tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46155339117053613572024-03-26T22:35:04.322-07:00UADarthmaul's TravelsThenemesis9d9@yahoo.com is my email address. Feel free to reach out.
My wildlife and nature photography can be found at uadarthmaul.smugmug.com .UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-79705270703185528312023-11-06T16:15:00.004-08:002023-11-06T16:15:30.093-08:00Mongolia 5: The Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve to end my stay in Mongolia and a short description of my final two weeks in Tokyo<p> My final day in the Gobi Desert was mostly spent driving to be near the airport. Our only stop was at the Flaming Cliffs. Within sight of the Cliffs, we stopped for a lunch at a camp. There was a small gate between buildings to enter the Cliff grounds. The guide took me inside to watch the history of how Americans took advantage of the newly free state of Mongolia in the 1920s, and effectively stole their dinosaur fossils. This included the first ever discovery of dinosaur eggs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie78yZlFfMUqNM3NrAO_lF66zohK7PjxD4vFf6s8E4bRVJgsdzgwZTyvEBz1_wGgbZQDpNGOzLIjm5EaMVT8z-UmdIZy5a7dUVHyF_AMCg322Erl2LtSYKNDlr0dwrRa3kXuDuCoQAgYJu6VYxsoUYpjl4uklGoWJKD4SYLAcY756uSFjjNRU7CFJk-NM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie78yZlFfMUqNM3NrAO_lF66zohK7PjxD4vFf6s8E4bRVJgsdzgwZTyvEBz1_wGgbZQDpNGOzLIjm5EaMVT8z-UmdIZy5a7dUVHyF_AMCg322Erl2LtSYKNDlr0dwrRa3kXuDuCoQAgYJu6VYxsoUYpjl4uklGoWJKD4SYLAcY756uSFjjNRU7CFJk-NM" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a picture I had forgotten to include of the camp we stayed at near the dunes, from my prior blog entry.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was a short walk around the edges of the red sand colored Flaming Cliffs. The views were interesting, large expanses of flat land. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwlgFWNKFOP8aJ1NfA_WUYaYq1Au4AOc9Y0GscPd0E5HovmD5qn6Q6PLYx5QKxLJmEfhP4gs8nVwK9fjGPL8XJDibsn3loXExdpxoyBt1FVhDO2KbsT0VcgK-N0cWrBkloFx5jcZBONVPxYqngUCN-y_FUFjDqdQOPAABux3VrCCLEUB1lYogCiucuYd8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwlgFWNKFOP8aJ1NfA_WUYaYq1Au4AOc9Y0GscPd0E5HovmD5qn6Q6PLYx5QKxLJmEfhP4gs8nVwK9fjGPL8XJDibsn3loXExdpxoyBt1FVhDO2KbsT0VcgK-N0cWrBkloFx5jcZBONVPxYqngUCN-y_FUFjDqdQOPAABux3VrCCLEUB1lYogCiucuYd8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7QCjlpRlq27hSl5ytJOG3cusJ_VEbm_oSCEnIJD_Bo4JmGptst8R450f-jtvJyVbkPdebl_PZ5ov20wg1ACvSYOm0XJelRmeEp9FS9iXPkWf1zFNAhz7oQz2-7aLGH6F6f5EJWdB1eX6CsnIp3cAaX7J1CUFIx_axmfm7-uYFKXaKW7ZVTbcrzDbPRAI" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6278" data-original-width="9477" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht1eWFmJ4l6JLotMvbXidZb75eakbObVmqlW1K0AWiYk4ZtYgBAWjqMQ8qia76HIe1PogYt3_Jjskr5vbN1xf3gErOT1cxFejRivU6iTvlFYZi39oF2APP31cnXrlhuMsrsUxk2O6e-cyJOnlI_Uq-T4ClXlh-hksdJKjrIti9Uqnl76z3kFusZC44VZI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyuvSG0_yDskXvFAbH0OE-2PEciUQ8Jg06BoGipOyHwEkPIPfvW5u0ASehmNi5jMidCoIdXBZFMjGJqjvfwV8q76FvEE4GMAjCsBnGUKvzmW01mdNaRzJ6ze11gjS5lN5XX1LYW4lEmccp_7Q6Iew0a--XnmePmkXXeHmO8xIeGkZSana1jJzuDB7pu8c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyuvSG0_yDskXvFAbH0OE-2PEciUQ8Jg06BoGipOyHwEkPIPfvW5u0ASehmNi5jMidCoIdXBZFMjGJqjvfwV8q76FvEE4GMAjCsBnGUKvzmW01mdNaRzJ6ze11gjS5lN5XX1LYW4lEmccp_7Q6Iew0a--XnmePmkXXeHmO8xIeGkZSana1jJzuDB7pu8c" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8VCV5aKAKp19-2hLCGDbHfa0Ml45vZc3j-DfI7-l39vXBQJ2K222xtgE16FEOwWsY7j0HbBIGCeAK6PZ9FxoEzCUSLGp9L5vTtXfuhcGh2W4F3_bZscpmILSJJHGPP29PuN4-ceKO7v7ObNqL-jViREGRb6AK9sNg6D1pbJn57CJ_8Po3ZYK7nxtQCcc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8VCV5aKAKp19-2hLCGDbHfa0Ml45vZc3j-DfI7-l39vXBQJ2K222xtgE16FEOwWsY7j0HbBIGCeAK6PZ9FxoEzCUSLGp9L5vTtXfuhcGh2W4F3_bZscpmILSJJHGPP29PuN4-ceKO7v7ObNqL-jViREGRb6AK9sNg6D1pbJn57CJ_8Po3ZYK7nxtQCcc" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We spent our final night at a camp and took an early morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar. I had the rest of the day to relax. The guide picked me up late the next morning, along with the driver that I recognized from my very first day in Mongolia. He would be our driver for my final three days. Our destination was the Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve.<div> </div><div> The reserve was about two hours from Ulaanbaatar. We passed by the well known Chinggis Khaan Statue, which every single tour company included in tour itineraries.</div><div><br /></div><div> My guide was excited to expose me to his favorite Mongolian Band, the Hu. He was proud that they had gathered some international recognition. He showed me their most popular music video on his phone. It was a strange mixture of Mongolian landscape, men on motorcycles, the very large group that the band consisted of, some throat singing, and a lot of repetition in lyrics. During lunch at the camp, we heard the song again.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2TBd844XxEvUFNWAq1kWAWMPvke2unFL37uvEq0ZJ-i5OcWWX8_Utaxaguw0X9GuTG6jEQP2U7hv7kJCWsLRrHu9U9TG1HGWoyItQYkJy6jIKUA1LzFQjaHpKcyjf2sbOJt-QsQIE7AqQygHhe5ij7lWWo9pNFRwZ8iMl62RcmWX3CM7aNuihIDmNq9s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2486" data-original-width="3315" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2TBd844XxEvUFNWAq1kWAWMPvke2unFL37uvEq0ZJ-i5OcWWX8_Utaxaguw0X9GuTG6jEQP2U7hv7kJCWsLRrHu9U9TG1HGWoyItQYkJy6jIKUA1LzFQjaHpKcyjf2sbOJt-QsQIE7AqQygHhe5ij7lWWo9pNFRwZ8iMl62RcmWX3CM7aNuihIDmNq9s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU4xpsat8X_EQOWSAmxwxX0IwHtVMHiBqAI5zKfQKqNbs1ea37s9T6lpf2JOGGKxo6Y7589UrZqQlocL4eY6WhC8n986dqDsC5wzCpgOEqIBFeXJgN-eoMZ7VnHLPa0kbxzwBgM0yjekVTVQMTnLVf0WBs14uDfQZT6yt4_7EQ5TluZHh6PdYI7loIe7s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="2957" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU4xpsat8X_EQOWSAmxwxX0IwHtVMHiBqAI5zKfQKqNbs1ea37s9T6lpf2JOGGKxo6Y7589UrZqQlocL4eY6WhC8n986dqDsC5wzCpgOEqIBFeXJgN-eoMZ7VnHLPa0kbxzwBgM0yjekVTVQMTnLVf0WBs14uDfQZT6yt4_7EQ5TluZHh6PdYI7loIe7s" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> As we entered the Reserve, we encountered a flock of what I believe to be the white naped crane. After I dropped off my luggage at the camp, I went for a walk along the river. I was in search of birds, but found mostly insects and horses. There was one insect in particular that made a very loud clicking sound. I think it was some form of flying grasshopper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVCfR6_PPjrAzgHxP-U_4-ZjH3-Aa8HaU1fAfVjQxUZ3x5QUUB2dm44J9SeWemGGhe_YbeHPUNIpogr-K88gs3gER3K5Eq9Fl4B83WMiTt9BCyVH-z-RMAnDByyHHxz88vZarKMgiXhD8l-FQ1SY1dr4u9vaXt2YRW8CBnOULwkD-CX6R4PmToj0jbB2c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4055" data-original-width="6083" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVCfR6_PPjrAzgHxP-U_4-ZjH3-Aa8HaU1fAfVjQxUZ3x5QUUB2dm44J9SeWemGGhe_YbeHPUNIpogr-K88gs3gER3K5Eq9Fl4B83WMiTt9BCyVH-z-RMAnDByyHHxz88vZarKMgiXhD8l-FQ1SY1dr4u9vaXt2YRW8CBnOULwkD-CX6R4PmToj0jbB2c" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPeweL0NBhgtkgbK3TcgmBdNhxFDetkDjjHk9-Ue8Uz7QwHApHpVkJKaC92NrdjcJpuAXqf1yIQGu3sLJ6u5pNl1lJOrhd7-gOYW9r_Ah27Rii1vn_m-L8C4doJV5kr_FrdcBSCs1XJQYQpHJ1virtLdSkcL8ZN4BGKN-O2WAyxq6Dr0fyerpurkC3WjI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2345" data-original-width="3518" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPeweL0NBhgtkgbK3TcgmBdNhxFDetkDjjHk9-Ue8Uz7QwHApHpVkJKaC92NrdjcJpuAXqf1yIQGu3sLJ6u5pNl1lJOrhd7-gOYW9r_Ah27Rii1vn_m-L8C4doJV5kr_FrdcBSCs1XJQYQpHJ1virtLdSkcL8ZN4BGKN-O2WAyxq6Dr0fyerpurkC3WjI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1XTJuILQcHkfqFRmETVSK8Ff01R9mogDMHX1YF7LtdFHvONUHxEgLOUAn65HM0-IfB0UDmQXExteq5-brYryk3uNmzPSmKF0Eov0HO22RB46t1Q53jC7ieZ6Q3Qw67TbIxLKx5hrmXqSm2uoIDwFAaesPAhtyaqsO7OlUIxdsXXactSfffTjwEbEp5xw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3466" data-original-width="5199" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1XTJuILQcHkfqFRmETVSK8Ff01R9mogDMHX1YF7LtdFHvONUHxEgLOUAn65HM0-IfB0UDmQXExteq5-brYryk3uNmzPSmKF0Eov0HO22RB46t1Q53jC7ieZ6Q3Qw67TbIxLKx5hrmXqSm2uoIDwFAaesPAhtyaqsO7OlUIxdsXXactSfffTjwEbEp5xw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHhqKH1CSdwqXx8VR2SVzFoqM_KtGLeRP8OUB_UbHs-2TSp-YMi4M7yaf--gbWGshyxBHvHE2z4ZZx6c5GSATGyaQKhB9Wm5bGgMbZQ9-eKYzsYwD1Uwhh2juIYwlv0MUEvkr49DKHqgKLfG9dV2ei2dqUOuDrBAtex08JHdGBs_WN20qdewB2xFc9rII" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1783" data-original-width="2675" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHhqKH1CSdwqXx8VR2SVzFoqM_KtGLeRP8OUB_UbHs-2TSp-YMi4M7yaf--gbWGshyxBHvHE2z4ZZx6c5GSATGyaQKhB9Wm5bGgMbZQ9-eKYzsYwD1Uwhh2juIYwlv0MUEvkr49DKHqgKLfG9dV2ei2dqUOuDrBAtex08JHdGBs_WN20qdewB2xFc9rII" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7fCiHcJx3fJqGNVXORT8dBkYn8wewlvLWY1RSvkuBULG30OR5G-2JR8uv8rthDpvR2emtXqpBfljp1Zs2dy_NtSs_vGNSP9twFq_b29cQvYuVzHCr_5q8zqiCf34xuUXFdZfmwxVvF74HJ4wzf-X8NX6CGDLi3Jy7ivPGnlQNtXIj6EqGKrn_a_bQzc0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="2579" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7fCiHcJx3fJqGNVXORT8dBkYn8wewlvLWY1RSvkuBULG30OR5G-2JR8uv8rthDpvR2emtXqpBfljp1Zs2dy_NtSs_vGNSP9twFq_b29cQvYuVzHCr_5q8zqiCf34xuUXFdZfmwxVvF74HJ4wzf-X8NX6CGDLi3Jy7ivPGnlQNtXIj6EqGKrn_a_bQzc0" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> A group of horses allowed me to sit near them. They enjoyed rolling around in the dirt. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDkuG0Hwj6MEiFTq4Jg0Jc2ZOlQ7UlydmzmpVZTwvavTi8cVmc3tJXXvZTzYqX9eilRJPb7AFsCfGWbMlhm-vUHw8-0Ck7mmIRr-0EzRCBpCqNv2674zwCb0piDNvGrz7Mz5aBq9qkyA7XoSbDbqhZBFbrr6z3Z-HgW7PiiCtNavYxd1rnlqDE2zaGDUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5473" data-original-width="8210" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDkuG0Hwj6MEiFTq4Jg0Jc2ZOlQ7UlydmzmpVZTwvavTi8cVmc3tJXXvZTzYqX9eilRJPb7AFsCfGWbMlhm-vUHw8-0Ck7mmIRr-0EzRCBpCqNv2674zwCb0piDNvGrz7Mz5aBq9qkyA7XoSbDbqhZBFbrr6z3Z-HgW7PiiCtNavYxd1rnlqDE2zaGDUA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh14ktc_4ZCF3-dMJO7Y57po7XCxxan3UDasW4yMLvOh3DcyCJ908B5x7Oh1Nim88Qd6NG4WP_CqFJ705qxxGrLHA9mVqt-eEroj6sL22rjy_XXFL7nKeb5VzSPVyvId99b13Qy8dqj-3obzhJQSCySbs89c_VQVP_WP3MyP3TahyzNVrrm3k9BIqP8D5w" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4358" data-original-width="6538" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_5DHZCMMGGD2OhNbEN891Os0irnESu4q9ac2BjoY67y4TOIbyklqOGt_H4b0DYgwXU_3aIVB9tlpF5qpLw6ejfOEjgXw_eXaxwJdxNa1PenOjKV2pdwfK9PifNq2kQQPOxJoprEcgP9KugmLOog7vhRs0T7q9M964u5iGO100c2H646zVYC5xYqfnUbM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqyKwYCL_HlCJnu2hY6fFLj8BE90pj8nCnTJ5Be_-sNOr1tnHVoGh-QQ5sFtG0idY7k4EgbAmTC9s3-Ct92VS3pCHnsHcLPqeGefRvKXXgWQRGl4YjTsNJb4bZMp2N4lCvRqGHqzgjjTlMVClaIieXaAor35JNdODq900LwBD2gXNKe3pSfkbjO2K5Y2E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5284" data-original-width="7923" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqyKwYCL_HlCJnu2hY6fFLj8BE90pj8nCnTJ5Be_-sNOr1tnHVoGh-QQ5sFtG0idY7k4EgbAmTC9s3-Ct92VS3pCHnsHcLPqeGefRvKXXgWQRGl4YjTsNJb4bZMp2N4lCvRqGHqzgjjTlMVClaIieXaAor35JNdODq900LwBD2gXNKe3pSfkbjO2K5Y2E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx0LpnIBuurhOJvJlz9fEFnUSnbEqjDCv2Z9E_JhDE0UN0iLhUNXpKWRHptSdDatr3KBfZdPk5eTkvNXnVCYLPpJdiCfck2NNPby9XI8Ez6lTg8QFUxZGnwoKNYdy9HgxH1HSQka1jSq2Og0SFOfU0fXmOt-wIGbRXtnxoeA232CoYiiiKigEsgdnQ-IY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4246" data-original-width="6370" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx0LpnIBuurhOJvJlz9fEFnUSnbEqjDCv2Z9E_JhDE0UN0iLhUNXpKWRHptSdDatr3KBfZdPk5eTkvNXnVCYLPpJdiCfck2NNPby9XI8Ez6lTg8QFUxZGnwoKNYdy9HgxH1HSQka1jSq2Og0SFOfU0fXmOt-wIGbRXtnxoeA232CoYiiiKigEsgdnQ-IY" width="320" /></a></div><br /> As I was returning to the camp, I bumped into the driver, who wore a hat with a net to ward off insects. He had with him a bridge camera. He was a birder. As we reentered camp, he spotted some frogs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyoHuKYzpLkCYGxxbRTI0EjZAY9i61AXC5jiFkeAIKXlE6vd66y_UyjvcgDDaROmfg3nvHET6g02_NKwxWMG5YPZC090JhOkJonq-i9W4KTRkDeyOdOBJjErTHyDe-r8iHzYHAt0FQlWNv4B9LvcSveuBngnZpXjRDNzZQ2nDBk01E7LA1c3kNlf-ReCA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3822" data-original-width="5734" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyoHuKYzpLkCYGxxbRTI0EjZAY9i61AXC5jiFkeAIKXlE6vd66y_UyjvcgDDaROmfg3nvHET6g02_NKwxWMG5YPZC090JhOkJonq-i9W4KTRkDeyOdOBJjErTHyDe-r8iHzYHAt0FQlWNv4B9LvcSveuBngnZpXjRDNzZQ2nDBk01E7LA1c3kNlf-ReCA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv1glgoAAkFC8xrUsm65JTDrg6Z0-Zo3Rd3-H8gc4bgASOwO8G6dDn6ovK2CfmHnemvvK5tuV-6NZOi3LEQqRPtasbQTKeBkrDQcU9Utjpdo107E9WmmgTpS6xNf35kXfFj1rRBD61MtRIRBZBFYFIH5pIyaucUHp1KTUVAtlvnHdfMcEe6Xssjn_J-Gk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5409" data-original-width="8115" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv1glgoAAkFC8xrUsm65JTDrg6Z0-Zo3Rd3-H8gc4bgASOwO8G6dDn6ovK2CfmHnemvvK5tuV-6NZOi3LEQqRPtasbQTKeBkrDQcU9Utjpdo107E9WmmgTpS6xNf35kXfFj1rRBD61MtRIRBZBFYFIH5pIyaucUHp1KTUVAtlvnHdfMcEe6Xssjn_J-Gk" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> After dinner, we left for the nearby mountains in search of wildlife.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGErB2JidH25FW9WDUZCaaZBFvTylb-_hcL_rQXzRw6bnYTg_vppFeA8GVGc8mNKJucjVbz6Ma45mGCTNzlJtw9h4L1nxjHzojzQTzLKGuUBxWFYllQm-1J61vI7xWtvXu9LCrnWhCMueq2Qw88kLcqai97v0Q2w7P3Ii9lRRFirKvLbvlJ_JdqybafVc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3573" data-original-width="5359" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGErB2JidH25FW9WDUZCaaZBFvTylb-_hcL_rQXzRw6bnYTg_vppFeA8GVGc8mNKJucjVbz6Ma45mGCTNzlJtw9h4L1nxjHzojzQTzLKGuUBxWFYllQm-1J61vI7xWtvXu9LCrnWhCMueq2Qw88kLcqai97v0Q2w7P3Ii9lRRFirKvLbvlJ_JdqybafVc" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhBRP6lSO02ENp4OAWZkg-mAQOfLyi9i_MnLhTaiyjwnOAbS5texL5vx-cwxQYRVTJsOrP33opsVkWzF1SLaWNS8F7l3_hAfxDLYcLOw3KGBLKRKDQs2_lxVtiYBh0_6EdPVHMG2wTfdKn1kagQhnycV_g_KDEdPTih3XgEoYen_FvtUc1E8TMjCIpo6o" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1655" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhBRP6lSO02ENp4OAWZkg-mAQOfLyi9i_MnLhTaiyjwnOAbS5texL5vx-cwxQYRVTJsOrP33opsVkWzF1SLaWNS8F7l3_hAfxDLYcLOw3KGBLKRKDQs2_lxVtiYBh0_6EdPVHMG2wTfdKn1kagQhnycV_g_KDEdPTih3XgEoYen_FvtUc1E8TMjCIpo6o" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea what this cow had in its mouth.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii6B0mh1MYpXhx1trGN0sH3nd0M46dotiLWOPT1Agb5f2-ycEmMengO5Ho6rn-4D7zzAhp35N-YGZIkv4bBeDxY_tYY5vVCIJKRPOb_CO3ZERZDIQksRcYgTc40NtzHkttR2h16b0bgiDjzJ7-4EaAydn-G5Rsi239d7w5URcSiu-NcwZ5b8yU1rjTpW8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4051" data-original-width="6076" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii6B0mh1MYpXhx1trGN0sH3nd0M46dotiLWOPT1Agb5f2-ycEmMengO5Ho6rn-4D7zzAhp35N-YGZIkv4bBeDxY_tYY5vVCIJKRPOb_CO3ZERZDIQksRcYgTc40NtzHkttR2h16b0bgiDjzJ7-4EaAydn-G5Rsi239d7w5URcSiu-NcwZ5b8yU1rjTpW8" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We parked the car near marshes We saw some cranes and tried to follow them by hopping from dry patch to dry patch. It was slow going and it became increasingly difficult to stay dry, so we turned back. There were frogs back near our vehicle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggZtvND6kVhagbkJBQQeWU5NK5PFjVOWHD1BbftLLyAwhgdBb8eh8Ul3Mzl9uY8OKpsj73NOwv92hJtUpSOVgsomc6ll0hNriuBR3wzkEMRodoP8HXwg1xPIxd5JeDXQG5dMg0bbgpSYIz9jS3GK8PYIKHnEKVtvNDVHgbQoie5jMRUVZrvZ_BqhuHppU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1715" data-original-width="2572" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggZtvND6kVhagbkJBQQeWU5NK5PFjVOWHD1BbftLLyAwhgdBb8eh8Ul3Mzl9uY8OKpsj73NOwv92hJtUpSOVgsomc6ll0hNriuBR3wzkEMRodoP8HXwg1xPIxd5JeDXQG5dMg0bbgpSYIz9jS3GK8PYIKHnEKVtvNDVHgbQoie5jMRUVZrvZ_BqhuHppU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqBaDAALIgkSQTsWeOmn9CyeX45Rn8Ap5qouQ-w7wDdzDzn9-vlYlgjG-gxp3tJuHNiVoPpysLCugCHBJaeb9fw4DxQoaI45JK-stXEjAwEr8qja8_BC0OYlr2Vze-jTIt3lN9hGEwyUQssecN92rWcyjZmTJ7kyT7p9-y53gjP6vrnw3zomTdy9uY3Xc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqBaDAALIgkSQTsWeOmn9CyeX45Rn8Ap5qouQ-w7wDdzDzn9-vlYlgjG-gxp3tJuHNiVoPpysLCugCHBJaeb9fw4DxQoaI45JK-stXEjAwEr8qja8_BC0OYlr2Vze-jTIt3lN9hGEwyUQssecN92rWcyjZmTJ7kyT7p9-y53gjP6vrnw3zomTdy9uY3Xc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSJ2pXLW9PQrFfCMiDYo02mCP2Gnw5iq1m1DZDDfwf4A1L2hISOiXx-djdxgTQpwgnjL1b2Xyy8dQfQBD4N_hm7mpkavfgyQU61Nd6sCPuiACiZe84s44Oi3iJ-Tw5AmLW8mQSkXKAkfxpUpM0evlH8WegJUg8koFjvtAZcRRjsfDJy-ydrll4LF8AQI4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="3186" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSJ2pXLW9PQrFfCMiDYo02mCP2Gnw5iq1m1DZDDfwf4A1L2hISOiXx-djdxgTQpwgnjL1b2Xyy8dQfQBD4N_hm7mpkavfgyQU61Nd6sCPuiACiZe84s44Oi3iJ-Tw5AmLW8mQSkXKAkfxpUpM0evlH8WegJUg8koFjvtAZcRRjsfDJy-ydrll4LF8AQI4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOQCu2itNPu69jBEN6jJVvljNAlFZrtTirGNiYCQd0Zvwz7KVYewwlgdDg7Tryo4NpIyneiQEpIAq70IqC4y4BDJ3rDAoqFZH6cAk-I95FgEzFC2HD-6fFTruxeOtm4sX4f_a1Lqq3uT5t9r-WN64edYnDP4q33rSjyIX42d9YG15A0HwXrHcd1W2f54Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1640" data-original-width="2460" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOQCu2itNPu69jBEN6jJVvljNAlFZrtTirGNiYCQd0Zvwz7KVYewwlgdDg7Tryo4NpIyneiQEpIAq70IqC4y4BDJ3rDAoqFZH6cAk-I95FgEzFC2HD-6fFTruxeOtm4sX4f_a1Lqq3uT5t9r-WN64edYnDP4q33rSjyIX42d9YG15A0HwXrHcd1W2f54Q" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisTmqinb4SDyt7A6QDxuH2rtl71_Lk-aHd4zPihjMuGdHWVvChPA0YOpqlGTlPOBxAz7doPeKJ9UxfJg2oSFK75f6WRyg_FgUmVZdF2dbM3n7w7NN8GF9o6w45_1OBz0I65UqL1yWsvYWGz2VmmjRtrWmz3zMoFMgdRk2857pZy6k_VbK4HYhpDE8cInc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2059" data-original-width="3089" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisTmqinb4SDyt7A6QDxuH2rtl71_Lk-aHd4zPihjMuGdHWVvChPA0YOpqlGTlPOBxAz7doPeKJ9UxfJg2oSFK75f6WRyg_FgUmVZdF2dbM3n7w7NN8GF9o6w45_1OBz0I65UqL1yWsvYWGz2VmmjRtrWmz3zMoFMgdRk2857pZy6k_VbK4HYhpDE8cInc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr8-f8lXmtPAdiK5AnsM_JhHgdEjgRX6iLZjyRQyaO14BAPArwgAljlDm2C_bANtJgtpnHtwxuGbkR7EMFh58A1mhsY65xxpMiZp_BrVxq8ZNZEivbbmvW-mNK29ZFL542MLC7pMlvHZMEvj-I19xY5NSoKWDOKnh_ZRk4qb5PhH1nOHfDnFbcgAzlcyQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3121" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr8-f8lXmtPAdiK5AnsM_JhHgdEjgRX6iLZjyRQyaO14BAPArwgAljlDm2C_bANtJgtpnHtwxuGbkR7EMFh58A1mhsY65xxpMiZp_BrVxq8ZNZEivbbmvW-mNK29ZFL542MLC7pMlvHZMEvj-I19xY5NSoKWDOKnh_ZRk4qb5PhH1nOHfDnFbcgAzlcyQ" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8-92q8w2cVSeviETof_K41LiGc2WNhcZEMAznERf-GLhwGSmU1tvXIglnrQ2GebNhO-YXo9O5UsrGzHZDhEWH3rbocQP4Uio742Mh3UlNPRgSS0etz1uLjOgPWZC317EUQ9F2GMjEy3QH8Fy0_SHUikFkE-80f52H7seaxwtYr5StMUlsmd2ML-oEV_Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="2157" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8-92q8w2cVSeviETof_K41LiGc2WNhcZEMAznERf-GLhwGSmU1tvXIglnrQ2GebNhO-YXo9O5UsrGzHZDhEWH3rbocQP4Uio742Mh3UlNPRgSS0etz1uLjOgPWZC317EUQ9F2GMjEy3QH8Fy0_SHUikFkE-80f52H7seaxwtYr5StMUlsmd2ML-oEV_Q" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower was the subject, but upon review, I found that an insect was attached.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We decided to wake up early the next morning and try again. We left before sunrise for the mountains. We walked up into the mountains, saw some rams in the distance, but otherwise found nothing. The highlight was found on the ride back, as we caught a single ram running and jumping.</div><div><br /></div><div> We ate breakfast and then I napped. We reconvened at lunch time and my guide convinced me to go out and try to find marmots. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsJxlj7FcoFGoSYXjELsa7qjZ7xNBqS8izRWl6HsWf1cSHfxU_ztFsQsEUXxnJmcgKHRGwQEdn_XK688uPCXzYanxwMoOBZJ2KuDzuYSPzNkN_vz38_891DTfNeeXxVhMJunxnBqRfT3drGujxDWtyAU99WdA1qecjG5pnIwMyf2ntEmQumtJdIg5U4oM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1344" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsJxlj7FcoFGoSYXjELsa7qjZ7xNBqS8izRWl6HsWf1cSHfxU_ztFsQsEUXxnJmcgKHRGwQEdn_XK688uPCXzYanxwMoOBZJ2KuDzuYSPzNkN_vz38_891DTfNeeXxVhMJunxnBqRfT3drGujxDWtyAU99WdA1qecjG5pnIwMyf2ntEmQumtJdIg5U4oM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRciWy-mejMviRUEoBUoKNQPSX2U0VDHl3vccOyp141yUI4rPjybXQnlE0ch_PQlAs0ifXQi--H3PMBIR_E9QyEiQ5TYp7ndserY55m76C3vUQ3IK3agkJZhTi8zn-GF76zqqVus_FAXTQV0W_R9GhtwbtK-iifpnmk6qMvAh0OuJ5qocQm4XIXzW4HLE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1733" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRciWy-mejMviRUEoBUoKNQPSX2U0VDHl3vccOyp141yUI4rPjybXQnlE0ch_PQlAs0ifXQi--H3PMBIR_E9QyEiQ5TYp7ndserY55m76C3vUQ3IK3agkJZhTi8zn-GF76zqqVus_FAXTQV0W_R9GhtwbtK-iifpnmk6qMvAh0OuJ5qocQm4XIXzW4HLE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGxiWhmGkxBIcBfuECJ_QRfOZc-XlGhMoQqjUUwFWWEie8OL6vwq_xFXEfRLUnHw3DTyBzE0RYyi1V3vTVQ0fDgxzeXj3yYErxnQf9fWMhpvlawH18PKoNjVPL1_GAl954E6J77-Z0SEUnVePSr8NowY_PICYCfdi_4rNxndtYeqLa3ajP8xTG_wDt0nw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1613" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGxiWhmGkxBIcBfuECJ_QRfOZc-XlGhMoQqjUUwFWWEie8OL6vwq_xFXEfRLUnHw3DTyBzE0RYyi1V3vTVQ0fDgxzeXj3yYErxnQf9fWMhpvlawH18PKoNjVPL1_GAl954E6J77-Z0SEUnVePSr8NowY_PICYCfdi_4rNxndtYeqLa3ajP8xTG_wDt0nw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We parked the vehicle as we encountered marshland and went off on foot. We saw horses and some cranes that kept away no matter how hard we tried to close the distance between us.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUpp21HgS8Mf2aZD4vKzvTSV2COs3lwLQ3W7V1Pg2L8YhQM3IfgdlN1nZVEwAMOG6rPEzaYUgkIei5inUhoH69THZIQLKwkIOKZbXe1uCbb8JopFaMxowZP6yUauNDhKSnwAYAcePJTsmuEFqusuRjKi8AxBN_VYr6om3hMnCbh03aJoFUdv93TbFqmOk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4451" data-original-width="6678" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUpp21HgS8Mf2aZD4vKzvTSV2COs3lwLQ3W7V1Pg2L8YhQM3IfgdlN1nZVEwAMOG6rPEzaYUgkIei5inUhoH69THZIQLKwkIOKZbXe1uCbb8JopFaMxowZP6yUauNDhKSnwAYAcePJTsmuEFqusuRjKi8AxBN_VYr6om3hMnCbh03aJoFUdv93TbFqmOk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjrp9l3ptsgRupKwf1pW-wFbrr_dlqCRd8CYuAooorbIhpIFUxvvN78G_Ami5RbJr0DQRFoNmx0kCA0fe0t5FBOAK4IOhVg3KkWy-fv6vW8lty13-znyAITsmpXv56H4NzGCzmod-MfwSpR3qkrap6dVbHoe4p_dLLIxc95UYQxlMlDAI7HgtVyETnTss" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="2955" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjrp9l3ptsgRupKwf1pW-wFbrr_dlqCRd8CYuAooorbIhpIFUxvvN78G_Ami5RbJr0DQRFoNmx0kCA0fe0t5FBOAK4IOhVg3KkWy-fv6vW8lty13-znyAITsmpXv56H4NzGCzmod-MfwSpR3qkrap6dVbHoe4p_dLLIxc95UYQxlMlDAI7HgtVyETnTss" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Eventually my guide caught sight of a marmot, followed by a few more. I got as as close to them as I could, before they permanently descended into the ground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4O2cqgM4Trwhq6BrJo7PLIJkiYZSRUu-p95EqlFqHXfujdNs0-UmTZNgD7tdUTBLM4kegb_vwTFRYpDYUoI5W1xRl2JtygxhKLqcevhcj2TttJcZ6p8tjnsmI2EWo0H3ICnYndsi4XZx0lUNxfyXeAErA15-Pp3FiB2KYo8zIGrFRVITK71KFmnN83kQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1685" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4O2cqgM4Trwhq6BrJo7PLIJkiYZSRUu-p95EqlFqHXfujdNs0-UmTZNgD7tdUTBLM4kegb_vwTFRYpDYUoI5W1xRl2JtygxhKLqcevhcj2TttJcZ6p8tjnsmI2EWo0H3ICnYndsi4XZx0lUNxfyXeAErA15-Pp3FiB2KYo8zIGrFRVITK71KFmnN83kQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhtWtHSHvcYqsh6-mOJQq0-ybrePEUqwRXj7yg4Ec0CGyLSLphBNcGcKTezPY8kjgEQUE8XOmjW87MylKSrdD9WvSdYJOmO0VvaiLcA6yIcTJQxfjGH2NG3qJIlZWeowfj7ZIgBac6YaVGKQmfHONazFXY9BdnlfbNnGeAZpMh2YErbUjfnRcO60M4fTE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1830" data-original-width="2746" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhtWtHSHvcYqsh6-mOJQq0-ybrePEUqwRXj7yg4Ec0CGyLSLphBNcGcKTezPY8kjgEQUE8XOmjW87MylKSrdD9WvSdYJOmO0VvaiLcA6yIcTJQxfjGH2NG3qJIlZWeowfj7ZIgBac6YaVGKQmfHONazFXY9BdnlfbNnGeAZpMh2YErbUjfnRcO60M4fTE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb0blzPcmLwXNuO4X6a6GG0VGwHgAnwfMZxphoNRxTvNmluKdfy2ed3iP4NxrjDbzlLxRUr2GMiqOXxsPKhawf_U4VGUI0osFxqO-3o49uSfFRz4T_UKyeZszmSkWrt_P9XSsgzpXAFUYj4I4Hz14yVwNj9CR1VuPjNHrvZqlll3gfqc6dRPlaArZ-N4s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4933" data-original-width="7401" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb0blzPcmLwXNuO4X6a6GG0VGwHgAnwfMZxphoNRxTvNmluKdfy2ed3iP4NxrjDbzlLxRUr2GMiqOXxsPKhawf_U4VGUI0osFxqO-3o49uSfFRz4T_UKyeZszmSkWrt_P9XSsgzpXAFUYj4I4Hz14yVwNj9CR1VuPjNHrvZqlll3gfqc6dRPlaArZ-N4s" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG_2iwkSAjQts7uk4tkFnYKrCIpcDLjgBWjxksoAxwl2j8uopI9JfhraLEJxvldXUt5jP1u-J3BaLExuMIjMW-eS-QZLz0-fEZSEAPXFwdokD7flDvnGqSqQ-tUa-16u2iMbcihJWEP0s2pIUgynK9H_8ToRMyCF3Y_Tu5LAI2_IXBGgKTnh1W8IUSAMw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2354" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG_2iwkSAjQts7uk4tkFnYKrCIpcDLjgBWjxksoAxwl2j8uopI9JfhraLEJxvldXUt5jP1u-J3BaLExuMIjMW-eS-QZLz0-fEZSEAPXFwdokD7flDvnGqSqQ-tUa-16u2iMbcihJWEP0s2pIUgynK9H_8ToRMyCF3Y_Tu5LAI2_IXBGgKTnh1W8IUSAMw" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This insect landed on my guide's shirt.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-wosAJqt0C6zzxq5iIIOqkaqVSl9AJ5fg_X7mIm7V_jIoBdC0JqAqkAXK-P_woyJ2xPH44es59ZJTTn2qc_Ure7zrBUTO5QJu8XI2z2on-jYCYGcX6smsTr_zYcjfUlJNwCEeA8_xtReZpTimOsKs3SGt_fEdOTdg3NySEM-32EovrgiZIKrU6pfjNcA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="3287" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-wosAJqt0C6zzxq5iIIOqkaqVSl9AJ5fg_X7mIm7V_jIoBdC0JqAqkAXK-P_woyJ2xPH44es59ZJTTn2qc_Ure7zrBUTO5QJu8XI2z2on-jYCYGcX6smsTr_zYcjfUlJNwCEeA8_xtReZpTimOsKs3SGt_fEdOTdg3NySEM-32EovrgiZIKrU6pfjNcA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Closer to the camp, we got out again to walk toward three cranes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmwK6qiS8Y5eBQHyYADTajCD8sQHJb8y6TiR-PqL63HHgjfmBI5pdA-1avoMlUBWYXf8h9ow-5ba9yPjtTGfBxsGZyc2dd_2fgpkHB3zv8xq2Xpan7VB55nzbOvye472Z45E9_U9dICAXyca5ZHRgexdGs85OKPYLFm1kBuftWRbq3eDVjKL9rVWs1lAc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2525" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmwK6qiS8Y5eBQHyYADTajCD8sQHJb8y6TiR-PqL63HHgjfmBI5pdA-1avoMlUBWYXf8h9ow-5ba9yPjtTGfBxsGZyc2dd_2fgpkHB3zv8xq2Xpan7VB55nzbOvye472Z45E9_U9dICAXyca5ZHRgexdGs85OKPYLFm1kBuftWRbq3eDVjKL9rVWs1lAc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheONJYphiywKA-44CpfksWujw4U8-yeyIeUnURLwBvZdCYmhSBhcOAy9IpG_4Yn6RhJfTlSc-f-iZSZn5rar-P6G5S12ajOR8WoAWqmoFgKo-PuteuTYh4KVOBGc8C4k0ATSY0pVzcgN8gdMr5elSCOOHVv_X6Y4mpwe5xwIQVD6Rg31sSjXQyeAZ-iKE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="2092" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheONJYphiywKA-44CpfksWujw4U8-yeyIeUnURLwBvZdCYmhSBhcOAy9IpG_4Yn6RhJfTlSc-f-iZSZn5rar-P6G5S12ajOR8WoAWqmoFgKo-PuteuTYh4KVOBGc8C4k0ATSY0pVzcgN8gdMr5elSCOOHVv_X6Y4mpwe5xwIQVD6Rg31sSjXQyeAZ-iKE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlPRuvQko2k6IvbEZt8lJySn9vzxvcfrce4MJTfG1teuxxBvd7yYUcXA1XAVh1GnT3ulV8ZD8c17HXavQjzQy31oxFzCJmQxfE0qMuSryUz607Y_aT6iT9l2ACJAAgsKRFibNrmdGpZ8TjFl9CWIxvzBhToAfAQwtRSzchwpfVuowrb5ZdHO7LGHHRJFc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2252" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlPRuvQko2k6IvbEZt8lJySn9vzxvcfrce4MJTfG1teuxxBvd7yYUcXA1XAVh1GnT3ulV8ZD8c17HXavQjzQy31oxFzCJmQxfE0qMuSryUz607Y_aT6iT9l2ACJAAgsKRFibNrmdGpZ8TjFl9CWIxvzBhToAfAQwtRSzchwpfVuowrb5ZdHO7LGHHRJFc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYIMxJInadWQRKgd5rj08UUGc9B9kR2GHl-OUG2cryZPnALwAV7ZUczLbe25RJhUcKZfo-I7KJvWcRotVYWQUFOD82UBwIR_TBf1f_Xs-xNsfTHKfy37H6RMtkcygEbtvT9H2Zios_nXy6T1jPcP5NHITgoUX8XJaUKo0r5y5qrKEwkPzC4W6FIlJB8SE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="2595" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYIMxJInadWQRKgd5rj08UUGc9B9kR2GHl-OUG2cryZPnALwAV7ZUczLbe25RJhUcKZfo-I7KJvWcRotVYWQUFOD82UBwIR_TBf1f_Xs-xNsfTHKfy37H6RMtkcygEbtvT9H2Zios_nXy6T1jPcP5NHITgoUX8XJaUKo0r5y5qrKEwkPzC4W6FIlJB8SE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKOYJeVZn_rvBZJ9xqI5MI6prr8nkUXU0l2-xgJ7-gTVERT54FxcxDYtreiac8M7wLnRHFcwanyCPQlp_IK5nMFYl5FLLkjmZTJ_FHewEY4_Z-QEK3zJUIwRQiU29iJhcSDp-Z-ydHNpPF5rVk7NTTW7IljslrV9A6kIcHIxyHG_GiYKH36aJRW5Y-feI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2686" data-original-width="4029" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKOYJeVZn_rvBZJ9xqI5MI6prr8nkUXU0l2-xgJ7-gTVERT54FxcxDYtreiac8M7wLnRHFcwanyCPQlp_IK5nMFYl5FLLkjmZTJ_FHewEY4_Z-QEK3zJUIwRQiU29iJhcSDp-Z-ydHNpPF5rVk7NTTW7IljslrV9A6kIcHIxyHG_GiYKH36aJRW5Y-feI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyfRPEl01xL6eXyA2kc-9C6K1J1pbFy2NiI0wfBM78iWQsajDi8kgj-4fLyxoYpwikB06ex2B5wV3R5TvhQ9F3xLXzjyxnIjPHkMUZ5Z27cD_E22etjT2nTbpwhEtuQL0UCZlWVaiP6TLLHTCFzMdm8Y4HhHFEo68JKfyM70QUprjRk9u0WkUc_uVSD-E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="3048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyfRPEl01xL6eXyA2kc-9C6K1J1pbFy2NiI0wfBM78iWQsajDi8kgj-4fLyxoYpwikB06ex2B5wV3R5TvhQ9F3xLXzjyxnIjPHkMUZ5Z27cD_E22etjT2nTbpwhEtuQL0UCZlWVaiP6TLLHTCFzMdm8Y4HhHFEo68JKfyM70QUprjRk9u0WkUc_uVSD-E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We took an early dinner and left towards the mountains again. We parked the car and finished the walk up the nearby peak.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKNzbSpBKauSjGBzAnzpjwIcYR6H9lyDbQbMsvzvnuuqp7nwFahzxei3GnamTL08glxDecMoDBzyYmKTh-KNHzCLV_u8yH033BYPUflTBoE7wWmKgrIwRTxFuCqxLhemJXwj1jXY0P15l0x2ITLyUPx993MVFsuYbqb2GnNSZmxaeLVQg0jPNG5wSlHpU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="2291" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKNzbSpBKauSjGBzAnzpjwIcYR6H9lyDbQbMsvzvnuuqp7nwFahzxei3GnamTL08glxDecMoDBzyYmKTh-KNHzCLV_u8yH033BYPUflTBoE7wWmKgrIwRTxFuCqxLhemJXwj1jXY0P15l0x2ITLyUPx993MVFsuYbqb2GnNSZmxaeLVQg0jPNG5wSlHpU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh81WjEp6ir0nfs5SyOQowPdFImNEitOncwk17D4Zyeb8IDoqplXu9pCFCl5WTMFLmsmRr6Kgn2_iWhy8iZXXgqCSL-0jYTD1AovJI0XKLdnkdwil9o_jgBjLkA1Qgcg79EaZTCijZqIL-JNexagLayXv1WuHffopRxMnuQgTMMn49n9u4PNFaoTrMjLPs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="2634" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh81WjEp6ir0nfs5SyOQowPdFImNEitOncwk17D4Zyeb8IDoqplXu9pCFCl5WTMFLmsmRr6Kgn2_iWhy8iZXXgqCSL-0jYTD1AovJI0XKLdnkdwil9o_jgBjLkA1Qgcg79EaZTCijZqIL-JNexagLayXv1WuHffopRxMnuQgTMMn49n9u4PNFaoTrMjLPs" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The views on all sides were fantastic, and we saw some birds above.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfJITAcZOUY9vKaaiYCnPFRQ-k4b--6JA2dmgmSSY9U09GZvRPxH72z0ia3I8N0p_cqZbRv_k0uGdiXaUgpaxXNRtnsgPIeiAb0iq5_VSI0SgYrLHjSFoWynr7lBeeGcYmKlXe_uzgnxNfurDHXUC73szG94MiwfZFn0P-LdS1etRxe-5SPGl5Y7UpUbA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfJITAcZOUY9vKaaiYCnPFRQ-k4b--6JA2dmgmSSY9U09GZvRPxH72z0ia3I8N0p_cqZbRv_k0uGdiXaUgpaxXNRtnsgPIeiAb0iq5_VSI0SgYrLHjSFoWynr7lBeeGcYmKlXe_uzgnxNfurDHXUC73szG94MiwfZFn0P-LdS1etRxe-5SPGl5Y7UpUbA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKEIgrDijw3gOpr4D1h9CBQyHBo0WrNlqOWnm-Uuz80OM0Hb6f6Y1qNFpTZ-9cFYnQV1OIaUy4HC8U6si1ZruMxcF56svlP98j_77iIXvyPy2YkI2dHkae8gd3mGtuoNOW6tYoTOBkfmgqAMF0tky5rzBWPp1GEzZu_F92WEjAz_a5XsUVUk7TlreAN5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKEIgrDijw3gOpr4D1h9CBQyHBo0WrNlqOWnm-Uuz80OM0Hb6f6Y1qNFpTZ-9cFYnQV1OIaUy4HC8U6si1ZruMxcF56svlP98j_77iIXvyPy2YkI2dHkae8gd3mGtuoNOW6tYoTOBkfmgqAMF0tky5rzBWPp1GEzZu_F92WEjAz_a5XsUVUk7TlreAN5g" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih4QcahsCf_Ala42HFvhEZrewZllFvqKzTC5kUH0Go4mVIGore59Z83_FCAhRDSnj9otswN7URfRLY3-T65ZVvCWoGzFMY6nXG4h678V8C-HxNLnRua6_zMgR29YjyA2pS8qU8Gv42nKfOn-42PMxSvhchumRlCU0kD0ZTWaOCmbntZ93TZ9CPnsQT2-w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih4QcahsCf_Ala42HFvhEZrewZllFvqKzTC5kUH0Go4mVIGore59Z83_FCAhRDSnj9otswN7URfRLY3-T65ZVvCWoGzFMY6nXG4h678V8C-HxNLnRua6_zMgR29YjyA2pS8qU8Gv42nKfOn-42PMxSvhchumRlCU0kD0ZTWaOCmbntZ93TZ9CPnsQT2-w" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT1m1riFBj49SqwFjNdVYimbB6ITNaa4NVW1yUCVVfUkX4ePQpWKTjwIYlLwvZsgoNMJdZCdGMumGn1qlfusMe88r3D78_h5z90ctHOhz8dc2oXmY-cWBrTpKIJg2dQzBlPyGqRe7BRvgk37Ynh23NHHGP6vviRPkAFj0k253gewli0-b73GkdxZoyfNM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT1m1riFBj49SqwFjNdVYimbB6ITNaa4NVW1yUCVVfUkX4ePQpWKTjwIYlLwvZsgoNMJdZCdGMumGn1qlfusMe88r3D78_h5z90ctHOhz8dc2oXmY-cWBrTpKIJg2dQzBlPyGqRe7BRvgk37Ynh23NHHGP6vviRPkAFj0k253gewli0-b73GkdxZoyfNM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm47hodehP9WtQWk826MFrBFnNbBr5LQgRAUm3eynok_YJrscK3-khm3v1kAJ11YE3GXbXjoI9HAuZBqRenHGgREBxTmzy_-hQUdQaxEd29Ev6p18NifF4eKpUoM9IZ3ceHG_E2OcWpGmebAvN6Hh3glhnuQ7iHTTtbzpSxapc8iAWeGRxtMStznfA8ss" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1494" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm47hodehP9WtQWk826MFrBFnNbBr5LQgRAUm3eynok_YJrscK3-khm3v1kAJ11YE3GXbXjoI9HAuZBqRenHGgREBxTmzy_-hQUdQaxEd29Ev6p18NifF4eKpUoM9IZ3ceHG_E2OcWpGmebAvN6Hh3glhnuQ7iHTTtbzpSxapc8iAWeGRxtMStznfA8ss" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzp2te074BaGiBKy3hbCKIbTSc-vIEda0VXaHM2zWITIbOPzHIaVRESKYH-j-lHyRwV_diL_H8KJ2jitWcP2WVp2KchhOGPiRKa_IYJxE63Hnv6GcF766kpTaFH4uwsXlDGqhUvERe6V74Qq8xhX3GkakpJJXpcA1Id540h3mpxxrlvXpoIx1rCDKaRLU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5617" data-original-width="8426" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzp2te074BaGiBKy3hbCKIbTSc-vIEda0VXaHM2zWITIbOPzHIaVRESKYH-j-lHyRwV_diL_H8KJ2jitWcP2WVp2KchhOGPiRKa_IYJxE63Hnv6GcF766kpTaFH4uwsXlDGqhUvERe6V74Qq8xhX3GkakpJJXpcA1Id540h3mpxxrlvXpoIx1rCDKaRLU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8a31H3gThUlFOvQBSRvluevj7PCgU4u2i8J3-RDyDtevHWLTzzyyC5yqCy7TN9R-AcTPapm0Ubo8zFXVtAuT1To1hX_tMcGBV1LjPo7jQIXCKNTzIj2brG83ckjas3kvAtgg_93FcjxcNkrmUABRW4RlRWvZJ3QoMV5RITWMLWdEcp3jn1uRLfHGcIIA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3658" data-original-width="5487" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8a31H3gThUlFOvQBSRvluevj7PCgU4u2i8J3-RDyDtevHWLTzzyyC5yqCy7TN9R-AcTPapm0Ubo8zFXVtAuT1To1hX_tMcGBV1LjPo7jQIXCKNTzIj2brG83ckjas3kvAtgg_93FcjxcNkrmUABRW4RlRWvZJ3QoMV5RITWMLWdEcp3jn1uRLfHGcIIA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHA9fANGB0_aduN7auu8uzQ4f5y-X4DsRHsX_il5jLZdCXhdpzacOzsTgW8ZZ9uo9q7HMh6-6yaxwXpOqrwHhxahPcT3CHl_5f2675hOXJMqmogTYqd7DMU2QHMI23NQeg9S4zYKOPZ-RqFxDxCT9Rm5WC8VobgUziwkcCAYIKrgIOHxVM0hXwjf5DhAI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1757" data-original-width="2636" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHA9fANGB0_aduN7auu8uzQ4f5y-X4DsRHsX_il5jLZdCXhdpzacOzsTgW8ZZ9uo9q7HMh6-6yaxwXpOqrwHhxahPcT3CHl_5f2675hOXJMqmogTYqd7DMU2QHMI23NQeg9S4zYKOPZ-RqFxDxCT9Rm5WC8VobgUziwkcCAYIKrgIOHxVM0hXwjf5DhAI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeL0HT_RtlfaWnw_cvdnexW0DhOdZjHWovydPO2k28LSOjFCwnfTEXv1UJZibqOJkyQWAeCf6O1icTwjmYd-HY3kCcBKCIu22XNcMhKuSfYBFVhEQRNO1l2W68H2hMxuNsA6ihhlvcFB8kLunuJzAiHnWO0NCDtXb92aW9Mors538Jhxt6x-iUOBffl3I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2046" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeL0HT_RtlfaWnw_cvdnexW0DhOdZjHWovydPO2k28LSOjFCwnfTEXv1UJZibqOJkyQWAeCf6O1icTwjmYd-HY3kCcBKCIu22XNcMhKuSfYBFVhEQRNO1l2W68H2hMxuNsA6ihhlvcFB8kLunuJzAiHnWO0NCDtXb92aW9Mors538Jhxt6x-iUOBffl3I" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> As it was the last night that I would be outdoors, I finally decided to try some astrophotography. The moon was very full, and I didn't really know what I was doing. These were the results.