Not on the Japan Rail Pass

From thelejo: WORLD

More Pictures!

April 26 - Hakone (hah-cone-ay)



April 27 - On the Way to Takayama



April 28 - Takayama

As expected

The tourist sites of today were pretty depressing. I am still kind of a mixed bag of emotions from what we saw today. I really miss my grandpa.

We left Peace Memorial Park, still in the middle of their Boy's Day celebrations, to check in at our hostel. We stepped inside just as the skies opened up. So I don't really get the distraction I need. Just curled up on the futon, pretty depressed. Here's hoping for some sun.

Adventures in Breakfasting

Just got back from our first continental breakfast in Japan, and needless to say it was interesting. We are practically the only Westerners in Kurashiki, so when we walked into the lobby it was like all the old timey saloon scenes when the music just stops. Then everyone started to go about their business but keeping one eye on us the whole time. We spent a good couple minutes looking for clean plates, almost grabbing from the dirty pile when we first got there. Finally finding them in a drawer we went about getting some food, which consisted of hard boiled eggs (soft yolks), assorted breads, and bananas. When we went to get some coffee both of us were yelled at by the hotel's Cooking Mama, who stole our cups away because they were not perfectly lined up under the spout and poured our coffee. Later I went to get what I thought was tea and ended up getting chicken broth (club 33 style, except mine was doctored with sugar, ick!) Then I had a Japanese woman spill her coffee on my breakfast on my lap. Fun times!

Morning in Kurashiki

Hooray for a reprieve from hostel living, last night we stayed at the Toyoko Inn here in Kurashiki. So nice not to here slamming doors and people screaming at each other all throughout the night. The fact that we have a relaxed schedule today is good as well, no 8:17 trains to catch! We will be leaving on a local JR line, and should get to Hiroshima in an hour and half. As long as we are out of here by 10 we are golden.

Today in Hiroshima should be interesting. I thought it was definitely something I needed to see in person, but I am apprehensive on how I am going to feel about seeing everything. All of my grandpas were at Pearl Harbor so I have a little more of the connection to it than I think Charlton does. May be rough, so we will see. The guidebooks say the memorial will ruin your day so plan accordingly (great!) If thats the case we may turn in early and watch some slingbox.