Driving

Sunday 5^th May 2013

MP3 track of the day: cars – Gary Numan

Weather: Once again a whole mix however, for the majority of the day, the weather was overcast but dry.

 












I was now used to the early mornings and so getting up at 7am seemed normal. I did, however, make one slight alteration to the day; I went for my shower as soon as I got up. I was well within the '6am – 9am' window and yet the owner seemed okay for me to go in (okay so that blows my 'females only between 6am – 9am' theory out of the water). I then got dressed, finished yesterdays blog and went to Mr Donuts. This was where the similarity between yesterday and today ended.

Today I was going to drive around the outer edge of the peninsula stopping anywhere which took my fancy. I would drive in an anti-clockwise direction meeting up with the road I drove along yesterday; only then would I choose between the shorter inland route, or the longer mountain route. All started off well; I found the road I wanted with ease and headed in a north-bound direction. The road was pretty straight, until it hit the coastline. Before the coastline the terrain consisted of grassy fields, hedges, walls and small forests (it reminded me a lot of home). Once on the coastal road it became it's usual windy self with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Trees balanced a long these, almost vertical, mountainsides with buildings also defying the laws of gravity. All along the coastline the road would narrow and I would enter many small fishing communities; a thin line of homes, on each side of the road, were so close together they might as well have been terraces. All along this area there were many 'lay-bys', which I took full advantage off. I took many photos from the north side of the peninsular. Looking out to sea, I thought I could make out the southern edge of Hokkaido however, without a compass, I couldn't be too sure.

I meandered this way and that until I reached Oma. Before entering the town itself I saw many vehicles head north-east to a place called 'Oma point'. Thinking that this might be the 'most northern point of Honshu' I followed a tour bus to a car park where I then had to wait ten minutes for a parking space. Once out of the car I followed the tour groups north thinking “this better be worth it”. As I walked towards a sea wall, food stalls had been erected either side of the path and, it seemed, that they were doing an excellent trade. One stall, more than any other, caught me eye; it was a yellow gazebo with a gas fed BBQ and the days catch was hanging from washing lines for all to see. This tent seemed to specialise in squid, and I saw many Japanese tuck into the deep sea creature. I, on the other hand, passed quickly and ate some chocolate.

I crossed the road and found myself within a small pedestrianised area over-looking the sea. To my right was a small monument with a fish (apparently famous here though, at £20 a portion, I declined the offer to try it) and a fist coming out of the water. As all the writing was in Japanese I guessed that I had reached the most northern point of Honshu and took a few photographs of the surrounding area. Once this was done I had a quick look around a 'jam packed' souvenir store before heading back to the car. The time was 12:30pm and, though getting hungry, I still had many miles to cover before I would find a restaurant.

I was now heading south along the west coast. Once again I was stopping periodically to take photos of the coast, the small villages and the ever impressive mountains. I kept driving knowing that, sooner or later, I would hit the road which I drove down yesterday however first, I had to climb a big mountain to get there.

As I winded my way forever upwards I'd forgotten that this mountain range was home to a troop of native monkeys. This thought had gone to the back of my head as I was out of the 'monkey spotting season' (during the winter the monkeys come close to human settlements looking for food; now the snows have melted they retract back up the mountains) however as I turned a, what seemed to be, normal corner a group of monkeys (2 adults and 3 babies) were crossing the road. As this sighting occurred on a corner I couldn't stop; I found the quickest safest point to turn around and headed back up the mountain, my camera poised for action on the passenger seat, but alas just like the deer yesterday the monkeys hadn't 'hung around'. I turned around again and headed back down the mountain with one eye on the road and one eye looking out for monkeys.

Soon after I reached the point where I drove to yesterday. I decided, almost straight away, to take the mountain pass back to Mutsu instead of the inland road. Sure the inland road was about twenty minutes quicker; sure I was really hungry but if I wanted to see more monkeys I had to stick to the mountains. I therefore headed, once more, up into the clouds scanning the countryside as I went.