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyNSK0I7uiwaIxLZv9QX0vxKQpCqDWDELLQiUIzUDdziKdEBaXMRXdZC5Jp8wA-Bfz75XQsaM1J1sgBosFYkwwLjnysdmjFv6WMANi3aurAXBi8Uy1xLLWyeoWaI7xd516KazGe1DsFp5urGOMOWRdkv1AgO8CUeiRt_K8rAfunpq58Y6AXuJVzvwl518" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyNSK0I7uiwaIxLZv9QX0vxKQpCqDWDELLQiUIzUDdziKdEBaXMRXdZC5Jp8wA-Bfz75XQsaM1J1sgBosFYkwwLjnysdmjFv6WMANi3aurAXBi8Uy1xLLWyeoWaI7xd516KazGe1DsFp5urGOMOWRdkv1AgO8CUeiRt_K8rAfunpq58Y6AXuJVzvwl518" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz9unFO35OYfk5ZR3eZdVafn1GOZGXb-_o2Jur-gIDccfpEZmwT6dbIwyUGfZ9X53dzTXc53qcUnegHI09tgKscGTJzHccFPc_Yrj6QA4x3nLdunRDq1-IrJYdoP4PVxQoEo2UsBvCtyjdR0z7I_QstUQS1dWnvOpV8-5OVcBhvPWVDgkVNhjXddsCwXc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz9unFO35OYfk5ZR3eZdVafn1GOZGXb-_o2Jur-gIDccfpEZmwT6dbIwyUGfZ9X53dzTXc53qcUnegHI09tgKscGTJzHccFPc_Yrj6QA4x3nLdunRDq1-IrJYdoP4PVxQoEo2UsBvCtyjdR0z7I_QstUQS1dWnvOpV8-5OVcBhvPWVDgkVNhjXddsCwXc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWTioBOCLyabFETN0pG-kQYFRccJ6eBD2Y3fQ7TFidjbWJbA0Be8FKxDLAr7GJesItdZ5LtEdwmUvcJDDR7Ym3gjwvtkeyOZ-Np5u69yu3Lut5awHrfevbCQtCItChRNqKtmasZ6gFjKHUp-Ifwfm6daDnyHJsYNGNoDWD_ADhfacVviKNlaWo4FlIHls" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWTioBOCLyabFETN0pG-kQYFRccJ6eBD2Y3fQ7TFidjbWJbA0Be8FKxDLAr7GJesItdZ5LtEdwmUvcJDDR7Ym3gjwvtkeyOZ-Np5u69yu3Lut5awHrfevbCQtCItChRNqKtmasZ6gFjKHUp-Ifwfm6daDnyHJsYNGNoDWD_ADhfacVviKNlaWo4FlIHls" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzEPv6YugrZ0ShE3s_oPhbDEm6eS90r0A6VGObqvcxkq0pu9iwqPyIpn1Ta8j1DpJt3pL6tvCa9bkhzGoyqx8i-XFKmqkf-rCIN64VbyB-RO9nqdFQtKRUSoPon0HkAyzOwFTN9kqQGLJJF6FsWZcdk4V0LEYwnkiRhB3Ame8S-2R3J5ZZxRaAC8zxhN4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzEPv6YugrZ0ShE3s_oPhbDEm6eS90r0A6VGObqvcxkq0pu9iwqPyIpn1Ta8j1DpJt3pL6tvCa9bkhzGoyqx8i-XFKmqkf-rCIN64VbyB-RO9nqdFQtKRUSoPon0HkAyzOwFTN9kqQGLJJF6FsWZcdk4V0LEYwnkiRhB3Ame8S-2R3J5ZZxRaAC8zxhN4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The final day had us drive back to the city. As we were exiting the reserve, we saw two large groups of cranes, with more of the flying grasshoppers. Since the cranes always flew away in the opposite direction, I had my guide take a long arc around the birds to approach from behind. The idea was to encourage them to fly to me. They flew toward him anyway.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7aiOUi-2sZSAb39tGDpJPt-b-EspgbologyIrfRYrxSixfBwB-sKHqGPWASQyw0cRbZUUlISeVaabw_Ro5OFHekmfFNalR-xXeMhvUaAWxGaYLD1V34t2U7Ca4gpoakjx6_gwZx4bb6Pj5yjh7t5F9psiNjXiGJ5LcJ5EiQGz0YDI1Ga7OuioBvslIbI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="2976" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7aiOUi-2sZSAb39tGDpJPt-b-EspgbologyIrfRYrxSixfBwB-sKHqGPWASQyw0cRbZUUlISeVaabw_Ro5OFHekmfFNalR-xXeMhvUaAWxGaYLD1V34t2U7Ca4gpoakjx6_gwZx4bb6Pj5yjh7t5F9psiNjXiGJ5LcJ5EiQGz0YDI1Ga7OuioBvslIbI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzNlrkGAxsPt2FiiBu3cxx8PQzv7ChllLnZuAtpu4BphpyYkFiNs-f-EiL656C3U-N0t03Fw4aPVbSV_ZHFGO2jJ3YSqVrUR9LJ8EqbiXuMQ4cWbTn45EOv774lQH9gWRknxfxbgfrfzo6GQvx3AINDvPFfVj1DaRw_HB_BRqVDrfLnJfAluvyWaWVcGA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4947" data-original-width="7422" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzNlrkGAxsPt2FiiBu3cxx8PQzv7ChllLnZuAtpu4BphpyYkFiNs-f-EiL656C3U-N0t03Fw4aPVbSV_ZHFGO2jJ3YSqVrUR9LJ8EqbiXuMQ4cWbTn45EOv774lQH9gWRknxfxbgfrfzo6GQvx3AINDvPFfVj1DaRw_HB_BRqVDrfLnJfAluvyWaWVcGA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikGSg-CxbJbWLC__O5EGuCS7xmmoFthM6ADDX2c466VGMTvSvrvI58ydhNUMf9Aw0UqMegE1KAaLidvrjUYRbO0qHbQMXAu_l69KBnl12EZXWb3nBZC_WSoG1W_rLLRXJnO1-h1XRuhrM75uaJKkqe9ImgxEVMDvVMD19eNRy7sulSXP1G71qXLr6a0zA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4774" data-original-width="7162" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikGSg-CxbJbWLC__O5EGuCS7xmmoFthM6ADDX2c466VGMTvSvrvI58ydhNUMf9Aw0UqMegE1KAaLidvrjUYRbO0qHbQMXAu_l69KBnl12EZXWb3nBZC_WSoG1W_rLLRXJnO1-h1XRuhrM75uaJKkqe9ImgxEVMDvVMD19eNRy7sulSXP1G71qXLr6a0zA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0MCLfXRj3yLHLq6NtKndv0W3sr5rUiquJflaO3eN-WAczqzfJbs2KA71LNzz6CXyt-CW4eixfuTSNQMXda8tetkP9NX8xPPRKHJW2hqMMNDc7B0TC0Cdf2O8caT3g5vJVhjKsk0onfzi3JUDnju95j6Kd5yacNxVPsgyHMLzsjQ-JkEmG9u16b_NY6N4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0MCLfXRj3yLHLq6NtKndv0W3sr5rUiquJflaO3eN-WAczqzfJbs2KA71LNzz6CXyt-CW4eixfuTSNQMXda8tetkP9NX8xPPRKHJW2hqMMNDc7B0TC0Cdf2O8caT3g5vJVhjKsk0onfzi3JUDnju95j6Kd5yacNxVPsgyHMLzsjQ-JkEmG9u16b_NY6N4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0h3jzjn92NDbUfyGTOcVXzA4BaoYuxYbDsp1UoFMZKTEna8kc-lkbUE84CoeZ8GnRw7GwO2TE44M609Qksche8gExYG6SYqhrwtt4Ohtawp_ZZ3d7J-i-pSy0YRS4jIsewkLWfq5oE-pdOYpzA0-xnRdBeWafF39QN_QuPlfc5MxyH4u19ugeKnRG0FQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="3048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0h3jzjn92NDbUfyGTOcVXzA4BaoYuxYbDsp1UoFMZKTEna8kc-lkbUE84CoeZ8GnRw7GwO2TE44M609Qksche8gExYG6SYqhrwtt4Ohtawp_ZZ3d7J-i-pSy0YRS4jIsewkLWfq5oE-pdOYpzA0-xnRdBeWafF39QN_QuPlfc5MxyH4u19ugeKnRG0FQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju1IOENO1o_ETKUELse81xgrIfzIAx8vTEBpv_l9GDPstgsi3nU2NqpAiUIQY7ZRBKDDsjkz_fz1A18_0VIwvFOn1bqfbpY7b3jpEW8ISGIGxV_sfeJT69VsCrq2LqmBocSq3MpZNI6BOfzRVotzeGqKCRGotPGOu71P5KVfx9M2kN6OMSwZ7oFkHH-W4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1322" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju1IOENO1o_ETKUELse81xgrIfzIAx8vTEBpv_l9GDPstgsi3nU2NqpAiUIQY7ZRBKDDsjkz_fz1A18_0VIwvFOn1bqfbpY7b3jpEW8ISGIGxV_sfeJT69VsCrq2LqmBocSq3MpZNI6BOfzRVotzeGqKCRGotPGOu71P5KVfx9M2kN6OMSwZ7oFkHH-W4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj1TX9BoU-ZubxS9siwwi9vWn_DPUjITcAL_1wFA3LtC0SG3Hw_HYQop0hjQRXVzdA0v3Q2Bc7dTZdUPmFjtiVjULjKKH4KfI7cQ627DVpwK2fpCouvBokhW7e_ULuj6Ud-KAkgV7VNe_Kat_1EXPSA8OZisxzXJFFz5msIP_gQ0Yll3L6p5NFYJ2YGHg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2101" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj1TX9BoU-ZubxS9siwwi9vWn_DPUjITcAL_1wFA3LtC0SG3Hw_HYQop0hjQRXVzdA0v3Q2Bc7dTZdUPmFjtiVjULjKKH4KfI7cQ627DVpwK2fpCouvBokhW7e_ULuj6Ud-KAkgV7VNe_Kat_1EXPSA8OZisxzXJFFz5msIP_gQ0Yll3L6p5NFYJ2YGHg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Bnm0IicQ084XdDvVPaRu7Za-HwyPRq9smkVxgyn6mC63eOn14spKOAtDd-zr0w6MI7mNn7t-Don7Afua2bRl81dAjv5822Loch9Pv0ypS1_qws3mmqMgVjNOOXa-u4FfCqg4W9eE8gAxi3Yt6PJe0A0UfQn772QUt5nAR2swgompB8ZoK7YKrIxNSF0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2451" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Bnm0IicQ084XdDvVPaRu7Za-HwyPRq9smkVxgyn6mC63eOn14spKOAtDd-zr0w6MI7mNn7t-Don7Afua2bRl81dAjv5822Loch9Pv0ypS1_qws3mmqMgVjNOOXa-u4FfCqg4W9eE8gAxi3Yt6PJe0A0UfQn772QUt5nAR2swgompB8ZoK7YKrIxNSF0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1wrTDPIrVt2LGOmBb5HSNscfoLEOjWP_WiSqAJ_LUXsGc3PYM2aE-nkT3v0960tD5tJRkbsFLSvJIGePw9kfXhT2QyVpIsH5_a6gPgozlzKyuflpcnD0nIWg4uutVxWNW1Z9hGeSg-iSePqKJCxzw19owzoTKAvsNJv2H3wQojvq7RViGHS4kF026Nc0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2259" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1wrTDPIrVt2LGOmBb5HSNscfoLEOjWP_WiSqAJ_LUXsGc3PYM2aE-nkT3v0960tD5tJRkbsFLSvJIGePw9kfXhT2QyVpIsH5_a6gPgozlzKyuflpcnD0nIWg4uutVxWNW1Z9hGeSg-iSePqKJCxzw19owzoTKAvsNJv2H3wQojvq7RViGHS4kF026Nc0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPa4LLEL1eoHpS5RsG6MGb34_GSvAP55RrGOv1YVE4j4w9JX5Wr-l1XWaUaIK40m86akRTIAR-l1EP77Kq_1f-TG__nwtv1pVHzrVYcJWH8rqNQd6BAPdOZnumdVgCULEUhg8ozNMs_katZESYPo-9DOR4WzVb1RvjsgvP6SW0l6fRW4GdCWTgUQY4sMI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2562" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPa4LLEL1eoHpS5RsG6MGb34_GSvAP55RrGOv1YVE4j4w9JX5Wr-l1XWaUaIK40m86akRTIAR-l1EP77Kq_1f-TG__nwtv1pVHzrVYcJWH8rqNQd6BAPdOZnumdVgCULEUhg8ozNMs_katZESYPo-9DOR4WzVb1RvjsgvP6SW0l6fRW4GdCWTgUQY4sMI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwgb9kd_DjnleHea_MeYEWZqJDu5W40O-ZBaHxY4M6N6WffXrxAYJEhiYdb10rJ3i64ER8LFQO9VXy-p-bZk6KNyQV8GTFZGzKUy6h2_AG4QxnPwIQnNR437f6xvIF1qM2tzDik9OD7mHNYUF8sWGp7Z_qAqcivoxu8thPZSH_DwgHb8dtthNhK242GDk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1924" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwgb9kd_DjnleHea_MeYEWZqJDu5W40O-ZBaHxY4M6N6WffXrxAYJEhiYdb10rJ3i64ER8LFQO9VXy-p-bZk6KNyQV8GTFZGzKUy6h2_AG4QxnPwIQnNR437f6xvIF1qM2tzDik9OD7mHNYUF8sWGp7Z_qAqcivoxu8thPZSH_DwgHb8dtthNhK242GDk" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> On the drive back, you were able to see how the open land met the beginnings of Ulaanbaatar. I was asked what kind of restaurant I would like to go to for our final meal. I chose Indian and it was spectacular.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPnX-3y8BMbA-qLsIwjECXSu7JNBQKs4brvpEVuGuzVEJJ57FDGZM-g3U6tl_dSMCkvJY_Q8EYVaAceCrNir42M-Sp-eM4TcbSkPPC7hfTRj9X8LGnPiMUGzXlkOZQGvS9l146JKfN7zbS22jCoIHGVSeGYisuKYyDV23QV-ULmZc5_WFkbKrIUZMXkQQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="3925" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPnX-3y8BMbA-qLsIwjECXSu7JNBQKs4brvpEVuGuzVEJJ57FDGZM-g3U6tl_dSMCkvJY_Q8EYVaAceCrNir42M-Sp-eM4TcbSkPPC7hfTRj9X8LGnPiMUGzXlkOZQGvS9l146JKfN7zbS22jCoIHGVSeGYisuKYyDV23QV-ULmZc5_WFkbKrIUZMXkQQ" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBo_1NBCF-LJvt8TWUqYA2A1fLiyL_2joeqtHF0lb8dZgHEExWFEVSLHm-DvuR1MA5tN5zRODgh1Bpx0g7WgiGJqYAWq4ZZtufdIKS-iT7IeAKkYpnmmyXUdrTiUBagICezBoe1U42i9ejzgigNPSFOpCgHEZPjSn0BD_Ra_VPhD-p0jlTrcEKThSAZRc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2814" data-original-width="3752" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBo_1NBCF-LJvt8TWUqYA2A1fLiyL_2joeqtHF0lb8dZgHEExWFEVSLHm-DvuR1MA5tN5zRODgh1Bpx0g7WgiGJqYAWq4ZZtufdIKS-iT7IeAKkYpnmmyXUdrTiUBagICezBoe1U42i9ejzgigNPSFOpCgHEZPjSn0BD_Ra_VPhD-p0jlTrcEKThSAZRc" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My guide's beef bowl.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieOk5_mqi9OA8VbYbuSdQlUAIeCC5ORvXOvrIy4_rdAFr8mJ3KGNOUyyfAxR3bSIJxbkXerCLL4_oI6nY--tXs1cDlK7wi-lK0Zo7Ec3BaPROVRH6X6MsNNwlNH7WXVPXYPtYaLYrj7WkrKtApXAgTGW-oc5H8HBLMklCvikG6jBHldFgjTv_kcdfL75A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2936" data-original-width="3914" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieOk5_mqi9OA8VbYbuSdQlUAIeCC5ORvXOvrIy4_rdAFr8mJ3KGNOUyyfAxR3bSIJxbkXerCLL4_oI6nY--tXs1cDlK7wi-lK0Zo7Ec3BaPROVRH6X6MsNNwlNH7WXVPXYPtYaLYrj7WkrKtApXAgTGW-oc5H8HBLMklCvikG6jBHldFgjTv_kcdfL75A" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dish.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> My flight was very early. It was still dark out, and the driver was stopped twice along the road at breathalyzer checkpoints.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Following Mongolia, I spent two weeks in Tokyo. The idea was to stay in one hotel, recuperate, and relax. I tried some Thai massage, however I found the physicality of it to be on the harsh side. I stopped after my third massage. I discovered a fantastic Indian restaurant nearby called Gurgaon. I became fond of going to a late night gyoza establishment(well, ramen really, but their ramen wasn't great). Lastly, I fell in love with a curry soup place just to the west of Tokyo Main Station called Konaya Marunouchi Oazo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> One day I walked to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The rest of my time was spent in my hotel, playing videogames and talking to people. Some days I would eat breakfast at the restaurant attached to the hotel, and on others I would pick up coffee, yogurt, and snacks from the nearby seven eleven. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> After passing a Zara's, near the end of my trip, I decided to do some google searching related to men's fashion in Japan. I have always loved the classy, but comfort based look of Japan's clothing. I picked out some of the styles I liked and did reverse searches of them. I also googled lists of popular Japanese clothing stores. I was already staying in the Ginza district, known for shopping, I picked out a few shops to investigate. They were all within a five minute walk from each other, about eight minutes away from where I was staying.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> What followed was a three day, two thousand dollar spending spree which completely revamped my entire wardrobe. About twelve pairs of pants and twelve shirts, both long and short sleeved. My favorite stores were Beams(In Ginza along with the Beams Mens store in Shibuya), Nano Universe, Zara, Gu, Uniqlo, and B:Ming Life(spinoff of Beams). This final one brought me out east to the neighborhood of Toyosu. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I worked hard to fit the new clothes into my luggage. Luckily, most of my packing for Mongolia were items such as biodegradable wet wipes, tissues, and snack bars, that depleted over time. I threw out any excess and even left a few small items behind. My suitcase weighed in at 22.9kg at the airport, just scraping by under the 23kg weight limit.</div></div></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-88328010374670962882023-08-19T14:19:00.004-07:002023-08-19T14:20:52.970-07:00Mongolia 4: An uncomfortable situation followed by the wonderful Gobi Desert<p> I was woken up at 11:00 PM, to loud chattering in the adjacent room. Dorj's room. He knew that the walls were paper thin, since we had experienced it first hand on our initial stay. When we arrived at the guesthouse the previous day, we were greeted by a friend of Dorj. This is not to be confused with the other man who accompanied the driver as we returned on horseback. This new friend also appeared at dinner, and shared a room with him that night. When I awoke, the two of them were talking with a third man. I knocked and asked them to quiet down, which they did. The third man left immediately.</p><p> The next morning I spoke with Dorj. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the late night disruption, that he had chose to invite a friend, and that I had been pressured to bring an additional passenger on the ride up. He acknowledged my concerns and apologized. We walked a few feet to the car. The driver's friend was there. I packed up my gear and sat down. The friend opened my door. He didn't knock. He just opened the door. His English was impeccable, which was something I noticed when he arrived the day before. He asked me if he could come on the ride to Murun. I flatly responded with "No." Dumbfounded at my negative response, he became angry. He laughed, declaring that the vehicle was his. I explained that if this was truly the case, that he had erred in contracting the car out. He retreated and spoke Mongolian with the driver and Dorj. Dorj did not have my back. For a brief moment I considered getting out of the car, however this would have made little sense. I was in rural Mongolia, with no ability to speak the language, there was little cell phone reception, and I was being threatened. I chose to delay action, and so he came with us.</p><p> I had just a few minutes of internet connection left as we began the drive. I decided to send out three messages. A simple one to my father, giving him the tour company's information, under the guise of general information to have. I sent Jeremy a text giving him a basic description of what was going on, and that if he didn't hear back from me after ten hours, to contact my father and tell him what had happened. I also sent a similar message to one other friend of mine. We drove out of data range and I began writing a summary of what had happened, on my phone. As we reached the paved roads outside Murun, I sent it in an email to the tour company. </p><p> I arrived safely at the hotel. Shortly after, the owner of the company called me, reportedly from the hospital(I do not recall what event had led her there, unfortunately). She was very apologetic and proposed two options. I could get a refund and end my trip early, or I could continue onward with a new guide along with a thousand dollar refund. </p><p> I took some time to think it over. If I left, it would be unlikely that I would ever return to Mongolia. I had come all this way and there was still much that I wanted to see and experience. The owner seemed genuinely concerned and distraught with what happened. I chose the second option.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUD6JgAKZ7gNalP2BxKEQl7g91g5MqE7_QULiylEQbSzz76AOgb-BsD5FRzx6ATVo8XEu16gd18eknBUkvRMQf_HW5F1WL2N5IHeEiCgy6c_qfPw8BvtUmWlw-x3ySCiGNzxMtrzU_zhahwzrQqnrLtRrULjVCoV8A4IjitzY7fHMnlbmKF6yNihv-dHM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2789" data-original-width="3718" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUD6JgAKZ7gNalP2BxKEQl7g91g5MqE7_QULiylEQbSzz76AOgb-BsD5FRzx6ATVo8XEu16gd18eknBUkvRMQf_HW5F1WL2N5IHeEiCgy6c_qfPw8BvtUmWlw-x3ySCiGNzxMtrzU_zhahwzrQqnrLtRrULjVCoV8A4IjitzY7fHMnlbmKF6yNihv-dHM" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It was an awkward flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Dorj and I said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. At the hotel I asked the front desk for a room on the lowest floor. My new room was much less terrifying.<div> <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfJQyzCam4GWqMEvJUduph8Dsu_TdIg3MJNxzHmoZm92msVqvUbdRNA94vrK-1qFish_V07qVmlWnoRZRhCJdSl_YWY5f4a1HrAEaUSoYr_fbJyeNBj5OzbHJpePh54DTWZQNsB1qByXnFhblzgJaBorzHfOMu4yqRrYedmvhUJ1frMQr-Kcehw6Jvh-0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfJQyzCam4GWqMEvJUduph8Dsu_TdIg3MJNxzHmoZm92msVqvUbdRNA94vrK-1qFish_V07qVmlWnoRZRhCJdSl_YWY5f4a1HrAEaUSoYr_fbJyeNBj5OzbHJpePh54DTWZQNsB1qByXnFhblzgJaBorzHfOMu4yqRrYedmvhUJ1frMQr-Kcehw6Jvh-0" width="320" /></a><div><br /> Next morning's flight was originally scheduled for 3:20 AM, but was delayed an hour. We left around 3:00AM from the hotel. I briefly met my new guide, Nasaa. We passed a drunk driving checkpoint, where a policeman was holding out a breathalyzer for each passing car to blow into.</div><div><br /></div><div> My new guide informed me that he had to make a brief stop. We stopped by a gate, with a sign for "KGB." I gave a look at our location on Google Maps. "KGB Commerce Company" was what I found at our location. My guide started banging on the gate. At first there was no response, but after a few minutes, someone appeared wit ha package. It was slightly unnerving to stop at a place with the letters KGB in a former Soviet state. Later in the trip, I spoke to Nasaa about this. He now works at the KGB Commerce company. He used to work full time for the tour company, but only takes side jobs now. He was originally asked to do my entire tour, but he had promised his girlfriend that he would stay with her for the Naadam holiday week. After my incident, he got an urgent call from them. Since Naadam was over, he agreed. He had lost his bank card, and had had it overnighted to his work place.</div><div><br /></div><div> We arrived at the airport, checked our bags, and then heard an announcement that our plane was delayed another hour. Once we we boarded, we sat directly opposite two seats, an arrangement I had never encountered before. Half the flight was empty, so no one ever sat there.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4bVR8tZAnUBZA5wLsu8gIBplpOKCdGLlgdtanO41fTx5mEX3f6qL0QmgmLxBV0D8n5s9J74BQE_o6HV_Ph30PckdhD82XDe8WbrBbvbsFvZpcRu06E6hxGJoi0Z5nT4taQgcTJSKkbhAdxZbbt5BKKOA1tQ8I2VlqXTISdxsyYMoqX9gqywYtlQ7WAYc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4bVR8tZAnUBZA5wLsu8gIBplpOKCdGLlgdtanO41fTx5mEX3f6qL0QmgmLxBV0D8n5s9J74BQE_o6HV_Ph30PckdhD82XDe8WbrBbvbsFvZpcRu06E6hxGJoi0Z5nT4taQgcTJSKkbhAdxZbbt5BKKOA1tQ8I2VlqXTISdxsyYMoqX9gqywYtlQ7WAYc" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We landed to unusual summertime weather for the Gobi Desert. It was fifty five degrees and rainy. Our camp was about forty minutes from the airport. I had built in an extra day of rest my stay in the Gobi, so it wasn't an issue.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnoAfnwlWEJyQ97_92qeuJgONQqtULWk3AegIacAUGegyvtNR81Qv8tm1-gRKeItZBQuUbnKzgCzEXS5MeN3zdAFZQZbXbpVKleg3a4ChFa3q_5-U82Dgq_0KKdse-0VCuJ3FJfOzRCqgCTOsrGr1aks0d_PwhK6g9ulTqfLksGtEDGImZGbe-dGCyWKU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnoAfnwlWEJyQ97_92qeuJgONQqtULWk3AegIacAUGegyvtNR81Qv8tm1-gRKeItZBQuUbnKzgCzEXS5MeN3zdAFZQZbXbpVKleg3a4ChFa3q_5-U82Dgq_0KKdse-0VCuJ3FJfOzRCqgCTOsrGr1aks0d_PwhK6g9ulTqfLksGtEDGImZGbe-dGCyWKU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNjKXXivmaj7I4UMe3OfM7J181cTTKSqK-ET-BXM7ECmBhSXWbdVMJECou5usyb-Rhkw98CxM0VJU0Hif-JgWuWEV-8SpUphnCpzsKBDGqPMxfF4GBYwQfnG0ZiikmAZdl0SaxrE9gK7G8bT8DTE-PExRTktXhPa85Wr3nN9BU36v1yYDe1QbyJiS2thg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNjKXXivmaj7I4UMe3OfM7J181cTTKSqK-ET-BXM7ECmBhSXWbdVMJECou5usyb-Rhkw98CxM0VJU0Hif-JgWuWEV-8SpUphnCpzsKBDGqPMxfF4GBYwQfnG0ZiikmAZdl0SaxrE9gK7G8bT8DTE-PExRTktXhPa85Wr3nN9BU36v1yYDe1QbyJiS2thg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyUWr96IKdhUoKaj8HSYAiqDTE0xg5nrrYhRbGqJO5Apq8HKGtepcTNP0lk7d4rNUFuVM1wW_g_iNpctX0z8CgQ5witPKPGaVosrifAsXlFRgXKj_9hgCM-YYLc8WvmSfkhLkxnXUi7qpEE8QQ8yKwHTQ5IEDpNdmImJjL1U0aU889nmxqJP88Dx57-3E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyUWr96IKdhUoKaj8HSYAiqDTE0xg5nrrYhRbGqJO5Apq8HKGtepcTNP0lk7d4rNUFuVM1wW_g_iNpctX0z8CgQ5witPKPGaVosrifAsXlFRgXKj_9hgCM-YYLc8WvmSfkhLkxnXUi7qpEE8QQ8yKwHTQ5IEDpNdmImJjL1U0aU889nmxqJP88Dx57-3E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXTWvfyc6axzAVuau_P00klwkYqKcz11tu9dPTn7Xf1bzgcxDs_RdOycetlOz5IVhWSYhB2ZcMKSf8YfsOoUpsM2pTUYfa3CQHTufjE8B8XlexqB0qgaxR4FC7JbANyy024HE7YEsJh4wDNvO2i-MJrsWWrv4crPRfV-QAv90yHmdunSLvORLejsVdm0g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXTWvfyc6axzAVuau_P00klwkYqKcz11tu9dPTn7Xf1bzgcxDs_RdOycetlOz5IVhWSYhB2ZcMKSf8YfsOoUpsM2pTUYfa3CQHTufjE8B8XlexqB0qgaxR4FC7JbANyy024HE7YEsJh4wDNvO2i-MJrsWWrv4crPRfV-QAv90yHmdunSLvORLejsVdm0g" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQOpMd8rFfwu5CcO4iycVDmDW2BetUy0-lw1toHZ9RFABlpsTgMqf7u0lX5DuwBl2qBfLe_D2tV2EqJnbPwNf1TzWJxjFRLBwaYOjVKUDZ6v_OYbcbsHqUUO_aRNaO9lQ0JtosjR-PHv1r8xkIqxXPMeaYUnTLCnxoSMw5H8ysYWMCaMk2jCk318wbNB4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2937" data-original-width="3916" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQOpMd8rFfwu5CcO4iycVDmDW2BetUy0-lw1toHZ9RFABlpsTgMqf7u0lX5DuwBl2qBfLe_D2tV2EqJnbPwNf1TzWJxjFRLBwaYOjVKUDZ6v_OYbcbsHqUUO_aRNaO9lQ0JtosjR-PHv1r8xkIqxXPMeaYUnTLCnxoSMw5H8ysYWMCaMk2jCk318wbNB4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We ate breakfast at the camp and then took a long nap. After lunch, we hung out in the dining room. There were four older Japanese gentlemen also spending time here to avoid the rain. They were well into a bottle of Jack Daniels, and so were extremely friendly. They asked me where I was from and then invited me to sit down. They only spoke a few English words, and I tried my best to speak some Japanese. Eventually, they began speaking to their Mongolian translator, which then spoke to my translator, which would then translate it to English. The men offered me a drink, and I explained that I did not drink. Nasaa responded by asking, "If you don't smoke, and you don't drink, what do you do?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> One of the men was wearing a Snoopy sweatshirt, so I took this as an opportunity to ask about the Japanese fascination with Snoopy. First, he pointed out this this was his friend's sweatshirt, and that he hadn't packed well for the cold weather. He mentioned Betty Boop Mickey Mouse, and Daffy. I interpreted this to mean that Japan's initial exposure to these characters cemented their influence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> There was a singular sheep at the camp, cared for by a young girl. The guide explained that the sheep was found separated from its flock the camp adopted it. The Japanese men were very fond of the sheep. At one point, one of the men fell asleep in his chair, and another woke him up by carrying over the sheep and placing it on his lap.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMLb2nON9Z3-B_RTMaj86t5TXqjyb0Ka8lbwNZVcZm8A5SCPIPS6NbvH9Ws1UtuT2OTh7W3wBNmOjwXvOgmIsJY1u8eQwCR88Ywl6sX8avjfZwJ7AnjGsi_KuqDUwIq5SgUJRfJGYLX5gsReKU-Jv17PaH1roGw-HWUuNzBqhkRW7551vCcP0gCMS_4VA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMLb2nON9Z3-B_RTMaj86t5TXqjyb0Ka8lbwNZVcZm8A5SCPIPS6NbvH9Ws1UtuT2OTh7W3wBNmOjwXvOgmIsJY1u8eQwCR88Ywl6sX8avjfZwJ7AnjGsi_KuqDUwIq5SgUJRfJGYLX5gsReKU-Jv17PaH1roGw-HWUuNzBqhkRW7551vCcP0gCMS_4VA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNfZHgp2uANpGjylMxPTGtWzp6QcCbTV4UGySJUR33eWoBT-TOA_bXLoHQu-aLY_0Qyx_Im2Gj2upgZEnpnOHt9ZikrBHIAfxSuaWRQ9YljoiPiOldcgECNspdtkBPQqgbVKix5pBvrvgO90Sqwv6erei2p8rzeyNIGHIdfqfBjOhR4-N-v8sEPs1vj64" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNfZHgp2uANpGjylMxPTGtWzp6QcCbTV4UGySJUR33eWoBT-TOA_bXLoHQu-aLY_0Qyx_Im2Gj2upgZEnpnOHt9ZikrBHIAfxSuaWRQ9YljoiPiOldcgECNspdtkBPQqgbVKix5pBvrvgO90Sqwv6erei2p8rzeyNIGHIdfqfBjOhR4-N-v8sEPs1vj64" width="180" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S8DNoZTwTFs" width="320" youtube-src-id="S8DNoZTwTFs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The evening ended with a young man playing the horse hair fiddle. I believe he was a camp worker learning how to play. The tourists provided an audience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRQq0nTk1IzizB_qUu7hQbFbunftnJikGyB-wU8YhYEIhEiQfIhI-tFM1ny4N3QQbl4QYFWtMYMns-n8HY3RApwC4ZE944B1yO2y906f32drD-aQ8bRmNybS3w788c7eHoRgWfjl-73Ymce5ZgsXURbEH2uyaK6_tSi2cyfNxBiVLLzesaECU9RVD-cWw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRQq0nTk1IzizB_qUu7hQbFbunftnJikGyB-wU8YhYEIhEiQfIhI-tFM1ny4N3QQbl4QYFWtMYMns-n8HY3RApwC4ZE944B1yO2y906f32drD-aQ8bRmNybS3w788c7eHoRgWfjl-73Ymce5ZgsXURbEH2uyaK6_tSi2cyfNxBiVLLzesaECU9RVD-cWw" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_yZpRxkoMIit4PX23AHnWMOfGmCQvy-PAisnKI98DxcEs9uziIRjw2tayi9pdZdNxqb0STBIfuTbXbvgCLv255FE6titpnWUxn9spnUvZp0dj1Gui9ggbcTNujD9wa7Ik19DKeY_YpGdmW8NdBiNYLXM0w9zwJa01fXhPytdkbHUsvpB98AhE6KqUFQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_yZpRxkoMIit4PX23AHnWMOfGmCQvy-PAisnKI98DxcEs9uziIRjw2tayi9pdZdNxqb0STBIfuTbXbvgCLv255FE6titpnWUxn9spnUvZp0dj1Gui9ggbcTNujD9wa7Ik19DKeY_YpGdmW8NdBiNYLXM0w9zwJa01fXhPytdkbHUsvpB98AhE6KqUFQw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKq69K8EXYrwYbJxXe9wGapfjXuedS7a0PbaQmiHCDGylCDLY5T35m0_BLue2aA_XuDEtP_a0c7An6SVXJYP05fVk9MDzQBlnBZvHotfsFnhQxWZQD9XCbLStWqNqLPa7aB_mn3T7-csN2fHXOOMDa2V3M5lafyDs7_ueBEzAxCLexhht2AzODwvRO8JM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKq69K8EXYrwYbJxXe9wGapfjXuedS7a0PbaQmiHCDGylCDLY5T35m0_BLue2aA_XuDEtP_a0c7An6SVXJYP05fVk9MDzQBlnBZvHotfsFnhQxWZQD9XCbLStWqNqLPa7aB_mn3T7-csN2fHXOOMDa2V3M5lafyDs7_ueBEzAxCLexhht2AzODwvRO8JM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT9_Qf1xVVfDanrP_nnbBQZUqseGAbxXiQEREl0I5cQA_EFmTqriIhZ657RX1D21BQ8zDUS4Z4yeJHYj7i9JRhURdu7akuWYDR1qj31z7mtkhDhN1JDiLb00WC5jgq9FS-8M8t9IMfKU_UNT5nqpmLLsXwtLevDEQJl4FNtAbp-uqbos90Mo46gcDR6QA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8640" data-original-width="5762" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT9_Qf1xVVfDanrP_nnbBQZUqseGAbxXiQEREl0I5cQA_EFmTqriIhZ657RX1D21BQ8zDUS4Z4yeJHYj7i9JRhURdu7akuWYDR1qj31z7mtkhDhN1JDiLb00WC5jgq9FS-8M8t9IMfKU_UNT5nqpmLLsXwtLevDEQJl4FNtAbp-uqbos90Mo46gcDR6QA" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUytG_JF9jUy2yfhTzsloKPwOm2SfN8yfhAIAlaIdirU3gs3RPaHXngAcJ8xISSq7sDvfEihL-8aLw9DlUSvl999Ab6Pai_HdYuSk_c7ABLtZkXkQe95SmtjtFtaarcKmbSIaorDx-9bVNwJKp7e96X5HiC-LZNdlRRWRLo5okKS9PF-0dxgJXFPdDDR8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUytG_JF9jUy2yfhTzsloKPwOm2SfN8yfhAIAlaIdirU3gs3RPaHXngAcJ8xISSq7sDvfEihL-8aLw9DlUSvl999Ab6Pai_HdYuSk_c7ABLtZkXkQe95SmtjtFtaarcKmbSIaorDx-9bVNwJKp7e96X5HiC-LZNdlRRWRLo5okKS9PF-0dxgJXFPdDDR8" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next morning Nasaa asked me if I had encountered any small bugs in my room. He suggested that I plugged my ears on future nights so that they would not crawl inside during the night. We drove a short distance to the Yolyn Am Canyon, for a brief hike. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOAqjugS88PDgVk9Z1fJR_dOHOBcQVc7mvTbPPcsuG1URKESmVAo4GBFaQXapK6vEzQDxqgJ2U3whZNP27sDsjJ5lNq8v3g4K5eon28fm8qwnR6AbLS8oN6PalaxDjrEHFEakssGJuLSnLdZjTiDDmciX-619CzX-38FniaaP9M1id-uyOiecKXXCWTOc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOAqjugS88PDgVk9Z1fJR_dOHOBcQVc7mvTbPPcsuG1URKESmVAo4GBFaQXapK6vEzQDxqgJ2U3whZNP27sDsjJ5lNq8v3g4K5eon28fm8qwnR6AbLS8oN6PalaxDjrEHFEakssGJuLSnLdZjTiDDmciX-619CzX-38FniaaP9M1id-uyOiecKXXCWTOc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpqyDdPkqG_hdXo6hA5lWl6lSnv4O8HCKnQJrZs4FIzcC5cPrMmJOi6mmJSx7mNcZ8ox7BK-JoI8zlS5q6ob2-Z2h-MDSJO1iuEwfvBteeLNcHTSnZT7ujggpW4l9JTEbO3SPhTcMkZdXOJtRd0rFjRUwES4i0TEXdhmDqgXoDbqT32SI2CsYW5TwJaX4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4580" data-original-width="6871" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpqyDdPkqG_hdXo6hA5lWl6lSnv4O8HCKnQJrZs4FIzcC5cPrMmJOi6mmJSx7mNcZ8ox7BK-JoI8zlS5q6ob2-Z2h-MDSJO1iuEwfvBteeLNcHTSnZT7ujggpW4l9JTEbO3SPhTcMkZdXOJtRd0rFjRUwES4i0TEXdhmDqgXoDbqT32SI2CsYW5TwJaX4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhZpRsc3meX8qPBTgCJ6_xDbOO4bjhYI1g5rw6dNyEcLgcj0DkEk7ntZ8Jvyz6wu79Znym2_PDWys6YKxhf1Iy5ymPlkS3dZ7HPOnKQPfn5XydMd_6SV450A6E4nMkvldlx0mDUBuFpjeA_ZmMD5cJXgf6gHoL-6GrREwP0zGUmSNJv29c_n9THoYNRP4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5219" data-original-width="7830" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhZpRsc3meX8qPBTgCJ6_xDbOO4bjhYI1g5rw6dNyEcLgcj0DkEk7ntZ8Jvyz6wu79Znym2_PDWys6YKxhf1Iy5ymPlkS3dZ7HPOnKQPfn5XydMd_6SV450A6E4nMkvldlx0mDUBuFpjeA_ZmMD5cJXgf6gHoL-6GrREwP0zGUmSNJv29c_n9THoYNRP4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinIi-y4me6on6mawfcx2wGCsDPpS-jEc76IVitkzyonm5tqFqi-rlrjcqNSz3ZZ71G-AsFXUafb_VUNay1iF56fMX6uxZfxTJBzb4E-odNZmWcxtTRiQk1DHfLossGgHKIhmd6cB95iYkUW9VzMbFslFvQCtaYW5WBvEY5n_Zl3DA7rDpmaPiLJ0If3Ec" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3309" data-original-width="4964" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinIi-y4me6on6mawfcx2wGCsDPpS-jEc76IVitkzyonm5tqFqi-rlrjcqNSz3ZZ71G-AsFXUafb_VUNay1iF56fMX6uxZfxTJBzb4E-odNZmWcxtTRiQk1DHfLossGgHKIhmd6cB95iYkUW9VzMbFslFvQCtaYW5WBvEY5n_Zl3DA7rDpmaPiLJ0If3Ec" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTKkhfHdx_Ptu55ngOLwOtbcROiHKNsmHGVvBYMZi6Vfe-hDkp13Ce0XrJdgQO62aQubnieI6-kGSb8Zvj0_zi_8-u4FpNNhaxUqO201c02V7Gcy8Xd8cc93h2rDqAd5hDv6YRnNhBodSm3jrSSVQul56B8RJGjl_VBt4VDptYDv_vilQp__UNZK_VPus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTKkhfHdx_Ptu55ngOLwOtbcROiHKNsmHGVvBYMZi6Vfe-hDkp13Ce0XrJdgQO62aQubnieI6-kGSb8Zvj0_zi_8-u4FpNNhaxUqO201c02V7Gcy8Xd8cc93h2rDqAd5hDv6YRnNhBodSm3jrSSVQul56B8RJGjl_VBt4VDptYDv_vilQp__UNZK_VPus" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2QWJEEGBTwT7plijggz817x9gVNVfXlmqMWhrdC48wcSk6WF5XTeBgETcZeJt_nlSbAV88aCegQ_6-QOamuMyqE8LnV0r6t1yhdskdodgSr3BLofMAq5sFvCgF4rI4ckKsxX48TWiSQlgfYsO3hYbBU_1yzMtq0m7_NLTVahRuxzXnXF_Wn2T1Ifcdy8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3219" data-original-width="4829" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2QWJEEGBTwT7plijggz817x9gVNVfXlmqMWhrdC48wcSk6WF5XTeBgETcZeJt_nlSbAV88aCegQ_6-QOamuMyqE8LnV0r6t1yhdskdodgSr3BLofMAq5sFvCgF4rI4ckKsxX48TWiSQlgfYsO3hYbBU_1yzMtq0m7_NLTVahRuxzXnXF_Wn2T1Ifcdy8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PiXmoTbtPeU8zIAV6S2zZ-W4kARaoWGO4FNsrqoQBcuIleYJX5IwsSnGZ6-DwC0uQIVFPEEFPzwGZc3AnXsDVASf3RiK6yiu-_ZV6qPFfJYoeStbbPiUTe073GflBoQfEPHwSoYjSTs2cVvnUW6v_aQbp6T5tbOs9pV_XPsBLcJJENAcg9HQ-ixlAJg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PiXmoTbtPeU8zIAV6S2zZ-W4kARaoWGO4FNsrqoQBcuIleYJX5IwsSnGZ6-DwC0uQIVFPEEFPzwGZc3AnXsDVASf3RiK6yiu-_ZV6qPFfJYoeStbbPiUTe073GflBoQfEPHwSoYjSTs2cVvnUW6v_aQbp6T5tbOs9pV_XPsBLcJJENAcg9HQ-ixlAJg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSG_HL87VU1Ij9zNhKDwILOl9H-CVLtmaWWY11-Uw6J9CuSZ5CQxlFNSTzs3cYzkCzMdjuXyECFFSPQ3tTLtY7Cu_I7zEUlxmAtxyW8r5z4_ry5C-3N-HWu_WW2V4ae6bhfo2pAjGuQWz58_YMu8U9CjiE5RjpieVVhVGSWHvSq0b67dM2C2vnclOTwdg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4314" data-original-width="6472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSG_HL87VU1Ij9zNhKDwILOl9H-CVLtmaWWY11-Uw6J9CuSZ5CQxlFNSTzs3cYzkCzMdjuXyECFFSPQ3tTLtY7Cu_I7zEUlxmAtxyW8r5z4_ry5C-3N-HWu_WW2V4ae6bhfo2pAjGuQWz58_YMu8U9CjiE5RjpieVVhVGSWHvSq0b67dM2C2vnclOTwdg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasaa explained that this referred to the Soviet Union. A Google search showed that the CCCP is a Russian abbreviation for the Soviet Union.