Weather with you
Well Japan is a great country but the weather is all over the place – going from spring, like this:
Then to winter like this, all in the space of a day:
(I will be wearing the same clothes in all the photos by the way – it’s like being photoshopped into them. That little red doll I am holding is a child protector – it has no face and adopts the emotions of the child it is guarding. Yes, weird.)
It has been cold over the last few days – thermals all the way. We went to an onsen the other day which is an outdoor hot spring, and being Japan, has loads of rules on how to behave. The biggest one being you have to be totally naked. Bar a little towel to cover your modesty. So you have to leave your embarrassment in the locker with your clothes. Full of little old ladies who don’t give a toss anyway. But it was fantastic, sitting in a hot bath with a fabulous view of the lovely snowy mountains. I had a great chat with this lovely English girl Claire who is on the tour with us and it turns out there is Japanese word for it – skinshippe,the camaraderie you experience in an onsen. Sitting naked in a bath with a stranger will bring it on alright.
The group are actually really nice and we have a great laugh – no headbangers or awkward people. Mostly English and two Americans so no cultural differences and we all like a drink. The woman in the B and B was not impressed the other night when we kept her up till 11pm (after dinner at 6.30) drinking sake and laughing. So it’s all good and am really enjoying things. We are off today to Kanawaza then Hiroshima tomorrow so am really looking forward to it. Might be cranky after that.
Love the posts Julie and it looks amazing!
Thanks Laura – having a great time. Great bunch on the tour.
I’m so annoyed with myself! I had a long reply typed and since I didn’t put in my email, stupid I know, it deleted it all aggh! Hi Julie and the scenery looks amazing there! I loved the pure blue sky and the temple, its how I always imagined Japan to look like. That spirit protector for children is cool and I like the idea of it. The Japanese have some cool customs alright. When you mentioned about staying up drinking sake and laughing, it reminded me of Homer Simpson being in Japan when he was locked! He ran through those paper doors, much to the horror of the lady running the place! I look forward to seeing the pictures of Hiroshima as Ger told me all about it before. How a city can die in less than a second is mind blowing. I guess Enola Gay doesn’t get played on Japanese radio. I’m glad you have met a nice friendly group on the trip and that will make it more craic! The blog is a good laugh so keep it up! P.s. Closing on next door on Friday and yet man was moving his stuff out xx
Hi Joe. Great that the sale is progressing. Yes really looking forward to Hiroshima – not much mention of war history in general here so interesting to see the approach. The Japanese ladies are very proper so crashing through the paper door would not be nice!!
hi Julie, never read a blog before, so don’t know if I am doing this right. pictures are amazing you yourself look like a little japanise girl yourself!! They have the right idea about the smoking why not be comfortable!! only joking I await your reply to see if iam doing this right, keep safe and enjoy. very cold here
Hi Mary – yes you are doing it right! Japan is great – have smoked a bit but you forget how smelly it makes your clothes!! Having a great time so far.
Hi Julie, glad you enjoy Japan but you could have four seasons in one day back here just without the nice temples.
Looks fabulous Julie. Glad the tour group are nice. I still cant believe you’re only gone 10 days. Long way to go yet!! Pics are great. Love you. XXX
I know Mar – we are very connected here with internet. Won’t always be like that.