Not one! Not one monkey could be bothered to show it's face. After all that effort. This is why I like photographing buildings, trees, houses etc; they are always there. As soon as I descended the mountain my brain knew that there was no way I had any chance of seeing any more monkeys and so, without any choice from me, it moved onto thinking about the next most important thing; food. As if on queue my stomach started to ache, and I still had a twenty-five minute drive. At first I fancied something Japanese however, by the time I arrived on the outskirts of Mutsu, I could have eaten my car I was so hungry. I therefore dived into McDonald’s because a) it was the first restaurant I saw and b) it's always quick. I joined the queue only to find a family of four (who, in all honesty, shouldn't have been eating fatty foods) taking forever to order. The thought 'this is supposed to be fast food' had just ran though my head when they finished ordering. I pushed them out of the way and ordered. I sat at the first empty table I could find and devoured my meal in seconds.

I walked back to my car more gracefully than I had left it. My car's clock read 3:30pm and so I got out my map and made the decision that I would take 'route 6' out to the north-east part of the peninsular before calling it a day. I had been in the car – off and on – for six hours already today and I was starting to get fed up with it; however this was the last area to see. After this I would have pretty much seen all of the peninsular. I turned the keys in the ignition and off I went.

This road was different again to all the others. The land surrounding it was mainly flat and consisted of a few farm buildings. Trees had pretty much disappeared and the road was as straight as an arrow as I followed the peninsula’s northern coast east. As I travelled further, trees came back into view (plus a small wind farm, some horses, some cows and a power station thing). Then, as if by magic, the road just stopped. I'm not sure what happened but I remember driving a long a straight main road and then, all of a sudden, the road narrowed, a village appeared and out of nowhere and I then ended up in someone’s drive way. Putting it down to witchcraft I turned around and headed back to Mutsu, but not before taking a photo of the wind farm.

I was very glad to be back in Mutsu. Having spent all day in the car I was glad to leave it at the guest house and walk into town for dinner however, first of all, I went to the local department store, to go to the book store, because I wanted to get a photo book of the peninsular. As I was walking there I realised that I really wanted to get a souvenir of my trip; ideally a photo book but anything would do. I'm not sure why this 'souvenir urge' came over me; maybe because, in all honesty, I wasn't expecting a lot from this weekend away. Yep when I booked this trip it was to 'tick off another area from the list' job; I wasn't really expecting great things. I wasn't expecting monkeys, deer, mountains, beaches, alpine lakes, coastlines, a huge variety of landscapes and an Indian restaurant. This little peninsular, stuck at the top of Japan's main island is, I feel, a goldmine for a weekend away. I wouldn't go for any longer than two or three days, but this place makes an excellent 'two or three' day holiday … as long as you have a car. It's like watching a film no one has rated and coming away with the feeling of discovering a classic. This is why I was very disappointed to find that the book store had no photo books, or post cards, of the surrounding area. Bless them they did phone other places within Mutsu however they all told the same story. As a parting gift the book store assistant gave me a 'hand drawn' map of some places that might have what I was looking for but are not open now. I took the map, thanked the guy, and hoped that the places would be open tomorrow morning before I left. I then crossed the road for my final delicious, if a little expensive, Indian Curry.

So tomorrow I set off home. I hope to leave Mutsu around 9:00am, getting back to Miyako for 4pm. Even though there isn't anything left for me to do here I'm still quite sad to leave.

Hopefully I can get my souvenir tomorrow.

Toodle Pip!

Temple of death

Saturday 4^th May 2013

MP3 track of the day: Hells Bells – ACDC

Weather: Extremely changeable. First of all dry but very windy. Midday saw many darkened clouds with intermittent hail and rain showers. As the day drew to a close the weather got better and the first blue skies, of the day, could be seen however, it was still very windy.

 

Once again an early start occurred. This, however, wasn't my plan but it came to pass for two reasons. Firstly the walls are pretty thin here and secondly the sun was beaming through my 'fogged' glass window and right onto my face. The first issue wasn't really a problem however, as it was 6am, the latter had to be sorted. I had a choice of shutting the blind or putting on my face mask. As my face mask was within my bag (which was closer to my bed than the window) I went for the 'less labour intensive' option and put on my face mask. This allowed for another hour of sleep before I finally got up and got ready.

I had written half of my 'first days' blog the previous night; now feeling awake I kicked off where I had finished last night and completed it by 8:45am. What I didn't realise at this point was that the shower room had a sign on the door stating '6am – 9am', and then something in Japanese. I presumed the worst and thought that I had missed the 'showering times'. As I left the hostel for the day - putting on more body spray than normal - the lady in charge inquired into my use of the shower to which I replied, with my finger, showing her the times. For the next two minutes and twenty-eight seconds I had no idea what she said; all I managed to work out was that having a shower seemed 'okay'.

