Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Sunday's Story
Alrighty, let's see if we can get back on track with this whole "diary" business. Allow me to recall the events of Sunday, October 30th with words and pictures.
Mako and I went on a medium-sized journey to Himeji Castle, possibly the most famous and magnificent castle in all of Japan. Thanks to the relative tranquility of the Edo period, the castle did not face any major sieges or battles for hundreds of years. It also managed to survive the horrors of WWII when our warplanes bombed the shit out of every major city Japan had, Himeji included. So this castle is clearly something special.
The weather was, for a change, perfect. The temperature was nice and cool with a steady breeze blowing throughout the day. The sky was clear of any threatening rain clouds and the news called for these conditions to remain so I was free to leave my encumbering umbrella at home. The news would prove to be wrong, but I'll get back to that later.
Mako and I took our time exploring the castle grounds, mostly a maze of narrow passageways and sharp inclines. On those rare moments where we found ourselves without another tourist watching us, we snuck in a few kisses. I was continually surprised by the scale of the construction. There were lots of occasions where I had to practically bend over to fit through a doorway or even climb the stairs inside the keep. Even Mako found herself cramped at least once or twice. I don't know if they intentionally designed these close-quarters or if modern people really are that much taller than 17th century people.
When I look at this picture, my first thought is "Wow, that coat hides my weight very well." Then I notice how much I am slouching. Enjoying the scenic surroundings and the beautiful woman next to me comes in third. Guess I've got a lot of work to do!
After the castle we found a small Vietnamese restaurant which was surprisingly expensive (by Vietnamese cuisine standards that is) but very enjoyable. We explored a small garden next to the castle but it seems the weather was too cold for most of the flowers to bloom. It's funny, I find the weather here far too warm considering the time of year but I guess I'm the only one. The people and wildlife of Japan, it seems, are living their life quite normally.
From Himeji we returned east and stopped in Kobe to see one of Japan's 三大夜景 or "three great night views." Via bus and cable car we ascended Mt. Rokko to take a look out over the combined urban areas of Kobe and Osaka. It was an amazing sight to behold and I just wish we could have enjoyed the moment alone instead of on a tourist "platform" with a dozen other people chit-chatting away. I had expected some kind of public park or garden we could roam in but no such luck.
Searching for solitude and waiting for our stomachs to empty, we went into Kobe to a nice park where we had gone before. Almost immediately after we sat down in a lovely (and secluded) spot, it started to rain. Not pouring rain but it was pretty hard and we had to move. We found an overhang just a few steps away though and I realized that the rain was actually quite beneficial. Everyone else we had seen in the park ran elsewhere for cover! We spent some time kissing and being close in that spot while we waited for the rain to die down again. I think it was pretty romantic, actually.
The rain did go away and we went to a cafe where some of her friends work. I knew it would be awkward meeting her Japanese friends but they seemed pleasant if entirely unintelligible. The cuisine was Hawaiian of all things; I tried something called Loco Moco while Mako had some Taco Rice. I saw some whale dishes on the menu which made very nostalgic for my last trip to Japan, so maybe I'll have to go back to that cafe again. You just can't get good whale meat in the States!
For pictures and a brief video clip of Sunday's excursion, please go to this separate page. I haven't slept so much in the last few days so I'm going to try and turn in early tonight. Wednesday is my busiest day of the week but at least this Thursday is a day off. Guess who I'll be spending it with? ^_^
Mako and I went on a medium-sized journey to Himeji Castle, possibly the most famous and magnificent castle in all of Japan. Thanks to the relative tranquility of the Edo period, the castle did not face any major sieges or battles for hundreds of years. It also managed to survive the horrors of WWII when our warplanes bombed the shit out of every major city Japan had, Himeji included. So this castle is clearly something special.
The weather was, for a change, perfect. The temperature was nice and cool with a steady breeze blowing throughout the day. The sky was clear of any threatening rain clouds and the news called for these conditions to remain so I was free to leave my encumbering umbrella at home. The news would prove to be wrong, but I'll get back to that later.
