| Exploring Japan |
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It's been an interesting couple of weeks since Fuji. Arriving in Suzuka on race weekend, I hadn't actually been in the car for a couple of weeks. I decided that while I had the opportunity, it was about time I explored a bit more of Japan as up until this point all I had seen were race tracks, the airport and the area around my apartment. So, together with Fabio Carbone (a Brazilian Formula Nippon driver also living in Gotemba) we decided to drive up into the mountains to do some sight-seeing. I was really surprised to find that some fantastic views and beautiful lakes were just 20 minutes away from my apartment. Come the summer, I will be taking full advantage and doing as much wake boarding as possible!
"Mount Fuji from my apartment"
I also took the opportunity to head into Tokyo for more sight-seeing and some shopping. (Coming from England it was only possible to bring a few bags!) Although I've been to Tokyo a couple of times before, I still find it absolutely amazing. It is hard to describe but it makes London feel exceptionally small. One of the most incredible sights for me is the famous Shibuya Crossing. I've been told it's in the film 'Lost in Translation' but have to confess to not having seen this yet. Apart from being very large, the crossing is surrounded by high rise buildings in the background with large TV screens. The other thing I find quite incredible is the way everyone waits patiently for the green light in order to cross, then there is simply a sea of people. When we were in Tokyo, Fabio and myself went for lunch with Loic Duval (French Formula Nippon Driver) and his girlfriend at a famous restaurant (the name of which I just can't pronounce!) where a scene from Kill Bill was filmed. After a bit more shopping, we all headed out for dinner and met up with more drivers. Aside from the culture, the biggest difference in Japan is the way in which all the drivers socialise with one another. It is very different from racing the UK or even Europe, but it makes adapting to life much easier. As I finish this latest diary, I have just returned from a satisfactory weekend in Suzuka where I finished second and third. It also seemed that I got a little more than I bargained for in Suzuka when I experienced my first earthquake. At the time I was eating my lunch in team catering. Nobody looked unduly fazed so I assumed this was quite normal. Later the team told me that it was extremely strong and it recorded 5.5 on the Richter scale! I am really looking forward to returning home to England in preparation for Brands A1GP (27-29 April). Of course, I can't wait to see my family and friends. See you all soon.
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