C - The New V

May 19 (Walk 10.60kms, Car 17.2kms)

I had the best nights sleep since I got to Japan and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.

The first thing I did was ring Denise at my bank in New Zealand.
She did some investigating and told me what I had been told before – that I should be able to get cash at a Post Office.
I set off around 6:30 but knew I needed breakfast more than anything else.
I could see across the bridge that there was much more life than this (the Temple) side, which meant either food or a Post Office or both, so I headed that way.

I saw the recognisable upturned breasts in the sky and headed toward them.

I had yet another Filet o Fish (and hotcakes and coffee I’ve eaten more McDonalds in the last three weeks that in the last 3 years!) then went in search of a Post Office.

I stopped and asked a lady and thankfully she kindly drove me to it because it was miles away.
This time it had the longed for Plus sign that indicated it would accept my card.
It was another hour until it was due to open so I hauled everything out of my bag that I didn’t need. I knew I was going to be doing some more tough mountain stuff so didn’t want superfluous weight (all the gifts I had bought etc).
The staff started arriving and the Manager bought me out a bottle of V like substance called C. He then opened the doors early for me.
Will I ever get used to the above-and-beyond helpfulness of the Japanese?

Through a translation book they had called ‘Postal Words’, we managed to pack up and address my parcel. Stupidly I said No when the girl asked if it was fragile, forgetting about the sake glasses wrapped in Mamasan's scarf.

I then asked if she could help me with the ATM but it was Dummy Friendly. Even had a button in English that said ENGLISH – away I went.
Being able to do this successfully meant I no longer had to return to Tokushima and could resume my journey without worry.

It’s amazing what you can achieve on a good nights sleep and a full tummy!