First car

Well technically I bought my first car in Russia, but that was always going to be a short-term arrangement so I didn't get too attached. But I am already attached to this one, even though I've had it less than a week. I think I gave Melbourne public transport a pretty good run, but for me to get from where I live to anywhere else (even if only 5-10km away) I have to go via the city first. It just got too annoying after a while, especially on weekend train timetables. Hence, my first car - a 1994 Nissan Pulsar :)

Japan

Two weeks in Japan was cool. You cannot get a bad meal there no matter where you go or how much you spend. And the service standards... a two dollar sushi will get cut up for you, packed with some ice, a napkin, chopsticks, put in a bag and served with a smile. People are so extremely nice and helpful - politeness seems to be ingrained in their culture.

In terms of development they are so far ahead of us it's just sad. The country's infrastructure was built by people who were thinking ahead, not constantly playing catch-up. We rode the bullet trains everywhere, 220km an hour - so fast and comfortable.

Japan doesn't have the most exciting sights in the world, certainly not compared to China, but it's easy and pleasant to travel around in. Would be cool to come back for some skiing maybe.