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7mDSdRZNZj4nKTk8KyTxnWbjwn6-NS1HXd8n-K3I_EjV4AS4k5uWG5SRqojQgNUEYZt945oNhV07vs0LysnTIk0cvtjjdfK_38MKt-NcKZaFDKgV6S9RQphT76LiInZ7zEGDG5kIAmGbolbFH-Za43bDYWcSD354D8Z3S8_cPqiojzMyx-sRX9SkTJnM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7mDSdRZNZj4nKTk8KyTxnWbjwn6-NS1HXd8n-K3I_EjV4AS4k5uWG5SRqojQgNUEYZt945oNhV07vs0LysnTIk0cvtjjdfK_38MKt-NcKZaFDKgV6S9RQphT76LiInZ7zEGDG5kIAmGbolbFH-Za43bDYWcSD354D8Z3S8_cPqiojzMyx-sRX9SkTJnM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhakG2par0TbjMNEyBi_qDk3dcGmn5QDADnMqny3kNxBng3A6BcaKpSmiq51zCenulLjawx_H0n6v0CyHmYvd3SpVrI3RkiO9Of3CCeFbo--iaU1TEDnpP990QSWZsybLDjCsORsdTOWpVAM0rQLiQVwemibHYOs0Ti59BOCO05d08V9bYIS8B7vSUKtRA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhakG2par0TbjMNEyBi_qDk3dcGmn5QDADnMqny3kNxBng3A6BcaKpSmiq51zCenulLjawx_H0n6v0CyHmYvd3SpVrI3RkiO9Of3CCeFbo--iaU1TEDnpP990QSWZsybLDjCsORsdTOWpVAM0rQLiQVwemibHYOs0Ti59BOCO05d08V9bYIS8B7vSUKtRA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxiMW3JzLsHf7fB-brEvi8YD3zOdFeWoBUQmioQi-cqGGffUnUQoQEBEyHllFNskLwIsSU2j-150qDdKue40BMCK0ExAsckKsiL4CeCK5iGiF5TSJka6kGGXw3nnee8mS5AOwdbXSZW4Mx0NCxwfgZALWvMfb3gLN6v2yygq9AQdxqe7une6UIYc5fMmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxiMW3JzLsHf7fB-brEvi8YD3zOdFeWoBUQmioQi-cqGGffUnUQoQEBEyHllFNskLwIsSU2j-150qDdKue40BMCK0ExAsckKsiL4CeCK5iGiF5TSJka6kGGXw3nnee8mS5AOwdbXSZW4Mx0NCxwfgZALWvMfb3gLN6v2yygq9AQdxqe7une6UIYc5fMmQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvJV75Rjaf3BOczQ_qh1s12ESTqjoc7omg-roRkdtsWZsEYg4I8ps5IYVIFoy1g1VlxuqBe6kL9wW0i1Ov4JPKOwMbCFapCE9Bl4z2JFJu919uDBvne1MpfiPWD8sTlNeo6yXSBZjTTtfEl52pGnq8RXZwi-R1M6i3jqzfAQTK4PANpwMq9X1qViB1eic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvJV75Rjaf3BOczQ_qh1s12ESTqjoc7omg-roRkdtsWZsEYg4I8ps5IYVIFoy1g1VlxuqBe6kL9wW0i1Ov4JPKOwMbCFapCE9Bl4z2JFJu919uDBvne1MpfiPWD8sTlNeo6yXSBZjTTtfEl52pGnq8RXZwi-R1M6i3jqzfAQTK4PANpwMq9X1qViB1eic" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM0sCMoNgBBqMYDnkPPis96U1tVBSD4YTbaZuRgJw-fBqtoZy-Pu6kF-N-OC_iBSLplZHtbHVFtFVyStM4NbfUX-IVv8-CtleFG4DuUbahSlw0bm1Etj4N4qW1ZJUvJX2UXqvfLC3f51gjVngpHOb9cNaF3-hzd_OapVR5BzbGbhKLFlWePB5ToZunATM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM0sCMoNgBBqMYDnkPPis96U1tVBSD4YTbaZuRgJw-fBqtoZy-Pu6kF-N-OC_iBSLplZHtbHVFtFVyStM4NbfUX-IVv8-CtleFG4DuUbahSlw0bm1Etj4N4qW1ZJUvJX2UXqvfLC3f51gjVngpHOb9cNaF3-hzd_OapVR5BzbGbhKLFlWePB5ToZunATM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5iVe2vIQgJZz7Qqp0dhEMN58FDCL7x_a91PdUWtEysjnwrOJQXz6mmYDoOf3Xjy1CZAaQu9ZkEhkXb6gRcvHrA1bYdQOYW5_9PygCVDFIffyw0XsqwX0GLX6Fp3N_4ogUPV911ZmvzwI6nx2Bf7cqJBTFEcdZ6VrsQgfl_uOjkmnBpUdclA59Qj6-BNI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5iVe2vIQgJZz7Qqp0dhEMN58FDCL7x_a91PdUWtEysjnwrOJQXz6mmYDoOf3Xjy1CZAaQu9ZkEhkXb6gRcvHrA1bYdQOYW5_9PygCVDFIffyw0XsqwX0GLX6Fp3N_4ogUPV911ZmvzwI6nx2Bf7cqJBTFEcdZ6VrsQgfl_uOjkmnBpUdclA59Qj6-BNI" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPTWJ9jffgHj_L49qNlxToymTD3Ip8XV5QJs6glDiBJld6gcxApWX8viDBX5NuGz3Bx_wvUbNDWpRJwv-QeNYicln7NxcTpOgSJWrxlZCakb8NkcU_73o19RUhykLAplzkP0YdOTAllXopWOOj1FO6ffkbzGI8_8aej4xxURl1xz8G88chSSbuw5VGL0Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPTWJ9jffgHj_L49qNlxToymTD3Ip8XV5QJs6glDiBJld6gcxApWX8viDBX5NuGz3Bx_wvUbNDWpRJwv-QeNYicln7NxcTpOgSJWrxlZCakb8NkcU_73o19RUhykLAplzkP0YdOTAllXopWOOj1FO6ffkbzGI8_8aej4xxURl1xz8G88chSSbuw5VGL0Q" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOAa7213rk1XL6mVwdJDAaFKQrIQS3VVXtjCOGUL9PhuTNOzqhLNCbkny4MHANN2GmODfwDKFMv2yMiRpgeeeDNObcramsO4Cvbf_djZC9zf7Da1Bk71E5wVdR6WQDRsNACkQ6cpt2wlPGyEHl6MtbZ8RlV4t55U6f7eObuIKXTQqdW1fkn8iulpzHP2I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOAa7213rk1XL6mVwdJDAaFKQrIQS3VVXtjCOGUL9PhuTNOzqhLNCbkny4MHANN2GmODfwDKFMv2yMiRpgeeeDNObcramsO4Cvbf_djZC9zf7Da1Bk71E5wVdR6WQDRsNACkQ6cpt2wlPGyEHl6MtbZ8RlV4t55U6f7eObuIKXTQqdW1fkn8iulpzHP2I" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidQsMDAE9SmBJgcZor2PhdfO5IDQ4wFNeNU6ZGwHFhotUkJ6VIYI6hoZn9rVS6JiZ1s8sakDeCddxtEpS6hBvCzP3S8KXDQDhZi04ibDlyGdWZXqqsO2R5NZl-C_v_ARHkB5rOrFpsIDDxg5P6HQnPq00jiETVrB9tmAlVjZaqRjVqkrfiRuQ_CB5DBm0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidQsMDAE9SmBJgcZor2PhdfO5IDQ4wFNeNU6ZGwHFhotUkJ6VIYI6hoZn9rVS6JiZ1s8sakDeCddxtEpS6hBvCzP3S8KXDQDhZi04ibDlyGdWZXqqsO2R5NZl-C_v_ARHkB5rOrFpsIDDxg5P6HQnPq00jiETVrB9tmAlVjZaqRjVqkrfiRuQ_CB5DBm0" width="180" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqy50scpGFFwbMYElRiEYTB1-ix62gmesS5XxjHPpmG32pAid33XSCV1NjHn64_sR6_m7RCYRUXK8yLrmvTi8IQuaJYd2AaOfOhzvocR5HFpLR4dXah5_QTFiJ3qBQ5F6oNb9Pgn1VQazcdr63gM7N8KRzzJ29H8xyh1zxYAlLy6hMUWw-_PKVphNKDGw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="3769" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqy50scpGFFwbMYElRiEYTB1-ix62gmesS5XxjHPpmG32pAid33XSCV1NjHn64_sR6_m7RCYRUXK8yLrmvTi8IQuaJYd2AaOfOhzvocR5HFpLR4dXah5_QTFiJ3qBQ5F6oNb9Pgn1VQazcdr63gM7N8KRzzJ29H8xyh1zxYAlLy6hMUWw-_PKVphNKDGw" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A coffee shop just outside Yolyn.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We stopped for lunch and visited a convenience store. I saw kiwi flavored ice cream that I just had to try. I didn't really taste anything resembling kiwi until the very bottom, where the syrup was heaviest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLHGdb5M5CDg68w3t2-MtZWkAWvwImXc5peSRbPaLS756CptMKGsnLWuZJgcmMWOLZ0663HzfQtknDwpKjAu4nOeyS-yqYmEUcqc6ihsQbhuJxE_MeUZlijKH_HJC7DWsnnA5qeMajLWG1v_d0IH6L7loRxx45RIbP4aQga2I7XOGGyYLO5Xphfc_jibw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3702" data-original-width="2777" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLHGdb5M5CDg68w3t2-MtZWkAWvwImXc5peSRbPaLS756CptMKGsnLWuZJgcmMWOLZ0663HzfQtknDwpKjAu4nOeyS-yqYmEUcqc6ihsQbhuJxE_MeUZlijKH_HJC7DWsnnA5qeMajLWG1v_d0IH6L7loRxx45RIbP4aQga2I7XOGGyYLO5Xphfc_jibw" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZJj0Y6ZphYgUVKF_6BakclGmxcqZVmMyEAqDK1zBiIwdPt7clZxN8Ebkn5YHP0gYs0EZ6KqVKGq-nZchVZV2sXrNZOAVH-qvaaaaXWgZvbOebdladVrVsqFXG6DevGhuXsTbM1IZF6oU55noVqiYKlk_Mt7ic3wRRB6-KA1v5FjGBly4-czI9mSznzPc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2894" data-original-width="2170" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZJj0Y6ZphYgUVKF_6BakclGmxcqZVmMyEAqDK1zBiIwdPt7clZxN8Ebkn5YHP0gYs0EZ6KqVKGq-nZchVZV2sXrNZOAVH-qvaaaaXWgZvbOebdladVrVsqFXG6DevGhuXsTbM1IZF6oU55noVqiYKlk_Mt7ic3wRRB6-KA1v5FjGBly4-czI9mSznzPc" width="180" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvJKJ8Ra24YFjXQKZD4dIG00Npj8G3blzVzkhLaiMnUg95zEbd3FKXG2o48aJmrb0IhCbYfSucBi43emgHvLnfAlyhO2nvNcKgkUGly8fy57er6K5HHAGmVJsMitKO58GLAkT20IeTI_H9elH2hIr97A4Gc0nI9HawYOC1aI2JltcF6eLsnvbQoEE3A70" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2689" data-original-width="3585" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvJKJ8Ra24YFjXQKZD4dIG00Npj8G3blzVzkhLaiMnUg95zEbd3FKXG2o48aJmrb0IhCbYfSucBi43emgHvLnfAlyhO2nvNcKgkUGly8fy57er6K5HHAGmVJsMitKO58GLAkT20IeTI_H9elH2hIr97A4Gc0nI9HawYOC1aI2JltcF6eLsnvbQoEE3A70" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A truck at a nearby gas station, Soviet style.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We had a four hour drive ahead of us. Partway through, the driver pulled over and grabbed a roll of toilet paper out of the glove compartment. I spotted a lizard.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiBjEXEAuIoc5bgCCGUnt6otpxyOIrhxMm9q_USmS0UEavgDJva6W_K4Bro2Ab-xT1zZguOpL86TxJJ6_lBcuoCyUOP4DdmSwUqo0qyOBRZ4huTk-_1RlscDdbUCaxiMsodaP9B6lSwSp_qtLvvfgkkzUc0Q3G0msqFnG-TE5mbeUfi3L1mWstT_Nn3S4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2406" data-original-width="3609" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiBjEXEAuIoc5bgCCGUnt6otpxyOIrhxMm9q_USmS0UEavgDJva6W_K4Bro2Ab-xT1zZguOpL86TxJJ6_lBcuoCyUOP4DdmSwUqo0qyOBRZ4huTk-_1RlscDdbUCaxiMsodaP9B6lSwSp_qtLvvfgkkzUc0Q3G0msqFnG-TE5mbeUfi3L1mWstT_Nn3S4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-KJJ5z0Y6fD--OVtlb9XAA1cJl4NC_dalSdLXN_1lDHnC1FLBmRUhvUPgkBpPjOLlsP389yUsANApkjxoZoL929VzQLZ6dsbYf4scjkq5FccJgqQk1L_r1DczfxOqADChqOthXbqe0xBNPBLlhVzOhWl7Rdlh0yUaiV_OiU6hmJT3lRK4MbWMN3LKU8o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="4117" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-KJJ5z0Y6fD--OVtlb9XAA1cJl4NC_dalSdLXN_1lDHnC1FLBmRUhvUPgkBpPjOLlsP389yUsANApkjxoZoL929VzQLZ6dsbYf4scjkq5FccJgqQk1L_r1DczfxOqADChqOthXbqe0xBNPBLlhVzOhWl7Rdlh0yUaiV_OiU6hmJT3lRK4MbWMN3LKU8o" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I asked to stop for photos a handful of times, including once for a herd of wandering camels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOXOeWpq6SOtKKR9qX2bvTl8vyP6kZFBIRreG6RCd8gBpnyE0umKsaNMIySr0h36n2eI0Mqinj4zhKuHaddPnggQz_H9VU4k5nXWBILkbW3WFPG3aQwar8eytlwsgITG8ed0Jsp_4UCrUjpD_zfNQFNb2mZgInwGkRMe9752wO0xBkZ-X-AQUPEaAHaaQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5659" data-original-width="8489" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOXOeWpq6SOtKKR9qX2bvTl8vyP6kZFBIRreG6RCd8gBpnyE0umKsaNMIySr0h36n2eI0Mqinj4zhKuHaddPnggQz_H9VU4k5nXWBILkbW3WFPG3aQwar8eytlwsgITG8ed0Jsp_4UCrUjpD_zfNQFNb2mZgInwGkRMe9752wO0xBkZ-X-AQUPEaAHaaQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheO8L9QbDIUAF3WkRr1DyChPfZ7YKERDWbEKqxpeYE5wCK_iPRp-7XXViJL5hbDZTHR4GVQcEHYlH2Lo46o0DytPb069mVZb8RuurtCSnWMeLc1ViiuaI8dspe9oF83Ad_rJlrDZgY0-e7ObrE43TMDGkI36_8F7ddmg4TrE88vmPq9GejklyDp1XIHVY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5067" data-original-width="7598" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheO8L9QbDIUAF3WkRr1DyChPfZ7YKERDWbEKqxpeYE5wCK_iPRp-7XXViJL5hbDZTHR4GVQcEHYlH2Lo46o0DytPb069mVZb8RuurtCSnWMeLc1ViiuaI8dspe9oF83Ad_rJlrDZgY0-e7ObrE43TMDGkI36_8F7ddmg4TrE88vmPq9GejklyDp1XIHVY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxhLEqoEH9CMLnmBzrnXFENkdlGkfAn-rEWmExpwaoXWlGVG6YVOg3NQXrlLwjOcv7cibxVupvs5GgRPMzPxiFxZPzqrkVJV8xTuw5tqAmkESqOVheflVX-VzSlUvzATokr3XPmISqhF2RSRKZ2WlZP524zDFdoqj4CywL5ARVwRHOXt4llazfK3YINUo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5762" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxhLEqoEH9CMLnmBzrnXFENkdlGkfAn-rEWmExpwaoXWlGVG6YVOg3NQXrlLwjOcv7cibxVupvs5GgRPMzPxiFxZPzqrkVJV8xTuw5tqAmkESqOVheflVX-VzSlUvzATokr3XPmISqhF2RSRKZ2WlZP524zDFdoqj4CywL5ARVwRHOXt4llazfK3YINUo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkwSO2rTRLSnQkh3imIWye5f4w0y_Qwh6J5nTDAIbMdN9NzwXCU3r7xoqHtOEnhS2o_96ToLcGkECBzMnqbVZ8VAwxVq68kblFqf4F1FG3u9SqXcjZKuWPIRoSdJTfBc-seud4uihaSWKh7cdIN0XSsJCPbbe-HUiFTTSVgpe8ZSadQtaTdX6szPHXhb0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1807" data-original-width="2711" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkwSO2rTRLSnQkh3imIWye5f4w0y_Qwh6J5nTDAIbMdN9NzwXCU3r7xoqHtOEnhS2o_96ToLcGkECBzMnqbVZ8VAwxVq68kblFqf4F1FG3u9SqXcjZKuWPIRoSdJTfBc-seud4uihaSWKh7cdIN0XSsJCPbbe-HUiFTTSVgpe8ZSadQtaTdX6szPHXhb0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaiVyXLx3q_Sg6ILqqVdFzUkBIKKepRNi89rFnQiCJphwIRoX4PhHqQIUnRYfutWVZrK8pX08Pb_anj7DfEyBbmwQ3kzbHK3vfWphi1mituQMM_6V4fgCm5N1N6NaQzB9uzKql4Hm18zKkmGHLjfmX5WEoxtuvXZ87G0eJ_CPf0xZvEgHA72r9_8egDJU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5762" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaiVyXLx3q_Sg6ILqqVdFzUkBIKKepRNi89rFnQiCJphwIRoX4PhHqQIUnRYfutWVZrK8pX08Pb_anj7DfEyBbmwQ3kzbHK3vfWphi1mituQMM_6V4fgCm5N1N6NaQzB9uzKql4Hm18zKkmGHLjfmX5WEoxtuvXZ87G0eJ_CPf0xZvEgHA72r9_8egDJU" width="320" /></a></div><br /> At one point, the driver spotted gazelles, and took off towards them. I scrambled to change camera settings. I did not get it all right. Nonetheless, it was an exciting off off road experience. That night Nasaa and I played ping pong.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbeYEwiFnyqshPc8MM6k0R5xcdCF0HoB1GayY3FgT0BsBdFVcRt6TzLBtWO0WBvHAo1aENVSDqyu4AqHmfFdi1eLGQPFtSeIsZPWKjIb0T0X5Kq5pEpTSHjmYVTACpP_QO0B-B7gorqA-DbaBchBKTO8q5HSEeejLciZV5SYuspIbZW_GHk_W3LyPkSZc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4337" data-original-width="6506" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbeYEwiFnyqshPc8MM6k0R5xcdCF0HoB1GayY3FgT0BsBdFVcRt6TzLBtWO0WBvHAo1aENVSDqyu4AqHmfFdi1eLGQPFtSeIsZPWKjIb0T0X5Kq5pEpTSHjmYVTACpP_QO0B-B7gorqA-DbaBchBKTO8q5HSEeejLciZV5SYuspIbZW_GHk_W3LyPkSZc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsmecdFN-F7hlZPOXQIxeixN3MI0POKOKXbkkdA3muvGj8Cp_u48nxeB-fEEMBylJnLU_4Ni0v6RipioRoq70RJ_ORgz4tJp1dha1BLpvDj9p6HZDnFXFvbRsSS445Atp69hjFnwtdqSBLGLV8bLSP-P1_alJ8X4Q6EcjWbIQRs2BrEUFT94agsncw4p0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1940" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsmecdFN-F7hlZPOXQIxeixN3MI0POKOKXbkkdA3muvGj8Cp_u48nxeB-fEEMBylJnLU_4Ni0v6RipioRoq70RJ_ORgz4tJp1dha1BLpvDj9p6HZDnFXFvbRsSS445Atp69hjFnwtdqSBLGLV8bLSP-P1_alJ8X4Q6EcjWbIQRs2BrEUFT94agsncw4p0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiszG5yxtsDn-caW5gLQxjWCYyAyFMrsxRFxJJYjLX8ct-YXH-RFDxK38UXpfw1I35MAeQvIQxbDIdOdrlvZs2OW6JW8Ls1TOwsJAK37ZZn3unWYzbY0Zw1lazbB6iLpRgLExSWURmTFuG-qu1OuBn-p50UK5L4vuQSkw_Boxdgz0_eFlB5z5oMtBbA0IQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiszG5yxtsDn-caW5gLQxjWCYyAyFMrsxRFxJJYjLX8ct-YXH-RFDxK38UXpfw1I35MAeQvIQxbDIdOdrlvZs2OW6JW8Ls1TOwsJAK37ZZn3unWYzbY0Zw1lazbB6iLpRgLExSWURmTFuG-qu1OuBn-p50UK5L4vuQSkw_Boxdgz0_eFlB5z5oMtBbA0IQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our camp was located just twenty minutes away from the Khongoriin Els sand dunes. The next morning we left for the dunes, stopping at local camel herders. I was interested to see if this was authentic like the Tsaatan or if it skewed touristy. While it might have been an authentic lifestyle once, it was now a tourist trap. I noticed their knockoff brand Samsung tv in the ger. We took a short camel ride to the dunes. After dismounting, I spent time on the ground petting and wrapping my arms around my camel. Camels are wonderful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi8vCq1jq8mjWRDtBfMzp8yE7KeTqoiPOMURu3u1kFxuRu-vx5q1zI_A-9ut12XQcNq7QNuuP6GAsTiZEO1hQ3cWTtsookL4qSaiY67DdznsREp_-tyklwUsoVo7jYVB6d2S8pbgKImk5taIqv8Oc4SP9VjL7QZS2utbx99pn7cs0fnmxrBVcmR-rGOvQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi8vCq1jq8mjWRDtBfMzp8yE7KeTqoiPOMURu3u1kFxuRu-vx5q1zI_A-9ut12XQcNq7QNuuP6GAsTiZEO1hQ3cWTtsookL4qSaiY67DdznsREp_-tyklwUsoVo7jYVB6d2S8pbgKImk5taIqv8Oc4SP9VjL7QZS2utbx99pn7cs0fnmxrBVcmR-rGOvQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> From a distance, and even as I walked up to it, the tall dune did not look like it would be a difficult climb. I was wrong. Nasaa suggested taking off our shoes, so we walked in our socks.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUQDjzG6Hf8Dt1GguXn5n6tot2mI23U0tGyWG47ifLmg8og7UfuC5PjueKMkXhajh1cgDSnc2T3xuXAcDInBNY2QfW1o5uZorPi9F0mBB1XyEm0jF1uDu6rBmfrm7eqVdW67kwszZNSVXIKhPYR3CsRcJjbJ_aad1yxJo_6Y8GAwdAJk_afRR7izSKFR4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUQDjzG6Hf8Dt1GguXn5n6tot2mI23U0tGyWG47ifLmg8og7UfuC5PjueKMkXhajh1cgDSnc2T3xuXAcDInBNY2QfW1o5uZorPi9F0mBB1XyEm0jF1uDu6rBmfrm7eqVdW67kwszZNSVXIKhPYR3CsRcJjbJ_aad1yxJo_6Y8GAwdAJk_afRR7izSKFR4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLcAaqn9r91z1WgTSEsGPbMekOHrTHrjdgyaX2TYJGXw3DbX_rvPkpoAMGjf1JpaR9EWscGvytIg7VOmqdrjWmkuGacXI6hWutrtBYVjmy-bpKcEjxpYfSrRs4BEqR3EexTpqqoIKKvx7rAqm7Fdnkk6c7kywRfNvF3eJV4unLGkDk-Y_XJAc5wJOFwEs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLcAaqn9r91z1WgTSEsGPbMekOHrTHrjdgyaX2TYJGXw3DbX_rvPkpoAMGjf1JpaR9EWscGvytIg7VOmqdrjWmkuGacXI6hWutrtBYVjmy-bpKcEjxpYfSrRs4BEqR3EexTpqqoIKKvx7rAqm7Fdnkk6c7kywRfNvF3eJV4unLGkDk-Y_XJAc5wJOFwEs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgar71H8FXFoRDpgreBtFhsSegQFCF0j9Jal6Uq7SldToU4kt_2yIkHWr1krfkbzlWNrkrW4Ciofnh1GsQxD6eL7XxyinV6k1rkbcgJTY8O89xuT9igjrkpWhjAaeltZg8B5JNEbNSAfC7oOhji-NK6u7Z0Jogv5JNJrc_s5d8UDV1cwr-NfBOIvj4_rFk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgar71H8FXFoRDpgreBtFhsSegQFCF0j9Jal6Uq7SldToU4kt_2yIkHWr1krfkbzlWNrkrW4Ciofnh1GsQxD6eL7XxyinV6k1rkbcgJTY8O89xuT9igjrkpWhjAaeltZg8B5JNEbNSAfC7oOhji-NK6u7Z0Jogv5JNJrc_s5d8UDV1cwr-NfBOIvj4_rFk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The first third of the climb was easy. From there it went nearly straight up. I struggled tremendously. I slowed down to ten steps at a time, mostly on all fours, stopping for very frequent breaks. The breaks became longer, the crawls became shorter. The heat of the sand was painful on my hands. The pictures don't do justice to the height or how steep it looked. From the top, you could hear vibrationsfor which these dunes were nicknamed "Singing Sands." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> On the neighboring dune, a group of young Koreans had ascended with sleds. I took a video of the sledding attempt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivHvp4GS9NCwsRnJAdLTeaxWKkt0GLPi8nMc7qpbJpxrvt6TWIeBTyB1YNcFMGqxFltRzTy9sj-xnqfmoEB0yHLQFWveFpYAEUOP1j1XrGZl8a3UTpSiBS3DxwTrx4S21mN2uEOxDfNjyNRXm9HVaLQA0Kmuj0l5xQKC4LatCrXtAcv28_QwOIDeTl7gU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivHvp4GS9NCwsRnJAdLTeaxWKkt0GLPi8nMc7qpbJpxrvt6TWIeBTyB1YNcFMGqxFltRzTy9sj-xnqfmoEB0yHLQFWveFpYAEUOP1j1XrGZl8a3UTpSiBS3DxwTrx4S21mN2uEOxDfNjyNRXm9HVaLQA0Kmuj0l5xQKC4LatCrXtAcv28_QwOIDeTl7gU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFS24H3GbQ-iQD7M8Kls1FgMHzNEe1BvqTPWlPzwM0D1a62hGcCtGAr4S3HIFyoiJ7hUhRj5vjTzXVKN3zE16rrV2g4YSlRWds9YT8yMrfrGYJMWC4ChWf9NdYaXF3AHF_PjNTeYT8gKGgL9iNGLFsLGSNe0X2gQlyHLx1mI_YanqsoEgY3sr7ZY5LEo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6306" data-original-width="9518" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFS24H3GbQ-iQD7M8Kls1FgMHzNEe1BvqTPWlPzwM0D1a62hGcCtGAr4S3HIFyoiJ7hUhRj5vjTzXVKN3zE16rrV2g4YSlRWds9YT8yMrfrGYJMWC4ChWf9NdYaXF3AHF_PjNTeYT8gKGgL9iNGLFsLGSNe0X2gQlyHLx1mI_YanqsoEgY3sr7ZY5LEo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqqxEDwfs1rm9jM9Sn83YzDoRAwW_76bhFkljzqzyCvJ1_trQUa_FxAzym5JRDcWBu9zJlFeE_Ywdrhfiw1YRXS0yytya_GBpEUtIfONARAkHwYLrTjJcReIADFZs8NWUMHT4pYkgceUVWColMX7z7pQvCN-WoCQ7EfZnQL46mH6BhFUI2G_Dzn9pPzyY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8236" data-original-width="11002" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqqxEDwfs1rm9jM9Sn83YzDoRAwW_76bhFkljzqzyCvJ1_trQUa_FxAzym5JRDcWBu9zJlFeE_Ywdrhfiw1YRXS0yytya_GBpEUtIfONARAkHwYLrTjJcReIADFZs8NWUMHT4pYkgceUVWColMX7z7pQvCN-WoCQ7EfZnQL46mH6BhFUI2G_Dzn9pPzyY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjB7NsxiHVaBWTyAQIw2m8C46sg0TJLuHGzrMyIQsZHM2B0o1FD5iQejLkjMoGmSEujMbe3AHINztUPHCWnQUWTucp0kz7QSIfjtauNJtpNiIY0jBhoZz16Uf_RkvZU_WHKeNabU1-vMBsyJEZTHcoWn-bT4rf-hauQOAB7OgZRr_22vmnXpHpREYqRL0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjB7NsxiHVaBWTyAQIw2m8C46sg0TJLuHGzrMyIQsZHM2B0o1FD5iQejLkjMoGmSEujMbe3AHINztUPHCWnQUWTucp0kz7QSIfjtauNJtpNiIY0jBhoZz16Uf_RkvZU_WHKeNabU1-vMBsyJEZTHcoWn-bT4rf-hauQOAB7OgZRr_22vmnXpHpREYqRL0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uwfFklGUWjc" width="320" youtube-src-id="uwfFklGUWjc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8UuMG7T7gtB_-1Xc5WK2PZs253yRJvjaA0jNKyELTjcRFbWHZipIymzkYHCriLF_iTmsXxudg1PHNNHPsrgBSnHZP5XMMi7YdjHwwYEQKrnP3fzD6MelMxfeZaU86imH8JsGMES15C362HFQh91wmyEo7su5wYFjzxP-oUD7g-2TsFtyXqOYXlmo8HH4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8UuMG7T7gtB_-1Xc5WK2PZs253yRJvjaA0jNKyELTjcRFbWHZipIymzkYHCriLF_iTmsXxudg1PHNNHPsrgBSnHZP5XMMi7YdjHwwYEQKrnP3fzD6MelMxfeZaU86imH8JsGMES15C362HFQh91wmyEo7su5wYFjzxP-oUD7g-2TsFtyXqOYXlmo8HH4" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drivers of the Korean tour groups.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> People often visit the dunes for sunset viewing. There was no way that I was going to repeat this climb again later in the day. Nasaa offered me the alternative of smaller dunes near an oasis for sunset. </div><div> Back at the camp, I decided to go for a walk just outside. I came upon a group of camels. They were huddled together and looking straight at me. They almost looked fake. I walked toward them while trying to appear disinterested.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLQW_rKAqjnl8GRkSYzyqCZ9FVdyYOJ4V8TqvSTlLOX8M3-Ipdq_s2gNSlZZEKW5lIjavRcNPzvNjqGi6xlMsBhlQ81c5-Ffx6i_3kupNgA-gc1xTKCM3pNJ-dvaa6fHLkPFKgKgW1BDc5dHwZqCHqWkbcCvF-KG6SAz0t2YfNE7vJdohBn0Z7dwT5QFE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1592" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLQW_rKAqjnl8GRkSYzyqCZ9FVdyYOJ4V8TqvSTlLOX8M3-Ipdq_s2gNSlZZEKW5lIjavRcNPzvNjqGi6xlMsBhlQ81c5-Ffx6i_3kupNgA-gc1xTKCM3pNJ-dvaa6fHLkPFKgKgW1BDc5dHwZqCHqWkbcCvF-KG6SAz0t2YfNE7vJdohBn0Z7dwT5QFE" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8eJ29otH5O4o6KeE6gtScAHigkjJvQtCiSHtFHvc9J_9YTUY5SqijGXvg9evcg4qPyUnXbFuazKbdU4aH8o0WTRxEknma5I4v_PdJGu21saOiIct5yvfqsj-gH_Dpt65mVmoMx1CWLPw4H269HVN1GwpyYRqWem7lyxWmcmHLIKDbRogqpTGUaCvyEtk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8eJ29otH5O4o6KeE6gtScAHigkjJvQtCiSHtFHvc9J_9YTUY5SqijGXvg9evcg4qPyUnXbFuazKbdU4aH8o0WTRxEknma5I4v_PdJGu21saOiIct5yvfqsj-gH_Dpt65mVmoMx1CWLPw4H269HVN1GwpyYRqWem7lyxWmcmHLIKDbRogqpTGUaCvyEtk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When I was close enough that I might spook them if I came any closer, I sat down. One was making squeak noises that I had never heard a camel make before. After maybe twenty minutes, they decided to walk away. I watched them walk away for a while before I stood up and returned to the camp.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7N9HLiIbAaWBsXRL7ErSBL3Cibb35LvBLxVAz7je7BjuNMBhAnb8JKXQtUP77hyEbhO_q_yLZr27S9EC1ao7Mw-HyOunVvr74qFR-9o1DZRXvHq1kmUkByf7d8k2n4bOQtekWPHewM8g4Yub22iCl2nPH0EjJZTAOjO6wa1giRH7XWtHkwGEsd0PZULg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7N9HLiIbAaWBsXRL7ErSBL3Cibb35LvBLxVAz7je7BjuNMBhAnb8JKXQtUP77hyEbhO_q_yLZr27S9EC1ao7Mw-HyOunVvr74qFR-9o1DZRXvHq1kmUkByf7d8k2n4bOQtekWPHewM8g4Yub22iCl2nPH0EjJZTAOjO6wa1giRH7XWtHkwGEsd0PZULg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsAHoRBT1FE6UkPXj4hhMRDuRnXo_kbqrkLls3OAOJG8rXtgWdQSgyBfISCxHEMm3GL1Dd67hDCOY5ABMAx43I5kRWfCL0GUpqw_yzDTSghs9n4_rb4ROWIeaNfolvaFcVb88BXjnAsfTybl8xpxbfQjNN4JI1om8fTtZqRWgQWX8m3g6HYT3UGQxjb4M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsAHoRBT1FE6UkPXj4hhMRDuRnXo_kbqrkLls3OAOJG8rXtgWdQSgyBfISCxHEMm3GL1Dd67hDCOY5ABMAx43I5kRWfCL0GUpqw_yzDTSghs9n4_rb4ROWIeaNfolvaFcVb88BXjnAsfTybl8xpxbfQjNN4JI1om8fTtZqRWgQWX8m3g6HYT3UGQxjb4M" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwNHQZ_zc9UUM7O9h-7CePzo-Ezw63otvQv5_m_Krvw-ftjLUwOYIch81zRt8XBo6TRE0uv8Un9E8-15EHTHgOsVzj52vcDJDYBhtbyONKEzISvA7-UGnQzfJwz5A8NgcKG9xQ89bCl1Iv8bmAAW0xLeTu37uLBRldGnlzn4Gk5Z8aBm4zG3al734LBV8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4609" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwNHQZ_zc9UUM7O9h-7CePzo-Ezw63otvQv5_m_Krvw-ftjLUwOYIch81zRt8XBo6TRE0uv8Un9E8-15EHTHgOsVzj52vcDJDYBhtbyONKEzISvA7-UGnQzfJwz5A8NgcKG9xQ89bCl1Iv8bmAAW0xLeTu37uLBRldGnlzn4Gk5Z8aBm4zG3al734LBV8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7XOokBl3Uo" width="320" youtube-src-id="_7XOokBl3Uo"></iframe><br /><br /><p></p><p> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMLymw4hFQs" width="320" youtube-src-id="fMLymw4hFQs"></iframe></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rcgoWTYmEkg" width="320" youtube-src-id="rcgoWTYmEkg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLXaVyjGCBxiS4flUyn1fIAKC0AGt7fbOeGUOIVdEeunNWMRIbldtjBuYiJrt_Z5ogsb2420A0vnV95z1ANreENi4-bSUr_3mVDbDnEtZLvDjTP-zxKPIGF1e1k5fSaYYuHUCbDkfQzdCxo9pbHpJHU_S1tEbBUkT6SJm-aPDdCUVxVPAbXCRYdPffFE8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3174" data-original-width="4761" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLXaVyjGCBxiS4flUyn1fIAKC0AGt7fbOeGUOIVdEeunNWMRIbldtjBuYiJrt_Z5ogsb2420A0vnV95z1ANreENi4-bSUr_3mVDbDnEtZLvDjTP-zxKPIGF1e1k5fSaYYuHUCbDkfQzdCxo9pbHpJHU_S1tEbBUkT6SJm-aPDdCUVxVPAbXCRYdPffFE8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPGTcc8iKyUeatPnmBG8A2tbVzy_B0l4jQhnWOZz3EmKCog3UvkVJZ_q9aVRnaOnrmJYil8FHdsJyFf_YHg6Ko2DmMi5SWwbIXGzb04yZZcVMpemQVSPm9C6XcZJObts92VMeGDf-QWCniOAC4_AXPMMY1KcT91qjNCuw-XMNiSJJACaWp1FaK5DYLNrE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5150" data-original-width="7726" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPGTcc8iKyUeatPnmBG8A2tbVzy_B0l4jQhnWOZz3EmKCog3UvkVJZ_q9aVRnaOnrmJYil8FHdsJyFf_YHg6Ko2DmMi5SWwbIXGzb04yZZcVMpemQVSPm9C6XcZJObts92VMeGDf-QWCniOAC4_AXPMMY1KcT91qjNCuw-XMNiSJJACaWp1FaK5DYLNrE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The oasis was aso very different from the rest of the Gobi Desert. Although I knew about the concept of oases in the desert, it was still shocking to see in real life. The climb was easy. We stayed for quite some time before packing it in and leaving for camp. There was a mild sandstorm as we drove, and the winds howled all night.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjWz5xPecUz747ruJbzKphXyEchLs0a_-4f0bAgOjeMZhd_gTyrY3HjesrpsgnWRcYJaOEpyYqFZhuKQGLyT71LTH9ZyY3YMQ5ADi4HHZMedPHfDdoBw7mqu1MwIWMGdTQYp7I_zcF_PCignP6Xmcr6WGRoErBBZYkp_9x8b4NUs-OGx9dqv3HS2wgceA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjWz5xPecUz747ruJbzKphXyEchLs0a_-4f0bAgOjeMZhd_gTyrY3HjesrpsgnWRcYJaOEpyYqFZhuKQGLyT71LTH9ZyY3YMQ5ADi4HHZMedPHfDdoBw7mqu1MwIWMGdTQYp7I_zcF_PCignP6Xmcr6WGRoErBBZYkp_9x8b4NUs-OGx9dqv3HS2wgceA" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0jkm21UETY" width="320" youtube-src-id="w0jkm21UETY"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Then they would swing around the winner's body. The winner would then be given a traditional Mongolian hat and do a slight birdlike flapping victory dance. In between wrestling matches, and witnessed throughout Mongolia, everyone was familiar with each Mongolian song played. People would often sing along. An absurd amount of people wore New York Yankees baseball hats, especially in the countryside. There were a few other teams represented, such as the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. My driver wore a UNC Davis sweatshirt. The Yankees were the mostly commonly found American reference by far. When I asked the guide, he explained that people bought their clothing from cheap Chinese vendors. They bought whatever was for sale, and couldn't read what was written. The mutton flour covered soup was called "bituu shol."</p><p> We passed the reindeer gates and encountered a large village. I was hoping we would be near the end of the drive, but there was a couple of hours left. The drive itself was socially, slightly awkward for me. With the guide's poor English skills, there wasn't much point in trying to make conversation. He would end up answering a different question than I had asked. The three of them mostly spoke amongst themselves. I looked out the window or played music using the car's audio system, and eventually used my own earbuds. At one point on the previous day, the driver played a Radiohead song sung by a woman. On this day, I played some real Radiohead for us. The driver liked that.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4FU609DJQZs0FYTEOWZlk5Ml-wNtKc03Bf3kkX0SZgrWTcRqpTaATOo2uOGCZdFTkb90dwVkeTDs-2V_WECJLrzuC39oSUr3C6Jc-iRIXQaXCTldI04DoOzfTratyKLYUaVKqhZ7zaDqkYhz_wTAlBttDR8s6HYt4vS8Ctib01dBQkL6QEixGO4oLuVs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5737" data-original-width="8602" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4FU609DJQZs0FYTEOWZlk5Ml-wNtKc03Bf3kkX0SZgrWTcRqpTaATOo2uOGCZdFTkb90dwVkeTDs-2V_WECJLrzuC39oSUr3C6Jc-iRIXQaXCTldI04DoOzfTratyKLYUaVKqhZ7zaDqkYhz_wTAlBttDR8s6HYt4vS8Ctib01dBQkL6QEixGO4oLuVs" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuUnzG8HIfWXEDO283o9f8cxB7ESBfDGyJG_J6TqSaw_xl2lNeMnEGhgo0BKGgLTjSCR1pTVo2rkdpjobhCyF_1J0MzVtv16J_JK9gAjqkb5jLztWv5XRUA1_7G8_FHVyIACv7jDdpn3UhVtCNUMZ3AnLn4KLIQ2YlpLrnpCtbHXH32rh3MD9koDFeHzY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuUnzG8HIfWXEDO283o9f8cxB7ESBfDGyJG_J6TqSaw_xl2lNeMnEGhgo0BKGgLTjSCR1pTVo2rkdpjobhCyF_1J0MzVtv16J_JK9gAjqkb5jLztWv5XRUA1_7G8_FHVyIACv7jDdpn3UhVtCNUMZ3AnLn4KLIQ2YlpLrnpCtbHXH32rh3MD9koDFeHzY" width="320" /></a></div><p> Around 7:00 PM we finally reached the village of Gurvansaikhan. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbyQVX9RnrdcoS29wZPdL4U1sXJFwAaMwJDk15SPUHq9QJYWZzxEcWYs6Fc6ZhwzjyRRDGG1eT5OsuxeRZja1hatBv5oHu15BE_vGT8krhWC6KZzSZPsXmBeAOkCT7XxADNUX91YadsV0B4D-X6tDblIKp8seDZVFeZmy0Us6RtY75ILCxwJ2QhxMDRmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbyQVX9RnrdcoS29wZPdL4U1sXJFwAaMwJDk15SPUHq9QJYWZzxEcWYs6Fc6ZhwzjyRRDGG1eT5OsuxeRZja1hatBv5oHu15BE_vGT8krhWC6KZzSZPsXmBeAOkCT7XxADNUX91YadsV0B4D-X6tDblIKp8seDZVFeZmy0Us6RtY75ILCxwJ2QhxMDRmQ" width="112" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZY5hkgP8Q-13E0YFZDGKt5nbRt8Kp819aff3sSc3Snhq4jswOBI9JiGeTzHr1sOc1Gq0HJFoqj1gUvtA0pNzomJrmrTAZM3NfqC0qbybX7i92zdFIDcDvVJMNMmxV8iWoZILBk2gvmhRqxL6N-15Vln5g2h5yyIB0cZaUa2bX9d6WpMrM4yChipTF2ho" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2647" data-original-width="3529" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZY5hkgP8Q-13E0YFZDGKt5nbRt8Kp819aff3sSc3Snhq4jswOBI9JiGeTzHr1sOc1Gq0HJFoqj1gUvtA0pNzomJrmrTAZM3NfqC0qbybX7i92zdFIDcDvVJMNMmxV8iWoZILBk2gvmhRqxL6N-15Vln5g2h5yyIB0cZaUa2bX9d6WpMrM4yChipTF2ho" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the vehicle we travelled in.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> Before dinner, I took a short walk around the town with the woman that we were dropping of, before she departed. She translated the writing on the buildings and gave feedback on my pronunciation of basic words and phrases. Along the way, multiple young men tried hitting on her. This was easy to tell, despite the language barrier. The most blatant young man was on his motorcycle. I jumped on this opportunity to ask him if I could take a photo. This was one of the Mongolian phrases I had learned. He agreed to the request.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUPPjcG1-bqNdZ-bsbRsoyCYhOw6Hczv6gIflNLuCQ188UXrvILUriq8mCTW3jGHb1YYOj_0ZY2F5Uno6XViRFkfNLVaH9Fq59-stirHbxC8zczQmjFNYXEL-igQXsAcvXe3DBvqdxY3BGYAn_Qk3ijBxIBaqUUruaC21aPVHK_QxDoWfZz_FjFOciWu8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUPPjcG1-bqNdZ-bsbRsoyCYhOw6Hczv6gIflNLuCQ188UXrvILUriq8mCTW3jGHb1YYOj_0ZY2F5Uno6XViRFkfNLVaH9Fq59-stirHbxC8zczQmjFNYXEL-igQXsAcvXe3DBvqdxY3BGYAn_Qk3ijBxIBaqUUruaC21aPVHK_QxDoWfZz_FjFOciWu8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFLzPzvBjEHvP7258nyN7dCj4RqUiA60W-W2qfqYodfOH6LojVywk1He9yc5YA1Skvs3REKQKL6a02MbCEN2SSWiXmJAigUVBosqZIJgehlbMhzjnsoTxiGoKH4ZFGttzW9urefS-3X0eamT8pSAmdlV1LX8txgF4PRLnC2SDtNDTr25TMO7933kYmcXE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFLzPzvBjEHvP7258nyN7dCj4RqUiA60W-W2qfqYodfOH6LojVywk1He9yc5YA1Skvs3REKQKL6a02MbCEN2SSWiXmJAigUVBosqZIJgehlbMhzjnsoTxiGoKH4ZFGttzW9urefS-3X0eamT8pSAmdlV1LX8txgF4PRLnC2SDtNDTr25TMO7933kYmcXE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwWWqZ5lUFHBgNhrfXIL7AGOCPT5vgmRotIwrI3Iozm5Hjl2KpZe4i8Q5NjIa70LKE4B6C1cGcAXEhFXe1BhTh_6YtogvH7Q6fU3RU05C3oZ-ZPixrxrOTNr-KKToqfgwbP3JG4dr5GxEcwCd6n65njKo0HKZfjwWOeeOtH5TQrleSmRue7gEQMum8cyA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwWWqZ5lUFHBgNhrfXIL7AGOCPT5vgmRotIwrI3Iozm5Hjl2KpZe4i8Q5NjIa70LKE4B6C1cGcAXEhFXe1BhTh_6YtogvH7Q6fU3RU05C3oZ-ZPixrxrOTNr-KKToqfgwbP3JG4dr5GxEcwCd6n65njKo0HKZfjwWOeeOtH5TQrleSmRue7gEQMum8cyA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJYkCGZSOd9uyBYAGzCYBA2-Ia5O-sbrTw2CadG9bqUlnkjhMn0GEwHFW0GSNtjcfkdd-tUt0d29zrQ5fgMsxgl6Gq5AGDosoG0JLVrRqpV5xZScaAV-AiVtIsMiHgOuFpaRJ8PStheyE0Fjpkkk1HeUst9FK2oN3BAgNrWIZ42ri19mYSxzZdkZBZPHY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJYkCGZSOd9uyBYAGzCYBA2-Ia5O-sbrTw2CadG9bqUlnkjhMn0GEwHFW0GSNtjcfkdd-tUt0d29zrQ5fgMsxgl6Gq5AGDosoG0JLVrRqpV5xZScaAV-AiVtIsMiHgOuFpaRJ8PStheyE0Fjpkkk1HeUst9FK2oN3BAgNrWIZ42ri19mYSxzZdkZBZPHY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgloCYyxixzLq7dvLJIzxz0iTX9TDGP_wt7F4O-jlRX9TAkkpr9ePL01_a_mVOo80Knx5Jak92C2AicV3fe8cxAIGCttjze1nWItRcOJ3Iojn6dW5geXBI_g4DoRcuVuxAf2OwTZ0i6YR5pMfsd9zxn_Ov1bh-8gTfoq11YNOlV56Sm2LKEKvTPQpGlQU4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8702" data-original-width="11625" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgloCYyxixzLq7dvLJIzxz0iTX9TDGP_wt7F4O-jlRX9TAkkpr9ePL01_a_mVOo80Knx5Jak92C2AicV3fe8cxAIGCttjze1nWItRcOJ3Iojn6dW5geXBI_g4DoRcuVuxAf2OwTZ0i6YR5pMfsd9zxn_Ov1bh-8gTfoq11YNOlV56Sm2LKEKvTPQpGlQU4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5RnR5qeTXQYC6QjdXNfKekf-_l-jJKVEVcLgTnC90cUld0NSnxead-5j7vVwTxb9RNITvL-Nz5B-iCH_fjQnLhquv0rprEKjuoMPrpvwm_2vRlw5FCvnXsV36023Ek4ww_GxACudbNMKClRF098hU6RnWbaaQtJhXZNb6f1A4pnrXf5DrBD0yNUbl5ZE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5RnR5qeTXQYC6QjdXNfKekf-_l-jJKVEVcLgTnC90cUld0NSnxead-5j7vVwTxb9RNITvL-Nz5B-iCH_fjQnLhquv0rprEKjuoMPrpvwm_2vRlw5FCvnXsV36023Ek4ww_GxACudbNMKClRF098hU6RnWbaaQtJhXZNb6f1A4pnrXf5DrBD0yNUbl5ZE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKAP8gctUc4NDgH_F-eT0GwQZbAVbZq_4OQmQMCi7eBZ78ccJ2cWXqyiUAAZBHUNhQuRcw78Ez3qJyX9tCObqDdVzwVbpachSM2rE84ZdGgYn7wJOBAZSIN9G-5WOuJvyVmogrIUFYX_azT5tfOwvGTJkUG7GdULZ32JDVRJHXgnJlO8czPfOjkL5HK5Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKAP8gctUc4NDgH_F-eT0GwQZbAVbZq_4OQmQMCi7eBZ78ccJ2cWXqyiUAAZBHUNhQuRcw78Ez3qJyX9tCObqDdVzwVbpachSM2rE84ZdGgYn7wJOBAZSIN9G-5WOuJvyVmogrIUFYX_azT5tfOwvGTJkUG7GdULZ32JDVRJHXgnJlO8czPfOjkL5HK5Y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8d9RWRcg6Woxlu2W0xEFNPSQtb-lFy6eZOo8o41DoJC1Wh1HzG-OGQJOK4HJkvSh8ZE910GLAfL9_L0c3Ez5l4bjjlmFGbqjyUPmCn4_qISo9iwDhP-5PASglutyO8dG41p93a8fsh6pcJwYFHuzWy3tludxTonk5yispdL9F-XwE87mjzru38ys7jvg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5060" data-original-width="6760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8d9RWRcg6Woxlu2W0xEFNPSQtb-lFy6eZOo8o41DoJC1Wh1HzG-OGQJOK4HJkvSh8ZE910GLAfL9_L0c3Ez5l4bjjlmFGbqjyUPmCn4_qISo9iwDhP-5PASglutyO8dG41p93a8fsh6pcJwYFHuzWy3tludxTonk5yispdL9F-XwE87mjzru38ys7jvg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The guesthouse was very rudimentary. The showers had to be heated ahead of time and the building allowed for one person to shower at a time. The bathroom was a set of outhouses. Two with a hole in the ground and one with a toilet seat to sit on. The two hand washing stations had tanks that had to be manually filled with water . You pushed upward on the bottom dispenser in order to release the water.<p></p><p> The morning of the horse ride, Dorj sat me down and handed me a set of rules on Mongolian horsehandling. I was asked to sign a waiver. Horses in Mongolia tend to be skittish and spook easily. Don't wear a jacket that could rustle. Plastic bags could scare them by the noise or movement. The list went on.</p><p> We drove about an hour west and a bit south. I sent final texts to people, as I would not have cell phone reception again for over three days. We stopped in an open field with some nearby trees and a stream. Our horse guide would be from the family of reindeer herders that we would be staying with. There were two elderly people hanging out with us, who would eventually leave with supplies, riding on the reindeer. They wore wonderful traditional clothes and I asked the woman if she was comfortable with a photo being taken.</p><p> The man offered me a drink. In the Mongolian guide supplied by the tour company, it explained thatto be polite, accept food and drink offered. You only were expected to take a sip. For some reason, I decided to smell it, right as it was reaching my lips. Alcohol. The guide said vodka. On this occasion, I had to turn it away.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRxJ0bVUrShV0NYdgfcRnmCVPmKGQkZkye3K0PJO7G3r6U45Iq-ScjT3baoHwOEu7Zo4OzAyyGmpPf6T8P2YiFiS_8aS2nEnU38iw5gAeZjL0_G9EVAfrPg2R8aMjrhp0IkeFUw6Z64DP4JWkCeEiykhPJHkTnZeVqgJQEVGoAAGfB9Um7Xf4Bb-6nPIc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7612" data-original-width="10149" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRxJ0bVUrShV0NYdgfcRnmCVPmKGQkZkye3K0PJO7G3r6U45Iq-ScjT3baoHwOEu7Zo4OzAyyGmpPf6T8P2YiFiS_8aS2nEnU38iw5gAeZjL0_G9EVAfrPg2R8aMjrhp0IkeFUw6Z64DP4JWkCeEiykhPJHkTnZeVqgJQEVGoAAGfB9Um7Xf4Bb-6nPIc" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmotGvFu_GanZxXBnQ6blUmioLjwUzgi5XOZ4CgGocNP37TM2TF9YBhcNz31joEDcLIdxZFho1Mz6KuJ6SKysH-ZSoFaJZ_2f4vRXH-kjODhNkLsg-qONu4d2MTl5F5zLk5MmOFfN6Cxh5YS1JGBaxMcfIydXCe9a7mRNJKHsT3EJs6KZtUWnoT1lLCXI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8390" data-original-width="11186" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmotGvFu_GanZxXBnQ6blUmioLjwUzgi5XOZ4CgGocNP37TM2TF9YBhcNz31joEDcLIdxZFho1Mz6KuJ6SKysH-ZSoFaJZ_2f4vRXH-kjODhNkLsg-qONu4d2MTl5F5zLk5MmOFfN6Cxh5YS1JGBaxMcfIydXCe9a7mRNJKHsT3EJs6KZtUWnoT1lLCXI" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dog had accompanied the horse guide. It was a neighbor's dog, and he would join us on the entire ride.