What a long day. \u00a0My alarm went off at 530 and Kaoru was already up getting things ready. \u00a0I had a shower and breakfast, and we were out the door just before 630. \u00a0On the way to the train station there was a sprinkle of rain but not enough to warrant getting the umbrella out. \u00a0Nobody told the locals that though!<\/p>\n
We waited about 5 minutes for our train to arrive. \u00a0Once seated it wasn’t too long before we fell back asleep, so the trip to Shinjuku didn’t seem that long. \u00a0We walked to the bus station which took about 10 minutes, and had a hot drink while waiting for our bus to arrive. \u00a0We pulled out of the station about 1020.<\/p>\n
Another sleep passed the time, as well as some eating and Hirigana and Katakana practice. \u00a0We arrived in Shinasu about 1220, and were feeling peckish, so had soba noodles. \u00a0We then caught a taxi to Kaorus parents second house. \u00a0We sat down for some green tea and a “chat” (which basically means Kaoru practiced interpreting). \u00a0We were then taken to our “room”, which was the guest cottage. \u00a0This was just amazing. \u00a0We walked outside, along the garden path, to the building that was only about 5 years old. \u00a0It had a strong pine smell to it, but I don’t think there are words to describe it! \u00a0So I’ll just use the word “Japanese”.<\/p>\n
Kaoru and I went for a walk while her parents went for a drive. \u00a0We ended up at a farm, which was fun. \u00a0There was everything you could imagine, from horse rides to “rent a rabbit” that you put on a leash and could walk around with. \u00a0You could catch a fish, put a skewer through it, and cook it on the fire. \u00a0It was awesome.<\/p>\n
Another 30 minute walk got us home and we had a tea and more talking. \u00a0Kaoru’s Dad wanted me to have a “Japanese style” bath. \u00a0So Kaoru showed me where it was and instructed me on its use. \u00a0The best way to describe it would be like a spa but rock tiles construction. \u00a0The water level was flush with the top and I was told part of the luxury is getting in and letting the water overflow as your body disperses it. \u00a0It was very relaxing and after the sitting and long walk, just what I needed.<\/p>\n
I was out around 530, which is about dinner time at the Kodama house. \u00a0WHAT A FEAST!!! \u00a0Tuna Sashima, Wagu beef, rice, salad, a japanese sweet potato, some beer, scallops, salad…the meat was cooked on a hot plate at the table and as soon as I took something off my plate, it was replaced with something else. \u00a0Kaoru’s parents were very impressed with my use of chopsticks. \u00a0Apparently Japanese people these days don’t use them properly. \u00a0My years of practice were recognized and earnt some good brownie points \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
After dinner it was Kaoru’s turn to have a bath. \u00a0Instead of going to our room though, I stayed and dried dishes and attempted to chat to her parents without her. \u00a0We managed to laugh a few times – hopefully at the same thing! \u00a0Given her father speaks no English, they made a great effort to make me feel welcome. \u00a0Once Kaoru was out of the bath she joined us, and I was invited to come back whenever I want – especially in the Spring time which is his favourite time of year out there. \u00a0And I was told to bring friends and family, and there’s a golf course nearby, and it’s in the mountains, so you’ll love it, Dad!!!<\/p>\n
We then went to our room and made up our bed. \u00a0We watched Iron Chef in Japanese and it occurred to me that the commentators job realy isn’t necessary, as the show was enjoyable not understanding a word of it! \u00a0We eventually went to bed after a very long day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What a long day. \u00a0My alarm went off at 530 and Kaoru was already up getting things ready. \u00a0I had a shower and breakfast, and we were out the door just before 630. \u00a0On the way to the train station there was a sprinkle of rain but not enough to warrant getting the umbrella out. … Continue reading