One thing, in fact the only real thing, that is slightly freaking me about this Japanese trip is the whole bath rigmarole. I’m simply afraid that I’m going to get it wrong and make a complete tit of myself and embarrass and/or disgust (oh God) all the other bathers. I mean look at it like this :

Problems :-

Nudity / Non Nudity
Mixed / Single
Etiquette
Totally incomprehensible language.
Can’t bear overly hot baths

Oh and did I mention the Nudity / Non Nudity thing? I’ve had dreams that were less threatening than this. And what if my hygiene standards are judged insufficient? I mean this is a culture that has raised going for a bath to the status of unique artform!