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpK4uWGIXpW95_kHJSr7si6hSqua7n6d0-eva42Yd-0j--VAzWah21ODAg8VFJGvtf12Abqzw6sFMRFG4gZ9nFAOO6gZ5duXnNWzA4lIQstxOGxwhiEEavJf5hukGb9plnBNOxPok1uENivEt_AsskhY-5sODIrId6pKdQHLh6yFsS_jyciLmOj6Fw89U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="2776" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpK4uWGIXpW95_kHJSr7si6hSqua7n6d0-eva42Yd-0j--VAzWah21ODAg8VFJGvtf12Abqzw6sFMRFG4gZ9nFAOO6gZ5duXnNWzA4lIQstxOGxwhiEEavJf5hukGb9plnBNOxPok1uENivEt_AsskhY-5sODIrId6pKdQHLh6yFsS_jyciLmOj6Fw89U" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was strange being on the horse intially. There really isn't anything to hold onto, except for a small metal ring. You can perhaps hold onto the front of the saddle in a way. The reins controls the horse, but it doesn't make you feel secure in the saddle. Dorj was a seasoned rider, learning through his childhood. He held a rope to my horse, making sure I was guided generally in the right direction. I had to be the one to navigate the horse away from branches that might catch onto my leg, which I was quite poor at for pretty much the entirety of that first day. I wore a helmet and had a backpack on, with two cameras and two lenses. On my waist was a second bag, with one more camera and lens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Riding is uncomfortable. Galloping is extremely uncomfortable. Horses can stumble. This is especially true when going through mud that came halfway up the horse's leg. Streams were tricky. Aside from the final thirty minutes, it was a sunny day. I cannot imagine how uncomfortable and treacherous it would have been in the rain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Insects. Once we reached the woods, a hundred or more mosquitos swarmed each horse, and therefore, us. I would often see thirty or more of them clinging to the hats of the other two riders. It was most unpleasant. We took a total of four breaks, including one for lunch. Getting off of the horses did not help the insect situation. It was an absolute nightmare. I tried dousing myself with insect repellant on the ride back, but it had no effect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The journey was flat for the first half. About an hour into the ride, a bird flew off to our side, and it spooked my horse. This meant that it suddenly darted forward. I asked for help while pulling the reins, which slowed it down. The guide explained that some people freak and bail in that situation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> About halfway through we began ascending. At one point, we were on the side of a mountain, and I had to dismount for a while and walk alongside. Then came the trickiest and most dangerous two hours of the journey. The problem was the mud, the wet roots, the constant descending and climbing, combined with a very tight path of trees. The horse almost fell once or twice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxGFQGOw-XgJuse6xrHfzpfZoZK2LB7Qoy9m3-qfdXYVnByQXtViGslfxiGgSqRXxZOFLTz9zdj46Qwig17WLa0rhvROdx1JDxl7JHEcDTHz9aGf8Ug0YyzcKFBU8oSfrSfcCsrrCEjVw53IpInYg9utFDfc5kdAEpg1cXVhdDFU_mEv-5uONi70VhgbM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxGFQGOw-XgJuse6xrHfzpfZoZK2LB7Qoy9m3-qfdXYVnByQXtViGslfxiGgSqRXxZOFLTz9zdj46Qwig17WLa0rhvROdx1JDxl7JHEcDTHz9aGf8Ug0YyzcKFBU8oSfrSfcCsrrCEjVw53IpInYg9utFDfc5kdAEpg1cXVhdDFU_mEv-5uONi70VhgbM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX77kQ8XLf_lK1FYAcJa6LRTnd5ZomM8pgINt-RjwngxMA3s_a5aMbqeYwhneQAH3F8V4WiKQDc6FALV8we34I4V6D6zfqRBspvarFLuK5hhQsygzpDetytJ6kmSH3Zf6-zOiXJMYCn9HU6RyfhmDoeGu-Twp_k5p04YWmBgJTqSDW8tnn6MrnuBRNRNc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX77kQ8XLf_lK1FYAcJa6LRTnd5ZomM8pgINt-RjwngxMA3s_a5aMbqeYwhneQAH3F8V4WiKQDc6FALV8we34I4V6D6zfqRBspvarFLuK5hhQsygzpDetytJ6kmSH3Zf6-zOiXJMYCn9HU6RyfhmDoeGu-Twp_k5p04YWmBgJTqSDW8tnn6MrnuBRNRNc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh_RDNRbNyZKogLaXUWy0me-9LPEmjc8UyP7uoCbTen7iirPyvFuhmDQh4tBTbixWWjWJACVDMjYO2wOSY1q9q1kjcpUQ6IuPe0h7soZ5qkaRzR2ePAAv6x8rURpiopcys-PBZfVLjkBxNL9ysxAJkmHCTSZNdFxozzgTCs9BscDQLepAF-GSMnLqY5Ww" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh_RDNRbNyZKogLaXUWy0me-9LPEmjc8UyP7uoCbTen7iirPyvFuhmDQh4tBTbixWWjWJACVDMjYO2wOSY1q9q1kjcpUQ6IuPe0h7soZ5qkaRzR2ePAAv6x8rURpiopcys-PBZfVLjkBxNL9ysxAJkmHCTSZNdFxozzgTCs9BscDQLepAF-GSMnLqY5Ww" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iXDskGEW5d8" width="320" youtube-src-id="iXDskGEW5d8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4LyYtN-qBwUP7y2feKmg0Vi7abclyu-rqR05d51gcaIpFFweCgL06kyOeUxfkF4HskQbHfWp9lbnplQjLz7ZQ8v2KNzo5UnQ3w3udj5PZOonJNV4Bk1X1gxp9yFip6nuapzUvzvkBC9cN1CYA8ulptLjgtMoUBdqEacWHEqoQQrxD699v_ombVnrwSFE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5378" data-original-width="8064" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4LyYtN-qBwUP7y2feKmg0Vi7abclyu-rqR05d51gcaIpFFweCgL06kyOeUxfkF4HskQbHfWp9lbnplQjLz7ZQ8v2KNzo5UnQ3w3udj5PZOonJNV4Bk1X1gxp9yFip6nuapzUvzvkBC9cN1CYA8ulptLjgtMoUBdqEacWHEqoQQrxD699v_ombVnrwSFE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKm2i7t7RjrToo6y8Memu7xshZZOGAGyjXdoB5jAQaHENkSIP_Z3FP_dsZkroSvyGzd0ACZkYUp8kr8WnKbkE56ZY6JIQT9m5lsaPzV9riGW6GKHzwg7-atX6zRlZCkTSesIf2leYGiDD1R4QMlgNPrwiDnkqYTDROGc4jECIkZz9LeB6w2vMZoMZ8fMA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4935" data-original-width="7404" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKm2i7t7RjrToo6y8Memu7xshZZOGAGyjXdoB5jAQaHENkSIP_Z3FP_dsZkroSvyGzd0ACZkYUp8kr8WnKbkE56ZY6JIQT9m5lsaPzV9riGW6GKHzwg7-atX6zRlZCkTSesIf2leYGiDD1R4QMlgNPrwiDnkqYTDROGc4jECIkZz9LeB6w2vMZoMZ8fMA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our last break was about thirty minutes away from our destination. I had trouble even standing up straight when getting off of the horse. We rested for a bit and then I pointed out that the clouds looked gloomy and that we should move on. We did, and it rained lightly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUpQiEpnY7alRo7ABB6AJKYJKVKCgnAofZPEzgJ4ZbGKISTxgFev2yvauY5yOfauH3irm-I-5BDR68nRLbstFeLWJTUzvSkXjz1JkAYtIWZonAtox-QIkg2-NdnXXbmPhgp3iyKJjVNcJ-vEMxFGNvNmJAEBAyB7iOV2wfJH5rEtF1U2QpYeRs4ahSm8s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUpQiEpnY7alRo7ABB6AJKYJKVKCgnAofZPEzgJ4ZbGKISTxgFev2yvauY5yOfauH3irm-I-5BDR68nRLbstFeLWJTUzvSkXjz1JkAYtIWZonAtox-QIkg2-NdnXXbmPhgp3iyKJjVNcJ-vEMxFGNvNmJAEBAyB7iOV2wfJH5rEtF1U2QpYeRs4ahSm8s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8mRBctCx-k0tmMqqOmcdYriZMP6dnYS7DqazKUSvXUvUTzZjfMMGAyzqFiFH6izWJtBt_2zhtM0Y8q9RcljW_jsaAFPlfP2OuFdobD0XghxRKoA8S_fGuM-IraGn__braj1XzxqdustRwQKzKsT4ngNZw12jCN6-u3kG2c8B7y0Hv0Steb9Apx4YCZYw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8mRBctCx-k0tmMqqOmcdYriZMP6dnYS7DqazKUSvXUvUTzZjfMMGAyzqFiFH6izWJtBt_2zhtM0Y8q9RcljW_jsaAFPlfP2OuFdobD0XghxRKoA8S_fGuM-IraGn__braj1XzxqdustRwQKzKsT4ngNZw12jCN6-u3kG2c8B7y0Hv0Steb9Apx4YCZYw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Once we arrived, we were immediately summoned to the teepee of the host family. I was served milk tea, along with homemade cheese and bread. Milk tea is a very traditional Mongolian drink which I had read about, but this was my first time drinking it. I don't quite know how to describe it. It doesn't taste much like tea actually, which is good, because I really don't like tea. This milk was reindeer milk, which I tried not to think about. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO0c2lVhTY2tecGU075P4UiW76gvzm2MVe8czrwn24i_EqPu2eOAywA_NsAmLfg1M2wYpN97A2Pe0XP6bgeitM5pIRjSIGUxDWXe2ZDmED1C99_BDhWsyMK2NtPjaDu17zUKBCe9hGE5lXpJyyZ7w5Q8vPVLr6pG3YkUe6KR_9fV6ZTlFECx1KDRLfKjA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO0c2lVhTY2tecGU075P4UiW76gvzm2MVe8czrwn24i_EqPu2eOAywA_NsAmLfg1M2wYpN97A2Pe0XP6bgeitM5pIRjSIGUxDWXe2ZDmED1C99_BDhWsyMK2NtPjaDu17zUKBCe9hGE5lXpJyyZ7w5Q8vPVLr6pG3YkUe6KR_9fV6ZTlFECx1KDRLfKjA" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCUQ8dIs3BHPIBsfpFAdbkVf_r7sD8isasoDfUbAxGPDSxLBsY4pg7UfR7JaRcg4DYS1I3Hc5JxCqni6PB8jrgHOtlYywuZK__3o_BubZYIetqMufzYRonSwrUAXWan_Ish6LO4St-tHHLJHMI4QTVc_Ugeb-LT_zIaI4Oje-qkE8NIRi_tXUqWQB8jag" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCUQ8dIs3BHPIBsfpFAdbkVf_r7sD8isasoDfUbAxGPDSxLBsY4pg7UfR7JaRcg4DYS1I3Hc5JxCqni6PB8jrgHOtlYywuZK__3o_BubZYIetqMufzYRonSwrUAXWan_Ish6LO4St-tHHLJHMI4QTVc_Ugeb-LT_zIaI4Oje-qkE8NIRi_tXUqWQB8jag" width="112" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The location of the camp.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I was given two camping pads stacked on top of a small wooden platform. We had a kitchen table in the middle and Dorj unpacked the cooking supplies. Then the reindeer came back to the camp for the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi03RUuWwAP3OweuoUNVbmWjILOfZVFdRImOybFrVaEwfokcg9c2GwGbpy8BxF6PebyylWNWp_kzWophS8VNv35_HQaoKB03bwyVuax7VsrbbhqEjcl2-Bfo3AXdgWAa7jwIBgyvvXuKqfcvpeHAI6nD0WqAH8akwwlVjBA8T8i8FcVrlzPb6kYplbC81U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="3865" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi03RUuWwAP3OweuoUNVbmWjILOfZVFdRImOybFrVaEwfokcg9c2GwGbpy8BxF6PebyylWNWp_kzWophS8VNv35_HQaoKB03bwyVuax7VsrbbhqEjcl2-Bfo3AXdgWAa7jwIBgyvvXuKqfcvpeHAI6nD0WqAH8akwwlVjBA8T8i8FcVrlzPb6kYplbC81U" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgTcAme3rPv19erYPR6pONkNN0PnwdPTzQdtM9q3ecCycdIFe2bBq1MfEg_b-H84x2ep8BLvKwiB9_t5gsTODwivyo422RfxokuWW_GPhZ1KkgBjmlItzsy8JQZWJFTvEBPsoRMJT0uJgHyzRm9Bq-IOKnpZWuGE7XvhDUSq1Gs6ATMrobZypldCr11SE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4625" data-original-width="6167" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgTcAme3rPv19erYPR6pONkNN0PnwdPTzQdtM9q3ecCycdIFe2bBq1MfEg_b-H84x2ep8BLvKwiB9_t5gsTODwivyo422RfxokuWW_GPhZ1KkgBjmlItzsy8JQZWJFTvEBPsoRMJT0uJgHyzRm9Bq-IOKnpZWuGE7XvhDUSq1Gs6ATMrobZypldCr11SE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEianzqrYO-INYJvMVaAgvfPFUhP9VlwKlKhwuuZwRJ88HeNS04g4PlaBol8aoWObAlPDEIFNbhkCTmGXFyd9vP-RGRxyC4Iv_QTwPBNuqhE-z_74ZZmz-_K8ohvHebpt0l3c2CtWxQndlrHIsQzmezeASuCBv7pvbS5dORCeg_NbARWGjXe1xV3x7Hhvow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8100" data-original-width="10800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEianzqrYO-INYJvMVaAgvfPFUhP9VlwKlKhwuuZwRJ88HeNS04g4PlaBol8aoWObAlPDEIFNbhkCTmGXFyd9vP-RGRxyC4Iv_QTwPBNuqhE-z_74ZZmz-_K8ohvHebpt0l3c2CtWxQndlrHIsQzmezeASuCBv7pvbS5dORCeg_NbARWGjXe1xV3x7Hhvow" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnjYUIJV5YwdJ78QeDZyY1hjScj0BGgu56oX3-hRlildpXCgZEuj6NSE6IF-kJQr5eJDNT7GeofjvWgIaj8SzltGjwH_kt2HZSgmfE6XH5r3JEepHoZNzDDF3z2S8AzU48md-V51bB-xG1gT4J_OJoz0Rny5DeET02x3u-Vw6v2b4ClizhDkAnlwJ596Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7282" data-original-width="9711" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnjYUIJV5YwdJ78QeDZyY1hjScj0BGgu56oX3-hRlildpXCgZEuj6NSE6IF-kJQr5eJDNT7GeofjvWgIaj8SzltGjwH_kt2HZSgmfE6XH5r3JEepHoZNzDDF3z2S8AzU48md-V51bB-xG1gT4J_OJoz0Rny5DeET02x3u-Vw6v2b4ClizhDkAnlwJ596Q" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtn7HsbjzcSW6spUnWTnjkA179tK7Vy3imtMiTo0TL55Hk-ieH9A9pPeKGVF8tCvr7MveUZUoQxKOjlrD4DbAxs3YfutSFsNVEdA-V84dnW_x2bKJM6aUEAW5sI9mY0sPhJPqgPCFtYJ1htjE1uBtaw0I-qoo5qLXZXSAb4Xk1C_2smQx6s0C6Bm0UG7I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8312" data-original-width="11085" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtn7HsbjzcSW6spUnWTnjkA179tK7Vy3imtMiTo0TL55Hk-ieH9A9pPeKGVF8tCvr7MveUZUoQxKOjlrD4DbAxs3YfutSFsNVEdA-V84dnW_x2bKJM6aUEAW5sI9mY0sPhJPqgPCFtYJ1htjE1uBtaw0I-qoo5qLXZXSAb4Xk1C_2smQx6s0C6Bm0UG7I" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCzCj0DuJVi062Xz8jCGiEtmGjW_xZ3howmXGHvW2UrXSfmEiQMdnUcEFHJ8YA8XLt4w7hZpxNscVqfQdTMudlvfEBoU8-OwR9UorTYko4h5OCy_TfaA_v-vcEv6T9qxMww9GQxxMXxSQixEEowTk_NJ9HO67AxTOoUEevbpFCIU2LRVvc7QQ2ManK-X0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8081" data-original-width="10775" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCzCj0DuJVi062Xz8jCGiEtmGjW_xZ3howmXGHvW2UrXSfmEiQMdnUcEFHJ8YA8XLt4w7hZpxNscVqfQdTMudlvfEBoU8-OwR9UorTYko4h5OCy_TfaA_v-vcEv6T9qxMww9GQxxMXxSQixEEowTk_NJ9HO67AxTOoUEevbpFCIU2LRVvc7QQ2ManK-X0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc66jMIq-3CuVQB-CKpDQlHH7sW2dakTZp6oFZA-0EC1t1A_h7FX9NI4Nc4Ny2RyOs6-5l8rSbHrfmeJIsrTkhwl8Lcyx6hLfaOQbnjl31YLeG9p4Eimj4pavAHf6sRGRGAauplRlYxJ1dMuL98PtX2MKf9Nl4a8t5sGvITVA-hnOad_tNwU1TPWhwKFk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc66jMIq-3CuVQB-CKpDQlHH7sW2dakTZp6oFZA-0EC1t1A_h7FX9NI4Nc4Ny2RyOs6-5l8rSbHrfmeJIsrTkhwl8Lcyx6hLfaOQbnjl31YLeG9p4Eimj4pavAHf6sRGRGAauplRlYxJ1dMuL98PtX2MKf9Nl4a8t5sGvITVA-hnOad_tNwU1TPWhwKFk" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xJzMWEWbFmU" width="320" youtube-src-id="xJzMWEWbFmU"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div> A vegetable pasta dish was cooked for dinner and broccoli soup for breakfast. Bottled water was packed for me, but Dorj and the rest of the camp drank from the stream. We brought instant coffee and powdered milk. Dorj repeatedly brought up how we had to eat only vegetables. Since Mongolian diet consists of mostly meat, this was strange to him.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmqRXJiyR5Dqp3PZhA21eYb4g7sHlGvXvNLdX1bjvk1Od1ArPPMyRqx5Bi5pxikBMVtSEGt-EeOfQq4E4ocrrqvrLXCBJ4tFx8eCi0Il8q3dEzFDRGBm_JlcvUlO9ca7RJQItniRZSKx9NMSSYvK8VZkf2k2z6N57gjt38yWtsbhrEAA7CcEt78LNfv-0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="3957" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmqRXJiyR5Dqp3PZhA21eYb4g7sHlGvXvNLdX1bjvk1Od1ArPPMyRqx5Bi5pxikBMVtSEGt-EeOfQq4E4ocrrqvrLXCBJ4tFx8eCi0Il8q3dEzFDRGBm_JlcvUlO9ca7RJQItniRZSKx9NMSSYvK8VZkf2k2z6N57gjt38yWtsbhrEAA7CcEt78LNfv-0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYsOSzVBP6OJesteselCjkMXSS0KpQpLtc7VaSSt9w8jcBBP_l-_nHPv_LpAsh-I_UDT-F45dihO7vmI7TGsA9Ze2vWtDC5oCpfl2W9qBSJCZD_GylvLkk61mTYBhHu9ojDQhomyEcbjHlCGdIjj3mGE2Lhm5fNWHUxrJY34NVs46mKAtHdk__V_R3YW0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2935" data-original-width="3913" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYsOSzVBP6OJesteselCjkMXSS0KpQpLtc7VaSSt9w8jcBBP_l-_nHPv_LpAsh-I_UDT-F45dihO7vmI7TGsA9Ze2vWtDC5oCpfl2W9qBSJCZD_GylvLkk61mTYBhHu9ojDQhomyEcbjHlCGdIjj3mGE2Lhm5fNWHUxrJY34NVs46mKAtHdk__V_R3YW0" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> There was no electricity and no cell phone reception. The families used solar panels to power small handheld gaming systems for the children, phones to play on, and even small tv(which was used with a small satellite). They used a fire to heat the teepees occasionally, and to cook. Dorj used gas canisters. One night we slept with a fire, but like it was in the ger, you wake up cold in the middle of the night. The communal toilet was on the far side of the hill. It was a deep hole with wooden boards covering it, except for the center. This allowed you to plant feet on both sides while using it. There were stones piled up on three sides, which allowed people to see the top of you. This was so they could see someone using it, but not enough to see their bottom half.</div><div><br /></div><div> According to Dorj, there are three hundred and fifty reindeer herders remaining, divided into east and west settlements. Reindeer herders are known as the Tsaatan. The families get paid the equivalent of one hundred dollars per person by the government to keep the traditional lifestyle alive. In the winter, the women and children stay at the local village. At one point they showed me a video of an avalanche that had killed thirty of their reindeer and had a devastating effect on their lives. They chose to dig up the reindeer to make use of their bodies.</div><div><br /></div><div> At about 3:30 AM each morning I would be woken up by the sounds of the reindeer, which sounded like pigs grunting. I made a sound recording of it one morning and converted it into a video. No visuals, just the sounds that I heard one morning at 4:00 AM.</div><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z0PotbPRaiw" width="320" youtube-src-id="z0PotbPRaiw"></iframe><br /> </div><div> The first night went well, though it was extremely cold. I wore many layers, along with a camping bag and blanket on top of that. I spent the next day hanging around the camp, reading, and watching the people. There were many kids around, from age three or so up to maybe ten. I learned that kids are sent around their early teenage years to boarding school in the town that we had just come from. I joined them in playing volleyball as well. They had a game where everyone would hit in a circle, but if you missed or hit the ball in the wrong direction, you sat in the center. Then, if someone hit the ball at you, or missed, and you were able to touch it, you rejoined the circle.</div><div><br /></div><div> Around mid afternoon I decided to take a solo hike along the hillside and made my way towards the nearest other Tsaatan settlement. I saw many wildflowers and insects along the way. As I came closer to the other village, I came across large area of melting snow and ice. I first tried walking atop it but it did not feel solid, so I walked around.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9c32_SZzPTDJn4kUQUo2GqASeCAJc1CbyvroEq8--MewRsMt2P96-GR9L5kIa3HsIAg58GjApeXIUYKEBcJHpL56rFjC1t82YsN_OSYWGlX1Fy9z0C5RZ5g0lnyGNEX0xFd2v1PKI07SuQcLrUjPWJ1DJHU8m6hISTNTmBh0wmEt6cVNJeJldYtgq1Vg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2315" data-original-width="3473" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9c32_SZzPTDJn4kUQUo2GqASeCAJc1CbyvroEq8--MewRsMt2P96-GR9L5kIa3HsIAg58GjApeXIUYKEBcJHpL56rFjC1t82YsN_OSYWGlX1Fy9z0C5RZ5g0lnyGNEX0xFd2v1PKI07SuQcLrUjPWJ1DJHU8m6hISTNTmBh0wmEt6cVNJeJldYtgq1Vg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd4nC2zSC7k-zAspP-us79kKcoycUyvkCIbTZd1AbgXIiA-5UZh7G9949VxZ2wLE7xvcuH3OI-1OYwj4qDAjy6JIp5fefRGzjVh5A0gKupmLHA5ouQ_YTOWWcq_lbfrolAzg4_5dmpRYxRvC70s6d0pE7OPtXGTGEFf__mep3la3LxNbCc9WWgBI3gyEA" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhmkjpLucxdo3ac-OeeSDcMLRztC9SnqYbk7wo5dW56vRKRXk-rB_Xt6w58_ukbhD42xtJTlpAtl_lOTls2RvrQiULQdgjTYMFbxS_G4zzP0kiwksNxW1zzIAa_K89EziiNT_Bn9xmBl-NvQ-tcHbHT_zWZlUydbtl7iUth4pTgmsi3wpAJxhDCNPKtuI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhmkjpLucxdo3ac-OeeSDcMLRztC9SnqYbk7wo5dW56vRKRXk-rB_Xt6w58_ukbhD42xtJTlpAtl_lOTls2RvrQiULQdgjTYMFbxS_G4zzP0kiwksNxW1zzIAa_K89EziiNT_Bn9xmBl-NvQ-tcHbHT_zWZlUydbtl7iUth4pTgmsi3wpAJxhDCNPKtuI" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> When I arrived at the other camp, there was a group of maybe eight people compromised of about five tourists and three Mongolians. They looked up but couldn't be bothered to even say hello, and resumed their conversation as if I did not exist. I simply turned around, put my earbuds back in, and made my way back to my camp. </div><div><br /></div><div> I carefully avoided the mud until the final stretch, when I was unable to find a clear path around it. I was tired by now, so I decided to walk straight through it. My shoes were drenched in this process. I left them out to dry, put plastic bags over fresh socks, and hobbled around the camp. New tourists joined us that night, the Tsaatan put up a makeshift volleyball net, and everyone played. I couldn't safely play on the terrain without shoes, so I played with one of the dogs while watching and played with some of the little kids that wanted a partner to play with.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIwbq6uY0nBmtQuV8IvcPZjz7msgKKltBfvHrj4Tt90dJyIfJSWw-EufrsYMTbx3GgevMRbooKAa6h2v1WswOrJS57zVCe21W6QQkv0733fxjBWwk4FjzQqy3-zT8tgeeTnuqm238G7kVUf4IypHtxbEFCPLYHfSmr3WIWa4n0pQSuFRUWm_BnnRu8Sbg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2819" data-original-width="3759" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIwbq6uY0nBmtQuV8IvcPZjz7msgKKltBfvHrj4Tt90dJyIfJSWw-EufrsYMTbx3GgevMRbooKAa6h2v1WswOrJS57zVCe21W6QQkv0733fxjBWwk4FjzQqy3-zT8tgeeTnuqm238G7kVUf4IypHtxbEFCPLYHfSmr3WIWa4n0pQSuFRUWm_BnnRu8Sbg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The sunset was wonderful. I walked around with my plastic bags over my socks and took pictures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj55-LOW62lUBqkLEm8Yb69NgcP0Rg_Xz3fFUyYI8XFebI9qrIthMTMognJDvl-mQL63wcYIY0SDd99s89e7PqO3wKxyNv6C8NiHPBJBwzaX4Om5hguqQT3k5vYophItN9ZWJPlXahZ9wJE_hvOx0bSP_XwN-Ll-RIRpxnA5Z9KOCOBQatp3JsysOAeaWs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj55-LOW62lUBqkLEm8Yb69NgcP0Rg_Xz3fFUyYI8XFebI9qrIthMTMognJDvl-mQL63wcYIY0SDd99s89e7PqO3wKxyNv6C8NiHPBJBwzaX4Om5hguqQT3k5vYophItN9ZWJPlXahZ9wJE_hvOx0bSP_XwN-Ll-RIRpxnA5Z9KOCOBQatp3JsysOAeaWs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyBKGnuY9_GftT1IRu7AvHxVlmnzxmg7REHRt0q4zHr_AwuIZKPsbYu-pT_XSiRxnRAhnP4PddKoI9yRmwZeobSx56GcAlQRyCbwXY-2T6ZhZNxpKFCiMiTcQQyosWYkBnO5QYvR3WdJ_ztZG571po1t1pbWSC_KxLSkjMz-Y_-sRkqlg8SVM6quVLWgc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6058" data-original-width="8079" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyBKGnuY9_GftT1IRu7AvHxVlmnzxmg7REHRt0q4zHr_AwuIZKPsbYu-pT_XSiRxnRAhnP4PddKoI9yRmwZeobSx56GcAlQRyCbwXY-2T6ZhZNxpKFCiMiTcQQyosWYkBnO5QYvR3WdJ_ztZG571po1t1pbWSC_KxLSkjMz-Y_-sRkqlg8SVM6quVLWgc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi53KDqGtv615P63kOqd6G2MhIcvlvfUwi7Y4xo-UzyR5YKS83GSefYVVRy3pioQXs0MOqbEY4J9qES61-LlPnm1aiVe1_2km66KbBlXBkSMrEai0AfZjbtrJt7d5Ai_IexQlKc4UC0t_PAkT3qYdr75BSkQXb82Nn8e57KhTJFxP-zZP8pZ3HvGtuq_ZY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7785" data-original-width="10380" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi53KDqGtv615P63kOqd6G2MhIcvlvfUwi7Y4xo-UzyR5YKS83GSefYVVRy3pioQXs0MOqbEY4J9qES61-LlPnm1aiVe1_2km66KbBlXBkSMrEai0AfZjbtrJt7d5Ai_IexQlKc4UC0t_PAkT3qYdr75BSkQXb82Nn8e57KhTJFxP-zZP8pZ3HvGtuq_ZY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0-QUHir0vuptx3NfZI38nM6RixFT9klUgb3mmLqNem_OEp84PBstmwa9_PKGsTXclfj8nnOEUIKQKJwd3h9j4EWHUj-aMuXXDlx6RInDCgqWBVnIctrhfq_VbNBUHPwNWh7QXUzA9ZiuGl1enaQ4RbTfppRKoD3z62bAZ-hEl2H3LKP4TVPujbO06cs4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8123" data-original-width="10832" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0-QUHir0vuptx3NfZI38nM6RixFT9klUgb3mmLqNem_OEp84PBstmwa9_PKGsTXclfj8nnOEUIKQKJwd3h9j4EWHUj-aMuXXDlx6RInDCgqWBVnIctrhfq_VbNBUHPwNWh7QXUzA9ZiuGl1enaQ4RbTfppRKoD3z62bAZ-hEl2H3LKP4TVPujbO06cs4" width="320" /></a></div><br /> That night I had mild food poisoning, which was unpleasant. I was extra tired when I woke up, despite sleeping later that usual. The previous morning, the families came into our teepee and presented us with their carvings. They would gather antlers that fell to the ground and made carvings to sell to people. I asked Dorj if it were possible for me to see them during the carving process, so I could see how it was done. They agreed. As I watched by the fire, I began to feel slightly feverish.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwtB_Z5APmO_4Q0JqcApP9ZFuX-X2Y1G3q3pr4dHCVwRR4sUdXPXBdHrIk_8rhBikttTS62sZstIXhgFh1qYmGnow7nv5_7DFNhH3wL2CVUmCB1yI2hQ_8_iaYmYtF32YEsgAcSaVmG4-wW4MY9KGoo7aYgwsmUkEJ7pmlQcqq31AeraPhd-i6SUtLwow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2478" data-original-width="1859" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwtB_Z5APmO_4Q0JqcApP9ZFuX-X2Y1G3q3pr4dHCVwRR4sUdXPXBdHrIk_8rhBikttTS62sZstIXhgFh1qYmGnow7nv5_7DFNhH3wL2CVUmCB1yI2hQ_8_iaYmYtF32YEsgAcSaVmG4-wW4MY9KGoo7aYgwsmUkEJ7pmlQcqq31AeraPhd-i6SUtLwow" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KT_f50QXkcY" width="320" youtube-src-id="KT_f50QXkcY"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwTTqqDjH4RGWdaje3XZx1HdE7u7KLfq7fr7L8p9C2JvUrdSmf_BbncRfjV8s3ZfLM8qmL05NGomY6P_F7cnlyItVAWABAVxI90LMIRFMB8a_-VuHo1mGmOWuLzAqBsBqLHM56VzwYOXDNRu0td8ocuZMNNCJn1qqEbeytS0cFGVfbVw5I0zIiALsMAzs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwTTqqDjH4RGWdaje3XZx1HdE7u7KLfq7fr7L8p9C2JvUrdSmf_BbncRfjV8s3ZfLM8qmL05NGomY6P_F7cnlyItVAWABAVxI90LMIRFMB8a_-VuHo1mGmOWuLzAqBsBqLHM56VzwYOXDNRu0td8ocuZMNNCJn1qqEbeytS0cFGVfbVw5I0zIiALsMAzs" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ended up buying these.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhZsuH5gRKnYTnrn6MaE1nG7uvOBTmRmSgNwbdGb4gmd9sMRZ4mTNaom0Vkwm_s_SDpbffPZcKHg4qU6Vo-8X7PvuPYL6j9hZnXDTACTBe5Lqx1TvzP81LFFq2Nun0auFRPQeiobHCcwuFg0IOaoSHDurwMo1y4tJN1eepF7wld1lq2GWO42FyF5SmCcA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3282" data-original-width="2461" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhZsuH5gRKnYTnrn6MaE1nG7uvOBTmRmSgNwbdGb4gmd9sMRZ4mTNaom0Vkwm_s_SDpbffPZcKHg4qU6Vo-8X7PvuPYL6j9hZnXDTACTBe5Lqx1TvzP81LFFq2Nun0auFRPQeiobHCcwuFg0IOaoSHDurwMo1y4tJN1eepF7wld1lq2GWO42FyF5SmCcA" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a children's puzzlelike game that Dorj showed me, that he was familiar with from his childhood.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When I returned to the teepee, I took another nap. I had received at least thirty mosquito bites on that first day. Perhaps it was this combined with the wear from the long hours on horse, and the mild food poisoning that made me feel poorly that day. I chose to eat mostly just rice, and to rest. By late afternoon I felt well enough to do a short horse ride back to that neighboring village, to visit the sister of the horse guide. We spent some time with her, drank milk tea, and riding back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> That night it poured all night. There was loud wind and thunder. Thankfully, we woke up to sunshine and I felt well again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When we returned to the original departure point, our driver was there, with a man I had never met. He was around my age and spoke better English than my guide. He said he was a friend of our driver. I did not understand why he was there. He offered to put my backpack into the car and I asked him not to. He suggested that that must have been my camera bag. I never told him I had cameras.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Back at the previous guesthouse, we ate dinner, watching the cows roam the streets while a rainbow formed over town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXyuZCBsJtUS_FC2e4z0m98zbp3RkVhk1Ot0IUV4W5bXGUjZgDarpqQ_lXVnE5aLYNlobi8FnwiwfCeFcFfRL8dwOMlWJHcQwNGEjy_Bh9ddeBPXRg7K9Nib2-soqMTNA28XLj1AjaAO0wTJN1hlGPbcuuIdrfbOxM246A-b5LYIGG-nnFlYo7p8r9AQk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXyuZCBsJtUS_FC2e4z0m98zbp3RkVhk1Ot0IUV4W5bXGUjZgDarpqQ_lXVnE5aLYNlobi8FnwiwfCeFcFfRL8dwOMlWJHcQwNGEjy_Bh9ddeBPXRg7K9Nib2-soqMTNA28XLj1AjaAO0wTJN1hlGPbcuuIdrfbOxM246A-b5LYIGG-nnFlYo7p8r9AQk" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl7vvgEj0PFKxIVeAIVCTq5Wf0JEVZfSia2_GPZpXqeUjLVAhlvKFhWAH3ykoKuPwNuhzH3YwssWu3kPmIWXw0PqmuS7555fT6ZELeRsne_kz4hMD-xZumrjQ-3-IFBOvMS3vl3EECvAuFTJ41KbhsMemLxyoulVmejrcQaa2ZuKP8jMmaf1c8rsYY5Wk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl7vvgEj0PFKxIVeAIVCTq5Wf0JEVZfSia2_GPZpXqeUjLVAhlvKFhWAH3ykoKuPwNuhzH3YwssWu3kPmIWXw0PqmuS7555fT6ZELeRsne_kz4hMD-xZumrjQ-3-IFBOvMS3vl3EECvAuFTJ41KbhsMemLxyoulVmejrcQaa2ZuKP8jMmaf1c8rsYY5Wk" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I showered for the first time since before I left. This time, for some reason, music began playing from the shower. No matter how I tried, I could not get it to stop. It played Christmas songs on repeat, all horribly, horribly out of tune. I took another voice only recording. Then I went to bed early.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcsJWbTkoQM" width="320" youtube-src-id="pcsJWbTkoQM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-60918675885380586852023-08-08T19:27:00.009-07:002023-08-08T19:47:46.962-07:00Mongolia 2: A boat, the Naadam finale, an ambush, a hike, and the long road up towards the reindeer herders<p> Near the end of the drive to our campsite, I spotted some yaks alongside Lake Khuvsgul. I had the driver stop, so I could get out and take a look.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMQ7yraNi8O4lmYZ3543QU19o8N-HQVMqnG2M-sQdBIHDA0j6ox8hhjIaXLaEdmHHPxexUxkTqxcF5kU6T5kLIIaNxtx1pbcIAiUGM2MIrCh0RdwHNhAaeOgA02SCSNWE0Bl8y06h-WBgvy9tG4PIt0pXv8ylJA5Ru6qqDtJIPriP9-MAoll8dGTFKGfU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5489" data-original-width="8234" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMQ7yraNi8O4lmYZ3543QU19o8N-HQVMqnG2M-sQdBIHDA0j6ox8hhjIaXLaEdmHHPxexUxkTqxcF5kU6T5kLIIaNxtx1pbcIAiUGM2MIrCh0RdwHNhAaeOgA02SCSNWE0Bl8y06h-WBgvy9tG4PIt0pXv8ylJA5Ru6qqDtJIPriP9-MAoll8dGTFKGfU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoyQvteIiypP97siO2WHYrWCrOaZ-6PCNS4xGvolXxsmZwfwolh24Ieb8vYOBJeoE08MASQgp8AH0bw5gFPv2eRcVtQcO_VMH8VZQJCoUGjeg1sMwRQKNFPOt6x5zA3P_HsIpR_C_Dq7ogASAwN0oSu9X_m64oqW-5X5oYLKlGhcVyVblEIIg1pSD_yQY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4483" data-original-width="6726" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoyQvteIiypP97siO2WHYrWCrOaZ-6PCNS4xGvolXxsmZwfwolh24Ieb8vYOBJeoE08MASQgp8AH0bw5gFPv2eRcVtQcO_VMH8VZQJCoUGjeg1sMwRQKNFPOt6x5zA3P_HsIpR_C_Dq7ogASAwN0oSu9X_m64oqW-5X5oYLKlGhcVyVblEIIg1pSD_yQY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRoAEsrZ05pk_PprFo89lbpRPaQCMfk2ZethtCmDdJF88DyF8ufsBBg4OAdfPyL7hDz-7H6sJKbU_CFuQQbeFKrXHslHsc8C0E7fSilL6Kg11B0LxFN8b3o8TzIKUXY1DXBpNjeYw-JfUVtJ2XWeejB80oWiJrErl4eP_hlTb_foUWNJ7V45qfF2BiafM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRoAEsrZ05pk_PprFo89lbpRPaQCMfk2ZethtCmDdJF88DyF8ufsBBg4OAdfPyL7hDz-7H6sJKbU_CFuQQbeFKrXHslHsc8C0E7fSilL6Kg11B0LxFN8b3o8TzIKUXY1DXBpNjeYw-JfUVtJ2XWeejB80oWiJrErl4eP_hlTb_foUWNJ7V45qfF2BiafM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtcohT_nyRQcQp9SZpoQDOEq1yEnscXHKZcZKoD24QQoPipBE5el11DNt5yYrjo8nyfFQUZtwGFuSz8Ca-yeCISaf6cxbhpbM8huM5iSCx79OJCrhBL70VfmwfmhgLyTqTAc_W87a0px-9j0_72QFvBiu_DOkwJmzYKHF149n9uZIitJqlwDF5iQKxz74" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3180" data-original-width="4769" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtcohT_nyRQcQp9SZpoQDOEq1yEnscXHKZcZKoD24QQoPipBE5el11DNt5yYrjo8nyfFQUZtwGFuSz8Ca-yeCISaf6cxbhpbM8huM5iSCx79OJCrhBL70VfmwfmhgLyTqTAc_W87a0px-9j0_72QFvBiu_DOkwJmzYKHF149n9uZIitJqlwDF5iQKxz74" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Despite being only a thirty minute drive, it was very slow going, and incredibly bumpy. It bothered my neck. It was a relief to finally reach the camp. This was my first time staying in a ger, and it would also prove to be the most luxurious one of the trip. I had a basement, which was cold and damp, but had its own toilet and heated shower. The heat in the shower was on a timer that was about 75 seconds long. I also had an electric outlet. Unfortunately, the power kept going out. It took a few visits ofrom a repairman before the root of the issue was figured out. They had a space heater in the basement, which although it was desperately needed, kept killing the power, so they disconnected it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizx-mtEf8euNmYEdwFq_Z5RDnvzDIhqFBIts1z8abckB4xnR6j1qKPGCBaG30nD7gOyQemU0M1RiXhcOyxhtloVfsUiuxQBEHwhM-bafDL2w2stvHzjwybRV75Htiipc_8sLlhMUoLyqlBrvpkEP902b_oMKDt1UpiKRs1onFCzYvweAzDSw5rRbKv2H4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizx-mtEf8euNmYEdwFq_Z5RDnvzDIhqFBIts1z8abckB4xnR6j1qKPGCBaG30nD7gOyQemU0M1RiXhcOyxhtloVfsUiuxQBEHwhM-bafDL2w2stvHzjwybRV75Htiipc_8sLlhMUoLyqlBrvpkEP902b_oMKDt1UpiKRs1onFCzYvweAzDSw5rRbKv2H4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjufkNpMU1eVT81NaBdvTSMUjgGw16wCkDJW-9ATuyKhr_zNk2CHOlKsZFIwjxRhS2Njz7EuD9jHgethMzLmSsvwCNr3qJ3wvoRqFTIkQbfdzAbF--24XybR3YEW3nTCjTpe2xorOkplA9n4zice1xHDjXUQBTi0jKKfpFmN9lKXty6BJKftKjsgqfDu2w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2973" data-original-width="3964" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjufkNpMU1eVT81NaBdvTSMUjgGw16wCkDJW-9ATuyKhr_zNk2CHOlKsZFIwjxRhS2Njz7EuD9jHgethMzLmSsvwCNr3qJ3wvoRqFTIkQbfdzAbF--24XybR3YEW3nTCjTpe2xorOkplA9n4zice1xHDjXUQBTi0jKKfpFmN9lKXty6BJKftKjsgqfDu2w" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPhA3YFkJ6O6zfCbEgbapFEm2jf6Vn2szM7Vk2LLpgipx67TYaUmWzsEB7j5Pj6NgB0oMLoSY9VPP8nKQzs_g9eedYYD8yGytF9Z69zRR82fn63C5OThk5dmtBk8ksgyouGd0_r6-ncXEnxJ50KksEPq3etxg2t-DIdSBXq8NUYfooXAW7veeQFUctudc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPhA3YFkJ6O6zfCbEgbapFEm2jf6Vn2szM7Vk2LLpgipx67TYaUmWzsEB7j5Pj6NgB0oMLoSY9VPP8nKQzs_g9eedYYD8yGytF9Z69zRR82fn63C5OThk5dmtBk8ksgyouGd0_r6-ncXEnxJ50KksEPq3etxg2t-DIdSBXq8NUYfooXAW7veeQFUctudc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYJOZZJKpTvnxY5pSZ1x_yTAr1VSg9NCjt3dnptJgr2Is7IkU8aQL5KaXOp2yiz3iyiPz5FquP108A7dDKSvk-phkZ_lJLAHLdVFxBpCHSTNmiCG0CtObbKZNFUVQEVrb_oze5lu-9V5rtjvmTp6Bz3_U5yTCupkt31U3oxeyTQHqc7VGJoF7Q5N-0x2Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYJOZZJKpTvnxY5pSZ1x_yTAr1VSg9NCjt3dnptJgr2Is7IkU8aQL5KaXOp2yiz3iyiPz5FquP108A7dDKSvk-phkZ_lJLAHLdVFxBpCHSTNmiCG0CtObbKZNFUVQEVrb_oze5lu-9V5rtjvmTp6Bz3_U5yTCupkt31U3oxeyTQHqc7VGJoF7Q5N-0x2Q" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWH_nAaNHyl0LYpGY59svy3mwfMWxcpSYjunajOJU9CDYIpSWddxC2RmPR0nO4X4LEcW5836-P1FO5AP_pjJaR2EggnlBQhKC60nX0BHsLCyJyeoLwgta9bkvNAvKrOXaEqRFgMxVa6zhkjPWBqh1ePlcH9WGGQKjP41WfaW3LabiUdqdQeUHBjKZMxMk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6189" data-original-width="9412" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWH_nAaNHyl0LYpGY59svy3mwfMWxcpSYjunajOJU9CDYIpSWddxC2RmPR0nO4X4LEcW5836-P1FO5AP_pjJaR2EggnlBQhKC60nX0BHsLCyJyeoLwgta9bkvNAvKrOXaEqRFgMxVa6zhkjPWBqh1ePlcH9WGGQKjP41WfaW3LabiUdqdQeUHBjKZMxMk" width="320" /></a></div><p> That night I got to experience just how cold Mongolia nighttimes could be. I wore multiple layers, including thermals and gloves. I was still cold. The camps serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes it is served restaurant style, being delivered to your table, and other times it is buffet style. Every meal had two drink options. Hot water and tea. It was never room temperature or cold water. You could request instant coffee and powdered milk.</p><p> The next day was extremely wet. The guide suggested taking a boat ride on the lake. We drove to Hatgal, but the rain persisted. We boarded the boat, and I donned my poncho. I wasn't able to take out my camera gear at any point. I sat on one of the benches for a good portion of the trip, just viewing the landscape, and young children kept sitting next to me, seemingly curious of the foreigner. Some parents pulled them away, but others let them sit. Some tried to speak an English word or two with me. I was the only white person on the boat.</p><p> Eventually, sick of the rain, I sat on the floor near a small area with cover. There was no entry into the inside of the boat, so this was the best I could come up with to stay comfortable. While I sat here, they decided to invite people to sing, karaoke style, with a microphone. There were two volunteers. One woman who ranged from slightly out of tune to tremendously out of tune, and one man, who was pretty darned good.