I went in to find five showers within the same room (with the guest house only having one shower room, maybe that '6am – 9am' time was for women). I took my shower quickly and got re-dressed. It's a bit odd having only one shower room, I thought to myself. Then I realised that this wasn't the only thing odd about this guest house. For the women to get to their toilets they have to pass through the men's toilets; bizarre to say the least.

I finally left my guest house and drove into town to find a Mr Donuts. The closest was situated within a big 'out-of-town' shopping complex with lots of car parking but few cars. I ate my fill before heading to a local Lawson convenience store (for a bottle of water, a pen, and some tissues as I have forgotten all my hankies and a pen … not doing so well on remembering stuff). With my shopping done I finally set off on a 30km drive to Ozore-san; a mountain to do with death.

The main focus of Osore-san, an extinct volcano consisting of seven peaks, lies about halfway up it's eastern slopes, where Osorezan-Bodaiji sits on the shore of a silvery crater lake. Though the temple was founded in the ninth century, Osore-zan was already revered in ancient fork religion as a place where dead souls gather, and it's easy to see why – the desolate volcanic landscape, with its yellow and red stained soil, multicoloured pools and bubbling malodorous streams, makes for an unearthly scene.

From Mutsu the road to Osorezan-Bodaiji winds through pine forests, past a succession of stone monuments and a spring where it is customary to stop for a sip of purifying water. At the top you emerge by a large lake beside which a small humped bridge represents the journey souls make between this world and the next; it's said that those who led an evil life find it impossible to cross over.

After a quick look around the temple, take any path leading over the hummock towards the lake's barren foreshore. The little heaps of stones all around are said to be the work of children who died before their parents. They have to wait here, building stupas, which demons gleefully knock over during the night – most people add a pebble or two in passing. Jizo, the guardian deity of children and the Bodhisattva charged with leading people to the Buddhist Western Paradise, also come along to scare away the demons, though it seems with little success. Sad little statues touchingly wrapped in towels and bibs, add an even more melancholy note to the scene. Many have offerings piled in front of them: bunches of flowers, furry toys – faded and ran-sodden by the end of summer – and plastic windmills whispering to each other in the wind.

You can stay at Osorezan-Bodaiji overnight; however for most visitors, it's something of a relief to be heading back into Mustu, leaving Osore-zan to it's wandering souls.

And my guidebook wasn't wrong. Even before arriving at the shrine the mountain pass was a little scary. Same trees, rocks, tarmac and road signs as before and yet, it all felt wrong and had a strong hint of death. Continuing further I saw a few stone carvings lining the road with hoods and offerings laid out. I made it to the fountain where I parked up and took a few photos. The surrounding woodland felt as though it was looking back at me and I didn't stay long.

After a short drive I came down the mountain and found myself driving a long the side of a lake. In front of me was the 'small humped bridge'; and so I stopped and walked over it to prove that I was worthy (though it was a little difficult). As the wind was picking up I didn't wait around; I got back in my car and drove to the temple sight.

That scary feeling you get when you watch a horror film was apparent in this place. The dark clouds didn't help but I think it was more to do with the fact that the place reminded me of 'Sleepy Hollow' and that a strong stench of sulphur was all around. Geologically speaking, this place was very far from death however the different coloured rocks, and smell, made the place more eerie. I paid the 500 yen entrance fee and walked into the site of the shrine.

First off all I was met by the usual outer and inner gates which most temples have. Next up was a perfectly normal temple. These two things, I'd hoped, would have calmed my nerves however they did not. I knew that, just to my right, was a sulphuric field of different coloured rocks where individual piles of stone were scattered around in no logical order. As I proceeded through this barren landscape hairs, on the back of my head, stood on end.

The area was also very sad; within these piles of stones were placed toys, drinks and clothing which, I presume, parents and relatives of the deceased children had lovingly brought to help their children within the world in which they found themselves. There were many paths within this area too, but they all meandered, like a collection of streams, towards the lake front. There stood a Buddhist sculpture enclosed within a flower. As I walked past people were ringing the bell, located in front of the sculpture, before bowing. Not wanting to interrupt their prayers I moved on and, as the rain was falling pretty hard, I headed back to the car.

