For only ¥1,000 yen (roughly $11) we were given transportation to and from Matsumoto to the Norikura Heights, lunch (which probably would have cost $15/person), and a hot spring experience. That is so cheap it is almost stealing. The ride there was beautiful. The trees are just beginning to change their color here, so the mountains were full of color. I really enjoyed looking at all of the little streams and waterfalls that we passed on our way. The water here has a semi-blue tint to it that is very pretty to look at. Once we arrived at our destination, Jesse and I broke off from the rest of the travelers and headed off on our own up into the mountains. We followed a rocky stream bed and eventually headed back towards base down a ski slope. It was an interesting experience.
After we enjoyed our hike, we were taken to a little inn located down the mountain a ways. It was very beautiful and reminded me a lot of some of the homes you find in the mountains of Colorado. A lot of the trees looked like they were Aspens. At the inn, we were treated to a wonderful lunch that consisted of rice, whole fish cooked in leaves, tofu, cucumber salad, green tea, and a shabu shabu pot (it is an onomatopoeia for "swish swish", meaning you throw vegetables, meat, lettuce, etc. into a seasoned broth pot, and enjoy it when everything is cooked) which was very delicious. We all had fun trying to play a Alphorn (Swiss mountain horn that is very long) after dinner. I am glad that my trumpet playing allowed me to make a nice sound out of it. Jesse sounded like a professional. His was the best out of everyone who tried it.
After our delicious lunch we headed to the inns hot spring. It was my first time to visit a hot spring, and it will not be my last. If you can get over the fact that you are stripping down to your birthday suit with many other guys in the room, and then sharing a bath together, it is truly enjoyable. It really isn't awkward at all. I highly recommend visiting a hot spring if you have the opportunity to do so.
On a side note, life in Matsumoto is becoming more wonderful with each passing day. Since I have been here, I have seen a tremendous growth in my Japanese skills in all areas. Every day I seem to have more and more conversations with the locals which is helping me a lot. Hopefully I will be able to communicate a lot by the time my birthday rolls around in December. I really think it will be much easier by then. I recently bought a new phone and bicycle (both of which I will post on later) this week, and they have really helped make life much easier. Phones are a wonderful way to improve language skills. That is really all I know at the moment. Another week= more Japanese classes and homework. I hope everyone is well. Take care
Picture credits go to Jesse who skillfully took them from his window seat on the bus.
Lunch at the inn.
No comments:
Post a Comment