</p><p> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TlQHyD4y50Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="TlQHyD4y50Y"></iframe></p> We stopped at a local coffee shop and ate the packed lunch from our camp, before returning to the final day of the Naadam festival celebrations. At this point the rain was a bit lighter. We first watched a bit of wrestling. Shortly after, the horse racing approached and again people rushed across the wrestling field, halting it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCj6XPKLL6xEHGDdUQ2O61mlb32uv67VTTL7nGrCEUYdqjNi00QapWQK2itB9wUQ12mWFwgi8lA5L-vkcNTjS21Z_8Snk-pj4TbPLEdMu3b-rBwsZHMyt03GswcHjI5KrO78NbpTbixdIZOQRKlhUm3NWY7B2EAnCRN3u2ekbQ34ZHyxgwLP1Noxe9Zfw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5173" data-original-width="7759" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCj6XPKLL6xEHGDdUQ2O61mlb32uv67VTTL7nGrCEUYdqjNi00QapWQK2itB9wUQ12mWFwgi8lA5L-vkcNTjS21Z_8Snk-pj4TbPLEdMu3b-rBwsZHMyt03GswcHjI5KrO78NbpTbixdIZOQRKlhUm3NWY7B2EAnCRN3u2ekbQ34ZHyxgwLP1Noxe9Zfw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTrg00aOJ3js522tyCn-_q5bA0N5d7HRtHdyJQ4do9UGKJv6PSv-e8aqXQfTebYkncW-whPLB2_tol4unSuwuK1_02wXe36-JE939dbe9nK6YOH6kPRX0FFXStmTLOPA0_6fKz33x3iEWW80muszS1ekWJz_g2IMqikZ-VEvHYc819Azy0VPZQIhvowj8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTrg00aOJ3js522tyCn-_q5bA0N5d7HRtHdyJQ4do9UGKJv6PSv-e8aqXQfTebYkncW-whPLB2_tol4unSuwuK1_02wXe36-JE939dbe9nK6YOH6kPRX0FFXStmTLOPA0_6fKz33x3iEWW80muszS1ekWJz_g2IMqikZ-VEvHYc819Azy0VPZQIhvowj8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT12Iy_67Ozdi85M2feqcQhsq73mqzPC6VPn1jm7SirpDu8ED75IWsMhZLZRiAoOn9BFjk0UePDuJlSYuOe2sypJXzy58jCPYyZjK33jq4oIDbIU7huMNOeQb7OqkIa3UBilfqkpCz7doD0CL43rQMqS1mdjRQxT6JH2xhjuv19iozVT7Vq7uLpN4Yc1c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT12Iy_67Ozdi85M2feqcQhsq73mqzPC6VPn1jm7SirpDu8ED75IWsMhZLZRiAoOn9BFjk0UePDuJlSYuOe2sypJXzy58jCPYyZjK33jq4oIDbIU7huMNOeQb7OqkIa3UBilfqkpCz7doD0CL43rQMqS1mdjRQxT6JH2xhjuv19iozVT7Vq7uLpN4Yc1c" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPtPerjb-33xMiWvbKxD7TSWOkSpU7vV3LFwuva90wy2ds7ja4P8ImSYuiLAg7URMhRV4tk_6Do6oCrFlIqTU6qAloveXYFl4cidX4iXajyx-lWJx1EariGddpzmRFeH7v1UK_nu0xBeq2lTVRRLqGORxLNqX_PMVz6EzfblIrqZNbxAdiKYcBMWzBA_g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4532" data-original-width="6799" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPtPerjb-33xMiWvbKxD7TSWOkSpU7vV3LFwuva90wy2ds7ja4P8ImSYuiLAg7URMhRV4tk_6Do6oCrFlIqTU6qAloveXYFl4cidX4iXajyx-lWJx1EariGddpzmRFeH7v1UK_nu0xBeq2lTVRRLqGORxLNqX_PMVz6EzfblIrqZNbxAdiKYcBMWzBA_g" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Afterwards, we sat under cover and watched the final wrestling matches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoR15JoSBiY96UOzluMr3UitHiCGjpMe80hn4R2IM1K9zdpMXFQcUwQTbwbzhDGZ81zJrKPvl74xRF1LzHIqCiDVxlzKUE-1BJTZuwus-aSBsyarn6G8BJouoqnu2rXey46KASdX2VISTlwdFGjXOI9UVR3kkFnuOaNYiAoefE2g2QHQNBlWbBqv-V0o4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoR15JoSBiY96UOzluMr3UitHiCGjpMe80hn4R2IM1K9zdpMXFQcUwQTbwbzhDGZ81zJrKPvl74xRF1LzHIqCiDVxlzKUE-1BJTZuwus-aSBsyarn6G8BJouoqnu2rXey46KASdX2VISTlwdFGjXOI9UVR3kkFnuOaNYiAoefE2g2QHQNBlWbBqv-V0o4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmeOGHHM2emFAiiri0cJc8l7cvf__zjgD4MI7K9LuWm3JuZNBMltd17H6Uc-lMpTaiHqSSgnggldmW-7AQgAQArGLMClMUWLj5ucChqlC0YIke9NbRiHgxLhPaj0hL9oNi2_uBb7aCU5iYkdVr0oepmiLmQWFY0_zC9qARWeH0RgsiNkLLwBjery8OnYo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4969" data-original-width="7455" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmeOGHHM2emFAiiri0cJc8l7cvf__zjgD4MI7K9LuWm3JuZNBMltd17H6Uc-lMpTaiHqSSgnggldmW-7AQgAQArGLMClMUWLj5ucChqlC0YIke9NbRiHgxLhPaj0hL9oNi2_uBb7aCU5iYkdVr0oepmiLmQWFY0_zC9qARWeH0RgsiNkLLwBjery8OnYo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjlW5NYL1kruiOb3kSc_AMmvfiJ22X65eBmHTMaxDC7oW9RFWcOOzFNdDFZYZ01IAx56wZ_OTGLVB-lQ3eoVu7seCP8UonhfwIBCZ7i__BsDBeouLvWfDdPy_Ivieqa0T0CcTePNkpTc2GALUFnu_NyOkEqr0O6DOBLCrF9vfEuYyUV-Rq_FdIvyUqagI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3411" data-original-width="5117" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjlW5NYL1kruiOb3kSc_AMmvfiJ22X65eBmHTMaxDC7oW9RFWcOOzFNdDFZYZ01IAx56wZ_OTGLVB-lQ3eoVu7seCP8UonhfwIBCZ7i__BsDBeouLvWfDdPy_Ivieqa0T0CcTePNkpTc2GALUFnu_NyOkEqr0O6DOBLCrF9vfEuYyUV-Rq_FdIvyUqagI" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJm7L_jRFIe5pL_uUsuOoIKSI9sXir7r12-tQGoDI_W2pdPi87yOmpMQQG09cVshBZAufTe9usK6cHtN5NqEtxv3ywQ9hLz5wcTLgxcXK72brABEAKCWsKf3jr6eIpgauz7ynaczEaRJKScOwpWo4K0lihUpWVauVD_NFE4PguBNRlMzw7U-v2V4qUtJk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4890" data-original-width="7336" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJm7L_jRFIe5pL_uUsuOoIKSI9sXir7r12-tQGoDI_W2pdPi87yOmpMQQG09cVshBZAufTe9usK6cHtN5NqEtxv3ywQ9hLz5wcTLgxcXK72brABEAKCWsKf3jr6eIpgauz7ynaczEaRJKScOwpWo4K0lihUpWVauVD_NFE4PguBNRlMzw7U-v2V4qUtJk" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Disney machine has not spared Mongolia.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Volleyball is something that I saw people playing constantly throughout Mongolia. As I was leaving Naadam on the first day, I put down my bag so I could play volleyball in a circle with some of the local kids and my guide. While watching the wrestling this day, I spotted a man in traditional Mongolian clothes playing volleyball. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguQViQy54mwWSRI_OL3joknugPE4NyvxgzbpgTAUTHrat-JWHFkLRFDpNo1aAXvBJpZOs3VRgITmC6LJuS7Fw9hc4HJVLxpJZ4W8cs5Fj1S_9iQseEwDvaloJI0Kli-LsWZy3l5bfq54E1NZbw6ccbsZyqtNF-7o7CGD8BL3uEho3AHi2WUyWFMHZVscA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3140" data-original-width="4710" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguQViQy54mwWSRI_OL3joknugPE4NyvxgzbpgTAUTHrat-JWHFkLRFDpNo1aAXvBJpZOs3VRgITmC6LJuS7Fw9hc4HJVLxpJZ4W8cs5Fj1S_9iQseEwDvaloJI0Kli-LsWZy3l5bfq54E1NZbw6ccbsZyqtNF-7o7CGD8BL3uEho3AHi2WUyWFMHZVscA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> After wrestling, horses were gathered in sets of five and were brought up for awards, based on where they placed in the race. A man on a horse would sing into the microphone, milk would be spilled on the rear of the horses, and this would then repeat with the next five being brought out. It was a slow process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSleXIUj8hQrQZ5KBT_rD89dDDDftd41jIQn-OMlVQyh1RIuEP8-Cky_9XJC_f3Y9qP1qUcEGVl1tzMdtGchhT9zKmJDtLUqW_BDJrZTAo4a0E5bjgSgz-VDrzrkzLXoBSyIQ2-bh3RcqRQhSFYf_Zv4339Ax305t5ZQSdoIsWkeYTpkbZ3fP3K8Ttb18" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5523" data-original-width="8284" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSleXIUj8hQrQZ5KBT_rD89dDDDftd41jIQn-OMlVQyh1RIuEP8-Cky_9XJC_f3Y9qP1qUcEGVl1tzMdtGchhT9zKmJDtLUqW_BDJrZTAo4a0E5bjgSgz-VDrzrkzLXoBSyIQ2-bh3RcqRQhSFYf_Zv4339Ax305t5ZQSdoIsWkeYTpkbZ3fP3K8Ttb18" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghVzCloyVBWCAw9dWmWeAvZJGAABEIkoPL5n-uI7lGoEo48QsYJR2GGkgkB_1Wpy969FKrwRx76WPj7Jis7U1wTy_qRfFUamw-kbQi1OvhodW6MtTmA4CIWv6XUwrsNFEj5taXmVdJWU8bjX13OBRP5IIXm3O_NKCQFl7-c53OgzHZkM5YBs_FtRXNN3c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghVzCloyVBWCAw9dWmWeAvZJGAABEIkoPL5n-uI7lGoEo48QsYJR2GGkgkB_1Wpy969FKrwRx76WPj7Jis7U1wTy_qRfFUamw-kbQi1OvhodW6MtTmA4CIWv6XUwrsNFEj5taXmVdJWU8bjX13OBRP5IIXm3O_NKCQFl7-c53OgzHZkM5YBs_FtRXNN3c" width="320" /></a></div><p> There was one woman that I saw often that day. Her dress reminded me of an American. She stood out like a sore thumb. Eventually, Dorj and I ended up standing next to her and she approached us. She was Asian, and Dorj confused her for a Mongolian. She was Chinese American, and she was wearing yoga pants. She was spending time in Mongolia with a local nomadic family.</p><p> On the muddy ride back to the camp, we encountered a bus, which had become stuck in the mud. We pulled over to ask for assistance, but the driver had already departed on foot to go for help. My driver left his number in case they needed help when he returned. Some of the people were sitting on a blanket in the grass. Others were playing volleyball. One young girl, maybe six or seven years of age, pulled down her pants, squatted, and urinated right there on the side of the road in front of everyone. Going to the bathroom in nature, and not far from others, is fairly common in Mongolia. For myself, I packed wipes that were biodegradable(most wipes use plastic), tissues, a portable and lightweight shovel, and would always go far, far away from others.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8xp5H81ZVho24LhLW7eaFKOjkl__qK-rEyZCfpTr4zdqyfYZieg_HJeMucbm7Hox7GrUpFxAF8-vwatYxGqKLEv8joiBq8ZlvJVMO2g-l6566CJruDD1zYKMSI2bsJCiS2t42TN4zRkQ-rPcDsyrpmYf_gmBz0cIA6B5Zv0VyWJpJU4grbU94u3mqFb0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="2968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8xp5H81ZVho24LhLW7eaFKOjkl__qK-rEyZCfpTr4zdqyfYZieg_HJeMucbm7Hox7GrUpFxAF8-vwatYxGqKLEv8joiBq8ZlvJVMO2g-l6566CJruDD1zYKMSI2bsJCiS2t42TN4zRkQ-rPcDsyrpmYf_gmBz0cIA6B5Zv0VyWJpJU4grbU94u3mqFb0" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Back at the camp, we were served a soup for dinner that consisted of a flour based covering and then a meat soup underneath. Without my asking, Dorj explained that it was mutton. I preferred he hadn't told me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuwuTjpbnB-FsImGw-3ESA7xlIlmOpYUYpo9A5lr9MCuq4Aco0tsydztZ9rnH_9CH8ANVAHX4ajfYSaz8Je4DumGUvi3EFwVwQXheNmcUXD4weOLD6y4lpxwowDgGu076b1c-xM4tlGOJS-reEzLpgP-dTm0pgCOH3uICBhvbut5_ejuE8RxUaFOmyP8E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2926" data-original-width="3901" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuwuTjpbnB-FsImGw-3ESA7xlIlmOpYUYpo9A5lr9MCuq4Aco0tsydztZ9rnH_9CH8ANVAHX4ajfYSaz8Je4DumGUvi3EFwVwQXheNmcUXD4weOLD6y4lpxwowDgGu076b1c-xM4tlGOJS-reEzLpgP-dTm0pgCOH3uICBhvbut5_ejuE8RxUaFOmyP8E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0DHxCwk7MwDB5jNeA7tpd0tLaltn5IW7tG1qehJx7dC04Pm9lG9PQytACsRAGUAXENYzlTbPOpfZF49ajMqHIUBogqEBCsqLiEjV72ue7llpYrEk6wdQOWyph8ZHvCGiYSrQ32A7NrLdiJfkEPn4PTErUb8TgOHDYdKIahQBnh56vItlztwgGtG_mEJ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="3896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0DHxCwk7MwDB5jNeA7tpd0tLaltn5IW7tG1qehJx7dC04Pm9lG9PQytACsRAGUAXENYzlTbPOpfZF49ajMqHIUBogqEBCsqLiEjV72ue7llpYrEk6wdQOWyph8ZHvCGiYSrQ32A7NrLdiJfkEPn4PTErUb8TgOHDYdKIahQBnh56vItlztwgGtG_mEJ4" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> On the second night, they set up the fire in the room, so sleeping was easier. The problem with stove fires is that they die, and then you wake up in the middle of the night freezing. I decided we should have a delayed start to our day, so I could relax in my room. The only item on the agenda was a short drive and a hike. I met with the guide and driver for lunch, and there was a woman sitting with them. When I sat down, Dorj explained that this woman was in need of getting up to the north, where we would be travelling next, as she had a job there and no transport. She was friends with our driver, Ana(a man). She spoke a bit of English, and I decided that it couldn't hurt to have someone along, though I wasn't crazy with the ambush technique, having her there and trying to pressure me on the spot. The premium that I paid for a solo experience was quite expensive. After I agreed, they then informed me that she wanted to come on the hike too. I shrugged and said it was fine.</p><p> Luckily, the weather had cleared up, and it was beautiful out. We drove on an incredibly bumpy nonroad to the site of the hike. There was another car there, and everyone else spoke together in Mongolian. Some random man joined us on the hike. No one ever explained who he was or why he was joining us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinKVlpj5C6nWVWi5xO-76Cmpup5jFsPKEHtH0jQAxWy70jwNnFCnjmDPSaLoKqfFTHzo_JMvESiUhR8L-u4aCLrNIIiqvlD3_7pZ-CXVR_k5wcHmtt74JmWybvuGmvjt4Whw9bAlL6L59JTP6QRuND-6nufnkyRzKgJY0ZpYzqmWrQDrfn02w14FpBB4A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="2719" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinKVlpj5C6nWVWi5xO-76Cmpup5jFsPKEHtH0jQAxWy70jwNnFCnjmDPSaLoKqfFTHzo_JMvESiUhR8L-u4aCLrNIIiqvlD3_7pZ-CXVR_k5wcHmtt74JmWybvuGmvjt4Whw9bAlL6L59JTP6QRuND-6nufnkyRzKgJY0ZpYzqmWrQDrfn02w14FpBB4A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8OpUNDrhhkvsdj-K0etjQGnHMXP7YZlXN1KBL4HDuuXk1OL10Y-FTOXqgwnMexjt_gx69rxUCPMyMscRYmQ7vjDA4jpS_KpSwxq87DbXxImJteqR6xBqDwFnZJpccQWXDZWKXQKG_Vb6ShDFeKCymRP3vyJGBfXBsIkYHity6QSQLSW3JI8zFnmIIiOI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="6709" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8OpUNDrhhkvsdj-K0etjQGnHMXP7YZlXN1KBL4HDuuXk1OL10Y-FTOXqgwnMexjt_gx69rxUCPMyMscRYmQ7vjDA4jpS_KpSwxq87DbXxImJteqR6xBqDwFnZJpccQWXDZWKXQKG_Vb6ShDFeKCymRP3vyJGBfXBsIkYHity6QSQLSW3JI8zFnmIIiOI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwOWXJCyrfXI82iHtHUgdytfA1n9Jdc2LOlPrd5Z92Wbt9kL7gJKb4qtKg_GZLfg8bw_Dwaj9wK-fi_OnXguToepTUUE49x4quHDywwz2WNSqE5NCgcLJA7jn-kBbUvjgW1UT7bYU8wtuBkg-ERApwp7lPEeS4hBpl-2zvBRZoIiIU6cLHJ2FAd4mn5LY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="3101" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwOWXJCyrfXI82iHtHUgdytfA1n9Jdc2LOlPrd5Z92Wbt9kL7gJKb4qtKg_GZLfg8bw_Dwaj9wK-fi_OnXguToepTUUE49x4quHDywwz2WNSqE5NCgcLJA7jn-kBbUvjgW1UT7bYU8wtuBkg-ERApwp7lPEeS4hBpl-2zvBRZoIiIU6cLHJ2FAd4mn5LY" width="320" /></a></div><br /> At some point I pulled the guide aside and asked who this man was. He said that he had no one to hike with. While taking a short break, this man approached me and asked me how expensive my camera was. I lied.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFbhy7KVv1SBNkYALpmLbpf9YqVFo0nXQ1pdEGRwgDGnWubHtl3LO61pHwnraTb4_ryiCX87k6ZR6qpZnldRl6hLzlkGjymrSNUYdH0Rt_nSqzgYtw3-8vX-KI3IWfBHujrFksJ_XZ4aULifT-BUQSoEuwCOGv_hUOfMK3Qx6ZPbd444fkp7fozZ6uf20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFbhy7KVv1SBNkYALpmLbpf9YqVFo0nXQ1pdEGRwgDGnWubHtl3LO61pHwnraTb4_ryiCX87k6ZR6qpZnldRl6hLzlkGjymrSNUYdH0Rt_nSqzgYtw3-8vX-KI3IWfBHujrFksJ_XZ4aULifT-BUQSoEuwCOGv_hUOfMK3Qx6ZPbd444fkp7fozZ6uf20" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh42Nvq5LQzNmsueM8denCKUajB7HG-z64HNHboiH0nOs-ZfOm40-m-A5ItP8fIVYMerFvk3-twv0tyZM0gTAEcaZbQ4rsZYtXyO2Wo_6bhMuoG5FqGITRxahZDjbK1mEg-xVE8MfPnshuVtNnZRpNIU3K4VSeoQZxUSM8cenrTqY9dSKQWz5vNq71Q4jA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8568" data-original-width="11425" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh42Nvq5LQzNmsueM8denCKUajB7HG-z64HNHboiH0nOs-ZfOm40-m-A5ItP8fIVYMerFvk3-twv0tyZM0gTAEcaZbQ4rsZYtXyO2Wo_6bhMuoG5FqGITRxahZDjbK1mEg-xVE8MfPnshuVtNnZRpNIU3K4VSeoQZxUSM8cenrTqY9dSKQWz5vNq71Q4jA" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiplwRwk1d1HchX06-n9F7VheCWJoVJofbWToAojK-53UEDdgcqWNKLvFXmJPV36uX6izbQMTRrLAnHD8ttHhLCyXOCglHtfivdcKrvk1MDP_AdyqL_Xtq_famak94pwj3jfyUcjNLGOOfVFIv07A4v8vv_7blhFOMPen17YUK0lpsLV6iKbRloPPz2CU0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiplwRwk1d1HchX06-n9F7VheCWJoVJofbWToAojK-53UEDdgcqWNKLvFXmJPV36uX6izbQMTRrLAnHD8ttHhLCyXOCglHtfivdcKrvk1MDP_AdyqL_Xtq_famak94pwj3jfyUcjNLGOOfVFIv07A4v8vv_7blhFOMPen17YUK0lpsLV6iKbRloPPz2CU0" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top we encountered another group who had come via horse.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9JRPEDoR_6PNQ3E1gS7VX17mWtVXKPXOh0Zat8JwG5WRb6aWa4-ID405atIHXoWh8040bY6ldvb8uR7fINxypHiyz6o4JxqM-EciT5wwmshK3I3AY9g8iZLoS0qdpeFFUrnNYm2H-PdWv7rQ61ZYfhBpN1_bOjfXtPNPq0hVznqeS_lcidSi5wPX0r38" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8540" data-original-width="11387" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9JRPEDoR_6PNQ3E1gS7VX17mWtVXKPXOh0Zat8JwG5WRb6aWa4-ID405atIHXoWh8040bY6ldvb8uR7fINxypHiyz6o4JxqM-EciT5wwmshK3I3AY9g8iZLoS0qdpeFFUrnNYm2H-PdWv7rQ61ZYfhBpN1_bOjfXtPNPq0hVznqeS_lcidSi5wPX0r38" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjadjrBWTT0lOwPJvbfl2bsUg7Nsml3arXU6c2ehL6PwTGPi0YvPDbj_B6Pz6KMKNyZOb1jidW2n0qzqxtb61VOR9NVwVqk9Kjrnk752XzTVB2l1xtpc0VGy9xwui0Wk9xEhe4YGQDl4kP57qGpHE-Frj8R6v8Io11STr-5tjy7ZwuDCCJIOSC6K3HUdlU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjadjrBWTT0lOwPJvbfl2bsUg7Nsml3arXU6c2ehL6PwTGPi0YvPDbj_B6Pz6KMKNyZOb1jidW2n0qzqxtb61VOR9NVwVqk9Kjrnk752XzTVB2l1xtpc0VGy9xwui0Wk9xEhe4YGQDl4kP57qGpHE-Frj8R6v8Io11STr-5tjy7ZwuDCCJIOSC6K3HUdlU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi9LizR9oqcRDXyC8C8uv4AnlvltjryuH8vYigLM8TTl9_fKcnOkJcGH6SAyxtUfFez8-Rysyviyreb3bKLqB1GB4Z4HaQJNPr6CQCdvc6bBfUehvIY4o1UqDf1yEErmd5v-jTO4DkuI1HnGVr7E1dHcb_ynGuqPhbqqWZw0IRfNRtWATsKCN4BfvXRiI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11666" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi9LizR9oqcRDXyC8C8uv4AnlvltjryuH8vYigLM8TTl9_fKcnOkJcGH6SAyxtUfFez8-Rysyviyreb3bKLqB1GB4Z4HaQJNPr6CQCdvc6bBfUehvIY4o1UqDf1yEErmd5v-jTO4DkuI1HnGVr7E1dHcb_ynGuqPhbqqWZw0IRfNRtWATsKCN4BfvXRiI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5cKS2Wruy0cx_Q-krJ8ARLoQZn4BhaY0Gm3npnL03008II81ZTAjIIQxyg9ykVNEw-rwkAdRgxXgbf4_BwAoegDqkiIeXdp0qc5lIKum1aw8gyE1xQJ6VY2R-hGOkP7McKrly3Mpt6_puzH1fL9B3JYIAMOM5slpiPKN-T8RujPv2XZvTbruVeCKGNa4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8621" data-original-width="11516" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5cKS2Wruy0cx_Q-krJ8ARLoQZn4BhaY0Gm3npnL03008II81ZTAjIIQxyg9ykVNEw-rwkAdRgxXgbf4_BwAoegDqkiIeXdp0qc5lIKum1aw8gyE1xQJ6VY2R-hGOkP7McKrly3Mpt6_puzH1fL9B3JYIAMOM5slpiPKN-T8RujPv2XZvTbruVeCKGNa4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrEDprxIulUdRNSa4KrXmKB4ZSRD-IkUMIoXfmunItyCNfRuzASiryFSCVWBZzl_58eR5vneNEYZw1EurIjx608jpYq5xnlRCWhhqGL7rt-UZ2gTz-SA4rZm3AIW4yXdE213wZ4avJ-8uzoY9h4Fz2yYeWeboKpnKCusu9R4mtT0hw5581iuYcpOtMtrs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrEDprxIulUdRNSa4KrXmKB4ZSRD-IkUMIoXfmunItyCNfRuzASiryFSCVWBZzl_58eR5vneNEYZw1EurIjx608jpYq5xnlRCWhhqGL7rt-UZ2gTz-SA4rZm3AIW4yXdE213wZ4avJ-8uzoY9h4Fz2yYeWeboKpnKCusu9R4mtT0hw5581iuYcpOtMtrs" width="320" /></a></div><br /> There wasn't much to see until we reached near the top. Then the view was incredible. Untouched landscape as far as the eye could see, with incredibly blue water. We sat at the top for a time. The woman was very nice and talked to me more than the guide. I asked her what she was going to be doing in the north. She said it was for vacation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PibK42EvR67IJdimYBeMfAaMu1_kRHzUYYjpZgTBL8r_bqn4lBnwLv9nzIZDBQylHOSjR4vZt4nWTZeSBA6qwK7Ydoy3kZJdQWi1-OBVTHj0tG_X4OXhr87_c7wWmgKONKGm_UZfjcwpfv0M9f9MCm2CRKJYpvbDLxBXD10aQ-7gFWdvnXBkYm42BDw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PibK42EvR67IJdimYBeMfAaMu1_kRHzUYYjpZgTBL8r_bqn4lBnwLv9nzIZDBQylHOSjR4vZt4nWTZeSBA6qwK7Ydoy3kZJdQWi1-OBVTHj0tG_X4OXhr87_c7wWmgKONKGm_UZfjcwpfv0M9f9MCm2CRKJYpvbDLxBXD10aQ-7gFWdvnXBkYm42BDw" width="180" /></a></div><p> On the way down, the guide ripped out a plant and explained that they often used it for food or to chew on. It was rhubarb. I said that we make pies out of it in the west. They didn't believe me until I pulled up a picture.</p><p> The next day we began a ten hour drive. There was only a twenty minute period of paved road, the same part that we had taken on our way to hatgal. We pulled off the road and followed random sets of tire tracks from previous vehicles that had come previously. </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc4K8_8FHsCO3NDSJZfeq8vHWKIvtyZcE506QCSJhGeO9p5i3nl9YpayYt-j_XSNCvYqEqQ5bVs6ar_7j3gIdTfVTB4DdlZ7EH8c9OTRj4JTrvEg5fYUKemy1dGRun3s7tUFzxM7BUIfcfiO-8yiK8T4Ys6A23LZdrYRVoF0F-BvAYqz7viHaOJJsvY94" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6475" data-original-width="8650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc4K8_8FHsCO3NDSJZfeq8vHWKIvtyZcE506QCSJhGeO9p5i3nl9YpayYt-j_XSNCvYqEqQ5bVs6ar_7j3gIdTfVTB4DdlZ7EH8c9OTRj4JTrvEg5fYUKemy1dGRun3s7tUFzxM7BUIfcfiO-8yiK8T4Ys6A23LZdrYRVoF0F-BvAYqz7viHaOJJsvY94" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped at a set of older monuments with writing carved into them.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6wcwFD7f18mi23wzAZNgdbDjTol10IbuAm5F7xKhf1bUGFawmYM9hwSchkuCKJNHqJAGWD03pb2SVzLcDEcXCEqW_bvua4yBuADagYrfdJxpw7My64kIJSR2qJ2Yk0ZAT0TcVEbQc-AGr7by_EEsLUvUMBsdcGXouwklDq1re8aYGmVQjlpLM-ZUGvn0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6526" data-original-width="8718" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6wcwFD7f18mi23wzAZNgdbDjTol10IbuAm5F7xKhf1bUGFawmYM9hwSchkuCKJNHqJAGWD03pb2SVzLcDEcXCEqW_bvua4yBuADagYrfdJxpw7My64kIJSR2qJ2Yk0ZAT0TcVEbQc-AGr7by_EEsLUvUMBsdcGXouwklDq1re8aYGmVQjlpLM-ZUGvn0" width="320" /></a></div><p> We would often see huge flocks of sheep, cows, or small sets of horses randomly dotting the landscape, along with solitary nomadic family gers. The lack of traditional infrastructure anywhere was extraordinary. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj39QFuQELbpvK6rxOA15g1_F1NkJDBq8aVCM4ERN98A-EXYTVszlLKMYLfVQxj_L7Sk-WB2RgPeF1l0IKt2A8JDe_oSmkh5j_3SUamV5LQ2v1aCAkrHicb0cW8eczwH-15V9ekdZKFxGiBrjhLNGJe1ibbk-ULxqALmWB6H4F71-pPMVY8RW7yn7FTQUM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj39QFuQELbpvK6rxOA15g1_F1NkJDBq8aVCM4ERN98A-EXYTVszlLKMYLfVQxj_L7Sk-WB2RgPeF1l0IKt2A8JDe_oSmkh5j_3SUamV5LQ2v1aCAkrHicb0cW8eczwH-15V9ekdZKFxGiBrjhLNGJe1ibbk-ULxqALmWB6H4F71-pPMVY8RW7yn7FTQUM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSUDt8XBImL2gU4x9FZHWqgdHIEZnyyGefxXRdkxt3CzKwU2iNQweTr3OIBOEX0eO8Txzm4xTsNPwe8sWGKCW3c5KAu1tVGhl37eGugzAgOovhPqeEZ9BaBsCqlF4S4VS4PC2zu-kJoQ9hCE5hH7662sgdh2N9QxoycQeAWJcuxQ06qfd6KkEINL7WHOw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8543" data-original-width="11392" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSUDt8XBImL2gU4x9FZHWqgdHIEZnyyGefxXRdkxt3CzKwU2iNQweTr3OIBOEX0eO8Txzm4xTsNPwe8sWGKCW3c5KAu1tVGhl37eGugzAgOovhPqeEZ9BaBsCqlF4S4VS4PC2zu-kJoQ9hCE5hH7662sgdh2N9QxoycQeAWJcuxQ06qfd6KkEINL7WHOw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR6nBIgv43BPjGU4xHIiTdaRoEshket561fqvXZjw9SD_0iZ27B5FWOjrUljPBUbWsBX_S2PqSH-bnazbjaBfq8qj8fynplrCJZZz84x7nrbIxIN9YveJfp1r5hEWtcQXf0QpY5nwPXsBFBN3m_v-e7EZ0RphzyvVRTn2oEw99dSL-WYzCiD3LLSNhJtc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5827" data-original-width="7771" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR6nBIgv43BPjGU4xHIiTdaRoEshket561fqvXZjw9SD_0iZ27B5FWOjrUljPBUbWsBX_S2PqSH-bnazbjaBfq8qj8fynplrCJZZz84x7nrbIxIN9YveJfp1r5hEWtcQXf0QpY5nwPXsBFBN3m_v-e7EZ0RphzyvVRTn2oEw99dSL-WYzCiD3LLSNhJtc" width="320" /></a></div><p> This video below has clips from the muddy return from Naadam as well as the driving through sheep herds on the ten hour drive.</p><p> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nlJH0sa3zp0" width="320" youtube-src-id="nlJH0sa3zp0"></iframe><span> </span></p> Dorj spotted vultures in the distance and suggested we get out and approach by foot. I took photos of the dead sheep that they were consuming. It was also being consumed by insects. Feel free to avoid this next section if you are sensitive to these kind of photos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJq5QO63DRU08YY10_kYXvhLX1RtILc-BZDyhGKMicRMoVDeeOO_R6qd0KXtdMjYYpeD_sdSFpDkqDstoLpv3R09xrKapMcqCFYDOvfB3Ey56s382KZtpY_fsKXZgWHZrg6R9julm055d7V3R2ckOQ_Ur3xIRTP3egtG-TFRNj5KilrdmyG7jOIaIbpuQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1954" data-original-width="2931" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJq5QO63DRU08YY10_kYXvhLX1RtILc-BZDyhGKMicRMoVDeeOO_R6qd0KXtdMjYYpeD_sdSFpDkqDstoLpv3R09xrKapMcqCFYDOvfB3Ey56s382KZtpY_fsKXZgWHZrg6R9julm055d7V3R2ckOQ_Ur3xIRTP3egtG-TFRNj5KilrdmyG7jOIaIbpuQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2485" data-original-width="3727" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiZPivHHutr7IrxrYX8EwI2l9u6vGnYmVD33Ql54sKSvbNn-ObAd1G4N0yRdtfyUklCFS8CXZ2aMiTsCg08yrj9345iKtDdSnJjgxv2_dIACymBMTPGZ4sCIIqASbDviUa81fsNN3heFKCxfOFI1UdFPZ-Dj18rdh9-9R9U7yrtDtJYAYXG7MnFqlgYDU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7MhZsd8ypMgOpKdc-NaHqmuff_Ncps-pTXDgN4p6xJqY7ZAYu6bQ88aI35wIbi6EqvK05VWSWmUGZBV1CxhHSxeKXCeH7wFyMdgO-qykKC7wG3riXy6qVvrR8QnOcjib7uO0ndUDZELKXbMTV06mR2kvWkJ_6bXGyHb5K3KVCognQWXoRJHuRdp3yuqE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5761" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7MhZsd8ypMgOpKdc-NaHqmuff_Ncps-pTXDgN4p6xJqY7ZAYu6bQ88aI35wIbi6EqvK05VWSWmUGZBV1CxhHSxeKXCeH7wFyMdgO-qykKC7wG3riXy6qVvrR8QnOcjib7uO0ndUDZELKXbMTV06mR2kvWkJ_6bXGyHb5K3KVCognQWXoRJHuRdp3yuqE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbNmb-T7KDyTwdQw4-Fo5Mx5G0e5-zdky5olaUprnZTuVUxUBYMD5c3AiOIc0WOnN-1GL9UbWLEwJI00En3XjmhnmbKu_p84F33fKNseTXeVWTDgd76fNPxsz6BjRh-newSmNfpTGAnt1Jb0XsFj8kBmaSE5MugQTsHOUos9OE6qSBKIT8VQxrbcIJus0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="4379" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbNmb-T7KDyTwdQw4-Fo5Mx5G0e5-zdky5olaUprnZTuVUxUBYMD5c3AiOIc0WOnN-1GL9UbWLEwJI00En3XjmhnmbKu_p84F33fKNseTXeVWTDgd76fNPxsz6BjRh-newSmNfpTGAnt1Jb0XsFj8kBmaSE5MugQTsHOUos9OE6qSBKIT8VQxrbcIJus0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl5V-bQvqPvIiPnkf9wsK8qJbbqpxsakQo6_JLFG-Ifhh9MMUugo6uwwAmK-nkdMNKoVR5xy9x07wR6WyFvfnpN71641KaHxzPtu5-HwblNClpxMC_gh-q-8KiTMNuCwpXdJgf84rF5B9fZFnA_F7qNiPLBWj5i3VbThAeX7QQ_dYbX9ya6ZM8HFJy7-A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4354" data-original-width="6532" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl5V-bQvqPvIiPnkf9wsK8qJbbqpxsakQo6_JLFG-Ifhh9MMUugo6uwwAmK-nkdMNKoVR5xy9x07wR6WyFvfnpN71641KaHxzPtu5-HwblNClpxMC_gh-q-8KiTMNuCwpXdJgf84rF5B9fZFnA_F7qNiPLBWj5i3VbThAeX7QQ_dYbX9ya6ZM8HFJy7-A" width="320" /></a></div><p> Eventually we reached the midpoint of the day, a tiny village, where we would be served the common noodle dish for lunch. We were served by two women, while local children came in and out. Before sitting down, I walked around the tiny settlement.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZRh1fqxTTW9boj00_CpRbEArI-MuGT4_Kkxf0rzRZsNk7wct0aZwbJguBko6PdGZTkJb1XLFzZp3od-qm0PqjNZKWabmVXjphthnHQL8n-O9tL3rTFKtpGRgvsolf13-ZiKbl5W0RZc0yiiiTnQiyCLj7kAQxp1Oamxj-bIQF5DWHygXc4SRjE0y5c_k" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZRh1fqxTTW9boj00_CpRbEArI-MuGT4_Kkxf0rzRZsNk7wct0aZwbJguBko6PdGZTkJb1XLFzZp3od-qm0PqjNZKWabmVXjphthnHQL8n-O9tL3rTFKtpGRgvsolf13-ZiKbl5W0RZc0yiiiTnQiyCLj7kAQxp1Oamxj-bIQF5DWHygXc4SRjE0y5c_k" width="112" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The location of our lunch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeTqGRK88KLo1p0em8izpBhSbz2CSHRp9Bk9x1ghSJ54YTDY3K6l3kvtrC_Gd9qDI5kzn9jLJV4SCLZTZnGL-XgcuFE7OsD6OJ47ugO-mVvCVuy2s0p_wxpZx8Ivp5A5zOeVi7Zhp-hFnJmFgQJ_AGJpDXzh8VowR_8Ak6SYL8I7rewxrd_W_35xQ_crE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7870" data-original-width="10495" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeTqGRK88KLo1p0em8izpBhSbz2CSHRp9Bk9x1ghSJ54YTDY3K6l3kvtrC_Gd9qDI5kzn9jLJV4SCLZTZnGL-XgcuFE7OsD6OJ47ugO-mVvCVuy2s0p_wxpZx8Ivp5A5zOeVi7Zhp-hFnJmFgQJ_AGJpDXzh8VowR_8Ak6SYL8I7rewxrd_W_35xQ_crE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuMBsvMzm2GWJmRBMlDtgGCAWeYbwsNySNNIiLPVQK8_bqzDquF8dzJ4g-nYf9DJ9U54fi1JnYW_6cWbt7-d_oKKBb8XFlSvyMZTsI2loUZOOeGYKe7iSDbLOJxWXdVf5be0dEZcpUWJwbfzsGZVOxnFYAkRpTKvdBOw2m0LPIFZbPF2SRp23ImyallRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8428" data-original-width="11258" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuMBsvMzm2GWJmRBMlDtgGCAWeYbwsNySNNIiLPVQK8_bqzDquF8dzJ4g-nYf9DJ9U54fi1JnYW_6cWbt7-d_oKKBb8XFlSvyMZTsI2loUZOOeGYKe7iSDbLOJxWXdVf5be0dEZcpUWJwbfzsGZVOxnFYAkRpTKvdBOw2m0LPIFZbPF2SRp23ImyallRw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkqhvzuYmV0si7-W58lrSv2AgxiXh7GyPJpxaupVsN7ju5hC_lbfjtYVYz81KpB9ndUQGvQ78eISeN84v1wp4xRFbRFVheeEL21uy5q-coltjZw11roUVaiZ-pB_BaNtiYZOj0IpMzksZLcaKfbGg27xwYllY6R8yYmXEQW30Esmp1Z4KSXXX2nnU_3aw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8350" data-original-width="11134" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkqhvzuYmV0si7-W58lrSv2AgxiXh7GyPJpxaupVsN7ju5hC_lbfjtYVYz81KpB9ndUQGvQ78eISeN84v1wp4xRFbRFVheeEL21uy5q-coltjZw11roUVaiZ-pB_BaNtiYZOj0IpMzksZLcaKfbGg27xwYllY6R8yYmXEQW30Esmp1Z4KSXXX2nnU_3aw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhyFrOa6Ycmdo65TPfM2j1H5QoOGKBZRiQQsPbfJ8vIXSIFeSLPZrBN3NFKflayNYzV63QzD0YhTqAxtdhcqsVYVZXpEIZzuD-dK7Cz0Pc2R6VvM-iQH2HbHo9O5PLAA2nfQQuDhr8gpm6Ia3O6-BbIx0vr-c8INhu-TCL9TjEgdItLNW8MnNRRImIc6s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8549" data-original-width="11402" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhyFrOa6Ycmdo65TPfM2j1H5QoOGKBZRiQQsPbfJ8vIXSIFeSLPZrBN3NFKflayNYzV63QzD0YhTqAxtdhcqsVYVZXpEIZzuD-dK7Cz0Pc2R6VvM-iQH2HbHo9O5PLAA2nfQQuDhr8gpm6Ia3O6-BbIx0vr-c8INhu-TCL9TjEgdItLNW8MnNRRImIc6s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha_PfMfVvad8PLoNoRqIuM-V9TTqbxqOfybuGPsXrdb79-_W4JOyFeiRZBwRY13um60pEDGUVSRtZnte0Jruy3FPQhUM9YYQEY2ARowGgRU7-Iv2xo9VIG3BVQUavNS9JDVDMEKmKF8a39TMEahRK-OvTbUs89CxVuKemaT_oLskibigWGwetoJpCmlmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha_PfMfVvad8PLoNoRqIuM-V9TTqbxqOfybuGPsXrdb79-_W4JOyFeiRZBwRY13um60pEDGUVSRtZnte0Jruy3FPQhUM9YYQEY2ARowGgRU7-Iv2xo9VIG3BVQUavNS9JDVDMEKmKF8a39TMEahRK-OvTbUs89CxVuKemaT_oLskibigWGwetoJpCmlmQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> The section of non road that directly followed lunch was exceptionally bumpy, and made me nauseous. Luckily, my body adjusted, and it became tolerable after some time. We would often see ground squirrels darting away from the dirt tracks that we would follow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdeh9D1ye2ZZ6r9gXa0EwHLKskin5UYua1pe0lxaK-qV4QDtbEoCmbFzYnwlZnm1Fmgv8piMxvVmGl9cHgvRITrbv7BKVMs-2d4j1CqtVsjG43ENpboRv2RkapxIo3_GugQ4I67Q8ClQbbgwlCK5bK63pEqncmvjla8S3NvyGyESEmwpeLgg0HnLpkvmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="8001" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdeh9D1ye2ZZ6r9gXa0EwHLKskin5UYua1pe0lxaK-qV4QDtbEoCmbFzYnwlZnm1Fmgv8piMxvVmGl9cHgvRITrbv7BKVMs-2d4j1CqtVsjG43ENpboRv2RkapxIo3_GugQ4I67Q8ClQbbgwlCK5bK63pEqncmvjla8S3NvyGyESEmwpeLgg0HnLpkvmQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjK9mjxU-tYsZMfqaibqrHC0D04fy5wleAAQsAMYOKxugqDECHTyVlnxVBYC2_ZKAnsL419XpSKR1w2obYR663Ip9XDDEea-O7fpSOOG28REnrYw0QgQqnq-IauqAj2vOywJgeJA3ZxmkJZYfzasLBGCemG7Jaf5Vd_KRBfMmyyHikv3fZxh8rIBXzi4a0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="2152" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjK9mjxU-tYsZMfqaibqrHC0D04fy5wleAAQsAMYOKxugqDECHTyVlnxVBYC2_ZKAnsL419XpSKR1w2obYR663Ip9XDDEea-O7fpSOOG28REnrYw0QgQqnq-IauqAj2vOywJgeJA3ZxmkJZYfzasLBGCemG7Jaf5Vd_KRBfMmyyHikv3fZxh8rIBXzi4a0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLH7vT2Sk1_M2J08JaKjTqpcHAftJwVGnJFH4EBIFwrw26vgV-2Z2NLt8gYWDzuIcci5C8tV4MVvyTFrJl6GRlrBLG998QeYWXh9jqtyzWBS83jVE0CTYfJlscmq5iq4va3jIpxqLV9IcuvToKu_d9KAh19VrWu_1P4FBGVv720Nn2tR8pvkERsbIkoY8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1525" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLH7vT2Sk1_M2J08JaKjTqpcHAftJwVGnJFH4EBIFwrw26vgV-2Z2NLt8gYWDzuIcci5C8tV4MVvyTFrJl6GRlrBLG998QeYWXh9jqtyzWBS83jVE0CTYfJlscmq5iq4va3jIpxqLV9IcuvToKu_d9KAh19VrWu_1P4FBGVv720Nn2tR8pvkERsbIkoY8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJIccf8hwcINdXyhrbHLnTL-wENREtR5MdtJ7bPBIWzJgxX1MJKbRtZnMQ1-3tnDVdtjZ858YQoVhBtEjwc6gE2hWUlTrkKn1_K6FqI8ztWr9ip9Zd4zjj4jtIS8WiEX-DA_PHGHWJZ-Vf1-LExIr8R7DUvmXCpk1ab6m_w-POllNQ-h5na4oLgZ90WII" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJIccf8hwcINdXyhrbHLnTL-wENREtR5MdtJ7bPBIWzJgxX1MJKbRtZnMQ1-3tnDVdtjZ858YQoVhBtEjwc6gE2hWUlTrkKn1_K6FqI8ztWr9ip9Zd4zjj4jtIS8WiEX-DA_PHGHWJZ-Vf1-LExIr8R7DUvmXCpk1ab6m_w-POllNQ-h5na4oLgZ90WII" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> At long last we reached the protected reserve known for reindeer herders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1PQsSwqOvP0JuHwCxt4WDsw3C5xfDP4mHUPHnDQFwgCfNGoO1E4YR0hlAbh59br1fH5k9K9XMR4_XA5jpuSPfU6x8_MaJBIONTnulioowDDn7Yo-lamHjBMK1pcsfGRH-EQK97b0iHYoIo_O5YZaJdK_kTE5Au1I7DlhYmjSG-YXJMQJeOvLat_x9bm4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1PQsSwqOvP0JuHwCxt4WDsw3C5xfDP4mHUPHnDQFwgCfNGoO1E4YR0hlAbh59br1fH5k9K9XMR4_XA5jpuSPfU6x8_MaJBIONTnulioowDDn7Yo-lamHjBMK1pcsfGRH-EQK97b0iHYoIo_O5YZaJdK_kTE5Au1I7DlhYmjSG-YXJMQJeOvLat_x9bm4" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-32784872047480335002023-08-07T23:17:00.003-07:002023-08-08T07:04:11.618-07:00Mongolia 1: UlaanBaater, Murun, and the first day of the Naadam Festival<p> I am writing this in my Tokyo hotel, a week after returning from Mongolia. The structure of the Mongolian trip was a bit unique. I flew into the main city of Ulaanbaatar on the night of July 8th. I had one full day to rest, and then I would be using the hotel as a base. I would fly to a location, fly back and have half a day of rest, and then fly to the next location, fly back, and then drive to the final spot, before driving back. Since I was always returning to the same hotel, I keep excess luggage there, and adjusted my smaller bags accordingly, for each location.</p><p> I paid for a solo tour. I would be assigned a guide, due to stay with me for the entirety of the trip, and then a separate driver in each location. Although it as more expensive to go solo, every group tour that I could find consisted of five to eight hours of driving, every single day. I couldn't possibly imagine such a way of travelling to be enjoyable. Therefore, I decided to customize my own itinerary. I worked with the owner of a company that seemed to respond quickly to emails, and received over a hundred positive reviews on Tripadvisor. </p><p> The tour company seemed to like the Blue Sky Hotel, and the location seemed to be right in the middle of things, according to Google Maps, so I went ahead and added an extra night at the beginning of my trip, so I would have a full day to relax and walk around the city if I felt like it. One of my bags was the very last one off the conveyor belt, well after everyone else had collected theirs. A security personnel asked me to follow them to the side, so they could inspect my bag. They did not speak English. They were pointing at an item that showed up in a scan. I unzipped the bag and found the item that stood out to them, my keyboard.</p><p> Waiting to greet me was my guide, Dorj. He seemed friendly enough, though his English was not as competent as I had expected. I quickly noticed that he would pretend to understand my questions sometimes, before either answering something completely different, or double backing and asking me to clarify or try different words. I tried to explain to him that I would have no problem trying to reword things if he didn't understand something. This did not seem to change his behavior. On that first drive, from the airport to the hotel, I learned very little. He explained that the Mongolian language had been changed by the Soviets in the USSR era, and that this airport was newly constructed, and was farther away from the city than the previous one. When I was back at the airport, to leave at the end of my trip, I read a plaque that explained that the loan for the airport was given by the Japanese.