The Highlands in Japan

Well, what do you do for music in Japan. Bagpipes of course - what else? Here at Barakura opening day we have been treated to some spectacular pipe music delivered by Oliver our handsome young piper. Oliver is a Geology student at Glasgow Uni. and tells me that The Pipes are almost as important in his life as the ladies. Seeing the effect his playing has on the Japanese lady visitors I think The Pipes and the ladies have a close affinity!

Here's a few bars for you to enjoy.....

The rest of us have little chance in grabbing the attention of the young ladies when Oliver is around so Jim and Andy console each other with an ice cream - Rose Petal flavour. Actually we don't really envy Oliver that kilt and all the rest of the kit must be pretty warm with Opening Day temperatures in the 30s. At the end of the at we all cool off in the pool followed by a session in the the Onsen, Japanese Spa Bath. This is such a civilised activity in the evening before dinner. Men go one way and the ladies another. We shower an wash thoroughly before sitting around outside in a hot spa pool putting the world to rights before donning the traditional cotton Yukata for dinner in the Japanese restaurant. The Japanese beer is excellent and I'm getting a taste for Sake - A little more practice and I'll grow to love it.