Unable to use phone abroad, Help flashing with ODIN

I`ve already posted in the longstanding q&a thread but I`m still unable to get this to work.
Encryption failed error appeared whilst in Japan, had to use a friend`s computer [so every program comes out in Japanese..] after soft and hard resets, recovery mode wiping didn`t work.
My problems are, in recovery mode it hangs on formatting cache,
Kies wouldn:t recognise or at least connect to it,
and after finding the exact firmware Kies was seeking, via sammobile,
[I9300XXUGNB5_I9300ORAGML2_I9300BVUGNB2_HOME.tar.md 5]
it still won`t work with ODIN 3.9 as it flashes and in two seconds said nand start, FAIL!

I have to translate in my head every program I`m using, but I`m convinced it`s the right firmware and I extracted it properly, albeit via WinRAR. Softbank wifi makes any big downloads tortuously slow also. Any ideas??:confused::confused:

GOOGLE NOW not working abroad

Hi, usually Google Now will give me very useful cards when I'm abroad. For example, they will give cards for the weather, the time at home, things to do and much more. Also, since I have my boarding pass emailed, Google Now automatically brings a flight info card. However, recently none of these come up anymore. I'm currently on holiday and Google Now hasn't given me any info. I've toggled my location and made sure Google Play services was on. Please help! Thanks in advance!