This last few days in Japan were... interesting.
Wednesday night around 10pm John Cope, from the ward, came over to talk about potential hiking plans. We were going back and forth debating when would be best and we settled on leaving at 5am the next morning! We knew we would be tired, but it was the only time we could make it work. So as soon as he left, we promptly went to bed to catch a few zzzzs before it was time to get up!
We drove a few hours to Nikko, a really beautiful area north of Tokyo. On our drive to the trail head, we saw two wild monkeys sitting near the road! It was amazing! I didn't have my camera out- bummer! We looked and looked the rest of the day for any more, but there were none to be found.
The hiking trail we went on is rated one of the most beautiful trails in Japan! and boy, was it beautiful! Here are some pictures of our trip!
We passed a lot of school trips during our hike. My absolute favorite was a group from a special education school. I've noticed in Japan that I don't see people with disabilities often. It is custom to keep them away from everyone else as much as possible. It makes me so sad. The very few times I have encountered someone with a disability, everyone else in the area stops and stares as if they are entirely uncomfortable. I hope someday soon that the country will accept it more freely and lovingly. Needless to say, I didn't take any pictures of the school group, because I didn't want them to think I was being rude. I didn't know how to explain to them in japanese that I teach special education... oh that darn language barrier!
We had grandiose plans to tour Tokyo on the weekend, but then I got sick (bladder infection, bleh!). We tried to go to the hospital on base, but they wouldn't accept my insurance. So then we had to go to the Japanese hospital!! I did say i wanted to experience all aspects of the culture, didnt i? A member of the stake presidency (AJs boss, and our friend, Nathan Frost) had to come and be my translator. It was awkward, but I felt so grateful that he was willing to serve us. That took up all of Friday and then Saturday I was ordered to rest-up. weekend trip spoiled!
Aaanyways, long story short: Japanese hospitals are very nice, smoked fish at the top of a mountain is delicious, and ALWAYS have your camera ready for a monkey photo-op when traveling in the mountains!
Love,
G
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