I love old things. When I was a child, I used to sneak away from school to visit the Egyptian Room at the Adelaide Museum. Perhaps this love for antiquities is one of the reasons for my fascination with Japan.

In October, the Nara National Museum will host en exhibition of 68 items given by Empress Komyo to show her love to her husband, Emperor Shomu (700-756 AD). The above saddle is made from timber and deerskin and is called 'Uma no Kura' (うまのくら）and is just one of the many artifacts including clothing, crockery, vases and bronzes which will be on display.

Nara National Museum is just a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and entry to the exhibition is 1000yen (less than $10.00). I would like to see it!

Today, I go back to visit my surgeon to see if he regards my recent operation as a success. Yay!