Soooo...I went to Japan. Specifically, I went to Kyushu, the large southern island.
Specifically specifically, I went to Miyakonojo, to visit my friend Quill, perhaps one of the best people I know, who generously allowed my broke self to camp in his apartment, drove me around, translated things for me so I didn't get arrested, took me to a lot of 7-11's and climbed a bunch of stuff with me (volcanoes, mountains, etc). It was the best vacation ever.
Kyushu is beautiful- flying in over the island, it's covered in mountains and trees, with civilization stuffed in the cracks and valleys rather than blanketing the land. I flew into Kagoshima, a cute little airport with only one international gate. (say it with me- 'aaawwww')
Quill was there to get me, in all his 6foot plus, Japanese-speaking foreignness.
Thank god. I should not be allowed to run amok in foreign countries without a chaperon.
Anyway, we drove the twisty, forested road from Kagoshima to Miyazaki, stopping to look at cool stuff, small ponies, road construction, and large fake grapes. We went to a neat park sort of thing to meet Yuko, his friend/boss and her family for lunch.
Of course this is the first thing I see.
Hi Quill!
And it's beautiful, painfully so. The trees are a riot of color, the air is fresh and smells like wet leaves, earth and water. I can't even think. I'm on my own, and I'm not in a city, all I can do is breath in and hope I don't wake up. I'm in Japan! (well, not right now, unfortunately)
Look at these crazy birds...
Nearby were some Crazy Crows.
They sure were Crazy.
Miyakonojo from Quill's apartment. I think we're in the tallest building in the city, and its twelve stories. Our apartment complex in Dalian is like 35 stories, and its small.
We ate an amazing dinner with Yuko and her family at their house. No photos because it would just make all of you die of jealously (also because I didn't take any). I'm actually jealous of my past self right now.
END OF THAT DAY.
The next day, after some exiting trips to the 7-11 (Japanese love convenience stores) and the supermarket, we headed north on the expressway in search of mountains. They sell hot canned drinks in the 7-11! And in the vending machines! WOW!
We found a cute little town. This is a tanuki statue. Its a raccoon dog with mythically large male parts.
Kyushu is very volcanic, and thus there's a lot of hot springs in the area. We found a steaming lake!
After we left the steaming lake town, we found a camping area just as it was getting dark, and although the guy looked skeptical why two white kids had just driven up to a campsite at dark, he was reassured by Quill's language skill and my blank, deer in the headlights look.
There was a hot springs bath at the camp ground, my first bathhouse experience. Note I did not say hot tub, its a bath. Naked. Men and women on separate sides, and I was rather nervous to say the least. It turned out to be empty except for me, and was super super hot...I stayed in too long and felt sort of sick but great after that had passed.
Anyway, it was pretty chilly that night and when we woke up everything was covered in frost, including Ku-chan, the faithful car.
I hope you were expecting this.
Campsite. Tent outline in frost. Brrrrr...
Steaming creek from the hot springs bath..
And the road goes swiftly on and on...
Plumes of steam in the distance.
The road was steaming...it was wild.
Like a boar.
*sigh* Hello Leaves. I think I'm in love.
Teacups..on a table somewhere.
Steaming fields.
There's a picture I took that I really want to put here, but its too much work. So you just get this sentence.
We made it to the mountain!
Bamboo walking sticks for borrowing.
BAMN! boo...
Japanese people take proper equipment very seriously. Including for a day hike up a small (ish)mountain. I saw enough trekking poles, gaiters, heavy duty mountain boots, full 50+L packs, and Mont Bell jackets and zip-off pants to take out an REI. I felt underdressed. Me. It was bizarre.
This way? Or That way? Willow reference, anyone?
You knew it was coming.
The top!
After coming down, we headed home. Oita (where we were) is about a four hour drive. We decided to stop and amuse ourselves first by posing with these cool dudes.
I lurvs dis feesh.
Aaaah! Mountains! Bamboo! Japan! Overly prepared people!
Anyway, I'll work on the rest of it, for those of you waiting with baited breath. (haha)
I was there for twelve days, so I took way too many pictures.
Christmas is right around the corner, and even if it ain't your thing, at least eat something tasty, go see your family or friends and smile a little.
I'll leave you with my favorite photo of this bunch.
Maybe not the picture itself, but I like the moment.
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