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbWx3eaE_tR7kkl6bTl23zXtVA5_Zg4mNtV7rUQTEH3gSkvwU24Q4Z1vAZuAjJcMEqt9L1op625IpnzSDQJNzcZvO9KziBUJwn8j1DW3plsmWFnrDFHRNfN-u9Vbvp-phQmVPkv5NoyM2_82L0BW546W0l7TCYeOrO_AAIwQyeP-OowyFqB0CVOL1pk4k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8515" data-original-width="5599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbWx3eaE_tR7kkl6bTl23zXtVA5_Zg4mNtV7rUQTEH3gSkvwU24Q4Z1vAZuAjJcMEqt9L1op625IpnzSDQJNzcZvO9KziBUJwn8j1DW3plsmWFnrDFHRNfN-u9Vbvp-phQmVPkv5NoyM2_82L0BW546W0l7TCYeOrO_AAIwQyeP-OowyFqB0CVOL1pk4k" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The hotel was billed as a five star hotel. They put me on the sixteenth floor, which was not to my liking. The room's windows were slanted. The bathroom was terrifying. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I called the front desk and asked if there were any lower floors available. They said that they were all full. I would later find out that the hotel's floors didn't begin until the 9th floor. Stuck in the room, I tried to stay as far as I could from the windows. Unfortunately, the largest window had broken blinds. I could have asked the hotel for help, but I couldn't be bothered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The room layout was strange, the walls were peeling a bit, and the carpet wasn't super clean. It had a refrigerator though, and a decent coffee maker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1SulXki_QoFiNnnMHL4jZbXX1bShh9lXmDMWvd695ocu7T3_DHBFQCo6SkXq35qm_cgkoT-O9hEbQzx1J2nyc9ho5Hc7geoacbs6i4jiaqnmlVnr0jln20d9lfAqHpQzhxiXAbPy3SQeYFgp1a1y9Lm7amv3EABFvK99V9pyXCS6u_fcMBVTYZF5AMz0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1SulXki_QoFiNnnMHL4jZbXX1bShh9lXmDMWvd695ocu7T3_DHBFQCo6SkXq35qm_cgkoT-O9hEbQzx1J2nyc9ho5Hc7geoacbs6i4jiaqnmlVnr0jln20d9lfAqHpQzhxiXAbPy3SQeYFgp1a1y9Lm7amv3EABFvK99V9pyXCS6u_fcMBVTYZF5AMz0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfktjq2fv6-1OUDSSWjyuTQ-ifVZ3Qr_rm2LtGgcN_I1f9fmUJdBczCtrcxR19hEgS-OOzbUZxsKewdUdWqMcWSInOBEEIldBM_XIVb9EbtgGQnpOpNMTAOCoD8xt_FkIeb3c8zKtlZ9cy5GQ8Q1M6r5cwNdGnhF-dPmU2AXNfGINLklUurCNnHvbVCpE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfktjq2fv6-1OUDSSWjyuTQ-ifVZ3Qr_rm2LtGgcN_I1f9fmUJdBczCtrcxR19hEgS-OOzbUZxsKewdUdWqMcWSInOBEEIldBM_XIVb9EbtgGQnpOpNMTAOCoD8xt_FkIeb3c8zKtlZ9cy5GQ8Q1M6r5cwNdGnhF-dPmU2AXNfGINLklUurCNnHvbVCpE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYvdUsEzQzFQvZMBpTswAK7jSt4q1_UNeTzhA77DMSvFgv4jRQLYF-W1VOV95pemPnlYnqx3QdWZ2lOlrWy3DoMYKEV_t9ZxLMhBU94m3KqDrh9BwA_nDcrBobwNmmUvxvr3A9eftlH5B4xU0aaH2FANhBLmFWDDQil7i1gxw6AWIUtjS5u74ILFLrXPo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYvdUsEzQzFQvZMBpTswAK7jSt4q1_UNeTzhA77DMSvFgv4jRQLYF-W1VOV95pemPnlYnqx3QdWZ2lOlrWy3DoMYKEV_t9ZxLMhBU94m3KqDrh9BwA_nDcrBobwNmmUvxvr3A9eftlH5B4xU0aaH2FANhBLmFWDDQil7i1gxw6AWIUtjS5u74ILFLrXPo" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Around the corner were the two types of convenience stores that I saw throughout Mongolia. Nice to CU and GS25. I preferred the CUs, however they had strange coffee. They would always give you a flavored packet, of which I took vanilla. The coffee makers seemed always set to Americano, which I did not like. The packet appeared to be flavored powdered milk. Without it, the coffee tasted horrible. With it, the coffee tasted horrible, but sometimes drinkable.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTsocfPzdLa7AtmMr9mq5fhhN1Dzuwc4IjPTbu3X2hUaYsoVgHez449ZXblpvtss46LnqLXbu_5xF7wHCQe7oeWYPuZsBUhPQHCDFmxVzlmqmbcvWudOQJL5ctIicvPQk3ROe9Mq9HbFAYTnM1udLJLghmYe9mbmooQqvMIqF1waJCi52SwKvxKqkYB40" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTsocfPzdLa7AtmMr9mq5fhhN1Dzuwc4IjPTbu3X2hUaYsoVgHez449ZXblpvtss46LnqLXbu_5xF7wHCQe7oeWYPuZsBUhPQHCDFmxVzlmqmbcvWudOQJL5ctIicvPQk3ROe9Mq9HbFAYTnM1udLJLghmYe9mbmooQqvMIqF1waJCi52SwKvxKqkYB40" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_w3qZW3M4-E9xmRXuhPk9gzaiEBtDC4mDPgmqy0-PlHTxcLV-C0k9YPYuvmlFvbLgYzlpYCcCVeHFWQKveAREYwcrNGcuBlFb8EGe3jjjYHlw1JaE7Uqk_AhtgyHcDhNGxQVESRZL5fVdjZKbIEaaLgfiAUTImBwO9YjbAXuJduuWvXR7MObXVvTuQf8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3139" data-original-width="2354" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_w3qZW3M4-E9xmRXuhPk9gzaiEBtDC4mDPgmqy0-PlHTxcLV-C0k9YPYuvmlFvbLgYzlpYCcCVeHFWQKveAREYwcrNGcuBlFb8EGe3jjjYHlw1JaE7Uqk_AhtgyHcDhNGxQVESRZL5fVdjZKbIEaaLgfiAUTImBwO9YjbAXuJduuWvXR7MObXVvTuQf8" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> I decided that I was going to walk to the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. First, directly across the street there was a small festival to visit. I assume that it was related to Naadam, but I am not sure. I walked through, since no performers were on the stage.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu3cav9GlHXib0MPKQcbp33bPbJC1auZPJL7Q0hKkC4VaNqQ5PUscNXXYnDjOsFVuW8j5F1x4BytXDN1XRn4ZoXLo4F_EMWC_lHKY02Qg-Tj2Cw3U3iPNBBLasDUDGOXJZ1mTInecmO5bWwvknG9rcB6_cpdo56bGzoI2wMfgWicIIGA6qG407nJePWrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu3cav9GlHXib0MPKQcbp33bPbJC1auZPJL7Q0hKkC4VaNqQ5PUscNXXYnDjOsFVuW8j5F1x4BytXDN1XRn4ZoXLo4F_EMWC_lHKY02Qg-Tj2Cw3U3iPNBBLasDUDGOXJZ1mTInecmO5bWwvknG9rcB6_cpdo56bGzoI2wMfgWicIIGA6qG407nJePWrA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR5pEqN7lOathkLOjaUQJ_lIsKmLwz9E9KtPb3lRw8xlJlfASdnaLazfPBIOGrLX86UOUMl1rMEZzDNjdtvSKGqOImXmlsNtXmOFESYmUULK9pKu5BEu9T8es5ntd0I5AVVJwbkb5tHud3zKkW_c3p_YXOLVbwEjPRQezgi4dOdK4hs8aVEhmnmfIJ0M8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR5pEqN7lOathkLOjaUQJ_lIsKmLwz9E9KtPb3lRw8xlJlfASdnaLazfPBIOGrLX86UOUMl1rMEZzDNjdtvSKGqOImXmlsNtXmOFESYmUULK9pKu5BEu9T8es5ntd0I5AVVJwbkb5tHud3zKkW_c3p_YXOLVbwEjPRQezgi4dOdK4hs8aVEhmnmfIJ0M8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDH18n9Vzvug6oJigCumqY20ISL6i16BExtjloRZj4fS_z9cV1LnS92hrdzfWVyNgIIskSCnxUF3zD_spAjAxWwLzHtOAgOH2TVpxDJozkw5jpMrDmYUSovP3J8e4S2cBcK-zj_QeDyYH__HmNEC1DvKa_7uLPINcZfGR2OCCZ5hkknlqDq0qGFU4ZaUE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDH18n9Vzvug6oJigCumqY20ISL6i16BExtjloRZj4fS_z9cV1LnS92hrdzfWVyNgIIskSCnxUF3zD_spAjAxWwLzHtOAgOH2TVpxDJozkw5jpMrDmYUSovP3J8e4S2cBcK-zj_QeDyYH__HmNEC1DvKa_7uLPINcZfGR2OCCZ5hkknlqDq0qGFU4ZaUE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9sxDP9SE5BhQ41qQJjvzrkwYbDEzBs7Emo9GQB_59n6zS362_TEfgGERVMKip1Ivx_4pzvm8s9N-blfnEY31bxf7c6JsctHs2DSTSXVwx_-pDDOMhExQmxpHE7HhgIItJ8RddMVjGTrxhxz5EE_zKzcpVH4CQo4V9G5YVeSUiGmciovjEspge4QKHGDM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5153" data-original-width="7779" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9sxDP9SE5BhQ41qQJjvzrkwYbDEzBs7Emo9GQB_59n6zS362_TEfgGERVMKip1Ivx_4pzvm8s9N-blfnEY31bxf7c6JsctHs2DSTSXVwx_-pDDOMhExQmxpHE7HhgIItJ8RddMVjGTrxhxz5EE_zKzcpVH4CQo4V9G5YVeSUiGmciovjEspge4QKHGDM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Across the street, I walked past a Broadway restaurant. I saw a few more of them throughout town. On the corner was the Chinggis Khaan National Museum. I later learned that Genghis Khan is referred to as Chinnis Khaan in Mongolia. Their airport is named the Chinggis Khaan International Airport. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio1SdQnhBX1nJCTmLg1qa8wMIZfcgu3Hil3AWeyDSCJZhLLNRw8hyAFk1r5Mx5ug7EVW20LuaNjImej7xDgdPYcRrctdLKsLrcwkJe4KVL6BcyOppmCmn9WQNh9NhvliySgejFCIHOYlx3YKU8xl1cuCsYUjS4bSi2sk-iGtQYUOdHRDOzj8aYpKv5tiA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio1SdQnhBX1nJCTmLg1qa8wMIZfcgu3Hil3AWeyDSCJZhLLNRw8hyAFk1r5Mx5ug7EVW20LuaNjImej7xDgdPYcRrctdLKsLrcwkJe4KVL6BcyOppmCmn9WQNh9NhvliySgejFCIHOYlx3YKU8xl1cuCsYUjS4bSi2sk-iGtQYUOdHRDOzj8aYpKv5tiA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUrsR1yxX4B85s2wD-hc24PeUI_5pnkLEm405ZhmUigRm6QP6SCF41O1AlKJ_esQP2CKnxGIVwd4s3CQ6Ubjj4qNLq33sHOyfauhvUtv07A0lk7E5VWlPkMEH0G15DvvIypFhXDQ6eiMI1lBxzzOZN9RXHi-tN4AqRak5gPgEvT6vAb8c-_ZijOmoSfyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6194" data-original-width="9291" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUrsR1yxX4B85s2wD-hc24PeUI_5pnkLEm405ZhmUigRm6QP6SCF41O1AlKJ_esQP2CKnxGIVwd4s3CQ6Ubjj4qNLq33sHOyfauhvUtv07A0lk7E5VWlPkMEH0G15DvvIypFhXDQ6eiMI1lBxzzOZN9RXHi-tN4AqRak5gPgEvT6vAb8c-_ZijOmoSfyw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx2S-qe8BCU0HwOVkWft2LUm1a9YDKXtvGmqdyTFG7FvyEC-yA8DDJBzYwpf7uLolfrx2MBYnoCD-p-ZtLvOcjRIs1iWIdgTw3dePQ0VSrDG_y1pbM3m0s06HHj7GWinhNz8RUgkr8ts3ciK3WW5KmAYbnx2MdaoOh5XsIxX9pVbFmeyPbodj1SdcUvo0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6299" data-original-width="9448" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx2S-qe8BCU0HwOVkWft2LUm1a9YDKXtvGmqdyTFG7FvyEC-yA8DDJBzYwpf7uLolfrx2MBYnoCD-p-ZtLvOcjRIs1iWIdgTw3dePQ0VSrDG_y1pbM3m0s06HHj7GWinhNz8RUgkr8ts3ciK3WW5KmAYbnx2MdaoOh5XsIxX9pVbFmeyPbodj1SdcUvo0" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Parts of the city are orderly and have sidewalks. In other spots, there are haphazard parking streets, with pedestrians weaving around the cars. Some areas are well maintained, while others seem left in disrepair. Traffic on the street was constant, often with very little forward movement.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxMCH_VG-MQl8y7G56K5Vpcbj2cmtTafaWILI77OHeif8sAL-It39ISwWkSy0dNMk9oMOPII3K7hhqI_Ym-pV2KtiVKfQAEKdNZ2Ro1FGbL7VhRaNcwYEISUc0pdRHmpK0mEQLbBErsxB8u6YFkoUgGT3-m5Dnyc4lnh1vQCFwXBMd15Wx9IDVz3SeTZA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxMCH_VG-MQl8y7G56K5Vpcbj2cmtTafaWILI77OHeif8sAL-It39ISwWkSy0dNMk9oMOPII3K7hhqI_Ym-pV2KtiVKfQAEKdNZ2Ro1FGbL7VhRaNcwYEISUc0pdRHmpK0mEQLbBErsxB8u6YFkoUgGT3-m5Dnyc4lnh1vQCFwXBMd15Wx9IDVz3SeTZA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFix6auFGgVj5QDOw-qXrlJavbpnLa2QwXoRph4jH9DE_j7NOoU7LEWNDKvbqHA2fr76-IoBs2C7QYZ6nL6N4fyq94CrcQkC20af4LDlzTvRUheuwjrB1p8tMm1iuGNv0HNnrQOQ1uFDI0hLGpezr3LaFEsdGIT6Ou0aBGYv_CkMs1oUhktRM44Bsc_Kg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFix6auFGgVj5QDOw-qXrlJavbpnLa2QwXoRph4jH9DE_j7NOoU7LEWNDKvbqHA2fr76-IoBs2C7QYZ6nL6N4fyq94CrcQkC20af4LDlzTvRUheuwjrB1p8tMm1iuGNv0HNnrQOQ1uFDI0hLGpezr3LaFEsdGIT6Ou0aBGYv_CkMs1oUhktRM44Bsc_Kg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKKZvitFsEYhUBEAoPbl8urK90l36NCg8YtIPKiE0mYV7JLKn0x_J0t23Q1m-HHh-x8gC8JtpMqO2VP52vQPpS8M1hAz1bbn3SM5Ouw9FKZjUZUitqn8KIB7TPuhVF5kO38e08RZbJcuIFKseXCV7oeNcAWg5J4hVD15bIFY3-JlkeEIkSPHz6ng4AWrY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6261" data-original-width="9412" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKKZvitFsEYhUBEAoPbl8urK90l36NCg8YtIPKiE0mYV7JLKn0x_J0t23Q1m-HHh-x8gC8JtpMqO2VP52vQPpS8M1hAz1bbn3SM5Ouw9FKZjUZUitqn8KIB7TPuhVF5kO38e08RZbJcuIFKseXCV7oeNcAWg5J4hVD15bIFY3-JlkeEIkSPHz6ng4AWrY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPcJ-VrG6ERQ0kbL9WReHkZ8ZojExcsOyN1rvWzm_LgK5N8YEM1RRN1qf6LrbPRHAwEKP_ioEfQkARzaLHQkn6ajWResa7ZxcXeCMOUqvnlco99KS_lGk4MIrM2Te72gqkBmN4L7VgZoak9qJVqFS88HqkFjhUJ1T3WJawjFmaXJd5N9ILmIdiGjAy89Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPcJ-VrG6ERQ0kbL9WReHkZ8ZojExcsOyN1rvWzm_LgK5N8YEM1RRN1qf6LrbPRHAwEKP_ioEfQkARzaLHQkn6ajWResa7ZxcXeCMOUqvnlco99KS_lGk4MIrM2Te72gqkBmN4L7VgZoak9qJVqFS88HqkFjhUJ1T3WJawjFmaXJd5N9ILmIdiGjAy89Y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLY0E_CAMJMEZOqOQ5L-wVAbSM8E6E6BH-C4y5O30BXlQLXe_sqJgzHUm6hZlvyUuk8JuSTiLvgA5yaY0HJCRhP4r9jVmQu1QpChjHDiqJ1w5S78k6uC9EKZsTNzhk61RdE-i3o9ZV-PjtR_5kkgQIigqvmKfpLH73x9BG2aYdBm1FAQDIMx2m-cGvLSI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLY0E_CAMJMEZOqOQ5L-wVAbSM8E6E6BH-C4y5O30BXlQLXe_sqJgzHUm6hZlvyUuk8JuSTiLvgA5yaY0HJCRhP4r9jVmQu1QpChjHDiqJ1w5S78k6uC9EKZsTNzhk61RdE-i3o9ZV-PjtR_5kkgQIigqvmKfpLH73x9BG2aYdBm1FAQDIMx2m-cGvLSI" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1s7D2wzq5G-RwMV5BK10mTS-FN2stoKYUwsIzMUd2H1hpg9Zfu19bU-ZOqP8umJVCXhaIguM7eM7s7fQ0UVhmETQ0TwaK3ul6FHU5LRAm42-EoE6MdZQsxPGjUfZ0orj5_A8bLkBQCLXH3DjIfkJ-kYtCw2GPMtTL9thkK9EI1Owb4AfSAq27-QtS15o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5225" data-original-width="7947" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1s7D2wzq5G-RwMV5BK10mTS-FN2stoKYUwsIzMUd2H1hpg9Zfu19bU-ZOqP8umJVCXhaIguM7eM7s7fQ0UVhmETQ0TwaK3ul6FHU5LRAm42-EoE6MdZQsxPGjUfZ0orj5_A8bLkBQCLXH3DjIfkJ-kYtCw2GPMtTL9thkK9EI1Owb4AfSAq27-QtS15o" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Eventually I came to a large multidirectional intersection. There was a very tall building labelled Holiday Inn on one corner, with a number of monasteries down one street, and then up and into a section of housing in a seemingly bad state of neglect. This was the first time that I got a closer view of the white nomad homes known as gers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjObbJl4tHmDz7P8gKGFmWAa1h9_saLFJvVvujL03UkWMlCsGhW6v7xuoksmjwQj4t_2wAbgd4AWjQ78NHAlC8mUfy877FoHMge6AVNR2HO6UUDky5b07ITrtiwsLoXZhNDp951tFWBCbwynmk7X2gAsl1s7EP1d8sXp4XcbYEyWsAbEWxjy8KteuxSi5o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjObbJl4tHmDz7P8gKGFmWAa1h9_saLFJvVvujL03UkWMlCsGhW6v7xuoksmjwQj4t_2wAbgd4AWjQ78NHAlC8mUfy877FoHMge6AVNR2HO6UUDky5b07ITrtiwsLoXZhNDp951tFWBCbwynmk7X2gAsl1s7EP1d8sXp4XcbYEyWsAbEWxjy8KteuxSi5o" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ4kIolxew12bCRZSQps5A967RyrjEW4_l5oELtNGDNNEbOoXtzaPQ_Gz_PdP6TAMQKJWDTPx4VnZHlbIdDhEQE_o1X3k0lA-G-TE6kjta3mgxncBi4Q084-ToPslduH7Z7rqBkQ6CGZsb3BlNw1-jLy6hmfMySHguFmFE_W7fGc17qjjuM_zIEoxJFOA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ4kIolxew12bCRZSQps5A967RyrjEW4_l5oELtNGDNNEbOoXtzaPQ_Gz_PdP6TAMQKJWDTPx4VnZHlbIdDhEQE_o1X3k0lA-G-TE6kjta3mgxncBi4Q084-ToPslduH7Z7rqBkQ6CGZsb3BlNw1-jLy6hmfMySHguFmFE_W7fGc17qjjuM_zIEoxJFOA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtrG0Wg8iskBI82kdu_aYectwDyqswX54dEUcLgNpQYSxUZdnWle2PJNpH_LDM7auypi7DGGjOUQkz_fs6fvGCOrNl0aduIkRCGJvi2PQUzc3sUzVEcqe4lFC8dhGWF6FOyf18v86r855JP8oq1OYOTBlzrHwANXadXoARotf_eQK0NOHE-PiQbEFjOVs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6087" data-original-width="9132" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtrG0Wg8iskBI82kdu_aYectwDyqswX54dEUcLgNpQYSxUZdnWle2PJNpH_LDM7auypi7DGGjOUQkz_fs6fvGCOrNl0aduIkRCGJvi2PQUzc3sUzVEcqe4lFC8dhGWF6FOyf18v86r855JP8oq1OYOTBlzrHwANXadXoARotf_eQK0NOHE-PiQbEFjOVs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW8fpPyffr4MomSUbC1xyF_hHyE1m_EhlG5dVVKfGJSJijHD2yBxoaSrRyouymmLuf4X8jcsnoSBXo2uEbpxdbNO-WJyyMBOd3zV2p5w8s1iFG1LW-27RYT7GTms_Am51f1SvUXXGb6-KCm443IBf2WBr-IdDERwlP6CpaD7WMe64weTQoOkOJw9SZXNI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW8fpPyffr4MomSUbC1xyF_hHyE1m_EhlG5dVVKfGJSJijHD2yBxoaSrRyouymmLuf4X8jcsnoSBXo2uEbpxdbNO-WJyyMBOd3zV2p5w8s1iFG1LW-27RYT7GTms_Am51f1SvUXXGb6-KCm443IBf2WBr-IdDERwlP6CpaD7WMe64weTQoOkOJw9SZXNI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoitIR4pz7zzANFrFMw-U8tdEfUcM-GhferH09ls-QsksrYUPTQ5hIJYecw8w8HQyKpZM3VwprqR7XUcsMM-1l99L4YJWzie-31RPea_b1JPLIophCqE-jJ_4ptsuZaIyaGJPUHsekMoIQO7D0C28xGgtYx9wkEsC-R3HPQGB49up289dL6MozjUMVK4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9504" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoitIR4pz7zzANFrFMw-U8tdEfUcM-GhferH09ls-QsksrYUPTQ5hIJYecw8w8HQyKpZM3VwprqR7XUcsMM-1l99L4YJWzie-31RPea_b1JPLIophCqE-jJ_4ptsuZaIyaGJPUHsekMoIQO7D0C28xGgtYx9wkEsC-R3HPQGB49up289dL6MozjUMVK4" width="160" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz00jrEOWVKbc8GOILvLJA_M3g98jg6ZzMtlZE16xnXqhSX0f-30tvY4fDgGWVt0dLJzOW6hBd6TWwQGf1Ts3XxxWwYJ25xNA64F223G9Ipco89j3DnYTnJzdsrXaGHfRaygLiBZIyZx5grQcVMTHA1rotVNuv9kuyygpwXEd9SbZF9gaLNP102BDfRTA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz00jrEOWVKbc8GOILvLJA_M3g98jg6ZzMtlZE16xnXqhSX0f-30tvY4fDgGWVt0dLJzOW6hBd6TWwQGf1Ts3XxxWwYJ25xNA64F223G9Ipco89j3DnYTnJzdsrXaGHfRaygLiBZIyZx5grQcVMTHA1rotVNuv9kuyygpwXEd9SbZF9gaLNP102BDfRTA" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a neat looking building in the distance.</td></tr></tbody></table> <div> The temples surrounding the monastery were interesting, but again, not well cared for. I did not look at any preview for the monastery, so when I stepped inside, I was blown away. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqf9fAIFdNy-1SJFZ_8eKIhbgUSWBOf0og83XLLXbtpSmkFlVzTfr55brSU3xb4sm5cisMyswq0O4TZh_JFER0sPHWtGJ4suI8bYDdjNYlR6LeqxBeVKnVk6TOWTFWGS02gdYyCz4HnKmdGY21i3XGLv9wmCRr4jb1s_6ZLhRMEUnRzjvWOs3MtbUXRFk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6080" data-original-width="9247" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqf9fAIFdNy-1SJFZ_8eKIhbgUSWBOf0og83XLLXbtpSmkFlVzTfr55brSU3xb4sm5cisMyswq0O4TZh_JFER0sPHWtGJ4suI8bYDdjNYlR6LeqxBeVKnVk6TOWTFWGS02gdYyCz4HnKmdGY21i3XGLv9wmCRr4jb1s_6ZLhRMEUnRzjvWOs3MtbUXRFk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcr59YbbFdMcAeYhKa8V8rXVJY2sm0N27as2FyUHZJ46cDJcNpIOVzm8U-apaYUEepU6ySEEY6fUkt771JqGJM_2MEs4niM4fyYwGuD9IQsIgNTfh26qgIArpH2MrImxkm1_RIEI7l3u2A8WgFglHA3zjZYmY8_SzikMtGvBgbBLLYwNF3RGjl7XRk5UY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6289" data-original-width="9565" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcr59YbbFdMcAeYhKa8V8rXVJY2sm0N27as2FyUHZJ46cDJcNpIOVzm8U-apaYUEepU6ySEEY6fUkt771JqGJM_2MEs4niM4fyYwGuD9IQsIgNTfh26qgIArpH2MrImxkm1_RIEI7l3u2A8WgFglHA3zjZYmY8_SzikMtGvBgbBLLYwNF3RGjl7XRk5UY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5YEK4I13zWbMPcbJi4q3nqqgiPl3fCl4wYR64IlyWALZft_O7xuuxQBCtB56RvmtU6x2LnjdMTwmqxvwhqh0VCz4rnK4L_LZfibYX315EpfY3TLzu0cihjTnZLCV_x5uCg2da6tC1Tk0HhXYlr6SZ1zUSSMaoTOIqTifFIOhTEcHwzNg6Yixuqktp3w4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5YEK4I13zWbMPcbJi4q3nqqgiPl3fCl4wYR64IlyWALZft_O7xuuxQBCtB56RvmtU6x2LnjdMTwmqxvwhqh0VCz4rnK4L_LZfibYX315EpfY3TLzu0cihjTnZLCV_x5uCg2da6tC1Tk0HhXYlr6SZ1zUSSMaoTOIqTifFIOhTEcHwzNg6Yixuqktp3w4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC4yWYTqNziCwLOkLPkeXt-gnN4ZW_lFBA9RZ1VhWuHQFXsB4p9SqynnulR3m2fFBkZ6SOi7YXg0o2Cp0BPjCu3nD_ZRWfbMj5LcGGLfahIKp3F5P4e3PZSYeukTggs8cqA8ktebM91_eQ0wU41UqxrdOgW9wNzXeKRdcusEw15uB-QVaAb1RQsyX2fhE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC4yWYTqNziCwLOkLPkeXt-gnN4ZW_lFBA9RZ1VhWuHQFXsB4p9SqynnulR3m2fFBkZ6SOi7YXg0o2Cp0BPjCu3nD_ZRWfbMj5LcGGLfahIKp3F5P4e3PZSYeukTggs8cqA8ktebM91_eQ0wU41UqxrdOgW9wNzXeKRdcusEw15uB-QVaAb1RQsyX2fhE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZeK8fTuFWwccdWcplnYDtJrFjSxj7NvLk3IhE4OTSW2PeXaYZkAAze0YG2tjZXJ2dEGmnshaKLCFzP8DMcb5xBet913rSKFwM8nrpAE35s-N_UpumUz8bosoD14ueymdWRAwzjZ_ZBCQtB66W4uLJYFrLilhpE5-kOC3B1N18AwIGi9Tmd4Hbpyu_F9w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6272" data-original-width="9539" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZeK8fTuFWwccdWcplnYDtJrFjSxj7NvLk3IhE4OTSW2PeXaYZkAAze0YG2tjZXJ2dEGmnshaKLCFzP8DMcb5xBet913rSKFwM8nrpAE35s-N_UpumUz8bosoD14ueymdWRAwzjZ_ZBCQtB66W4uLJYFrLilhpE5-kOC3B1N18AwIGi9Tmd4Hbpyu_F9w" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It was one single room, with an incredibly large buddha statue. Along the walls were buddhas, and on the inside border of the walkaround enclosure were cylindrical bells. People walked around, holding their hands out, rotating the bells in order. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuTHedlNISLV9bhYPC6QcRv0asK5EX-nipAmsKsvdQE0MuGGhlH-L6mhTnpuYLQ_lyhwkPmZrsvkXHdWmjIt-GbuMoPfhqaIsVHke1uJKsh45tqK6o3Xa6ZU-OPItm0Fi0lAkxuocQcHCZt23JIquwyW5FtcdmzOrMDS-YmU7qFbrMiIpnVu51nO0zv1A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuTHedlNISLV9bhYPC6QcRv0asK5EX-nipAmsKsvdQE0MuGGhlH-L6mhTnpuYLQ_lyhwkPmZrsvkXHdWmjIt-GbuMoPfhqaIsVHke1uJKsh45tqK6o3Xa6ZU-OPItm0Fi0lAkxuocQcHCZt23JIquwyW5FtcdmzOrMDS-YmU7qFbrMiIpnVu51nO0zv1A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijhC3pe4Rt9JTmeHthTT4hx-_4ondaaGRUZCg0iFln42KK8TBKTtQW72Nx6YZJYYXwhF-aqhBfTzsM2UokJjiq__mY79fC3AmL7nVGTQONRHPV6bdapVDzzxsYVXK6fw3zIw6ZxTR_kD5zngBck9NiF4k2HQLtJlIyLJqwW2g57EbTpWf5uiaL_TiGMDA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijhC3pe4Rt9JTmeHthTT4hx-_4ondaaGRUZCg0iFln42KK8TBKTtQW72Nx6YZJYYXwhF-aqhBfTzsM2UokJjiq__mY79fC3AmL7nVGTQONRHPV6bdapVDzzxsYVXK6fw3zIw6ZxTR_kD5zngBck9NiF4k2HQLtJlIyLJqwW2g57EbTpWf5uiaL_TiGMDA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgiHQGkJEIRuNQV59wjxeOTvBXlwAmX5UjMQel6SXdESkkHBKFzPgUXF0puquVw9xUNmFhq3nmX9w6Uc_tzU5JBspivycvLKcAXZxMWvr1d8dWx-NYmkVGP8R9irdS2gT40o1x5x6ToHFy38fiSigc-d8zuRaPTXQ0wbknxIs9eLGItVWNACFWNF9pGys" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgiHQGkJEIRuNQV59wjxeOTvBXlwAmX5UjMQel6SXdESkkHBKFzPgUXF0puquVw9xUNmFhq3nmX9w6Uc_tzU5JBspivycvLKcAXZxMWvr1d8dWx-NYmkVGP8R9irdS2gT40o1x5x6ToHFy38fiSigc-d8zuRaPTXQ0wbknxIs9eLGItVWNACFWNF9pGys" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I stopped briefly at an art museum that charged extra to allow photography. I opted not to partake. Returning back to the festival, there were a few performances taking place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ampxuHQG71Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="ampxuHQG71Y"></iframe><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWHz3PtmOIvlz1DAJxDEytJx1_9JoPzqkVasDl0EWB1H2nLYZ6fL_tJG41oHO8e0EnZuvb6O0VO_Moeu4OEYN_7mpvvoiShMe5symg01kjPg5LIAwkGEQiWb5mj4u7byfd70Sdz2B2brAHgwgDYfkqWdwBA0m9ouj9UMThVBUlQGbmJOWLxuFsL3gewEs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWHz3PtmOIvlz1DAJxDEytJx1_9JoPzqkVasDl0EWB1H2nLYZ6fL_tJG41oHO8e0EnZuvb6O0VO_Moeu4OEYN_7mpvvoiShMe5symg01kjPg5LIAwkGEQiWb5mj4u7byfd70Sdz2B2brAHgwgDYfkqWdwBA0m9ouj9UMThVBUlQGbmJOWLxuFsL3gewEs" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> As I was approaching the hotel, I spotted a dog off leash, waiting at the street corner. I couldn't figure out if someone was accompanying the dog or if it was just on its own. I discovered that it was on its own. Someone stopped to feed it, after it crossed the street.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C4i4ojAv7kU" width="320" youtube-src-id="C4i4ojAv7kU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The next day was a super early flight to murun. The flight itself was under an hour. Inside the airport was a single room. We stopped first at a local market, but most stalls were closed due to the Naadam holiday. The guide decided to have us go to a store that reminded me of a smaller version of Sam's Club. We bought food supplies for the upcoming adventure to the reindeer herders. After, we had lunch upstairs. I chose a noodle dish that I would end up being served repeatedly in Mongolia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB3uAHeYGAz3vVNj6KjvHJm9IGHMYScy6yv_IBHWYrFlOKQGJeNRfqTKxbSGiKDHhEW6sTLEy36GsZb-RaEhsuU6JG3Vw-rnovXLXzQb4jA-Aw0YKi7aUOPHPKV2g74dQPRzVtZy2VO3raGDBlHCglBCYE7hFXFolMvOy17iq65sllCSFcTOwlADvGYqY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB3uAHeYGAz3vVNj6KjvHJm9IGHMYScy6yv_IBHWYrFlOKQGJeNRfqTKxbSGiKDHhEW6sTLEy36GsZb-RaEhsuU6JG3Vw-rnovXLXzQb4jA-Aw0YKi7aUOPHPKV2g74dQPRzVtZy2VO3raGDBlHCglBCYE7hFXFolMvOy17iq65sllCSFcTOwlADvGYqY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUhWgCyx8zVThXDu2SiqwQuMAsxd_pIZu0S9S3lTaq_IphlPc6CmOmxLf92QtPntOTys1U9Xd2QS-EXdq4oicnxVtiojmaZvKDzEAiDoJ5MCXkR-nnEYzxYQ6FdYCtpoleUdMRXsiGChW6mEufHIQgZL9Ozi8IfsbldR_DaOjVyzWCZqPBsjOiU9I5JbI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUhWgCyx8zVThXDu2SiqwQuMAsxd_pIZu0S9S3lTaq_IphlPc6CmOmxLf92QtPntOTys1U9Xd2QS-EXdq4oicnxVtiojmaZvKDzEAiDoJ5MCXkR-nnEYzxYQ6FdYCtpoleUdMRXsiGChW6mEufHIQgZL9Ozi8IfsbldR_DaOjVyzWCZqPBsjOiU9I5JbI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzNbVmyFySdplcd_DCwAMmQULAFo_v8rTFnWMMQS42Hb6vPg9VmN_DLBMv8rd0T1o_nsgFM5G0oDyycY0Ul5OygN3yjlvgAUw3l6fxzDLlJfVqfmF26_87lb-sFQB_vdq0zpM-Pw-fvZYtmzDSv8tV4PBI89rxS3UeVatK4ztAkHj_9LZLlxZ33QAAbHg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzNbVmyFySdplcd_DCwAMmQULAFo_v8rTFnWMMQS42Hb6vPg9VmN_DLBMv8rd0T1o_nsgFM5G0oDyycY0Ul5OygN3yjlvgAUw3l6fxzDLlJfVqfmF26_87lb-sFQB_vdq0zpM-Pw-fvZYtmzDSv8tV4PBI89rxS3UeVatK4ztAkHj_9LZLlxZ33QAAbHg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div> We drove about an hour and a half toward Hatgal, just south of Khuvsgul Lake. The road was a paved road, which was nice. There was untouched landscape on both sides, with no buildings and incredible views. The view from my side of the car was spoiled only by electric poles. At this point I was too tired and wasn't ready to ask for many stops for photos.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEbAhr-eGIt7dSFOtDIeb5ftQzX8HByps8gHHRON7_VWGdu_594BeVZKnb7jS2DY29rQjJox9A2PeMrALFBTLTHQklnenYbAJkRoAFJw0F3m_kEvkzOVxw0I0kYrWqi-FffnQlqowjzovrUX9Z-C6lHg2MxPz7rWgYiHCMeRRdISuCU_Tkzm7lf9cW-KY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEbAhr-eGIt7dSFOtDIeb5ftQzX8HByps8gHHRON7_VWGdu_594BeVZKnb7jS2DY29rQjJox9A2PeMrALFBTLTHQklnenYbAJkRoAFJw0F3m_kEvkzOVxw0I0kYrWqi-FffnQlqowjzovrUX9Z-C6lHg2MxPz7rWgYiHCMeRRdISuCU_Tkzm7lf9cW-KY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Just before Hatgal, we made a left and drove on the grass toward the local Naadam Festival. Like the celebrations in front of the Blue Sky Hotel, there were tents set up with local vendors. We were dropped off at the archery competition, which was a small part off to the side. There were four starting positions. Men, women, boys, and girls. The goal was to hit small blocks lined up along the ground on othe far end, with people there to judge if the target was hit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZQ4kWqE9mriFXSeGNoUkazFwQ28wAuFy_NYe75LYWLs4Kpri1OPowPs8QwrzYehtTK7DQv39dsMW45zOVJUB3jK614oqgvSh6W0lwdNL_RR5f7flZVG5SJTp9C_18yvWfwBr9wnAV032ySz078q2iEj74X_nyEElx-_YUFnCJxP3zSxAmYvQQzvaqWy0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8640" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZQ4kWqE9mriFXSeGNoUkazFwQ28wAuFy_NYe75LYWLs4Kpri1OPowPs8QwrzYehtTK7DQv39dsMW45zOVJUB3jK614oqgvSh6W0lwdNL_RR5f7flZVG5SJTp9C_18yvWfwBr9wnAV032ySz078q2iEj74X_nyEElx-_YUFnCJxP3zSxAmYvQQzvaqWy0" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMAEQmY0p9MBMWtIEzX9fmRVEyQtNySlomDLr357kG7mAr-Z8NW38k114H5OxhYllHFEpyOw4YhpnzMeXEgwZfha9Ktd2_RhUAwE0vqAsratmUfQkFm_gv63aluLzYthCl8E_0reaWprQrPSk0VwH63FL2_QjXO0thweX2pnDxWGQP8x6HTi89bMAeP_U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8641" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMAEQmY0p9MBMWtIEzX9fmRVEyQtNySlomDLr357kG7mAr-Z8NW38k114H5OxhYllHFEpyOw4YhpnzMeXEgwZfha9Ktd2_RhUAwE0vqAsratmUfQkFm_gv63aluLzYthCl8E_0reaWprQrPSk0VwH63FL2_QjXO0thweX2pnDxWGQP8x6HTi89bMAeP_U" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9W9nmT5H1rZ9oSx_4uYHuK39huHZDvOqeATdu8EWzoxe5g3G_CZ4ODS-bkzsHH1e1qCWBfSyHyRn5ubSQ9vwQUlm4j0hIah6uP0m3mQG9FaHUdhOlyAHchoLzJXyI4_dJmm1Mqm7EFcvZWW5jDZ7Z_uwSBqkJTAZ8AnQaROcNIjqcb89exGo8-tkSirY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4981" data-original-width="7471" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9W9nmT5H1rZ9oSx_4uYHuK39huHZDvOqeATdu8EWzoxe5g3G_CZ4ODS-bkzsHH1e1qCWBfSyHyRn5ubSQ9vwQUlm4j0hIah6uP0m3mQG9FaHUdhOlyAHchoLzJXyI4_dJmm1Mqm7EFcvZWW5jDZ7Z_uwSBqkJTAZ8AnQaROcNIjqcb89exGo8-tkSirY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEDDy7dLAvAoP9fJeC5J-WeXLzpXhaYeYf_Uvx7FXyv4HrMUu68tvYvdzlwrpN218BjDAJ1gvvW84gXozAz6-aTyUKwEYpx1_VmJysodGvNURegJQC4o1iGGOhCJ6NT6BqzoYeTer8rm50i-rQjg2nOeBcWm11G3Ri-tftjjolxnoGtYtNxX3Hizk9GG0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8640" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEDDy7dLAvAoP9fJeC5J-WeXLzpXhaYeYf_Uvx7FXyv4HrMUu68tvYvdzlwrpN218BjDAJ1gvvW84gXozAz6-aTyUKwEYpx1_VmJysodGvNURegJQC4o1iGGOhCJ6NT6BqzoYeTer8rm50i-rQjg2nOeBcWm11G3Ri-tftjjolxnoGtYtNxX3Hizk9GG0" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEituK1uO2tjnchOnqXMlmmLIxj3vHthfItj0rbcsX6ell8NomZuzxiaqAN4EkIPqpuLVkzQI3V-Iac50DzUKDOiFLZ6QCtLHMVS88UY-NWIIYiqBY4aOiaVoJ7wxWd28p7KVT6Cli76mIJ_OHoUl3zAOg7hoU48k4werOQWlz1dUYxHJulpnZocvDwd7b8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8640" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEituK1uO2tjnchOnqXMlmmLIxj3vHthfItj0rbcsX6ell8NomZuzxiaqAN4EkIPqpuLVkzQI3V-Iac50DzUKDOiFLZ6QCtLHMVS88UY-NWIIYiqBY4aOiaVoJ7wxWd28p7KVT6Cli76mIJ_OHoUl3zAOg7hoU48k4werOQWlz1dUYxHJulpnZocvDwd7b8" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8C7NfXqQ6Qp6S1A8i-dc17lG3YT58_E7UU8ULMqLRnDxln53LyinnPibL6vCq94BcKCpVGHBZmR4-xYNNOwBVOZAuLwgPtqBEB4o-87OKIymhGZ0EWcRtgwTemfGk_YN8PYGGg3bISD74tmPZNmSRl-jw-LstsvuI1VgZQsPNcI_vpQ6pcN2aKkXpQaA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8C7NfXqQ6Qp6S1A8i-dc17lG3YT58_E7UU8ULMqLRnDxln53LyinnPibL6vCq94BcKCpVGHBZmR4-xYNNOwBVOZAuLwgPtqBEB4o-87OKIymhGZ0EWcRtgwTemfGk_YN8PYGGg3bISD74tmPZNmSRl-jw-LstsvuI1VgZQsPNcI_vpQ6pcN2aKkXpQaA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimvD3LTU0qxAggvyjgigqFE2ntxJlZjqv13_gNzLicBA0xsnMaYwTmYanx-bdRlHa3pHCIQC9vxfiOV31ssOTEjaCmHkTetshUUQFQurMau037smei0KMGzypN7u0sDZXnu76xFgMS7OmvvyNPGTgi3rkgRQrEJjOTGumxjopWNk0ZK0N03FFB55Omt1c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5692" data-original-width="8538" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimvD3LTU0qxAggvyjgigqFE2ntxJlZjqv13_gNzLicBA0xsnMaYwTmYanx-bdRlHa3pHCIQC9vxfiOV31ssOTEjaCmHkTetshUUQFQurMau037smei0KMGzypN7u0sDZXnu76xFgMS7OmvvyNPGTgi3rkgRQrEJjOTGumxjopWNk0ZK0N03FFB55Omt1c" width="320" /></a></div><br /> On the other side of the main festival area, older children were being set up on their horses and then were led ten kilometers away, to then race back towards the grounds. We went to observe wrestling while we awaited the end of the horse race.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR0aB1b1BjJzH3WvOC16eeODfUyTjUQGpUWLEJEe_k4kLlePq4vjkcSDlmFjui6IcEI1LtWAdKhz6Jn6w2aZVKDMEi8qzXfdqrAzH8ulnG_qtMEEObkHEDJs0y4PbFkCMWTbF-vhuLBz2Fdb9DHOUf9sRbKJGM6PYY_LMsrzIT_-Qus1QFKYL8PeIt-6s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5055" data-original-width="7581" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR0aB1b1BjJzH3WvOC16eeODfUyTjUQGpUWLEJEe_k4kLlePq4vjkcSDlmFjui6IcEI1LtWAdKhz6Jn6w2aZVKDMEi8qzXfdqrAzH8ulnG_qtMEEObkHEDJs0y4PbFkCMWTbF-vhuLBz2Fdb9DHOUf9sRbKJGM6PYY_LMsrzIT_-Qus1QFKYL8PeIt-6s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2BnjK9ic7Ba77we_X_CJfaQF84_YshDuxt69IGCdKGpx2jIJNs6CjE12tjbAeNKCz2D-TGGyGWtj2zQ9sLDoL620Rpwt7IltU4daIy-y2c4O43GCBoMswa98Uy7qTY6jfUW7PRiRpTDsAjTux5AbdSajvSDrF76r6bKNw7DiLfvI3XMlVttAeIgJBIzI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2BnjK9ic7Ba77we_X_CJfaQF84_YshDuxt69IGCdKGpx2jIJNs6CjE12tjbAeNKCz2D-TGGyGWtj2zQ9sLDoL620Rpwt7IltU4daIy-y2c4O43GCBoMswa98Uy7qTY6jfUW7PRiRpTDsAjTux5AbdSajvSDrF76r6bKNw7DiLfvI3XMlVttAeIgJBIzI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcfUMW_k7LmDj8WUeQ7-RqcJ_6d5FfkqX-4XyZ9cf_u3ER98baJ60TYYamkf6ixp9mCLowMD_2kdZCyEC7nXbRZ011Z3VtlEq0bWk1DaxnoeGNTtf-52Fw4-5-Za56uY-VGvxP4oa2XGHbRDN6g6S2B9rOhV26e98WmF8_pq1rnwJM02GZSU0QwVpOjow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5289" data-original-width="7933" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcfUMW_k7LmDj8WUeQ7-RqcJ_6d5FfkqX-4XyZ9cf_u3ER98baJ60TYYamkf6ixp9mCLowMD_2kdZCyEC7nXbRZ011Z3VtlEq0bWk1DaxnoeGNTtf-52Fw4-5-Za56uY-VGvxP4oa2XGHbRDN6g6S2B9rOhV26e98WmF8_pq1rnwJM02GZSU0QwVpOjow" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The men here would come out in multiple sets of two. First they would parade themselves near the flags, spreading their arms out like birds and flapping. Then they would pair up, and set their hands on each other. The goal was to have someone reach the ground. I believe that one knee down was enough to lose. If no progress had been made, after a time they were set back up with hands in a different starting position on the opponent. When someone won, they went over to a separate tent and were given small pieces of locally made cheese, which was then handed out by the wrestler to people in the audience with their hands out.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHPk9zdWLV4oRjg-nC8JpCdNhEUPgJe0OhGR0SuMH7I0oF4pkT944OnnwFK91iWCzMKn4G7lXrjtmWj7flTMfuQ1miM0Bt6KJAO1_1v4dHzD05Mn7M9Hkkehq44JQOSR2gTDSex4JSgZfD1u6OCPOoASokRY1C4cQ9mgy1f9NMhMVK-0ma7dQdHsAL8EM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="3427" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHPk9zdWLV4oRjg-nC8JpCdNhEUPgJe0OhGR0SuMH7I0oF4pkT944OnnwFK91iWCzMKn4G7lXrjtmWj7flTMfuQ1miM0Bt6KJAO1_1v4dHzD05Mn7M9Hkkehq44JQOSR2gTDSex4JSgZfD1u6OCPOoASokRY1C4cQ9mgy1f9NMhMVK-0ma7dQdHsAL8EM" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketball and volleyball are the two most popular sports that I witnessed in Mongolia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Once the horses were in sight, wrestling was paused and people ran across the field, in order to be close to where the horseriders would be passing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggn5blI7MgjWmqhB2O5pTiWBG9m6rWW0A0_6U0h6JqgdaVkm8Y7CAmpkojgEYf3oBR50QlAU2msf-PDqsYe9DMUMwDgj_czHFG9YfkFIMPe_QJQbz0NDcLwtP2D_yYDS9FU1GI5IRyqLsSn4GNkzks4OowqACjV4VVyjisuqdGM1fqIVVje5k_YOFIueo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4699" data-original-width="7048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggn5blI7MgjWmqhB2O5pTiWBG9m6rWW0A0_6U0h6JqgdaVkm8Y7CAmpkojgEYf3oBR50QlAU2msf-PDqsYe9DMUMwDgj_czHFG9YfkFIMPe_QJQbz0NDcLwtP2D_yYDS9FU1GI5IRyqLsSn4GNkzks4OowqACjV4VVyjisuqdGM1fqIVVje5k_YOFIueo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPcuyKYkkKqBFImNDBQZZzeTPMZ0oOXZ_Y4_U-Q9lQZbVKBE5QsuF-wrUYcBvgFm3UHFN6kdHe-WVsp7ZHDMHhzYQSg4Sr7rVQFOj_n9SsBCDXMw9RpC7SdfemC4gsU19RlK9NiAcBilDfXeShkos9aT3j5ejBYOn4WMRKiPeB61_eaFCJmr6XKELfF_4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5370" data-original-width="8056" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPcuyKYkkKqBFImNDBQZZzeTPMZ0oOXZ_Y4_U-Q9lQZbVKBE5QsuF-wrUYcBvgFm3UHFN6kdHe-WVsp7ZHDMHhzYQSg4Sr7rVQFOj_n9SsBCDXMw9RpC7SdfemC4gsU19RlK9NiAcBilDfXeShkos9aT3j5ejBYOn4WMRKiPeB61_eaFCJmr6XKELfF_4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9meQ0rW3LXA1TGCyDsH5IJvN4dWlq1vfT0Kq6OlNnuWH7tQ0eD__PnymrXPktxmf_g-X7uk0xeW9U0aqVLssZcbBHbJ4ZL6iw-hRhAnODQUa7svi9nPnlLqcO_-MkglxiERKctcr_rz45yZIJlX-fyZcclfJK5eaDomQYkmH3xj_O4DZnKT2rh8LYyV0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9meQ0rW3LXA1TGCyDsH5IJvN4dWlq1vfT0Kq6OlNnuWH7tQ0eD__PnymrXPktxmf_g-X7uk0xeW9U0aqVLssZcbBHbJ4ZL6iw-hRhAnODQUa7svi9nPnlLqcO_-MkglxiERKctcr_rz45yZIJlX-fyZcclfJK5eaDomQYkmH3xj_O4DZnKT2rh8LYyV0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHeXREzHBzFTNmTN9xCkz52T3jS_t2QtJrzlezglmpehFcc2LKaogjXzTw8Dgah2XGmaazK0zdRrZxlGxuFzKJ8W4lqTsWfxjrpACUdO_-gkk844XnaZWKaH8PO2WWzcVVUrD7e17ewglfNt2iiKIddXSPFb2nGr85plhfJskuNQtyOfz-Fd65Q9o7YZE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5761" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHeXREzHBzFTNmTN9xCkz52T3jS_t2QtJrzlezglmpehFcc2LKaogjXzTw8Dgah2XGmaazK0zdRrZxlGxuFzKJ8W4lqTsWfxjrpACUdO_-gkk844XnaZWKaH8PO2WWzcVVUrD7e17ewglfNt2iiKIddXSPFb2nGr85plhfJskuNQtyOfz-Fd65Q9o7YZE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjOlbVzHUbQZGj2c6lH8w_rb1DTPhUwssOt4CAbGgvV9BlZIqcEvMdy6Jp3R5L20imemETy1LH-H1wH0rXtJjUU2iKq7nkJ1NENrKSpn-5dd8PXY-oQk6bymTrm3hB_Vfs9BW0OumP8Zk746wItskCTD0DSsGvJ381ufY8OlIvS-lUP5H3gT8RJFLMeu4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjOlbVzHUbQZGj2c6lH8w_rb1DTPhUwssOt4CAbGgvV9BlZIqcEvMdy6Jp3R5L20imemETy1LH-H1wH0rXtJjUU2iKq7nkJ1NENrKSpn-5dd8PXY-oQk6bymTrm3hB_Vfs9BW0OumP8Zk746wItskCTD0DSsGvJ381ufY8OlIvS-lUP5H3gT8RJFLMeu4" width="320" /></a></div><br /> After some time at the festival, we spent thirty minutes driving on the first non paved road of the trip. It was slow and incredibly bumpy. This was how the roads would be from here on in.