We visited Hakone a few weeks after arriving in Japan, and decided to go again. We really loved it there last time, plus we wanted to check out Hakone in Autumn. We hope to go there each season. It's usually 1 1/2 drive away, however we went on a busy Saturday and it ended up taking us 3 1/2 hours. Although the drive was long, it was well worth it. We were able to get a nice view of Mt.Fuji with snow on it's peak, very beautiful! Brooke was great for the entire drive, which was great.
Upon our arrival we had a quick lunch. We were going to go for a hike first, but Brooke kept asking for, and was so excited to go for a boat ride. We were on this boat last time, but this time we were at a different spot in Hakone. There are 3 stops for the boat, we decided to stay on and enjoy the ride, it was an hour ride on Lake Ashi. We enjoyed the views of the colors on the leaves, Mt. Fuji and much more. After the cruise, we then went on our hike, which was on a beautiful park in Hakone. Overall it was a great road trip! In the first picture below, you can see Mt.Fuji, with snow on it's peak, in the background.
Calligraphy class
As part of a group I joined up for (field trip +), I joined in on a Calligraphy class. It was 2 hours long, and well worth my time. I met a few new friends, and was able to make a Christmas card. It was my first time doing calligraphy, and also my first time writing in Japanese, so I found it very difficult. Even though it was difficult, I had a great time trying and hanging out with some local Japanese. One girl was really exited to talk to me in English, she was really sweet! I really like this group, and plan on joining them for more classes. One of the leaders asked me to do a small speech at an upcoming event she has, unfortunately I won't be able to make it for the event, but I told her I would pass on a small video that she can show.
Scottish Dance Class
I attended my second class last week, and it was a blast! My first class there was around 8 people, this time there was around 30. I was surprised how quickly I picked up a few of the dances, being it was only my second time. I found it a lot easier than the first class, and even the instructor mentioned how he was happy I was picking up some of the steps quickly. If it works out, Graham and I are going to go to their Christmas party, and Graham can watch me do a couple dances.
Some of the people I met last time were there again, and some were new, so I got to meet some new friends. Everyone was very nice and easy to get a long with. They have some beer and wine there, so I enjoyed a couple of glasses of red wine.
During the class they took a group photo and asked for smaller people in the front, and taller in back. As usual, I am a short person, so I went to the front. However during the photo, I was asked to move to the back, as I was considered tall, LOL!!! Yes, the first time I have been considered a "tall" person, it was so awesome!
No pictures to update this time. I know the instructors did take some, so I will try and get a copy and post them at a later date.
Mid-town Christmas and other Christmas events
There are a ton of different events and shows around the city to celebrate Christmas. This last weekend we went to mid-town mall to see Santa. The tickets to get to go on his lap started at 11:00am, we got there at 11:10am and they were all sold. It was okay though, we had a good spot to sit and watch Santa's arrival and he had a short speech for the crowd. Brooke was happy just to see him. At Mid-Town they have a TON of lights all throughout the nearby park and have little Santa statues that they also put up. When Brooke first seen the statues, she had to run up to everyone and give them a hug :)
It's been a great week! Tonight we have two friends from Canada coming to visit for a week, we are really exited to see them and show them around Tokyo/Japan.
Love to everyone! All the best
good to hear from you. am also getting a different view of japan. i aways think of wall to wall people which i guess is there just hasn't shown up in your pics. a lot of them are so tranquille. love the lights. seems like more there than in this area. may have kentucky for xmas. my way of being with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteI thought of Japan as wall to wall people also. We do experience that in certain areas when were out, but not all that often, so that's nice. The trains can be very busy and certain shopping areas. There are lots of tranquil places in all the madness, you just have to find them :)
DeleteYes the Christmas lights are very nice. There are tons of illumination shows going on throughout the city, we hope to be able to visit many of them.
HAHA Kentucky for Christmas, I still can't believe that is big here :) I say go for Turkey at Ryan or Jennies house instead.
Haha, good luck finding a KFC open on Christmas day in Canada there dad. Although I wouldn't be too surprised if you did find one.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you're now considered above average height! Have fun with your dancing and calligraphy. Sounds like you're enjoying your time there immensely.
Yes, it feels good to be above average height! Even though for my weight I am considered well above average LOL! They are so tiny/skinny here also.
DeleteYes, we are really enjoying are time and trying to take in as much of the culture as we can.
Your welcome! Yes, we are really enjoying the Autumn here. The last week we have had 12-15 degree weather, which has been nice as we have done a lot of walking around with our friends. It does get dark pretty early, but with the light and sunshine during the day, I can't complain.
ReplyDeleteThe Scottish dancing is very fun, and the steps are pretty easy to follow which helps. Next time I go, I can ask the instructors to take a small video from my phone.
Yes, Brooke often moves with a bounce in her step and is constantly humming or singing while doing things, it's a joy to watch. I don't know if some of the songs she sings are made up in her head or Japanese, as they are often words I don't understand :)
Yes, we are looking forward to more visitors in the New Year!