Days 14-16: spent in Niigata in the North West by the Sea of Japan. The visit has been in stark contrast to the post from Steve today on Babies in Bangladesh. Niigata is world known today as the centre of the Koi breeding industry where fish are bought for large sums of money. Dealers come at this time of the year from around the world. Some of the breeders at their farms are known around the world for a particular speciality. My youngest son works in this industry and I was pleased to visit and be introduced to many of the people in this amazing industry. Good for a father to hear how much one of their children is appreciated by so many people. Whole of the area is covered in hills, many of which are moving into their glorious autumn colours, and mountains are already experiencing some early snow falls. During a typical winter up to 2-3 metres of snow can fall in the region. Extra ordinary efforts are made by local people using government equipment to keep access open. They survive by pulling together in the tough weather conditions which are extreme to say the least. Now I am back in the south in Okayama preparing for my visit later this week to Nagasaki to see out Mission Partner Sheila Norris.
Alan Ashton - 5th November 2012.
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