Reflecting on what I'd seen, I would say that it must be one of the most powerful religious spots I have ever visited. Especially visiting at this time of year, I could feel the sadness, loneliness and the utter unfairness of having your children taken away that this place, to me, represented. I could see why people came here to pray for lost love ones; the site had been well chosen.

It was now getting close to midday and the thought of lunch crossed my mind. I wasn't particularly hungry however, as I'd planned on driving within the central area of the peninsular this afternoon, I decided to make a quick pit stop back within Mutsu. I stopped for petrol before dropping by Moss Burger. After a 'spicy double burger with onion rings and chips' I left the town heading west.

If we imagine the Shimokita peninsula as a clock-face, Mutsu is roughly located where the 'six' is. I was heading clockwise, around the edge of the peninsula, to where the 'nine' is on a clock (before taking a road through the central part of the peninsular back to Mutsu). The peninsular is pretty big and so I estimated that it would take about 2hrs 30mins to complete my chosen circuit. However, in reality, I hadn't taken into account just how many 'photo stops' I was going to make.

There is only one, single-lane road, around the edge of the peninsular. This is good as it means that it's hard for me to go the wrong way. However it's also bad as all traffic uses that one road, including buses. I was therefore stuck behind one for quite a way. Once round the bus I tried to put as much space between me, and it, as possible. First of all I went through a heavy Japanese military area; there were fenced off areas on either side with planes, a lot of buildings and a military vessel in the water. Once through I stopped at a 'lay-by' to take a couple of photos of the coast. I had thought I'd put enough distance between me and the bus but, annoyingly, the bus trundled past me as I was about to pull out onto the road.

For the next 30 minutes the road stuck to the coast and I stopped occasionally to take photos of the sea and the coastline. The sky was overcast but it didn't matter; the view was still pretty good and, distance wise, you could make out a lot. I continued driving until the road headed inland and north. The winding road just climbed and climbed and climbed until I was up on top of the mountains with clouds all around me and many mountain tops below. It was a glorious site that, with better weather, would have been excellent. I stopped at many 'photo stops' however none of them were in the best positions (I'm not sure who in Japan chooses these 'photo spots' because most, on all off my trips so far, have not been in the best locations).

It wasn't long before I was descending down the huge mountain I had just climbed moments ago. Soon a road presented itself changing my course onto an easterly heading and back towards Mutsu.

The inland areas couldn't have been more different to the coastal roads. The mountains had receded, the roads had straightened and the trees had thinned to allow for many grass fields. There were a few farm buildings but it was mostly farmland (though no animals could be seen). I made my way through, what appeared like, the agricultural heartland of the peninsular until the all familiar forests came back with force. However, even though the trees were back the mountains were still a little way into the distance. What filled the foreground now was a beautiful lake with alpine trees running around it's edges and the mountains forming a barrier preserving the, almost Nordic, scene. Once again I stopped as often as I could to take photos of the lake and it's idyllic location.

Once the lake had subsided I went around a few more corners until I found a familiar site; the road I had taken out of Mutsu. I followed it back into the city however, before reaching the outskirts of Mutsu, the road offered me one final site. Just past the army barracks I saw a small deer – native only to this region – running a long the side of the road. I found the closest parking area, grabbed my camera and back-tracked but I was too late; the deer had gone.

I finally made it back to my guest house at around 5pm. I worked on my blog until 7pm when I went out to find food. Earlier in the day I had discovered a Pizza Hut. Just like the Indian last night I haven't had a pizza from Pizza Hut since I was in the UK. When I arrived I, sadly, discovered that it was a 'take-away only' place and so I turned around and went to a 'western family chain restaurant' (which I have seen many around Japan, but I've never been in one) to try it out. After a satisfactory meal I returned to my guest house where I found the owner warming to me. We had a conversation about the surrounding area and she helped me plan my 'days activities' for tomorrow (which involves driving around the whole peninsula before either heading to a light house or an onsen – depending on the weather). After this a guest joined in the conversation and we chatted until 9pm where I made my excuses and retired to my room.

So with a plan sorted for tomorrow there's nothing left for me to do tonight. I must, however, remember to close that blind.

Toodle Pip!

USA, India and Japan all in one day

Friday 3^rd May 2013

MP3 track of the day: All around the world - ATC

Weather: the day started off bright but got worse shortly after lunch. The 'deteriorating weather' wasn't too bad; just dark skies with the occasional period of light rain.

