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Kevin and Joannie on tour
Last night we had a relaxing time after dinner. We both had a traditional hot bath in the hotel. These baths are large stone affairs. Etiquette requires that you change into a yukata (lightweight kimono) and proceed to the communal bathing area. Before getting into the bath you undress, put your clothes in a basket and then proceed to a showering area, where you do the cleaning bit. Once you are washed completely, you proceed to the bath, which was a big stone container, filled with clean water which is kept at a constant temperature, usually hot! You lower yourself in and the water comes up to your neck, then relax. To help keep the water warm the bath is covered by wooden or plastic lids. Joan was the only woman staying at the hotel and thus had the women's bath all to herself. Kevin had the bath to himself, however was just getting dry when two other chaps turned up to use it. Kevin was pleased he didn't have to share!
After all this cleaning (three baths in one day), we both slept well until just 9 am when the host knocked on the door. He told us another typhoon was approaching and that the boat we intended to catch on Thursday would mostlikey be cancelled due to stormy seas. Our only option was to foreshorten our stay and head back to the mainland. It was a lot choppier than on the way here.
An hour and a scramble later, we found ourselves stood on Okata port, waiting for the hydrofoil.
It was a shame. Today we had intended to walk up Mt Mihara and gape into its sulphurous crater. Joan had previously heard stories about people in Japan committing suicide by jumping into volcanoes. Well, according to that well-known source of slightly dodgy information, Wikipedia, this is the volcano where they do it. Apparently in 1936 over 600 people jumped into Mihara!
Early afternoon found us back at Takeshiba pier and nowhere to stay. We called Ryokan Eishinkan where we had stayed previously and luckily they had one room available. The weather has detriorated and there is heavy rain now. Upon reflection, the Japanese Grand Prix can often be wet. A couple of years ago it was so wet that qualifying was postponed until Sunday morning due to typhoons. Perhaps we have come in typhoon season?
As it is tipping down outside, it's not exactly weather for sight seeing, but we have reconnoitred a Tex-Mex Restaurant a couple of streets away for dinner.
After all this cleaning (three baths in one day), we both slept well until just 9 am when the host knocked on the door. He told us another typhoon was approaching and that the boat we intended to catch on Thursday would mostlikey be cancelled due to stormy seas. Our only option was to foreshorten our stay and head back to the mainland. It was a lot choppier than on the way here.
An hour and a scramble later, we found ourselves stood on Okata port, waiting for the hydrofoil.
It was a shame. Today we had intended to walk up Mt Mihara and gape into its sulphurous crater. Joan had previously heard stories about people in Japan committing suicide by jumping into volcanoes. Well, according to that well-known source of slightly dodgy information, Wikipedia, this is the volcano where they do it. Apparently in 1936 over 600 people jumped into Mihara!
Early afternoon found us back at Takeshiba pier and nowhere to stay. We called Ryokan Eishinkan where we had stayed previously and luckily they had one room available. The weather has detriorated and there is heavy rain now. Upon reflection, the Japanese Grand Prix can often be wet. A couple of years ago it was so wet that qualifying was postponed until Sunday morning due to typhoons. Perhaps we have come in typhoon season?
As it is tipping down outside, it's not exactly weather for sight seeing, but we have reconnoitred a Tex-Mex Restaurant a couple of streets away for dinner.
- comments
Need help? Just passing by. Hello. For vegetarian food, you might search on Google Map for "菜食主義 (vegetarianism)". Otherwise, "精進料理 (Buddhist Zen vegetarian, Shojin Ryori)". Going to an Indian Restaurant "インド料理" might be a good idea (cut, paste, and search these words). Ask these questions. Watashi wa Saishoku Shugisha desu. (I am vegetarian). Nanika osusume wa arimasuka? (Do you have anything to recommend me?)
Kevin and Joan Clarke Thank you so much for your advice. It is deeply appreciated,
Passer-by どういたしまして。You're welcome. 楽しいご旅行を!Happy travels ! Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Zen vegetarian) is a bit pricey, but very nice. You should try it. If you are out of choices, check out the food section of department stores like Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi, Daimaru, Isetan, Seibu, Tobu for food takeaway. Other phrases: 私は肉が食べられません。Watashiwa Nikuga Taberaremasen. (I can't eat meat).