Sachi

As Jonathan pointed out, Sachi looks a lot like Phoebe. So much so that Dad has referred to her as such a few times. Actually Sachi is a combination of Phoebe and Sahara. Phoebe's colouring, but Sahara's finer hair. Not sure who's brains she has, as we have yet to see any sign of the existence of said gray matter.

Mum and Dad have apparently reached Kyoto. This is after traveling to Hakone yesterday by train, and staying at a hotel that we booked online. It was apparently fine, although I have yet to hear whether it was a hotel with a shared bathroom or not.

The next milestone is on Friday, when they have about 9 minutes to transfer between trains at some remote outpost of Japan. If they miss, then it is possible that they will have to find a place to stay overnight - somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Where they probably will not speak any English. Could be quite an experience - even more interesting than trying to eat noodles with chopsticks for the first time.