<p></p></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-54882571556348710132023-07-19T04:29:00.001-07:002023-07-19T04:29:12.195-07:00Japan 6.11: Creative Meditation Photography- flowers, insects, and flying insects<p> This post is a simply a collection of my favorite pictures taken during the creative meditation part of my day throughout the retreat. </p><p>Mostly plants-</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5qZtij3LjtpKtRRIj6aP0zVkveaBlfD3HybA_LHL-9kKr5NGArnPyLpfV0_NQso4Bngh5cD75WDIwvL9DA0-JLhoAybN-WqbCCRsXKbxHJDC6QuWtXqCSjtARGKwJ4e6uYZCeWhzxNKWNJyM_6vPuuE5-7zylSRQNfVo-noCJ9yQUtcR9mLxQbevjmEQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8563" data-original-width="11417" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5qZtij3LjtpKtRRIj6aP0zVkveaBlfD3HybA_LHL-9kKr5NGArnPyLpfV0_NQso4Bngh5cD75WDIwvL9DA0-JLhoAybN-WqbCCRsXKbxHJDC6QuWtXqCSjtARGKwJ4e6uYZCeWhzxNKWNJyM_6vPuuE5-7zylSRQNfVo-noCJ9yQUtcR9mLxQbevjmEQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbhbTACvt4dJjb9uXZM1R5zWCcA53lG8LuwXkPCxlvfSEWph4bMiknECEExEbcv9Ng2tOf6mxIXs-Gdy2dY4C02CS5a5yHfr-ht9okV4bYgltn_b_ljTr2RM-uOfHHVM61C4Jh9FQbb-DxjYqgvdBKiqshY3vFnJi2jNVVv4uuUNdKzWzJJHHQCRwvLpU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7464" data-original-width="9952" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbhbTACvt4dJjb9uXZM1R5zWCcA53lG8LuwXkPCxlvfSEWph4bMiknECEExEbcv9Ng2tOf6mxIXs-Gdy2dY4C02CS5a5yHfr-ht9okV4bYgltn_b_ljTr2RM-uOfHHVM61C4Jh9FQbb-DxjYqgvdBKiqshY3vFnJi2jNVVv4uuUNdKzWzJJHHQCRwvLpU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvymTlzGxMMmpRQMTIqEcnYKeI5EQI2TFscmC_MjhbRoEDmqRkvhrU6J7ihbHeNDkhJsxmQXNBqWWzzPYgMY5N-CycVLrS5EDtqHG2h5ijTkLwtmb9GAUKRT0BMRAAkLMBJ3WH2A8Lf2jLdSHm0o3MxCuDXRmD6c18Y5_4T1jONaL9JAr1uvKyCOrSPBo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6296" data-original-width="8394" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvymTlzGxMMmpRQMTIqEcnYKeI5EQI2TFscmC_MjhbRoEDmqRkvhrU6J7ihbHeNDkhJsxmQXNBqWWzzPYgMY5N-CycVLrS5EDtqHG2h5ijTkLwtmb9GAUKRT0BMRAAkLMBJ3WH2A8Lf2jLdSHm0o3MxCuDXRmD6c18Y5_4T1jONaL9JAr1uvKyCOrSPBo" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGRMFvhcp5Fs2EE1xIi9QJUw4yX9qvN-cA72RvCpphckC1Zs6qn47LjAIhjBU6YfmmyezzlaqZhRQTcVGfLPR7I2ac_7zXxonaiQYuB_lVAb1X4WttVJc5gRYIyut6LJZyApcvRkol9MgvxyygVx3yoFajiEp54-OXsOcKC3L0BBfYfoux-8X4yfUdaoA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8127" data-original-width="10836" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGRMFvhcp5Fs2EE1xIi9QJUw4yX9qvN-cA72RvCpphckC1Zs6qn47LjAIhjBU6YfmmyezzlaqZhRQTcVGfLPR7I2ac_7zXxonaiQYuB_lVAb1X4WttVJc5gRYIyut6LJZyApcvRkol9MgvxyygVx3yoFajiEp54-OXsOcKC3L0BBfYfoux-8X4yfUdaoA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgszz8rVhFk9KzrZbq2rTzMxbxBTyStPJWpbA63qqsfVn6W1S0jrPGpM3gnJ8hXB00PPj8JfuNZ-SFviinoc9wNVly61EtcvPzDxyNPA4kLy6gvKkQ0WGp2mKOR-KiQvpEJw_6Y18TE5JUc7xiH9lG3ZuGrAre0GUAqiFTMUZ-t-n-T8myhPaF3VlsPB1w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7730" data-original-width="10307" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgszz8rVhFk9KzrZbq2rTzMxbxBTyStPJWpbA63qqsfVn6W1S0jrPGpM3gnJ8hXB00PPj8JfuNZ-SFviinoc9wNVly61EtcvPzDxyNPA4kLy6gvKkQ0WGp2mKOR-KiQvpEJw_6Y18TE5JUc7xiH9lG3ZuGrAre0GUAqiFTMUZ-t-n-T8myhPaF3VlsPB1w" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFHwQMAuqViN-zRxJ-Xlwr6qnnDIvopzkfpZlwE0R_c_Puh1g69Xn_9zEQQvENP2n5DL3YifWHxFETqNIDa5QMK3aPfTZ7DMacUvrEU9QTAyE-5a5RmDCMJoaQAGaGEjhlP58WyNfzhejUepy4IoPP9u5GRa7DjaBltwKNcYqy49uX2DJkDvINXqbTbe0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8177" data-original-width="10903" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFHwQMAuqViN-zRxJ-Xlwr6qnnDIvopzkfpZlwE0R_c_Puh1g69Xn_9zEQQvENP2n5DL3YifWHxFETqNIDa5QMK3aPfTZ7DMacUvrEU9QTAyE-5a5RmDCMJoaQAGaGEjhlP58WyNfzhejUepy4IoPP9u5GRa7DjaBltwKNcYqy49uX2DJkDvINXqbTbe0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_TPDHCOKS617wPrCBF5M-fubNFyKVXiFZW1CV-1YxbvXA_YzGg7dE3xZ9dPUckRXtbx5guT6mXclu_ugXYe8ng3DjrdlQO8USKCF2b6q5uXz-4aYq3eRGQrUwcDmLcVSikaRBpwJJxRPMMOHxTTL9QjrwPsJYIQv5JokKMaWBfX_k30bwUrslBsdw25E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_TPDHCOKS617wPrCBF5M-fubNFyKVXiFZW1CV-1YxbvXA_YzGg7dE3xZ9dPUckRXtbx5guT6mXclu_ugXYe8ng3DjrdlQO8USKCF2b6q5uXz-4aYq3eRGQrUwcDmLcVSikaRBpwJJxRPMMOHxTTL9QjrwPsJYIQv5JokKMaWBfX_k30bwUrslBsdw25E" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The area was positively full of insects, both indoors and out-</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK1LBQa8tht9M35QaZyvUrVVdLlwvY1ktrDH98AQ84-7d86rg8SVEd5-ST54zh6InB5luyOCjflW1npgappKPSrkZ-n-BpGTKHV1XB3LoSgpPV2g1zsEG0togDNvf0BVAzb2hocPsMh5-VwbnuZy0NJyudbCt9DAW21NYpE6gaG4bN2FsdJhv670FUUFY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5500" data-original-width="7333" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK1LBQa8tht9M35QaZyvUrVVdLlwvY1ktrDH98AQ84-7d86rg8SVEd5-ST54zh6InB5luyOCjflW1npgappKPSrkZ-n-BpGTKHV1XB3LoSgpPV2g1zsEG0togDNvf0BVAzb2hocPsMh5-VwbnuZy0NJyudbCt9DAW21NYpE6gaG4bN2FsdJhv670FUUFY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIc8BSO91j9Cd7BJipMZJqXB2H7O_Jc_MPy4dfzrHftFK5TKkWQ0QqQdpfCw3zORTnQJXWVxGLhXQkjA72KHbJaYSF4PheKbMFoyuUAA-Gfu5fMTbjAPsK8n78RCHEm_59QKrVnpR2bK61n828WaO0sVfq_-bYSQdVkOeJDLoA85ljQ8boIUj12LDd4Dg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="3352" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIc8BSO91j9Cd7BJipMZJqXB2H7O_Jc_MPy4dfzrHftFK5TKkWQ0QqQdpfCw3zORTnQJXWVxGLhXQkjA72KHbJaYSF4PheKbMFoyuUAA-Gfu5fMTbjAPsK8n78RCHEm_59QKrVnpR2bK61n828WaO0sVfq_-bYSQdVkOeJDLoA85ljQ8boIUj12LDd4Dg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsduful1CucbRQ4kvljjd_tgqsW-uOpeePDo8L00SP4eheJWgiKEeS2WCng38fT5iEP2N68bIwUrgAkgoIoO8lzMFD1R_yFuws6LhNB_95AVWHCBMGEmOPyh67NCt8sv9JLnR_hCoLpbusrTmwK5y4OEaYchRtGGQvGAOeJjKICnLSg_eZvg3o6zxzvGU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2420" data-original-width="3227" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsduful1CucbRQ4kvljjd_tgqsW-uOpeePDo8L00SP4eheJWgiKEeS2WCng38fT5iEP2N68bIwUrgAkgoIoO8lzMFD1R_yFuws6LhNB_95AVWHCBMGEmOPyh67NCt8sv9JLnR_hCoLpbusrTmwK5y4OEaYchRtGGQvGAOeJjKICnLSg_eZvg3o6zxzvGU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHHhC2RKYSGNnvysgWa9Oic1b-agq39jgB7qF2EoUFcA1KmmdPw9XvuDqfEDcb2U47SjFPHJlAr0_SBzloNjEX95WTXzYhLDlE7rCEfuDqTPfRHSAYD0_Cbc9iAkMiJY_kMNn8bznWg1jgPKz1ijdoy6-o2_fdlh9pofmpq3G7_TdObwmccHbBQ6t4gB8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="7083" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHHhC2RKYSGNnvysgWa9Oic1b-agq39jgB7qF2EoUFcA1KmmdPw9XvuDqfEDcb2U47SjFPHJlAr0_SBzloNjEX95WTXzYhLDlE7rCEfuDqTPfRHSAYD0_Cbc9iAkMiJY_kMNn8bznWg1jgPKz1ijdoy6-o2_fdlh9pofmpq3G7_TdObwmccHbBQ6t4gB8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0UYD5b0VHglryr2e0P-DbV74uQ0DAyETe1SKbgF3yonqGlPc2NPKUgqd3GBlPNvwFr2OqhHHaFrEYA3sQvzB0UjEzw9B0KdprTkQ3vXy41WnRyNP0x_86nzqVtr2BxQjGlzJKvSFxbAbSn_8sKIKy15H_OMF6ibWSHhTr08YkXNou7Htmea99TrcWBnk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3665" data-original-width="4886" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0UYD5b0VHglryr2e0P-DbV74uQ0DAyETe1SKbgF3yonqGlPc2NPKUgqd3GBlPNvwFr2OqhHHaFrEYA3sQvzB0UjEzw9B0KdprTkQ3vXy41WnRyNP0x_86nzqVtr2BxQjGlzJKvSFxbAbSn_8sKIKy15H_OMF6ibWSHhTr08YkXNou7Htmea99TrcWBnk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA6eJp9b26fMb5l6AIFRTTQSd0i8UWJYssblfplT6aP92lOPxiVCcjZA6YiI5to-2OpQri5ElvBr3JOQdW8XNcIXnQsZr07TU6cSpcqN_T8uTHNhrtjMku99uIgsKrxrZGAOxowBO5MioqU8s--AicTP9e8fVT3ggU2MggVj52qrHumE2t3Kkx00vxW-8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1954" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA6eJp9b26fMb5l6AIFRTTQSd0i8UWJYssblfplT6aP92lOPxiVCcjZA6YiI5to-2OpQri5ElvBr3JOQdW8XNcIXnQsZr07TU6cSpcqN_T8uTHNhrtjMku99uIgsKrxrZGAOxowBO5MioqU8s--AicTP9e8fVT3ggU2MggVj52qrHumE2t3Kkx00vxW-8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Toward the top of the property was a stone border, where I discovered an unfortunately dead caterpillar. I wasn't positive that it was dead until after I had taken pictures and attempted to move it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Off to the side was a small stone bordered pool. It was filled with tadpoles, insects, and the skins of insects. On the final day I asked the woman what it was for. In older times, this body of water was available to put out any fires.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQJ-pf3Ld-9bR7dFZpFceGrSl88r2KHygB3CyeA4KzkWhwgHNA6Qjhzmrdh8p9uO3h13CnWQQ-JL4dsWLVbXkNav2teQBBzDOtlJfpZ06UK-OthxTmGpOZgGHIGKHSSVyqXDh0iFYj8wXzIn1tPCz_hvXau1crObdo6kTDG4x49cf89KBjflDU2zz2sLw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3424" data-original-width="4565" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQJ-pf3Ld-9bR7dFZpFceGrSl88r2KHygB3CyeA4KzkWhwgHNA6Qjhzmrdh8p9uO3h13CnWQQ-JL4dsWLVbXkNav2teQBBzDOtlJfpZ06UK-OthxTmGpOZgGHIGKHSSVyqXDh0iFYj8wXzIn1tPCz_hvXau1crObdo6kTDG4x49cf89KBjflDU2zz2sLw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig9FK5ogcmtOJpszR_0olYkKOxAEtycK6d4gZfdrZQI09NvuMhAQx-940fSGP4dw6t1yfQokIiOxdANonSRwwe2TafB39KlXzlUseJVohBxuaHXbSU_AVl2VbaYMJ6n72Wf0ynMarVhbbiIqqnPaV6Kegnn_IGy8gUPa3im4BH4Coi5-MQLscJslyddSY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2330" data-original-width="3107" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig9FK5ogcmtOJpszR_0olYkKOxAEtycK6d4gZfdrZQI09NvuMhAQx-940fSGP4dw6t1yfQokIiOxdANonSRwwe2TafB39KlXzlUseJVohBxuaHXbSU_AVl2VbaYMJ6n72Wf0ynMarVhbbiIqqnPaV6Kegnn_IGy8gUPa3im4BH4Coi5-MQLscJslyddSY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb_eNvqZ7zBQmBkFQLNVCJXiqrMy7-nuPD4LQcseYpqgPNLrwbZRQlY7Q7dzQ8k4gHTW6-J-tuMrXuNJ2ril-v8o2pk5yUBhXbE71K9W2j83j454psmkU_5eSFATBy_ZhTn6RRexl-tPvADqNyNtPoEHIpNiSHrW7ha5Wn8FnXEwaOMyWzLZRgf_9zGKg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5441" data-original-width="4081" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb_eNvqZ7zBQmBkFQLNVCJXiqrMy7-nuPD4LQcseYpqgPNLrwbZRQlY7Q7dzQ8k4gHTW6-J-tuMrXuNJ2ril-v8o2pk5yUBhXbE71K9W2j83j454psmkU_5eSFATBy_ZhTn6RRexl-tPvADqNyNtPoEHIpNiSHrW7ha5Wn8FnXEwaOMyWzLZRgf_9zGKg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBI2euwrshRWdPu0KegDjGqtbEDwubmdR5Rhr8y2DsUjfJ9pwH2VLP575c0VTO7p45HxxuHTMhcBuKu7HwRK8FhaHNlMVm5fJjoJPNJ-yyNbHmSeu7-T-BRFamH8m12ljrs5T11OctuA5kEnbWaRSW2-mVazI8Ettz1XteMfu2zH4RbNUkNOTAYy0w4YQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4184" data-original-width="5579" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBI2euwrshRWdPu0KegDjGqtbEDwubmdR5Rhr8y2DsUjfJ9pwH2VLP575c0VTO7p45HxxuHTMhcBuKu7HwRK8FhaHNlMVm5fJjoJPNJ-yyNbHmSeu7-T-BRFamH8m12ljrs5T11OctuA5kEnbWaRSW2-mVazI8Ettz1XteMfu2zH4RbNUkNOTAYy0w4YQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHFC2RqHN6srQIfqo_5nseAG3i8vrlfyok5f2Zfk9s1llHCd4lHakDKwWpjGNxPNZBWOqMivKc0JFt-Xujlra2Hlttv6aLPuEVFXAboAr26bs4x9Y5E3zqiHRxUtsToZnhEBtiCifw2N7OoSEjIBoMf1pDC2vRqLL4CBqk0ui_PeAdsD7mvk7Di6vG8rg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2282" data-original-width="3043" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHFC2RqHN6srQIfqo_5nseAG3i8vrlfyok5f2Zfk9s1llHCd4lHakDKwWpjGNxPNZBWOqMivKc0JFt-Xujlra2Hlttv6aLPuEVFXAboAr26bs4x9Y5E3zqiHRxUtsToZnhEBtiCifw2N7OoSEjIBoMf1pDC2vRqLL4CBqk0ui_PeAdsD7mvk7Di6vG8rg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwOoS0Y-HG03Ud2cNzIXMc0pxl9qXxrmBWzZtNKPG5-8nAXybov0oKW6tT0ROyWUsrrKEkhaoLz2czAWNRTVcTa28JPpHYrxgEna5wbtj0Il1iELkhYHO-kqoV_Dp4tg0hwTCt-U71ou16CxIcJCp0vVk5ktgAzTvz4p6iF1hjnKkuy5U9rdMuVEzS8KQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="2144" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwOoS0Y-HG03Ud2cNzIXMc0pxl9qXxrmBWzZtNKPG5-8nAXybov0oKW6tT0ROyWUsrrKEkhaoLz2czAWNRTVcTa28JPpHYrxgEna5wbtj0Il1iELkhYHO-kqoV_Dp4tg0hwTCt-U71ou16CxIcJCp0vVk5ktgAzTvz4p6iF1hjnKkuy5U9rdMuVEzS8KQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> These next three were my favorite pictures taken-</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPo8EQCm_nbJNJLvMq0zNytzv2J9EUMb9wiE9-LPQwNvyLU_35ZG9z5l5W9hia3NAdkdPgf7N7hYYJJsorv6zJWVaML9ybAfxfCrYktpNya_08hw12CiuU5atLCvXAv-Oswhhl9gMs1_-O6nDxzEJUu7I7qclweLZWuxgVvFTPko_4kEP0AEQ6L-wqh3E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="2415" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPo8EQCm_nbJNJLvMq0zNytzv2J9EUMb9wiE9-LPQwNvyLU_35ZG9z5l5W9hia3NAdkdPgf7N7hYYJJsorv6zJWVaML9ybAfxfCrYktpNya_08hw12CiuU5atLCvXAv-Oswhhl9gMs1_-O6nDxzEJUu7I7qclweLZWuxgVvFTPko_4kEP0AEQ6L-wqh3E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtzPpZkFAg0aCclU8WyRWmWYHA5RgXiGW6sXy4EHknCbDVbK4fjbTRm-mJ6JmK_LRauPT1TjwEDfpCDxJwEndk-4Al8BpJguUsGmL-MhkB-p10rl6az_3jl4WNw8oq5C1wsbLr8SNlnxQ9UIkvDLnyWXOp8P_2-t4E2wbgfYr_nl2C3FdjEAE9Upy6ODw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2561" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtzPpZkFAg0aCclU8WyRWmWYHA5RgXiGW6sXy4EHknCbDVbK4fjbTRm-mJ6JmK_LRauPT1TjwEDfpCDxJwEndk-4Al8BpJguUsGmL-MhkB-p10rl6az_3jl4WNw8oq5C1wsbLr8SNlnxQ9UIkvDLnyWXOp8P_2-t4E2wbgfYr_nl2C3FdjEAE9Upy6ODw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL6HH3rcHfQPKGX6ZYPmFjEkeQoO2pH5mVS33MqpPenX-6sZD1trj1cIAGci3GBOL4LAN7phshhQ4XNRgddMZ-u2XDLbcRXLeYkMuCb0BMmFXHSRsx93pxs6DB2eKiw0bS_QQ6DWfsNt7uS7QhCmlUGDntYZFDwYAJDiznYX2fxbmrS3GfcrpIH40upXI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="2262" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL6HH3rcHfQPKGX6ZYPmFjEkeQoO2pH5mVS33MqpPenX-6sZD1trj1cIAGci3GBOL4LAN7phshhQ4XNRgddMZ-u2XDLbcRXLeYkMuCb0BMmFXHSRsx93pxs6DB2eKiw0bS_QQ6DWfsNt7uS7QhCmlUGDntYZFDwYAJDiznYX2fxbmrS3GfcrpIH40upXI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The remaining pictures-</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsMsiGlf4QTjNHvIavZ2uXFOuuNd9lYGD2PtP-SwKBcjuOcPasHK4bsI2Rwz833ZVVAAypeuav60OBQR0XHJLRgnrjkEwDIfyiNYO6Ahs_EJClKO3oPAoqxjl4myNVMWWpQP-EPkeLoWy6zBP9j--w9amV0wuJGnqe3hvafyrsoF8sXa6G2ScnedRnPmc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4314" data-original-width="6472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsMsiGlf4QTjNHvIavZ2uXFOuuNd9lYGD2PtP-SwKBcjuOcPasHK4bsI2Rwz833ZVVAAypeuav60OBQR0XHJLRgnrjkEwDIfyiNYO6Ahs_EJClKO3oPAoqxjl4myNVMWWpQP-EPkeLoWy6zBP9j--w9amV0wuJGnqe3hvafyrsoF8sXa6G2ScnedRnPmc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhInNZHb4X2QQxDrIkdATAqqvD9JKreAyhywEgxWTzUrGT8tRyT2EeCkjtTmWWQ4LfplaE4ShKGIw0YjRDa5PjBY4hvFlfAFmDpxNWRufUg9s1kjsgTNrQqHwuIc72zsgXodg_nGy-U2-a-byamMHT_lTLGRO2Op2O8OhGgXlo0nrVnjrelsnSiQG6dsI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5185" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhInNZHb4X2QQxDrIkdATAqqvD9JKreAyhywEgxWTzUrGT8tRyT2EeCkjtTmWWQ4LfplaE4ShKGIw0YjRDa5PjBY4hvFlfAFmDpxNWRufUg9s1kjsgTNrQqHwuIc72zsgXodg_nGy-U2-a-byamMHT_lTLGRO2Op2O8OhGgXlo0nrVnjrelsnSiQG6dsI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUNVeRc4R1I0oXCs3CWIEV_-eIoV2-hKcWu5k296bdzEzQsffFlqVHEq7oabjwCx10GKJ5-2eHV-YN8s6pk-M0SuxcdrHWQdyvp-CyweHsz6QlUbNgQzGaSPjndywvQ4TXVx6XaV_dSaGkCJ3sKKSsMALD0nrjCQ7E2oS4OWPHLs-vGcp2a9h3hLJKi04" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7387" data-original-width="9849" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUNVeRc4R1I0oXCs3CWIEV_-eIoV2-hKcWu5k296bdzEzQsffFlqVHEq7oabjwCx10GKJ5-2eHV-YN8s6pk-M0SuxcdrHWQdyvp-CyweHsz6QlUbNgQzGaSPjndywvQ4TXVx6XaV_dSaGkCJ3sKKSsMALD0nrjCQ7E2oS4OWPHLs-vGcp2a9h3hLJKi04" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ynBxB8iVuV8yBOtIC9rvBIJeNQh8kEb3D1yJP-hD_mzR3U70psKQ6CIjSoNdtlOxhIVFa1bXmIM-8GPjpXMXLcrbOZEU_8Klmtvehm-IQkdIQ8zZvTvYA4EBP14ze2v9zzdi0YbqIklwjyAgAD2Et-3su0D2cC1buzuFvvygTM2XM1J6IAZuohDQYYk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7098" data-original-width="9464" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ynBxB8iVuV8yBOtIC9rvBIJeNQh8kEb3D1yJP-hD_mzR3U70psKQ6CIjSoNdtlOxhIVFa1bXmIM-8GPjpXMXLcrbOZEU_8Klmtvehm-IQkdIQ8zZvTvYA4EBP14ze2v9zzdi0YbqIklwjyAgAD2Et-3su0D2cC1buzuFvvygTM2XM1J6IAZuohDQYYk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH8ApDMkjM2Dz7bAFmTaICUwLLCbGKytw5AJfoc2_h6xVpL8zKO3XSkfpuDVj1fJQvAQkmXCX96ukfPdoRFepysDu4eNnxVbEEqs21LHXTXfEoMvPlY2pkCmVMPg4wRVVUqtl4FCKc91XxYPQbuz84KYjgiXQs9fcG5MemQPKa87Bpgd1xNJxh5q4qPyc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4105" data-original-width="5473" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH8ApDMkjM2Dz7bAFmTaICUwLLCbGKytw5AJfoc2_h6xVpL8zKO3XSkfpuDVj1fJQvAQkmXCX96ukfPdoRFepysDu4eNnxVbEEqs21LHXTXfEoMvPlY2pkCmVMPg4wRVVUqtl4FCKc91XxYPQbuz84KYjgiXQs9fcG5MemQPKa87Bpgd1xNJxh5q4qPyc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnSmUyftAZJkCG-O2IQPZVAY2r5sLzauf1j27K9Fy_DKTaR32z-qWcUI12zyE6CGK_DUO8nNl4ncH4_uCAIKhAkr4P9s6H5uW_n8sbkmOnhuw1GGvzZ_xWR4SxsfOa5JME36jc1AGJL7NPiJCwzPziZBfBUOYspFD1Ai_2llssDVzM4GrKJnqXE6FN9qw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6617" data-original-width="8822" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnSmUyftAZJkCG-O2IQPZVAY2r5sLzauf1j27K9Fy_DKTaR32z-qWcUI12zyE6CGK_DUO8nNl4ncH4_uCAIKhAkr4P9s6H5uW_n8sbkmOnhuw1GGvzZ_xWR4SxsfOa5JME36jc1AGJL7NPiJCwzPziZBfBUOYspFD1Ai_2llssDVzM4GrKJnqXE6FN9qw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="2923" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv9aKWJ6ByfigYYPukHY3XCwCcR2fGR6carQulvwIs454iKpx12OWPVSHdzNXtj7LJogqZRNz4q5Eb67nA4elzzLVyjXRhwoXO_jcOjW9aMNXRfow0YwbmLHUzwP57tfwo0hoh-8i5St5Liz-o4tNeZYNBc_9Qg2-Aj1NQQTWWr_v1ZoxU3HjQKKk2DXQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsNc40wygzS7PAcV3xTE1108lk8l6R8G0ZGYfF-f7qWvb2-05RO0iFttBXDqM56H2Dsaj9435KvUXyn0zLEK4AAMXfO6wRcLqh95eyWRR2bDHTi8fr5r9BgHxTGxUU9-QWLV_mHqiZaYlRTpPBNgQHCZQr-iZe2WTkRjhayvFng0ocSKgQwqlEfQmkquA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1762" data-original-width="2643" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsNc40wygzS7PAcV3xTE1108lk8l6R8G0ZGYfF-f7qWvb2-05RO0iFttBXDqM56H2Dsaj9435KvUXyn0zLEK4AAMXfO6wRcLqh95eyWRR2bDHTi8fr5r9BgHxTGxUU9-QWLV_mHqiZaYlRTpPBNgQHCZQr-iZe2WTkRjhayvFng0ocSKgQwqlEfQmkquA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidbnI9MpoubxLRCj1-Z4CMwTTD_-FZhxWrjkWYhamBurOyvWU57ti_TQLcsr3xyLBAsqEuIBfuvdeZ-aSGKuvgbKMxFSqva8LPA4_1Y-UJxsq7r695mW9a7BjqZJa_Rl2OxH7UP3xniy8LVJ22RAnDpBkZJv8IhJvE0An3vnWwspn78rHp9tdbQZKDuPM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2202" data-original-width="3304" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidbnI9MpoubxLRCj1-Z4CMwTTD_-FZhxWrjkWYhamBurOyvWU57ti_TQLcsr3xyLBAsqEuIBfuvdeZ-aSGKuvgbKMxFSqva8LPA4_1Y-UJxsq7r695mW9a7BjqZJa_Rl2OxH7UP3xniy8LVJ22RAnDpBkZJv8IhJvE0An3vnWwspn78rHp9tdbQZKDuPM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVilW2TfFVZtI-EymlU8IDMK3nkPDbx8HOq808bLGCqOTVWyLgO6NfryMuXHBjuS-NbTIFEEIG7i94fDj7vJMuus9MtvqEPySFFotsY8Uw-Msci_o9jhxRlqEYUpVqeet4bIhs86yguKNGFIiouC8lzlCwP29SiNdx2WSV2hZDgY88XzjSb4-hlPOxoAs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2669" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVilW2TfFVZtI-EymlU8IDMK3nkPDbx8HOq808bLGCqOTVWyLgO6NfryMuXHBjuS-NbTIFEEIG7i94fDj7vJMuus9MtvqEPySFFotsY8Uw-Msci_o9jhxRlqEYUpVqeet4bIhs86yguKNGFIiouC8lzlCwP29SiNdx2WSV2hZDgY88XzjSb4-hlPOxoAs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4TFbiKEmTQj8p3OEaIfLP91FBZF05XqG0HlEteqUqmDe8xmJS9PPviRPUfV3z84kDahOd_A3rWmHz1rLcPjoTAZpKFK_26AzgSY5ZovHAFq5rfvWA8guho-4cGpNsS71nNJDJupI16XkylNa4z2NSQlRUr8XzB7pYvK9IDm041WuprPs2FFvL_3Zyu8E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2558" data-original-width="3837" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4TFbiKEmTQj8p3OEaIfLP91FBZF05XqG0HlEteqUqmDe8xmJS9PPviRPUfV3z84kDahOd_A3rWmHz1rLcPjoTAZpKFK_26AzgSY5ZovHAFq5rfvWA8guho-4cGpNsS71nNJDJupI16XkylNa4z2NSQlRUr8XzB7pYvK9IDm041WuprPs2FFvL_3Zyu8E" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The woman that ran the retreat made it very clear that she wanted me to send her the pictures that I had taken, indicating that people often say that they will send them and then never do. I prepared them and sent them to her the day after I left. While she expressed dislike of insects, she enjoyed the rest of the pictures.</div></div><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-84942482066194708302023-07-19T04:22:00.003-07:002023-07-19T06:43:41.464-07:00Japan 6.10: The Silent Meditation Retreat at the Horakuan Rinzai Zen Buddhist Temple<p> I had intended to write this entry right as I was arriving at my next location in Mongolia, but I only had one full day in my hotel before going out into the countryside, and I forgot to write it that day! </p><p> From Tokyo Station, I took a bullet train to Nagano, a subway to Suzaka Station. Once there, I sat on a bench waiting for a bus. There were three other non Japanese people waiting nearby, and sure enough, they boarded my bus towards the temple. We began chatting on the ride. One was Swiss, one Israeli, and one German. Two women, one man, with ages from 22 to 38. We got off at our stop and two miniature sized mini vans were waiting to bring us the final few minutes to arrive at the temple.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOlqsgG7tldrcZjw99lnBLUQr93UCTMb5K5DkjipnIJTqJJICqX0U-pX65YCuCxI427aQUUsQjh8FMKsTLaTHyD02JNa9LfhEUstAMc2aI0sbnKK4jxOzDkEA9cYXylXQrWuzh8pZx4mia2iEmpEbYRMrzB02OBb3Kcn2IuWSzlM13Cw7lEDO3oVK0dms" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2334" data-original-width="3112" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOlqsgG7tldrcZjw99lnBLUQr93UCTMb5K5DkjipnIJTqJJICqX0U-pX65YCuCxI427aQUUsQjh8FMKsTLaTHyD02JNa9LfhEUstAMc2aI0sbnKK4jxOzDkEA9cYXylXQrWuzh8pZx4mia2iEmpEbYRMrzB02OBb3Kcn2IuWSzlM13Cw7lEDO3oVK0dms" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weird blue building at the bus stop.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> This was to be a silent meditation retreat, but the first day was more of an orientation, and talking was allowed. The other man, a 38 year old pediatrician from Switzerland, was my bunkmate. We were given a two story loft, with a wide staircase and curtain dfferentiating our areas. We had a bathroom, but had to slide a large and heavy door open, and take a single step outside before accessing it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji7HIqli2U_KDbvz_6OG4-T5tCTnwDi8Dcmw8sfxPCPArDjF_rwFtTiVpPUGxquxVbjV8mjHqpPIAIbh8iYE5MQvAb5E-iqRMDY4AcgLzXLdsELEZ9Vb6GGYtGVqRRy3gW_vlBFG5oomOw3VJS4vY8kgAEZS6d7AFMPwtUZrcm6wvfB-D8XHR23EIn64s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji7HIqli2U_KDbvz_6OG4-T5tCTnwDi8Dcmw8sfxPCPArDjF_rwFtTiVpPUGxquxVbjV8mjHqpPIAIbh8iYE5MQvAb5E-iqRMDY4AcgLzXLdsELEZ9Vb6GGYtGVqRRy3gW_vlBFG5oomOw3VJS4vY8kgAEZS6d7AFMPwtUZrcm6wvfB-D8XHR23EIn64s" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMyApIAY7myujpMO6pqsxsq8ebq-Cp3P-0ScgBmD-jgb5jF29C0mbRtA9HfMKT-_vpiqTLLTnm9b6lX5qonb_34tgFDPfhh5XBgtd13PbzDYbbkwLioB1m8Jegq50Y-0VieLmy49VuLNlddki1rXtESY2oZrTdQizAEFZFw3U_FOIECi4kDyqogLlWTx4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMyApIAY7myujpMO6pqsxsq8ebq-Cp3P-0ScgBmD-jgb5jF29C0mbRtA9HfMKT-_vpiqTLLTnm9b6lX5qonb_34tgFDPfhh5XBgtd13PbzDYbbkwLioB1m8Jegq50Y-0VieLmy49VuLNlddki1rXtESY2oZrTdQizAEFZFw3U_FOIECi4kDyqogLlWTx4" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The building on the right was our house.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnCLxfiW2qyfM-ZuBjiBb1xQFoQmkU12WikIoBCTTUl2ev6bYfaqM5wiz6l3CQ61CiavVxZIkAZTHIIa_259B_xI2TQDJWLn9WcnYcx_S2auRE5xuZZpBBLaL5iLfWv_2GlP6WQaS9eAIBcn4fwD-Rczo9BmoslVSQPYAAdJ24YVmdn-VjVx3XWPdActI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6234" data-original-width="9349" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnCLxfiW2qyfM-ZuBjiBb1xQFoQmkU12WikIoBCTTUl2ev6bYfaqM5wiz6l3CQ61CiavVxZIkAZTHIIa_259B_xI2TQDJWLn9WcnYcx_S2auRE5xuZZpBBLaL5iLfWv_2GlP6WQaS9eAIBcn4fwD-Rczo9BmoslVSQPYAAdJ24YVmdn-VjVx3XWPdActI" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my room, and the steps leading up above was given to the Swissman.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkomLjFlrH7SwEhpxrMOfMAuN5KTzzPFGpwO04cwo5Oh2kAFbwlIIQje8PLwSeHvRZkrfKjka8r89awFuqPrv3npJtZxwMc-ZHFr2jqNHnY2scWNf6G9oBSrxaw8jzYEzbJKAlixkVrWSQPCN-SCp45uPAQDLlrApmsMAIVlHjQOaQ8QsPEqhOnqUbU-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkomLjFlrH7SwEhpxrMOfMAuN5KTzzPFGpwO04cwo5Oh2kAFbwlIIQje8PLwSeHvRZkrfKjka8r89awFuqPrv3npJtZxwMc-ZHFr2jqNHnY2scWNf6G9oBSrxaw8jzYEzbJKAlixkVrWSQPCN-SCp45uPAQDLlrApmsMAIVlHjQOaQ8QsPEqhOnqUbU-Q" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The two women were put up in the main house, which was much nicer, and obviously had a bathroom that didn't require outdoor access. We were given time to unpack and then met up in the house. This meditation retreat was run by a seventy year old German woman, who moved to Japan many years ago and married a Japanese Buddhist monk. At one point I asked if Japanese people ever came to her retreats, and she said that they worked too much to go to a retreat for vacation, and that they wouldn't be introspective enough to want to grow as a person.<div><br /></div><div> We were shown the meditation room, given some laminated cards with Buddhist mantras on it, and were led to some of the outdoor shrines. She showed us the meditation room and had us sit at the dining room table. The dining room had a table near the ground, but the floor actually dropped down below it, giving a bit of room to put your feet down. This worked well for short people I assume, but my legs always had to be at an angle.</div><div><br /></div><div> She went over the routine of the days. It has been about two weeks since I have been there, so I will do my best to remember the schedule. We would be woken up with a bell at around 5:40. We were expected to arrive at the house by 6:00 to begin walking meditation. This brought us down the hill, into a forest path, down to a waterfall, up a driveway, and to visit 5 shrines around the property, with the final one being in a separate building. We were encouraged to step along with counting for breathing and exhales, with one more step for exhaling. For example, three inhale steps, four exhale steps. I tried this for the first day, but found that it had an extremely prominent anxious effect on me, so I switched to simply breathing and relaxing during the walk.</div><div><br /></div><div> At each shrine, she would say a mantra, and we were to repeat it. This would happen three times per shrine. At the building, she would begin a routine of chanting, followed by us repeating a six line mantra about four to five times. We would then walk to the main house and into the meditation room. We were taught to bow once at the doorway entrance, once to the shrine, and then once in the opposite direction of our assigned meditation pillow. We would then sit cross legged. She would always use something like a tuning fork on a bell three times, followed by two very loud wood block claps. We then had thirty minute meditation. At the end of the first night, we had to turn in our phones.</div><div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs5TtegkBnxlLuiKt6bxuuX5QjZFbBctPKqnWojL3rpB3Ebj3eeux2I4k-O4yF9izy7b0-Tz73-9fhHNC3qZZKv7oCjUhcsXVV9z51XmwIB5ThrM8-uEPwmb4gxHya65dJ417P8I8lEDK6jS5G1_snNtfkbLCeiVnGErG2w5HGX_5LLVTci_x8IlRwy_U" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs5TtegkBnxlLuiKt6bxuuX5QjZFbBctPKqnWojL3rpB3Ebj3eeux2I4k-O4yF9izy7b0-Tz73-9fhHNC3qZZKv7oCjUhcsXVV9z51XmwIB5ThrM8-uEPwmb4gxHya65dJ417P8I8lEDK6jS5G1_snNtfkbLCeiVnGErG2w5HGX_5LLVTci_x8IlRwy_U" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the main buildings.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAnsuLzJ5Bx4VE2DW4vCW3RK7p31KBLzh5ihDTWaDuMqyYwS9aMAKBjieH7SG8zq70gp_PcOPLQ5ZgqNvFyI9yaBWsQygvpHjVR2F_hs4gRHoDLY0FwwUHDKqTRzNwbhb1L0PVxGI4kNwjZazGtD1A_6YmwRbpL5xwYD0JjM5tti8d1yb7zgfz11q9yvc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5455" data-original-width="8183" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAnsuLzJ5Bx4VE2DW4vCW3RK7p31KBLzh5ihDTWaDuMqyYwS9aMAKBjieH7SG8zq70gp_PcOPLQ5ZgqNvFyI9yaBWsQygvpHjVR2F_hs4gRHoDLY0FwwUHDKqTRzNwbhb1L0PVxGI4kNwjZazGtD1A_6YmwRbpL5xwYD0JjM5tti8d1yb7zgfz11q9yvc" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFFgHnPb51WOVvhBN1cn9Q5sD0JRsGhWaITNCC1KM_ROjJCsPlQrnFcoEhYamLonPD1vzISYbVHK-gh8koEdQPCJvgzCy8TlDPgsXCMrz3Rq6xnifzQxyHsPYK8xs3CgKdGszwUWcQ6Vrto6D6cuITQNiinhpYnZCCQUz1n2A-gWEj5ODiLg4PC7ezC0c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFFgHnPb51WOVvhBN1cn9Q5sD0JRsGhWaITNCC1KM_ROjJCsPlQrnFcoEhYamLonPD1vzISYbVHK-gh8koEdQPCJvgzCy8TlDPgsXCMrz3Rq6xnifzQxyHsPYK8xs3CgKdGszwUWcQ6Vrto6D6cuITQNiinhpYnZCCQUz1n2A-gWEj5ODiLg4PC7ezC0c" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPhGITeokFHoKpzVEKSL44uPqn3RdhBjSX3jIYj2wq7hAWRJX5kb1Gmqo3Dv7IAF0rRkglarfyOZ_58C96pPLJH5HHrQ_5Xv-ZQlWnqeKa9r_KzOucOla-UbwcRT6Kma8niDDn1iZ7XYh6pR-l9Kq8Gezb3FP9MoGzoTq0ngFeHuTFpIHwunCcvQvQlMg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPhGITeokFHoKpzVEKSL44uPqn3RdhBjSX3jIYj2wq7hAWRJX5kb1Gmqo3Dv7IAF0rRkglarfyOZ_58C96pPLJH5HHrQ_5Xv-ZQlWnqeKa9r_KzOucOla-UbwcRT6Kma8niDDn1iZ7XYh6pR-l9Kq8Gezb3FP9MoGzoTq0ngFeHuTFpIHwunCcvQvQlMg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-vxc3SZs80BCbraVW6CNH_FcllrlHRNqAptcwquNO5HK9RCO3NBuPRXG2OjPlRDApKSWC25BgwWq5dVBMKge8FHyZGjMAH8FcnQ974w6nlnVkBhgavfbrFZhR9oTStEuzYJC0Nh_RByQW3ijRdlSHumDOxEzYPAYIUeVYYH0J8tKrGlmj1ZBlaZMhz9Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5654" data-original-width="8479" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-vxc3SZs80BCbraVW6CNH_FcllrlHRNqAptcwquNO5HK9RCO3NBuPRXG2OjPlRDApKSWC25BgwWq5dVBMKge8FHyZGjMAH8FcnQ974w6nlnVkBhgavfbrFZhR9oTStEuzYJC0Nh_RByQW3ijRdlSHumDOxEzYPAYIUeVYYH0J8tKrGlmj1ZBlaZMhz9Y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimqpyB44QVzKkS86Bm6AEN7mhk1VICZmAlr5_hh63ydmYsOfiz8TqiDCTdaAhd73mbMF97fDDfs_kXHhZ1uvzChRmyS10lb4U_OX4UMbfod2Kq16xVLlqDFT6vBoRlDy3ZPsiOQN59Z_lOq-c9o1oGySWOCo-OXwEQPUsoIk0IJhxmamUSj6iiDacBx-o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6275" data-original-width="9411" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimqpyB44QVzKkS86Bm6AEN7mhk1VICZmAlr5_hh63ydmYsOfiz8TqiDCTdaAhd73mbMF97fDDfs_kXHhZ1uvzChRmyS10lb4U_OX4UMbfod2Kq16xVLlqDFT6vBoRlDy3ZPsiOQN59Z_lOq-c9o1oGySWOCo-OXwEQPUsoIk0IJhxmamUSj6iiDacBx-o" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJtDTFKNmYtM9LgR3QEYKQmxIvd4URVZZG_du8eSO8kRZmyqyk7VoAkOK0x6_393dTtBkHHUXa7fef-E_r5w0scEsivkRWxIIQcZXO8O0PDbDUH0mCfKmfNl_lYBxFL3L0zq6WXYC65oWnDBTo4t22ESnqXGnaSPsZzLQbCpcT5ZzZAc938sbf0vU8hww" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJtDTFKNmYtM9LgR3QEYKQmxIvd4URVZZG_du8eSO8kRZmyqyk7VoAkOK0x6_393dTtBkHHUXa7fef-E_r5w0scEsivkRWxIIQcZXO8O0PDbDUH0mCfKmfNl_lYBxFL3L0zq6WXYC65oWnDBTo4t22ESnqXGnaSPsZzLQbCpcT5ZzZAc938sbf0vU8hww" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH0FWvIrrooSgf36YV1zOgAEoZreJ2y1mcvmMIKUgAIl8Y2qmh6M8ST2t_x2Xz8YUo5MFic0087h0h1FCnEZneADXY6yFHFjZwixYc-n4usVi3wyCqoyCWP_GWB2QxZdqKQYwIyJR3ESVaB-np51yxVMVa-g04TNPOVDlfsnArb8pogpfzm-2D1nSIUyM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6169" data-original-width="9252" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH0FWvIrrooSgf36YV1zOgAEoZreJ2y1mcvmMIKUgAIl8Y2qmh6M8ST2t_x2Xz8YUo5MFic0087h0h1FCnEZneADXY6yFHFjZwixYc-n4usVi3wyCqoyCWP_GWB2QxZdqKQYwIyJR3ESVaB-np51yxVMVa-g04TNPOVDlfsnArb8pogpfzm-2D1nSIUyM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1PxlfduPpEZI6-_YVwrxT8x0FSRaGl_pGd0f1i_haSmziCqyJOyIEBLrXU1E_e-Dh4TfMT8ms1421y_FFgB5j-VC0VQPOF7aujTimrWh8fC60oMShZTioo0rh5I-0OD9H9IGIJqqDVGyK5VRtth3bzP2QowVlbG0vxUHN7JZSJv1O5FKDChRCpHxlIz4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1PxlfduPpEZI6-_YVwrxT8x0FSRaGl_pGd0f1i_haSmziCqyJOyIEBLrXU1E_e-Dh4TfMT8ms1421y_FFgB5j-VC0VQPOF7aujTimrWh8fC60oMShZTioo0rh5I-0OD9H9IGIJqqDVGyK5VRtth3bzP2QowVlbG0vxUHN7JZSJv1O5FKDChRCpHxlIz4" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> After mediation, we had breakfast. Every meal throughout the four days was completely different, all wonderful. Tea was served at every meal, but since I do not like tea, she showed me where the coffee was stored so I could make it for myself whenever I wanted. It was an odd method for making coffee, with two handles that held the coffee grinds over the middle, and then you pour hot water into it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7OMjdxi8JkgcL15EXiBuzDDzrX-tv05cZR8_rtvaeHBS6ptngCN9d78LTRTS1SfAQFT173RCmaPMdDRwl3wuA7zLMA78zIRDm_eh1qVIYk9_1tnYRU0XDAVkr3wx9dWoM0hYWSV0jwN_UnAW84S515xFHSnYNXzc9B-2nwwObBkZcrSuDSXIuBs0qFAQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7OMjdxi8JkgcL15EXiBuzDDzrX-tv05cZR8_rtvaeHBS6ptngCN9d78LTRTS1SfAQFT173RCmaPMdDRwl3wuA7zLMA78zIRDm_eh1qVIYk9_1tnYRU0XDAVkr3wx9dWoM0hYWSV0jwN_UnAW84S515xFHSnYNXzc9B-2nwwObBkZcrSuDSXIuBs0qFAQ" width="240" /></a></div><br /> After breakfast, we would be free until 8 or 8:30, I can't remember. At that point we began samu, which is meditative simple work, in this case, gardening. Each day I had a different assignment, ranging from raking rocks out of a grassy area, pruning trees, repairing a small wood bridge, and removing dead foliage. We would then have a tea and snack break, followed by creative meditation. On the first day, she encouraged people to craft their own prayer bead, made up of 108 separated beads, representing the Buddhist Earthly Desires. Since I had no interest in prayer, I decided that my form of creative meditation would be in the form of photography. That being said, she would also give us some smaller assignments, such as tracing buddha pictures. An interesting aspect of tracing Buddhas, is that we were instructed to draw the eyes last, as that is what would awaken them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx-LKsoeFqt81DWrLXNxY6_5KUvKqHHb5qET1qQy5UzkLTRzkrReG4jV3ar1A_x7In4onq47kwm29_4JPlJUkgQnpIrAmrxZQHJ966MBDoIr__OEJoeIyDwLKfVEcyQQHmPZVGkj8J_LGkO03CQMTalLLCl0qKbpkVS3UPHrjEkHrBA-078PQ1StQ98KU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx-LKsoeFqt81DWrLXNxY6_5KUvKqHHb5qET1qQy5UzkLTRzkrReG4jV3ar1A_x7In4onq47kwm29_4JPlJUkgQnpIrAmrxZQHJ966MBDoIr__OEJoeIyDwLKfVEcyQQHmPZVGkj8J_LGkO03CQMTalLLCl0qKbpkVS3UPHrjEkHrBA-078PQ1StQ98KU" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaFJFvgmvUX7nN6jUKTORihGGRLDX2yy-6yDz9s6DlaVnr4iaJLq5r7bJQbeIvCbryBuyHtzxC4kBTaP2PEs8yvjeqwH7SddJO60oBDQLS7cHpxVQ8brvTFMNmpqczYLmFvJPYZplV9FVunp5J1TQa7rXRG53YYsRHd1sAJj6QRedA-gVXb1fSppDLYJY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5607" data-original-width="8411" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaFJFvgmvUX7nN6jUKTORihGGRLDX2yy-6yDz9s6DlaVnr4iaJLq5r7bJQbeIvCbryBuyHtzxC4kBTaP2PEs8yvjeqwH7SddJO60oBDQLS7cHpxVQ8brvTFMNmpqczYLmFvJPYZplV9FVunp5J1TQa7rXRG53YYsRHd1sAJj6QRedA-gVXb1fSppDLYJY" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tea and snack room.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif4hgvtzS2w5m6aIDDz0hllyxKdWmUL3x8SULW7Uqi6dLAt1UR85Gc3tzQsFtUa7498JkrdBRm72CpDXkZfZU9AUgB3Nd7Q2IAxKutrvcFboC25poAQg4dz0ytJ-VLRzrSJ7P0eH3MPDSzfyoKUVmSASNi-O_qtyQc4beWD7iYC_URYslxpO0RbTSorBo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7586" data-original-width="10115" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif4hgvtzS2w5m6aIDDz0hllyxKdWmUL3x8SULW7Uqi6dLAt1UR85Gc3tzQsFtUa7498JkrdBRm72CpDXkZfZU9AUgB3Nd7Q2IAxKutrvcFboC25poAQg4dz0ytJ-VLRzrSJ7P0eH3MPDSzfyoKUVmSASNi-O_qtyQc4beWD7iYC_URYslxpO0RbTSorBo" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the chanting and calligraphy building.