I'd set my alarm for 7:00am this morning in preparation for a long day. Having been awoken from a dream where I had enough money to never work again, I was reluctant to get ready. However after a short, but quite hot, shower I remembered why I was up so early. I was off travelling again. Where you may ask? Well, as my 'regular blog gang' will already be aware, last summer I went on a road trip covering a lot of Akita and Aomori (the north of Japan's main island). I did, however, miss quite a big chunk of the north-east of Aomori (the 'axe head' if you like, of Japan's main island). For Golden Week (a Japanese bank holiday week) I'd decided to drive 7/8 hours north to a small city called 'Mutsu'. Positioned within the heart of the Shimokita peninsula I shall make Mutsu my base, for three nights, as I explore the area.

9am came around all too soon. I checked my apartment for the last time, unplugged unnecessary electrical items and turned off the water. I got in my car, and then quickly got back out of it. I returned to my apartment, unlocked the door and picked up my wallet. I relocked the door and finally, at 9:20am I drove out of my car parking space. I stopped five minutes later to pick up a drink, and some snacks, for the 'great push north'. I finally found myself on the north-bound side of the '45', over-looking Miyako, at 9:30am.

After an hour or so I drove past a town which I used to stop at; this use to be the point where I would turn around and head back to Miyako. This time, I continued north.

As I drove I looked at the scenery whizzing past me. I had travelled along this road last August, in the opposite direction, and yet the road seemed alien to me. Now I'm normally quite observant; I can usually remember a landmark or two on any road on which I've travelled along, no matter how long ago; however here, nothing. The winding road, the ever present blue sea, the trees and the mountains all seemed familiar but in completely the wrong place. I even stumbled across a small town which, even though I know I must had travelled through it last August, I had no recollection. It was located behind a tsunami concrete wall right next to the coast; over the wall was a stunning panoramic of the sea and a bright blue sky with fully white clouds painted sporadically all over it. I had missed the turning for a 'viewing platform' however, that didn't stop me turning around and going back to take a couple of photos (as I was snapping away my camera battery died. I realised then that I had forgotten my charger. I hope my spare battery lasts). I was on the road soon after stopping, surprised to see that the time was 11:00am.

After another thirty minutes of driving I finally arrived at a place I did remember. Kuji is a town of similar size to Miyako and, even though it's the same distance away as Morioka, I had only driven past it once and I had never driven through it. With the whole day given to get to Mutsu I decided to deviate of course slightly and have a quick drive through the town. In a town of this size I could hardly get lost and I was hoping to find 'second breakfast'.

I got lost; very, very lost. People use an array of words to define towns and cities; however I doubt 'rice fields', 'deserted streets' and 'abandoned' are used often. It all started badly when I hit a line of traffic within the middle of town. It seemed that the amount of cars weren't in any great number, however the amount of people driving slowly (looking for a car parking space no doubt) were in the majority. I therefore left the 'stop start' traffic in favour of a 'minor road' which looked like a short cut. In no time at all I was in the middle of a residential area wondering how on earth I got there. Kuji is surrounded by similar sized mountains so trying to find a landmark was impossible. It was only by sheer fluke that I found a road with traffic lights, followed by a road with a white 'dashed' line down the middle, followed by a road with a white 'dashed' line down the middle and street lamps which eventually led back to 'route 45'. I left Kuji thankful that I had gotten out alive. I hadn't found anything to eat, however the next big city (Hachinohe) wasn't too far away.

Having not learnt my lesson I found another 'short cut', into Hachinohe, which resulted in me entering the city on the wrong road and having to correct myself. As I was trying to get back onto the 'route 45' I stumbled across a Mcdonalds and a Mr Donuts. I stopped briefly for lunch before continuing my journey.

I remembered Hachinohe from my previous trip and it held as little interest for me now, as it did last August. I therefore did not deviate off my course and I worked my way through the city combating the bank holiday traffic and the endless sets of traffic lights. Once out of the city I continued north.

