebratory cocktail. What an awesome view!!! I really felt the extreme gap between the wealthy and poor when ordering... a bottle of water costs 1.5 yuan at a convenience store, while a cocktail was 125 yuan on the Bund!

Opinion Leaders Lunch

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage granted us funding from the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme to first and foremost take Hinewehi Mohi and Katei to Shanghai to perform at Tourism NZ's Opinion Leaders Lunch. We've had raving reviews and only positive feedback that they were perfect for our VIP audience :)

Shopping in Shanghai

I was travelling with some great shoppers!!! I also did my share of bargaining... Today I'm wearing new sunglasses and a new bangle and using a new handbag!

International School Performance

Amongst many ancillary events last week was a performance at Shanghai Community International School. Hinewehi Mohi and Katei were fantastic with the kids who instantly wanted to be their friends.

Kiwi Link Asia

Kiwi Link Asia took place in Shanghai last week and was attended by 45 NZ Tourism Suppliers and Travel Trade from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, India and Malaysia. Katei helped welcome the Buyers to Kiwi Link.