A Damn Fine Vacation

Everyone needs a break now and then. So whats a good way to take a break from living in another country where I barely speak the language and stand out way too much? Do the same thing In another Country!

It was hot as hell but I was still cool.

We all know that vacations are rests from work- but I tell ya, going through the whole process of being lost and feeling completely incompetent again for 7-days straight aint much of a rest. But believe it or not its been more fun than that.

The most notably new experiences include- Sleeping in Capsules. Not as small as you'd expect and rather comfy. Even for a big fella like me. Other hostels had good accomendations but in a shared cabin space. So in a way these were bigger. Out of all Japan, these things were sizable enough to  fit me properly.

As for the Trains and Planes and even Bicycle lanes, thats something completely different.

The highlight of the trip was our day of tours. Earlier we had met up with a few local friends of my guide Jiro. We all got along quite well, but to my dismay only on of them spoke fluent - nay- any English. Leaving me to e the outcast for most of the day. Even So, we were able to communicate well enough to teach each other kids games and order food and have an overall good time.

And Said good time started out as a mistake. On our special day of tours, we were scheduled to visit the Suntory Whiskey Factory. Delicious sipping and a free tour to boot? Yes please.

Unfortunately, we jumped the wrong bus and ended up at the other Suntory factory tour- for Beer. Oh the sorrow! Not only had we to go through TWO factory tours, but we had to sit through TWO free tastings. CRIMINEY!

Even though we, or at least I, didn't understand a word, these things are pretty universal. Especially since everybody really just wants to get to the tasting at the end.

First they always take you around the long track of the factory to see every last boiler on display. And considering how hot it was already that day, everybody shuffled through that section real quick. At least they do the kindness of taking you through the storage shed. Hundreds of Kegs all agging in a single storeroom- you could just breath and you'd start stumbling like a drunk sailor.

But boy was the wait worth it.

Here's Jacon being useful. 

Everybody was smiles that day.

The face of Satisfaction

Though Japanese know their brews and broths, the high point for me was truly the many temples and shrines we trotted through. Scenic doesn't even begin to describe it though.

On this particular night, the air was heavy and the night lit by
the occasional Lightning.

These aged gateways of prayers and well wishes ran all along the mountainside. It was a sobering clime, mostly  because it was a tough climb even when our shirts  weren't sagging like wet blankets. Even so it was a blissful contrast to the crowded streets and train cars. 

There isn't much else to say except that I loved Japan despite its unaccommodating size. I'd love to and likely will go back in due time, but first I'd better save up. Japan costs a FORTUNE!