I went to the Japan Matsuri on Saturday, the weather was thankfully lovely and sunny. It was great to be immersed in the culture again, even for a brief time.

Whilst at the feastival I bought a Daruma doll (see photos) http://darumadollmuseum.blogspot.com/2006/02/papercraft.htmldoll, Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck and are one of the many ways the Japanese make a wish. The doll come with two white eyes, you mark the left pupil when you make a wish and then the right pupil when the wish comes true!