A sign, with an arrow pointing right, read 'The Statute of Liberty'. Now I'm not the sharpest tool in the box but I'm petty sure I would have realised if I had driven across the Pacific ocean (plus I'm sure 'Miyako to New York' is more than five hours driving time). I dismissed the sign as a cheap gimmick and drove on; only to see The Statue of Liberty, thirty seconds later, out of my right-side window. Realising that this was a 'too good photo opportunity to miss', I turned around and headed to the statue (which turned out to be situated within the middle of a leisure complex). I parked the car and walked over to the best 'photo spot' I could find before reading a sign. It would appear that, where I was standing, was at the exact same latitude as New York. Now understanding why the statue was here, I went for a closer look. I climbed a couple of steps onto a platform right underneath the statue itself. The statue was smaller – and the craftsmanship wasn't quite as good as the original– however it was still pretty cool. As I was photographing the statue a massive American lady came into view to complete the 'full American stereotype'. I left wondering which was heavier; her or the statue.

I was now in unfamiliar territory. I had never driven up this far north before and so everything was new. Well when I say new, there were still trees, rocks and the occasional house but the mountains had receded, large yellow fields (of what I had no idea) had appeared and the road seemed to be less mountainous. Still I continued to wind this way and that. I have become so use to 'windy roads' that not only did I hit every apex, but I managed to eat a donut at the same time without making a mess.

A lot sooner than I expected Mutsu came into view. I had come across a mountain pass and so, from my elevated position, I could see that Mutsu was a lot bigger than I first expected. I drove down eagerly and found my guest house in no time; on the way I had found a petrol station and the road to Ozore-san (a mountain which I had come to see).

The owner was pleasant enough but a little unfriendly (I suppose I would be if I was stuck up here). She was a skinny lady, in her late 50's, with long black hair and a serious demeanour. She was wearing a cleaning pinafore with blue jeans. Only on occasions, as she was showing me around the guest house, did she laugh and break into a genuine smile as she realised I couldn't understand a word which she was saying. The guest house was comfortable enough; my room had a tv, fridge, a 3-person sofa and a bed. It also had a heater which she turned on (however I quickly turned it off as it wasn't needed). I didn't spend long inside; I dropped my bags off and headed out, stopping at the reception desk to hand in my key and look at a map of the town. Once done I zipped up my coat and off I went.

- 'At least there is a convenience store so I won't die',

• 'I wonder if anyone else lives here'
• 'How far away is the next city'

These are thoughts you don't really want when you take your first look at your chosen holiday destination however, these were the thoughts I was having. Now, experience has told me that judging a city by it's first impression is not a good thing, especially when it's raining and is becoming a dark. I knew that, even though all the streets I'd seen so far were all boarded up, and signs off life had vanished (quite some time ago I reckon), time was needed because you are bound to find a decent area … somewhere. Alarm bells did start to ring when the 'Masakari plaza' – which both my guidebook and the lady at reception recommended – consisted of three small floors holding three shops and a restaurant, all of which were closed at 5:00pm. I left the plaza a little queezy; I had found a place to sleep, I had found petrol but food was becoming an issue. It was then that I found a road with lights on and an open shop. I decided to follow these 'signs of life'.

Well this road didn't hold much either; there was a cool toy shop but that was pretty much it. I walked to the end of the road and turned right; a little distance in front of me was a huge department store and a 'moss burger'. As I walked further more useful shops came into view and then, hidden in-between two larger buildings was a restaurant with the words 'Indian restaurant' above the door. I could have cried. Indian food isn't that popular in Japan and so I haven't had an Indian meal since I was in the UK. Whether I was in the mood for an Indian meal or not didn't really matter; I was having it! Before going in I had a quick walk around the area keeping one eye on the Indian restaurant just to make sure that it didn't disappear. The time was 5:45pm and so it was a little early for tea. I went into the large department store where I found the usual supermarket, restaurants and clothe stores. The fourth floor was pretty much devoted to toys and it was here where I found a Lego F1 pit garage (how cool; but it was a Ferrari Lego car). Finally huger took over curiosity and so I crossed the road and went into the Indian restaurant, thankful that it was still there.

My buttered nan was huge, but my buttered chicken curry was just the right size. The meal was a little expensive (and the waiter had smirked when I asked for my curry to be 'mild') but it mattered not; it tasted delicious and I was loving it.

I managed to finish the curry but the nan was just too big. I waddled over to the counter and paid my bill, promising to be back again at least once more. I then thanked the waiter and waddled out and back to my guest house. Feeling so full I didn't stay up too late; I found myself in bed around 9:30pm fully decided that tomorrow I'll be heading up Ozore-san; the main mountain here. However, before then, sleep was needed. The bed was comfortable, but there was an annoying street light right outside my window.

Hopefully it won't be a problem.

Toodle Pip!