We decided to join Colin (our neighbor ALT) and Alys (an ALT from Kumamoto, super cool) and adventure out to Kikuchi Gorge. It had been a very rainy week and we weren't sure the weather would hold out, but we went anyway. It was really beautiful! The water was ice cold, but also very refreshing. I was scared to jump in the river since the only rivers I am accustomed to are canals, but alas I was pushed! It made the initial shock much easier. We were able to swim around a lot because the river was high from the rainfall. There was a group of local teens that was jumping in in different places, first they jumped in at a small cliff, then they made there way to the waterfall. I could not do this jump, but Rob and Colin did! It was scary! I cannot believe that they actually did it. We headed out once the rain came and we went home to relax a bit before going to a festival.
Panorama of Kikuchi Gorge
When we finally packed up to leave, futons and pillows in tow, we drove about an hour to get to our destination Misato-machi. We parked at a JETS house and walked over. It was great to meet so many other JET ALTs! Everyone is so interested in travel and culture, it is definitely invigorating to hang out with people who love doing what you love too.
The first thing I ate was Teryaki Squid on a stick. YUM! Then we had a sampling of other chicken, pork, seafood items, and beer. The only thing that really got me was the shared bathroom. I was convinced that there was a men's and women's restroom, but no it was a combined one. It downpoured at the festival while the fireworks were going off and drunk people were roaming about, it was such a good time! Rob and I were invited to the walk the next day which sounded like a lot of fun, after hanging out and meeting new people we went to bed.
The next morning was amazing, the rice fields and farming countryside in Japan is breathtaking. A few cars packed up and we were off into the mountains where we took on the challenge of climbing the 3,333 in Misato. I don't know why I thought it would be fun. I never would have made it without the encouragement of the ALTs and Rob. Rob pretty much nagged me up the mountain and I'm so grateful. We got stuck in a few cold rain showers which felt amazing, saw some scary wildlife (ie the Japanese hornet that you die from) and fabulous scenic views.Once we made it to the top, we had finally caught up with everyone. We drank some water and turned around. Going down was faster, but harder on the calves.
We carbed up at a chic pasta place parted ways with the other ALTs, and Alys, Colin, Rob and I made our way to an onsen. Onsen if basically a public bath. It was separated between men and women, and it was intense and amazing. Nobody cared that you were naked, because everyone else was naked. You wash yourself and then chill in this giant tubs filled with spring fed water. Very relaxing and was fun to have to one on one time chatting with Alys. We left the onsen, dropped Alys off at home and went back to Kikuyo to begin the week again.
xoxo
Windmills!