J League Football - FC Tokyo v Shonan Bellmare

Clara suggested going to watch an FC Tokyo game a few days ago, and I have to say, I'm glad she did. We had a great day out at FC Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium. Yesterday was a perfect autumnal day, the home crowd were in good voice (including Clara), and the final result sent us all home happy.

Despite living in Japan for a number of years, and despite enjoying a good game of football, I have never quite managed to get to a J League game. I've often talked on a number of occasions about going to watch FC Tokyo, but it never quite happened. After yesterday's game, I'm eager to see more. Great fun!

In spite of FC Tokyo being a mid ranked team over the last few years, I thought they performed really well. I certainly believe the quality of football on show was better than that in the Scottish Premier League.

Stadium starts to fill up

During the first half, FC Tokyo dominated the game but could not score the opening goal. After going behind in the second half, they were galvanised and scored twice, the winner coming during injury time, or lost time, as they say in Japan.

The final goal was worth waiting for, a cooly taken shot by the Tokyo number 32, Vucicevic from Serbia. When that goal went in, Clara and I were jumping around, exchanged a hug, and plenty of high fives. A great finish to a match of good quality. I think I have caught the J League bug.

Passionate FC Tokyo fans

Clara seems to really enjoy watching the football. She is now quite familiar with most of the FC Tokyo chants and enjoyed being part of the crowd - it seems she has a new hobby.

FC Tokyo celebrate

An excellent day with Clara at the football. It is now less than 1 month till our trip to Scotland and I guess there will be a lot to organise before we leave on the 21st December. The final FC Tokyo game this season will be held on 7th December, so perhaps we can squeeze in another game before our holidays begin.

2-1 to FC Tokyo!

Passport received, flight booked

It has been a busy week, but with great relief I can say that my passport has finally arrived from Hong Kong. I don't need another passport until 2024! I wonder what will happen over the next 10 years…?

As soon as I received my passport, I started looking at the price of flights back to Scotland for Clara and I. Upon advice from a former colleague, I checked the KLM website and discovered some very competitive prices. On Tuesday, the price quoted for two return tickets from Japan to Scotland was 300,000 yen - manageable. Based on this price, I used the KLM website to reserve and pay for the tickets. However, the VISA payment would not work. I tried using my Mastercard, and still no success. As the KLM customer service helpline closes each day at 6pm Japan time, I had to wait until Wednesday afternoon before I could try once more.

Apparently, because my credit cards were both issued in the UK, they cannot be used on the internet to pay for tickets in a foreign country. Hmm……what's the point of having a bloody credit card then?

I ended up having to ask my bank to purchase the tickets in the UK and then having the funds debited from my account. However, the 24 hour delay resulted in the tickets increasing in price by 100,000 yen, or a little over £630.

Despite all the delays, frustration and additional cost, Clara and I are now excited at the prospect of spending 2 weeks back in Scotland. Clara's first full day back in Scotland will be her 13th birthday.

Between now and our departure, we will be busy buying Christmas presents, birthday presents, and planning how to spend our days in Scotland. Looking forward to some fun and relaxing days.

Waiting, waiting, waiting…...

2013 has passed quickly. I'm surprised to find it is already November and that thoughts of Christmas holidays start to take up a lot of my time. Clara and I are both excited to be going to Scotland for 2 weeks.

Unfortunately, I have so far been unable to book the flights as I am still waiting for my new passport, despite it being 5 weeks since I sent off my application. I really do hope it arrives next week as I'm concerned that the price will increase the closer we get to the festive season. It really should arrive sometime over the next few days.

There will be a lot to celebrate:

• 22nd December - Clara will be a teenager. I'm really looking forward to celebrating with her and hopefully providing her with a memorable occasion
• 25th December - Christmas Day. My parents have booked Christmas dinner at a hotel in Inverness. It will be nice to get dressed up and enjoy each others company
• 28th December - Joep's birthday. It will probably be another one he'd rather forget
• 31st December / 1st January - no plans have been discussed yet, but it will be nice to see in the New Year with Clara and the folks

During our time in Scotland, Clara and I will probably do our own thing for a couple of days. Perhaps book in somewhere nice on Skye or somewhere else.

It was a long weekend here in Japan, so Clara stayed last night. We had dinner at the nearby Italian restaurant and just relaxed in my apartment in the evening. She hung around until about 4pm and then I did the very mundane laundry and ironing.

Hopefully I will soon have news of my new passport and flight reservations to Scotland. Thanks for reading.