Mako and I took our time exploring the castle grounds, mostly a maze of narrow passageways and sharp inclines. On those rare moments where we found ourselves without another tourist watching us, we snuck in a few kisses. I was continually surprised by the scale of the construction. There were lots of occasions where I had to practically bend over to fit through a doorway or even climb the stairs inside the keep. Even Mako found herself cramped at least once or twice. I don't know if they intentionally designed these close-quarters or if modern people really are that much taller than 17th century people.
When I look at this picture, my first thought is "Wow, that coat hides my weight very well." Then I notice how much I am slouching. Enjoying the scenic surroundings and the beautiful woman next to me comes in third. Guess I've got a lot of work to do!
After the castle we found a small Vietnamese restaurant which was surprisingly expensive (by Vietnamese cuisine standards that is) but very enjoyable. We explored a small garden next to the castle but it seems the weather was too cold for most of the flowers to bloom. It's funny, I find the weather here far too warm considering the time of year but I guess I'm the only one. The people and wildlife of Japan, it seems, are living their life quite normally.
From Himeji we returned east and stopped in Kobe to see one of Japan's 三大夜景 or "three great night views." Via bus and cable car we ascended Mt. Rokko to take a look out over the combined urban areas of Kobe and Osaka. It was an amazing sight to behold and I just wish we could have enjoyed the moment alone instead of on a tourist "platform" with a dozen other people chit-chatting away. I had expected some kind of public park or garden we could roam in but no such luck.
Searching for solitude and waiting for our stomachs to empty, we went into Kobe to a nice park where we had gone before. Almost immediately after we sat down in a lovely (and secluded) spot, it started to rain. Not pouring rain but it was pretty hard and we had to move. We found an overhang just a few steps away though and I realized that the rain was actually quite beneficial. Everyone else we had seen in the park ran elsewhere for cover! We spent some time kissing and being close in that spot while we waited for the rain to die down again. I think it was pretty romantic, actually.
The rain did go away and we went to a cafe where some of her friends work. I knew it would be awkward meeting her Japanese friends but they seemed pleasant if entirely unintelligible. The cuisine was Hawaiian of all things; I tried something called Loco Moco while Mako had some Taco Rice. I saw some whale dishes on the menu which made very nostalgic for my last trip to Japan, so maybe I'll have to go back to that cafe again. You just can't get good whale meat in the States!
For pictures and a brief video clip of Sunday's excursion, please go to this separate page. I haven't slept so much in the last few days so I'm going to try and turn in early tonight. Wednesday is my busiest day of the week but at least this Thursday is a day off. Guess who I'll be spending it with? ^_^
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The woman next to you comes in third? No you don't have a lot of work to do Dan, just jump off a bridge that should take care of it.
Hyde: Yes, my hat and coat aren't just for show, they're functional! They helped keep me nice and dry despite the sudden shower. Glad you enjoyed reading about me having fun! I'm trying to make more videos because I think they tell a better story than photographs (sometimes).
Mystic: That's not your usual constructive advice, sir. Osaka has a great many bridges though!
Dani: See what you can learn? I'm all about romance! Just you wait until I start with the poetry...
Mystic: That's not your usual constructive advice, sir. Osaka has a great many bridges though!
Dani: See what you can learn? I'm all about romance! Just you wait until I start with the poetry...
You have a beautiful woman in your arm Dan. You don't need advice.
I hope you know I was just joking about the bridge.
I hope you know I was just joking about the bridge.
Actually Mystic, you're wrong. I'm actually in need of some urgent advice regarding said beautiful woman. Do you have an e-mail address I can contact?
Bubbles, while I'm sure he can I'd wager he chooses not to. You lose for poor grammar.
コメントがあります？ Type something, please. It's less work for me.Bubbles, while I'm sure he can I'd wager he chooses not to. You lose for poor grammar.
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Be sociable! No sign-up is required!
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