Leaving the modern world behind we are now in the wooded mountains of Mt. Fugi, heading to Hakone, a resort town in the lake district. Even though the weather has turned overcast and, this afternoon, rainy, we have been fortunate to see "her majesty" up close and personal, driving up to the 4th station (of which there are 10 in the summer months). We were above the clouds. The atmosphere is remeniscent of our Trail Ridge Road, still snow-covered.
During our drive today Kana gave us history and caligraphy lessons, but more importantly, THE RULES for our next two night's stay at the ryokan, which is a Traditional Japanese inn. No wifi here so these next two entries will have to wait.
First lesson is about proper attire. Upon arrival we were each handed matching yukatas,(a light weight cotton kimono, worn "at home" and after bathing). There is a hot springs spa here at the inn for guests. Strict "how to..." rules in preparing for this experience, include the changing room rule after you go au natural. "Do not wear other person's underwear and yukata." Nice to know :-)
Second lesson has to do with learning how to crawl on the matted floor, sitting on the pillow at the low table in my room. Good thing I have a private room and noone's watching! Tonight I get to learn how to roll onto and out of my futon. :-) For our "traditional" dinner Kana is making us wear our yukatas. One of the fellows in our group is 6' 8". Should be interesting.
Later: dinner consisted of no less that 16 strange and mysterious bites of cuisine. Can't explain - sorry. See picture below.
Pic 1: Traditional dinner, first course; pic 2: my room; pic 3: yours truly
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