the guardian

I'll be flying into Osaka with a suitcase, but going on to do the henro trail in Shikoku for 2 weeks, so I can't take my suitcase with me. Is there any luggage storage facilities either in Kansai International airport, or around Shin-Osaka or Osaka stations???

PLEASE don't recommend using a locker, I need to store my luggage for 2 weeks!

I'm having an MRI done of my knee, and although I have health insurance, its with an offshore company, so I will need to to pay upfront. Does anyone have an idea on how much it would cost?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

I'm trying to figure out who sent me a New Years card. Any help would be appreciated!

The name again - 充泰

It's winter where I live, which means lovely winter foods. So please share with me your favourite homemade soup and the recipe!

I'm a fan of pumpkin soup -

1/4 of a pumpkin

2 or 3 potatoes

1 onion

1 clove of garlic

1 carrot

4 to 6 cups of stock (preferably chicken)

Salt, pepper, nutmeg and cream to taste

1) Chop up all the veggies and put into a large saucepan.

2) Add stock until all the veggies are covered, and nutmeg.

3) Bring to the boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until tender.

4) Blend and then add salt, pepper and cream to taste.

Simple and classic!

I need new pants in particular. I'm not over weight, but I'm not stick figure skinny. I'm just that bit too thick in the legs and stomach to buy pants at the Gap or Zara. Any ideas? I don't like buying clothes over the internet as I like to try them on before buying.