The ride took around an hour and a half to get there, and along the way we were able to see many grass fires set right along-side the road. The burns were controlled and probably started to help wild grasses seed..or something along those lines. When we got to the town, we took off trying to find the hot spring we had decided on from Soojeong's book. The streets were full of interesting little shops, carriages pulled by people, and lots of interesting sights and smells.
We found our hot spring and took a nice thirty minute break in the hot water to recharge. It was kind of expensive for the bath they had (around $4.00 USD), but it was part of the experience, so I can't complain about that. When we finished, we caught the bus back to Beppu where we had a free dinner party at the hostel. We lucked out that night and had okonomiyaki, free beer, chips, chocolate, and Wii Mario Kart. For a poor college student on vacation, a free meal like that is something that many dream of, and few actually experience. I feel I am one of the lucky few.
For the fans of My Neighbor Totoro:
The outdoor bath. It felt wonderful, but it reminded me of going to the water park in Colorado during the Hayman fire with ash raining into the water.
Some pictures of the part of the town with the "old-timey feel".
2 comments:
I was finally able to catch up this, and I'm in awe of all the beautiful things you've seen and the amazingly cool stuff you've gotten to experience. I imagine that your trip is winding down soon though? I can't imagine that's a happy thought :-( I know you'll already do this, but make the most of the last few months!
Thank you very much. I feel fortunate to have been able to travel and see so many new and interesting things. It has been a life changing experience. I still have until August to be here, but the time will go fast. The thought of time slipping by quickly makes me sad, but once I go home, I will work hard to graduate and move back this way.
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