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinodjgEbZpJKrarsuiojSVbPjDy1kahEtIDnxmX7u5H8ywhqUavGEnCrIW8GeA3H8jYHkjE5tzSgxcXqF-nAdVIQ69tv54OmM2NAepVgYD5D-UfCEBN_umtlE8uGUZ_DeTHXgMJJ8951-EnPSkg3thN7_s6hek1vGfgGfXoKHIZ9j_D3JHkN1oO7blJKE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8605" data-original-width="11473" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinodjgEbZpJKrarsuiojSVbPjDy1kahEtIDnxmX7u5H8ywhqUavGEnCrIW8GeA3H8jYHkjE5tzSgxcXqF-nAdVIQ69tv54OmM2NAepVgYD5D-UfCEBN_umtlE8uGUZ_DeTHXgMJJ8951-EnPSkg3thN7_s6hek1vGfgGfXoKHIZ9j_D3JHkN1oO7blJKE" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN5DbLGnErcNTOu6GD7KmvghkTqDy8-zM8z7HHnsrGgK7azSFLGHZaQXZCPW68HAbXxD4FK8EROpLcuXlgTumEWhpO3kUE-XyCNVl9f2t84_KkzWkEma2U27I2IYbd1Zw8g8ruY-GMZpMXJG4p3-7vcboaAs83cxBsVvnepc5zYu7YcSTBmMCMBAT2bs4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8456" data-original-width="11275" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN5DbLGnErcNTOu6GD7KmvghkTqDy8-zM8z7HHnsrGgK7azSFLGHZaQXZCPW68HAbXxD4FK8EROpLcuXlgTumEWhpO3kUE-XyCNVl9f2t84_KkzWkEma2U27I2IYbd1Zw8g8ruY-GMZpMXJG4p3-7vcboaAs83cxBsVvnepc5zYu7YcSTBmMCMBAT2bs4" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beads used to craft.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuN_haIdvLp9h69UD4pK4PcldggNwzzR3JB7KaFldpFg_-r5w6OL4MAOC3290ltRdyyFBGzG917RvTW2geWjv20Vq9H1cNvwFRcbzVZjj3UZx8ZW9TNc2MwSGNZRGpTS5VN1F6gPqpoxB3xsSBRhEbyhHxPNVaucQbZP9Vw8I8_5BvlN0NgKzrW6IdNZM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5880" data-original-width="8819" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuN_haIdvLp9h69UD4pK4PcldggNwzzR3JB7KaFldpFg_-r5w6OL4MAOC3290ltRdyyFBGzG917RvTW2geWjv20Vq9H1cNvwFRcbzVZjj3UZx8ZW9TNc2MwSGNZRGpTS5VN1F6gPqpoxB3xsSBRhEbyhHxPNVaucQbZP9Vw8I8_5BvlN0NgKzrW6IdNZM" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We would then take a short break until lunch. After lunch, we would have a two hour break where we had the ability to collect our phones. When we returned the phones at 2:00, we would have our second thirty minute meditation of the day. This is the meditation session that would feature prayer beads. I was given a set of leftover prayer beads, since I was the only one that didn't make my own. We were told to slowly run our fingers over the beads while meditation, and to make an affirmation. I asked what an affirmation was, and she told me it was either a wish for the world, such as hoping for peace in Ukraine, or to repeat something positive about yourself, or to wish for a form of well being for someone you know. I wished for my friend to get her Italian villa one day.</div><div><br /></div><div> This was followed by another short break and then a thirty minute to an hour calligraphy lesson, run by her son, Kai. He is a very friendly and patient fellow, who taught us traditional brush strokes of different characters. On our final day, we were also given the characters to spell our names.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihgrHBmI0AyS6e4Z9BcrGFCRTSu_XmlARkr2VllnWmgC6WGSKxm1_ImzsUCGUzGxLBMjLj5wNd09fl77cKxrjU1tI11EWk2knAtQ4tcGTmkmp8n3LXsi15Ul6Hb1P8RNtLfUuFaawEvt_xNAoU_QfY7Yi4iHOMIonwz3wX7oZ2ILX2M_Nww1AA7vs2R4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="10666" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihgrHBmI0AyS6e4Z9BcrGFCRTSu_XmlARkr2VllnWmgC6WGSKxm1_ImzsUCGUzGxLBMjLj5wNd09fl77cKxrjU1tI11EWk2knAtQ4tcGTmkmp8n3LXsi15Ul6Hb1P8RNtLfUuFaawEvt_xNAoU_QfY7Yi4iHOMIonwz3wX7oZ2ILX2M_Nww1AA7vs2R4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwLOUCsvbkfpYu1ASUdCt4gmjIWY4XG1R7kCL9GzT7Xodzwmtxg7gIyD1bK1SOhMK7ZSilt9K1urUwHr_4Zj32Ix4JQvgaAbSy3UTpMWj3zJwlufBywPP3pluxr8bWmog3fCjfOuTPUTDXA1cy1F5gDK-hPUC_KmGGwH8KfJokmrb-rt403rh2hWj6qj0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwLOUCsvbkfpYu1ASUdCt4gmjIWY4XG1R7kCL9GzT7Xodzwmtxg7gIyD1bK1SOhMK7ZSilt9K1urUwHr_4Zj32Ix4JQvgaAbSy3UTpMWj3zJwlufBywPP3pluxr8bWmog3fCjfOuTPUTDXA1cy1F5gDK-hPUC_KmGGwH8KfJokmrb-rt403rh2hWj6qj0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYhPNHe9XxPdS5ZV_tHBirdqyhEPs8M8fI5pCHAO4B4-rMBxKbKF_QOc175wxv3LcAMw8zKbPx1DvTOpxGW_mb9svcvCvUFEzr5nLAnNlO4ZKHd-lH-MYfXUFQd4JhBUhxdEYveBhOXe3jOiBS60QzFfoUWSkniLmXu0rK7zgvcTJSpa2-jkAjzQYl1xQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYhPNHe9XxPdS5ZV_tHBirdqyhEPs8M8fI5pCHAO4B4-rMBxKbKF_QOc175wxv3LcAMw8zKbPx1DvTOpxGW_mb9svcvCvUFEzr5nLAnNlO4ZKHd-lH-MYfXUFQd4JhBUhxdEYveBhOXe3jOiBS60QzFfoUWSkniLmXu0rK7zgvcTJSpa2-jkAjzQYl1xQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipZP00rRzPOnh-INof8ZWijPI6o680nWJWi3ztqzvK4oJdZMkLQcLFx7rMBExQtBIXGDb78oTd8ncZOMqGAFx3lRGSixEksYvlAmC6zBqnay7yd9fDWTS-5b6h-STb9PgG2E4kxFxKbf2-vzEaEeBTYjtJ5_HVVCPnR5LC5WDmiegaiYPZopuCMU6mSTA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipZP00rRzPOnh-INof8ZWijPI6o680nWJWi3ztqzvK4oJdZMkLQcLFx7rMBExQtBIXGDb78oTd8ncZOMqGAFx3lRGSixEksYvlAmC6zBqnay7yd9fDWTS-5b6h-STb9PgG2E4kxFxKbf2-vzEaEeBTYjtJ5_HVVCPnR5LC5WDmiegaiYPZopuCMU6mSTA" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrOUey-VoFsLRZC4D7Dz2HuKV8YII7mnRMipL3oqbwVNrbtFUt2WGTxYp9-zQVjwQguhby57slJN9fO_aJD2LxQVxgpnL1VYP5hbXRFnlhACiKVmU4HRcq3cNeZyuIesZRtL2cPGTYLfsV2WF67o6KS-rCbmIgykwKtCn08IpkJh2zAgmoi-DmCg1Hiec" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrOUey-VoFsLRZC4D7Dz2HuKV8YII7mnRMipL3oqbwVNrbtFUt2WGTxYp9-zQVjwQguhby57slJN9fO_aJD2LxQVxgpnL1VYP5hbXRFnlhACiKVmU4HRcq3cNeZyuIesZRtL2cPGTYLfsV2WF67o6KS-rCbmIgykwKtCn08IpkJh2zAgmoi-DmCg1Hiec" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Buddha tracing attempt resulted in a picture of a Buddha who got into a bar fight and lost.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvBhzMhVE9AEI99MgC-qG_f_8J6JPjuLbGCLzeUFf_Bkmr7maFuhTCUxgICdNFSZMDNVWzRDMo5wDylnZTkg0PAOufV0Xlhxr6Z1Hxm0vVhYZfD1CXK8iZgJmgOzwVLM2s6lz7qsXGQ03TjyOZ57BR1poC4YrD5GSo8XK-99LRfdpuv53QzT4CK0Jg4zs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="10387" data-original-width="7790" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvBhzMhVE9AEI99MgC-qG_f_8J6JPjuLbGCLzeUFf_Bkmr7maFuhTCUxgICdNFSZMDNVWzRDMo5wDylnZTkg0PAOufV0Xlhxr6Z1Hxm0vVhYZfD1CXK8iZgJmgOzwVLM2s6lz7qsXGQ03TjyOZ57BR1poC4YrD5GSo8XK-99LRfdpuv53QzT4CK0Jg4zs" width="180" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHFJdh9psOwTLo5hSUfNBXs-hY-nKxn03uqSHwocpxAszxEmmK5qWLHxhmQ1_TcIa-psFdjjhYiSvfvGzEh49dsdqV4JsjmnUeoRScWBUC1rlQJSR63JxE3a3acMG4-F89FBlyNFZ_7G8QMbjtwShaxbPkb4B-yo5xLwIDrNfNI3ueT8q4ryQzGQlSodQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHFJdh9psOwTLo5hSUfNBXs-hY-nKxn03uqSHwocpxAszxEmmK5qWLHxhmQ1_TcIa-psFdjjhYiSvfvGzEh49dsdqV4JsjmnUeoRScWBUC1rlQJSR63JxE3a3acMG4-F89FBlyNFZ_7G8QMbjtwShaxbPkb4B-yo5xLwIDrNfNI3ueT8q4ryQzGQlSodQ" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first set of calligraphy letters. I think it is supposed to represent something regarding a protagonist.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMj04Iz2Rh44z_0-oUGnD1ChR8axF3Le3EmBPke8TQ-jOWwP61QaShyUlDzp2ps2FfxfuUtidaAlfvxDzjXuxSeKPLdT_khsNqCqvgwM9jaL81kxQuEFhDLWzvR2tMIRo0Xz4gaKJyNjO_9HYvYQqbz_aQKr3EBDa1aKlEexvqJDXkGFdr1Ai3UjtskAk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMj04Iz2Rh44z_0-oUGnD1ChR8axF3Le3EmBPke8TQ-jOWwP61QaShyUlDzp2ps2FfxfuUtidaAlfvxDzjXuxSeKPLdT_khsNqCqvgwM9jaL81kxQuEFhDLWzvR2tMIRo0Xz4gaKJyNjO_9HYvYQqbz_aQKr3EBDa1aKlEexvqJDXkGFdr1Ai3UjtskAk" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower left characters spells my name(not UA).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Following calligraphy, there would be a short break until dinner at 6:00. After dinner, she would turn on the heat for the showers, so we either relaxed or showered. At 8:00, there would be an hour meditation followed by lights out and bed.</div><div><br /></div><div> I wished that there was more instruction or guided meditation. Aside from a handful of short recitations, and some handouts with things to ponder, we were left in silence. She challenged us to count to ten, counting on each exhale. I don't think I was even able to get to five on the first day, without thoughts flooding in. By the end, I might have been able to hit this goal once or twice, maybe. Some of the time I simply spent relaxing. Sometimes I attempted to quiet my mind, or try to absorb nearby sounds. I really do think a more guided meditation would have benefited me more. Without realizing it, photography ha always been a slightly meditative time for me. Holding my eye up to the viewfinder has the effect of blocking out the rest of the world and its noise, allowing me to focus intently on a goal and finding beauty.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYFu2Y6L9rfyqAGv5L74tP397aPDKaegRsDJ_XN_cKF70xcg31rA8HkI5hqmDOSTUHr5w6-IqYR1jSDy2ZSBFKf2LRbLIq4goNkyCwe7QggqFSEWVtH7vauva8Wtf3vzmRyILzcHjw2cWP8yrt0kSJpddsvFQMsa9WLL2qVYyS_C9w1LZg5q5oIk5ujmI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYFu2Y6L9rfyqAGv5L74tP397aPDKaegRsDJ_XN_cKF70xcg31rA8HkI5hqmDOSTUHr5w6-IqYR1jSDy2ZSBFKf2LRbLIq4goNkyCwe7QggqFSEWVtH7vauva8Wtf3vzmRyILzcHjw2cWP8yrt0kSJpddsvFQMsa9WLL2qVYyS_C9w1LZg5q5oIk5ujmI" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the bridge that I repaiured, with the help of the other fellow. We took out the broken board and replaced it with 2 new ones. We needed the second one to stabilize it so it wouldn't bow in the middle. We then had to manipulate the rocks on both sides to secure it. We had to completely reorganize the rock layout. I should have taken a "before" picture first.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> I spent a lot of time reading at the retreat. She encouraged reading Buddhism related books. On my kindle, I had Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse. It was a surprisingly compelling read, and not the kind of ok that I would normally read(I must have picked it up for free with some deal). It was the journey of a man to find the meaning of life. He tried to be a minimalist monk who lived in the wilderness, eventually abandoned that and tried living in a city and finding love and learning a trade. This led to him succumbing to human excess, leading him to once again dropping everything and searching, eventually finding peace living alongside another man, running a ferry in the countryside with no one else nearby. His final challenge involved caring for his son, that he had not known he had. He dealt with the frustration of his child having a very different path from him and had to learn to let him go, to live his own life. There were many truths in this story, with the standout being that you can teach knowledge, but not wisdom.</p><p> My roommate was named Carlos, and I loved his dress style. I asked him what kind of clothing it was and he shared the name of the brand and style. It is a European brand, but there is an American branch that only sells direct. I plan to try it out upon my return. A memorable moment that I had with Carlos was on the first night, when we were allowed to talk. We were waiting outside for the others(we actually were in the wrong location, and they were all waiting for us elsewhere), he asked about my life. I told him about getting custody of Miles, along with that whole story. In response he said something akin to, "How does that make you feel?" I thought that that was a brilliant and elevated response question. Every time I interacted with Carlos he had a smile on his face and gave an aura of peaceful pleasantness about him. I greatly enjoyed having him around. We made sure that we were both on time to expected gatherings. </p><p> One creative assignment was to draw commitment in nature and commitment in your own life. I drew a wasp nest and occupying wasp that I found while practicing photography. I drew myself staying in America to raise Miles. The second to last day was gloomy outside, so I took the opportunity to do photo editing on my laptop as my creative meditation. I felt that despite being electronic, it fell under the creative and meditative umbrella.</p><p> After each meal, we washed dishes in pairs, with one washing and one drying. The following meal would have the other two people doing this work.</p><p> While we stayed silent the vast majority of the time, calligraphy required some speech to ask specific questions or to ask for help. She was not ultra strict about it, as it was sometimes necessary. That being said, I definitely was chastised at least once for breaking protocol. I definitely felt a school vibe, where I was always on the edge of rule space, often going just over the line before retreating back across it.</p><p> I noticed that when I received my phone back each day, it would be accompanied by higher levels of anxiety and overall higher stress, and I felt more relaxed and at peace without it. This was so readily apparent because of the twenty two hours of the day without it and how relaxed I felt during this time. </p><p> Overall, I enjoyed my time at the retreat. What I enjoyed the most, despite the silence, was the comradery with the other people. I wished it had been a regular meditation retreat without the silence, but even with silence, there are many ways to communicate and enjoy a shared space with others. I do not feel like I was able to make much progress in learning to meditate, however. Maybe I would have been better off having had more experience beforehand.</p></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-57334516962080808112023-07-07T16:45:00.003-07:002023-07-07T16:45:29.862-07:00Japan 6.9: A deep cave, a cotton candy UFO, and the end of Miles' trip<p> We said goodbye to Hagi, picked up Miles' glass, and drove south. The day's journey was mostly about driving to Fukuoka, dropping off the car, and then resting at the airport hotel. To break up the day, I decided to have us stop at the Akiyoshido Cave. We were only the second car in the main parking lot. We grabbed our umbrellas because the weather looked unsure, and within seconds it began to rain.</p><p> There was a main walkway up to the cave, lined with shops. The town seemed to be barely functional, with 2/3 of the shops closed down. There were a handful of people on the way to the cave. As we were entering, a large tour group was departing, so we had the place mostly to ourselves, with only a few other couples around. It was a one kilometer walk, with tons of limestone formations. At the end, Miles declared it to be his favorite part of the trip so far. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjveZ8gs9F3Z3TTxndG_0UyBOuZjjL5yCaV8dDWSvM1pSXTDWIuZuTHlpLxdQFiKj1f6j_svnoCMkVY5_Jpv-0ehkYunLZSw4i8JPMdp4jYRS3xSez80x8UFrLC_KTfHkQxT1PBTMufzCzMKtYbKpQxYJMrCJ9-NbvjcrehdI7IyknHD8Ep6PFPMEPwEp8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6081" data-original-width="9120" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjveZ8gs9F3Z3TTxndG_0UyBOuZjjL5yCaV8dDWSvM1pSXTDWIuZuTHlpLxdQFiKj1f6j_svnoCMkVY5_Jpv-0ehkYunLZSw4i8JPMdp4jYRS3xSez80x8UFrLC_KTfHkQxT1PBTMufzCzMKtYbKpQxYJMrCJ9-NbvjcrehdI7IyknHD8Ep6PFPMEPwEp8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1ZcdEDPc4V5fjKAejXPQ3F3PmN8SU2vGHaN3v7mABuVnaHrwpbVr8uPtzV0odbcboWE4ezgiNO39TlHeHIu6UiDlJZkGhfT2wj2_LxWjhrFlx6SHSR7quJA4J_Mug6IQj0e57LtPqAzhb4rkFbN5azlfTe1VkKRSiHeSZ075CHjzQCQHlmTfInDWCbTQ" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Originally, I had planned to have us go to a mini pig cafe in Fukuoka. Unfortunately, the car rental return did not go as smoothly as I had planned. I booked through Hertz, but they gave it to the Toyota Rent a Car. The Hertz website showed a return address, which is where I navigated to. It was a very tight space with tons of people returning cars. We gave the keys away, had the car inspected, and removed our luggage. We were sent to the desk, where I encountered a very difficult language barrier exchange. The person who accepted the car, came inside and explained to me that I was supposed to return it to the international rental return, and this spot was the domestic. The international return was on the other side of the airport, about twelve minutes away. We loaded up the car again and set out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The international return spot was completely empty, with a staff that understood English. The plan was to reach our airport hotel directly from the subway connected to the airport. In order to get there, however, we had to take a shuttle from the rental to the bus stop of the international departure side of the airport, and then take another bus to the domestic side, which was where the subway was. Two stops later and we were at the correct station. We had to ask directions at an information booth on how to actually get out of the station, because it was a multiple basement level mall slash station. Our hotel was right outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> By this point we were tired, and it was raining, so Miles wanted to stay in. I left to get dinner. While navigating to a ramen place featuring thinner noodles that represent the region, I encountered a small cafe with a cat operating the cash register.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Zxuyx9tLCQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="2Zxuyx9tLCQ"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div> The next day we flew to Tokyo and settled into our hotel. Miles had forgotten his headphones on the airplane and was pretty upset. I searched google maps for potential spots that might have his headphones. I walked to the Sony Headquarters in Ginza, which had a wide assortment of products, but did not have the ones I was interested in, in stock. He directed me to the nearby Bic Camera. The bic Camera had the exact same model headphones that he had had. I had noticed that my earpiece's wire was exposed, so it was time for a replacement for me. With the Japanese exchange rate combined with being a tax free purchase, a replacement set for me would be slightly cheaper than usual. After bringing the tag to the cash register, to exchange for the actual item, they informed me that they were out of stock.</div><div><br /></div><div> The next day was Miles' last full day of the trip. Our main mission was to get cotton candy for him, at the Totti Candy Factory. I don't recall having visited this area before, but it was a mob scene, filled with tons and tons of tourists. We got him the UFO shaped cotton candy. I decided to get what I later found out was a crepe cone, with mostly whipped cream and not ice cream. It was a crepe wrapping the whipped cream and served like an ice cream cone.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0bf6WjB1qpc" width="320" youtube-src-id="0bf6WjB1qpc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgk-6I0waXJKbgCA624o2C60qqwAFnVPgK4BHHX4HQUn1rtsd0IQG_kt6Rm3PkzvUBwdXcyJXLke3esfa4oI06i2wW42XkqkmGeMJd8zibOplK0Y_ue7lBfv6G_rusxQwyS9UuBOdtGf0wr08sbH7U-1dyxmDieE8IWv86CQZCNK4JSsIpoH9YigJ42Xk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgk-6I0waXJKbgCA624o2C60qqwAFnVPgK4BHHX4HQUn1rtsd0IQG_kt6Rm3PkzvUBwdXcyJXLke3esfa4oI06i2wW42XkqkmGeMJd8zibOplK0Y_ue7lBfv6G_rusxQwyS9UuBOdtGf0wr08sbH7U-1dyxmDieE8IWv86CQZCNK4JSsIpoH9YigJ42Xk" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ7E1SxmIefZc1YI8M4Q52YjjWjk45sGQ7sSpPZHcPPRtqsVYsTSjCQdxKdnWAt6Mx27hT4p-T-sISTiNS_mIx668U0nWKfPKE3b1PQUyA3yrv6e-iTtOPeguRUFXp_9CxZrh2g4XnUdL8P-yCglrOOW_sytptEM9FpV_KETzqzcbkkyAUSbMW8BEfLvk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ7E1SxmIefZc1YI8M4Q52YjjWjk45sGQ7sSpPZHcPPRtqsVYsTSjCQdxKdnWAt6Mx27hT4p-T-sISTiNS_mIx668U0nWKfPKE3b1PQUyA3yrv6e-iTtOPeguRUFXp_9CxZrh2g4XnUdL8P-yCglrOOW_sytptEM9FpV_KETzqzcbkkyAUSbMW8BEfLvk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiveq2uuY95j8Xh5oUIgzi0IOJ_68l0iZFLB8fcIahPd7u27G0UZIhD5c2seQrAv_aRFTXq14WuN_PIKwIcMwF_nRPCfyCyxQLDBIpFGop_4n40jfEy6ME8INzOiP5WOhDNxbs0pFxz8QedJE_rYcCN3Tx38X3g8H_Tqtj4EpssqPWZ1JN5zhtzEAgT7rw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiveq2uuY95j8Xh5oUIgzi0IOJ_68l0iZFLB8fcIahPd7u27G0UZIhD5c2seQrAv_aRFTXq14WuN_PIKwIcMwF_nRPCfyCyxQLDBIpFGop_4n40jfEy6ME8INzOiP5WOhDNxbs0pFxz8QedJE_rYcCN3Tx38X3g8H_Tqtj4EpssqPWZ1JN5zhtzEAgT7rw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvz-35hmXBdJ24wdCMd61bNTAxK1_D18UTCxeFhQIe8qa6J2xgLndKNi5hLzCoyomz81VrhSdY-rrvIfL4JtvEgOS_2OexMl9lKVa_oDjpKsgnR9aFrVvKSz98Vk-NBGI8JsthtupJYi5GNLGDaIIMyeHOcy1iv93QODdYd4aqcNyRRoKnqokzTHSjM1o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="1943" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvz-35hmXBdJ24wdCMd61bNTAxK1_D18UTCxeFhQIe8qa6J2xgLndKNi5hLzCoyomz81VrhSdY-rrvIfL4JtvEgOS_2OexMl9lKVa_oDjpKsgnR9aFrVvKSz98Vk-NBGI8JsthtupJYi5GNLGDaIIMyeHOcy1iv93QODdYd4aqcNyRRoKnqokzTHSjM1o" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There was the same chain of the mini pig cafe here, which was a two minute walk away. When we arrived, it said that it was by reservation only, and they were all reserved for the day. I had never encountered a reservation system before, so I had not thought to check the site for this. There was a Bic Camera store nearby, in Shibuya. We could have walked or taken the train. Miles chose the train.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXMGpaQPPZpQ4I47hRurWL1yF_-Sn_p0APF1i3aOEI3P6nrC3zQLSIYJWRgwWk70oebayyqw3cOU99dvxqDzliRcaPVS4Y0D6-lV5u78rpWRt8MOa7DZym-eyAuyU7VSpifRX0djkUrJaFzl6gkgzDKjqrHR-zdsf5jEY-AikllTSootSJk0LiNNlNMJQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXMGpaQPPZpQ4I47hRurWL1yF_-Sn_p0APF1i3aOEI3P6nrC3zQLSIYJWRgwWk70oebayyqw3cOU99dvxqDzliRcaPVS4Y0D6-lV5u78rpWRt8MOa7DZym-eyAuyU7VSpifRX0djkUrJaFzl6gkgzDKjqrHR-zdsf5jEY-AikllTSootSJk0LiNNlNMJQ" width="180" /></a></div><br /> We went to the audio section but couldn't find the model that I had wanted, so I asked the staff. They said that they had it just next store in their extension store, 2 buildings down. I was finally able to purchase it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz7Xp8TcRdH8-UAuC8ImKt2gDYBTGiNDP_IhD3rXLemeEiu3dtyJytch1tBv1P3qpKEJHL_q-gXZGeEli4_3XkHIvx_TJTO4clbs_uwAWFQ_EUgSAk14T3ZaBwLZ9UjeDWozMJ2n18hLu3WQN89UtmIvhRHUoLSZA6QEM8QC7TMwJp5w7GstUBkYpwWt4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2963" data-original-width="3951" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz7Xp8TcRdH8-UAuC8ImKt2gDYBTGiNDP_IhD3rXLemeEiu3dtyJytch1tBv1P3qpKEJHL_q-gXZGeEli4_3XkHIvx_TJTO4clbs_uwAWFQ_EUgSAk14T3ZaBwLZ9UjeDWozMJ2n18hLu3WQN89UtmIvhRHUoLSZA6QEM8QC7TMwJp5w7GstUBkYpwWt4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX3GANb8TrIcXLO1cEKztlE34plaNQ7tn6oeyXOhdBP7AkfcqKhrTlS44MWo7uK2UB75suQ_1vSwOjdks-HNfNe594tx8GdsHba4Gx2GMC8kTfRc54UtwFacxBj4JY-G5sSgw_LeZKqwfBD4_jlE9R9HOwEMgmmLbgiNzENXdzOZfw96yXz5kYlcPvkmM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX3GANb8TrIcXLO1cEKztlE34plaNQ7tn6oeyXOhdBP7AkfcqKhrTlS44MWo7uK2UB75suQ_1vSwOjdks-HNfNe594tx8GdsHba4Gx2GMC8kTfRc54UtwFacxBj4JY-G5sSgw_LeZKqwfBD4_jlE9R9HOwEMgmmLbgiNzENXdzOZfw96yXz5kYlcPvkmM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikKDZY9bU8UTjLfY9x0GQwWoIb2sJ3mRV8UlAPRyPEcfKYKgJmDkTatgW2XNwxK6vNKm6TAdfGYn3s2HTJR7wtuELn9PMYWSueJ75miOvbRbU8J5-a2nostJ90BOTalTNpFEXRC4V3masG_FBIpZ_Ils-MSGbBjpZ7_GxRDDvt9XQkueuER1OEsAF1cUM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikKDZY9bU8UTjLfY9x0GQwWoIb2sJ3mRV8UlAPRyPEcfKYKgJmDkTatgW2XNwxK6vNKm6TAdfGYn3s2HTJR7wtuELn9PMYWSueJ75miOvbRbU8J5-a2nostJ90BOTalTNpFEXRC4V3masG_FBIpZ_Ils-MSGbBjpZ7_GxRDDvt9XQkueuER1OEsAF1cUM" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div> Miles departed the next day without issue. It was a smooth and easy process.</div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-27275670510979916452023-07-02T20:04:00.002-07:002023-07-02T20:15:20.338-07:00Japan 6.8: Walking around Tsuwano and our time in Hagi. <p> I came down from the chapel in the forest and walked along the main street. There was a building and a parking lot decorated in the design of a heron. I only think it is this type of bird because when I looked up the town, it turns out that they have a festival based around the heron.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_Cxz_cLRqJB6mRoIwuDDdgDuwExLo6YqEtdMkrbuScmof6CXIazN27bIRD9CmoSTFVPNIHeenjiKw9pn98nWoT6BWwGT5RU-3rQNWpRihXB04Owahpuk_LdtREo2ngbDvOZKfsZCGcF7pgGogtuXugJoAmy9bf4UwLb6dPLsL6ViT4nblEQtY752jgzI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6196" data-original-width="9423" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_Cxz_cLRqJB6mRoIwuDDdgDuwExLo6YqEtdMkrbuScmof6CXIazN27bIRD9CmoSTFVPNIHeenjiKw9pn98nWoT6BWwGT5RU-3rQNWpRihXB04Owahpuk_LdtREo2ngbDvOZKfsZCGcF7pgGogtuXugJoAmy9bf4UwLb6dPLsL6ViT4nblEQtY752jgzI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I passed the Tsuwano Catholic Church, which had a uniquely ornate front. The street was lined with a small waterway filled with massive koi fish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLL5_tR3ZDBS9ETUDtw4tHDNPvcf7EJuLsTKe4Qt2cLMNMI30r2qAHgsbz6422pE3pNF-Ysm5dJ5ap_0zpQGii5miCrshfyKxcyYiNN_mzkVVoqXIeu8sD-iti83C2OSqYUWmkraHMNcDw9sXKWn2j1PwbrZ70_uAZvJwkbUz0KhSBnl3TkRg0y1n1pDM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6272" data-original-width="9538" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLL5_tR3ZDBS9ETUDtw4tHDNPvcf7EJuLsTKe4Qt2cLMNMI30r2qAHgsbz6422pE3pNF-Ysm5dJ5ap_0zpQGii5miCrshfyKxcyYiNN_mzkVVoqXIeu8sD-iti83C2OSqYUWmkraHMNcDw9sXKWn2j1PwbrZ70_uAZvJwkbUz0KhSBnl3TkRg0y1n1pDM" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8KhI7wraORIqiM444vKDQ55c2CJGj2qX8A-gbgG8Hb7s2o55p06ZYEKmHcDawaWpq54cWMfa3qHvAZN-cIVhgVftv7o-hzjVgB_Ajp-T0_RkAS3kZsjZ9Ezr6lQtTXxZJCKvUhIvdDxXeam9VTfN7AkdH9GBBvEXxZ7Dkvf-qq-m43kDS_Rl6EFYfQTs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6253" data-original-width="9380" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8KhI7wraORIqiM444vKDQ55c2CJGj2qX8A-gbgG8Hb7s2o55p06ZYEKmHcDawaWpq54cWMfa3qHvAZN-cIVhgVftv7o-hzjVgB_Ajp-T0_RkAS3kZsjZ9Ezr6lQtTXxZJCKvUhIvdDxXeam9VTfN7AkdH9GBBvEXxZ7Dkvf-qq-m43kDS_Rl6EFYfQTs" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwzXgQNKe7fTsSRakeLXurpLxwEfVoVNXIk7Ql3SP6aagqkMflRBafOfxLJrURPFlg6g5PUrE-8ssimDP4eQlW10ctnDjiRFccMk2EIHpIvIwb3Sxpaa0E3M9H7_6jQSRZCCekweFzn75Yf37ianaAMnSHfLfxRxx3mh8wee7VzNck1-1NuLLFcOP96_g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwzXgQNKe7fTsSRakeLXurpLxwEfVoVNXIk7Ql3SP6aagqkMflRBafOfxLJrURPFlg6g5PUrE-8ssimDP4eQlW10ctnDjiRFccMk2EIHpIvIwb3Sxpaa0E3M9H7_6jQSRZCCekweFzn75Yf37ianaAMnSHfLfxRxx3mh8wee7VzNck1-1NuLLFcOP96_g" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLX0c1KSjMh7m_t5aXqq8-wvgR8YLNQLKOv7q0zLADj68w5mCuWY1qqGPYgcdKtGOXLrkJV0EoSMFPQ6OAsa6gLXPgK5dYUuAzz3UcIFNRHNgUxNWMYbsxpFGvzZd7glAIUI3esY_H_n5tsIeYnEGvoqPpujlfdUdJ8czuOSR109QpRhhK3zz8X96tS0k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLX0c1KSjMh7m_t5aXqq8-wvgR8YLNQLKOv7q0zLADj68w5mCuWY1qqGPYgcdKtGOXLrkJV0EoSMFPQ6OAsa6gLXPgK5dYUuAzz3UcIFNRHNgUxNWMYbsxpFGvzZd7glAIUI3esY_H_n5tsIeYnEGvoqPpujlfdUdJ8czuOSR109QpRhhK3zz8X96tS0k" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfIZAf98gITamTMMNI_xRz4CuhdYSs1G0EycGB9QR8Nw_uFe4DYkoa0q_CtMCifz5bOwGCDE4Ks4wMQIKTgC7A89vO2tHHulrd1AFSTnRdoYzoTBcv8gghxqX7vE9Uj5qYZjBEBug4eNkyJBSi2_mFnxb_v6z80XMtDoPD7H8xU93Ry7rAj5vLId-doHU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfIZAf98gITamTMMNI_xRz4CuhdYSs1G0EycGB9QR8Nw_uFe4DYkoa0q_CtMCifz5bOwGCDE4Ks4wMQIKTgC7A89vO2tHHulrd1AFSTnRdoYzoTBcv8gghxqX7vE9Uj5qYZjBEBug4eNkyJBSi2_mFnxb_v6z80XMtDoPD7H8xU93Ry7rAj5vLId-doHU" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQxy3Wr8Jq2UxzGrfIaxVctfUxeDjwNHt5D5gpT0-7ffBW9puy5qz8p-1RMY7qskAyr8xQcKwkQ3m9ZVN5Z27Kp3mJTAwr5zKG7j58KU6wFQrxtaeTNz4EaOlaupUmYTKxNECg94cYKp9q1gTXaCZd7p9Mq_qLrxyz2_VsTyztl5GSgIpLiYe7oUGqOf0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6230" data-original-width="9343" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQxy3Wr8Jq2UxzGrfIaxVctfUxeDjwNHt5D5gpT0-7ffBW9puy5qz8p-1RMY7qskAyr8xQcKwkQ3m9ZVN5Z27Kp3mJTAwr5zKG7j58KU6wFQrxtaeTNz4EaOlaupUmYTKxNECg94cYKp9q1gTXaCZd7p9Mq_qLrxyz2_VsTyztl5GSgIpLiYe7oUGqOf0" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The last stop of the day was the Yomeiji Temple. There was a surprising amount to explore. The back had a beautiful garden and koi pond. There were many rooms with beautiful artwork.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZomjnyA3dE_VqIOQuxnNjzsLif3UxYdSJnWCA-62RKVuPxrMJC0dPacL6gjlwbbbynMKZlKxTG5FH0FmLvlys_QiY_mJBxxMOo3R9dDEeVZJd8FPup7taYEJwQm-5-AZKsY8Jv8V51LngKyrpvDXaCuFf2CYnoNM__4iww_24QFXn5A2crYocGsYQ2uc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6052" data-original-width="9204" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZomjnyA3dE_VqIOQuxnNjzsLif3UxYdSJnWCA-62RKVuPxrMJC0dPacL6gjlwbbbynMKZlKxTG5FH0FmLvlys_QiY_mJBxxMOo3R9dDEeVZJd8FPup7taYEJwQm-5-AZKsY8Jv8V51LngKyrpvDXaCuFf2CYnoNM__4iww_24QFXn5A2crYocGsYQ2uc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil-uc_rbPzzFJqLzNr2HElahUp9qOwqrflQAc2WBaY46df75AZK23OzUH0aEebgL5nw-yLrHKYmS3ftF37AmIg5opswulID9mlLlbLqso8RazkxszsPGF8drLzQXtWXquWpijXUt-7UrI7Ouo4BPzCWvkF8vrSFvtKDr3u76gXzSBRKjGVzjeSAPf9O-E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9645" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil-uc_rbPzzFJqLzNr2HElahUp9qOwqrflQAc2WBaY46df75AZK23OzUH0aEebgL5nw-yLrHKYmS3ftF37AmIg5opswulID9mlLlbLqso8RazkxszsPGF8drLzQXtWXquWpijXUt-7UrI7Ouo4BPzCWvkF8vrSFvtKDr3u76gXzSBRKjGVzjeSAPf9O-E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixOQUGiDtQGevAQpFQ9ZKy-zMGebiu9JcnoSiSZ3dmzIn9qbkzXVr6LuOv_IMzUgOLMNE8sahn6zYZRsCd9QqWVB3pvYkkGZl00fBg82HcGZiY_-WHmi1-nVqxJTtWWM5NzAY_yMJrIt7Ndnq2JmJh1j5ll09_a5PjkPXLaX3798cAA4toqf9nYRTd93k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixOQUGiDtQGevAQpFQ9ZKy-zMGebiu9JcnoSiSZ3dmzIn9qbkzXVr6LuOv_IMzUgOLMNE8sahn6zYZRsCd9QqWVB3pvYkkGZl00fBg82HcGZiY_-WHmi1-nVqxJTtWWM5NzAY_yMJrIt7Ndnq2JmJh1j5ll09_a5PjkPXLaX3798cAA4toqf9nYRTd93k" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNlxrH3k8UCa8EOs7YR7_IWuETMFKY1sK-IgChOjxIH2ZXynd8hsFtDq98v8OOhFEEvVQSYZYvfQENqKNDAdU27SRJ_0_-WwVA_-vrAbeiRh8gix_c4qxZklpgfPqAOWMWdDLppw5IuMV7o9TQhS36Tnzneb9pQFJIDr-9rj-A7RXfhJALeVAzr5jMqzo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6315" data-original-width="9604" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNlxrH3k8UCa8EOs7YR7_IWuETMFKY1sK-IgChOjxIH2ZXynd8hsFtDq98v8OOhFEEvVQSYZYvfQENqKNDAdU27SRJ_0_-WwVA_-vrAbeiRh8gix_c4qxZklpgfPqAOWMWdDLppw5IuMV7o9TQhS36Tnzneb9pQFJIDr-9rj-A7RXfhJALeVAzr5jMqzo" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRB856lyuLbAKH-VBr5fT5420jOTciiDYwl-P0buj7tWQK06Ig2KZJEAM-knqOLCMR3uD4iMpgYTuDSwumrXIEEFmz3-gSuKmkVvGftwmaDnW2QptNTrr23jlDVzBc6BdD2L5fRoH40HeXjT_lq-73LUZ4XYlw28W3x9dV6J-urou0XGbrxKJNks1VTD8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRB856lyuLbAKH-VBr5fT5420jOTciiDYwl-P0buj7tWQK06Ig2KZJEAM-knqOLCMR3uD4iMpgYTuDSwumrXIEEFmz3-gSuKmkVvGftwmaDnW2QptNTrr23jlDVzBc6BdD2L5fRoH40HeXjT_lq-73LUZ4XYlw28W3x9dV6J-urou0XGbrxKJNks1VTD8" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As usual, this town had a cute design on the ground.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc2c-w_tDynrM0XUkVYtIbWtil-JBwGh45gwjbx5Zy4vx9x9PG2CRWyuQceHa1ZhTeoHTUpJPowYyuTTwBW-ZwSdSkAVCL5kigthTm1yRahEC9Hd2B6wO8_gfkuAiCjYRjQ6z2fDb5lhuHL3s0JmDy9Ij6qcvvG5U8805W8bpGMCTbcrut_L0_oqocb9M" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc2c-w_tDynrM0XUkVYtIbWtil-JBwGh45gwjbx5Zy4vx9x9PG2CRWyuQceHa1ZhTeoHTUpJPowYyuTTwBW-ZwSdSkAVCL5kigthTm1yRahEC9Hd2B6wO8_gfkuAiCjYRjQ6z2fDb5lhuHL3s0JmDy9Ij6qcvvG5U8805W8bpGMCTbcrut_L0_oqocb9M" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In someone's car window, Studio Ghibli plushies.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Our hotel was beautiful on both the outside and inside. The room was standard Japanese style fare.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLpmUPGvfZ2L2vGrhr8a9-hFEfhWoGNo3vtRSDbalD20K7a89S1vN7jF3vNzjm9cSZDe86bO0fzOD1yc0WSRM206DpDieOeH1MtRHAoAOLan4DQLN7splKuauZejvRncXcqQW3p8gdVZwfmObHFUGCurfcdcCM4iI-Rd7Io5jTd6dSrcs6swPsH-ovvlI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLpmUPGvfZ2L2vGrhr8a9-hFEfhWoGNo3vtRSDbalD20K7a89S1vN7jF3vNzjm9cSZDe86bO0fzOD1yc0WSRM206DpDieOeH1MtRHAoAOLan4DQLN7splKuauZejvRncXcqQW3p8gdVZwfmObHFUGCurfcdcCM4iI-Rd7Io5jTd6dSrcs6swPsH-ovvlI" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We had to drive to Hagi, but we would have gotten there way before 3:00 checkin. I came up with three places to visit along the way. Unfortunately, outside of one phone picture and one camera picture, I accidentally deleted the rest. The days in Hagi were mostly lazy and I somehow confused time periods of pictures that had been sorted and those that hadn't.<p></p><p> We drove to Uniriji(Cat Temple). There were decorative cats hanging from the ceiling, along the outside wall of the temple, and along the woodwork of the gong. I picked up various charms and trinkets from the gift shop. The worker was very friendly and gave us tea bottles for free. I insisted that this was not necessary but eventually I had to relent to be polite. I don't drink tea.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyLUXK6ocEWXSoKVf6Aoil3WN4k1q7Bbzbj4Te_rub9rq91Zbcu21-WXUxJH7ey_4259eKSdxRfniYGgg9ewFLolbIKtw92h12W1KLU3aeXsamhynN0_5QmcpB93sHX9rlQ5YQBPjA9XgWet8c_t2Rh_bV73opeBWPFGmdtHibqGjHC1JtnBMv_Ug-ibA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1238" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyLUXK6ocEWXSoKVf6Aoil3WN4k1q7Bbzbj4Te_rub9rq91Zbcu21-WXUxJH7ey_4259eKSdxRfniYGgg9ewFLolbIKtw92h12W1KLU3aeXsamhynN0_5QmcpB93sHX9rlQ5YQBPjA9XgWet8c_t2Rh_bV73opeBWPFGmdtHibqGjHC1JtnBMv_Ug-ibA" width="180" /></a></div><br /> We arrived at Tatamigafuchi, and we were the only cars in the parking lot. A short walk down steps brought us to a small river with interesting stone columns. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWGqS-jmPyi_bVmj-AHjvyOnHgwCP8WDVcVMrT5ooDtSfMiZuC1bBYKHprBHGjCfDO4YdhfdLHUNYaN5vOGi5JJ_RWwH0KXBWc4LxX7QjpcpGvZEpj5wK5pW1rO_dWPKrcM-HALfxyaoaSQG_aPz1wn7t24wNtfruC7QAlYZ4Ul_2MCpksiKTCtSgz6bU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWGqS-jmPyi_bVmj-AHjvyOnHgwCP8WDVcVMrT5ooDtSfMiZuC1bBYKHprBHGjCfDO4YdhfdLHUNYaN5vOGi5JJ_RWwH0KXBWc4LxX7QjpcpGvZEpj5wK5pW1rO_dWPKrcM-HALfxyaoaSQG_aPz1wn7t24wNtfruC7QAlYZ4Ul_2MCpksiKTCtSgz6bU" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The most fun was the Susa Hornfels, a beautiful rock face on a rock beach. The rocks near the water were absolutely filled to the brim with shells and plant growth. After taking pictures which I would subsequently lose, we sat for a while and enjoyed peacefulness.<p></p><p> In Hagi we would have a rental house for four nights. It was two stories and we had our own rooms. Aside from some dinners and a glass blowing expedition, I decided to let Miles just stay home and game, as he has resisted doing activities with me more and more as the trip continued.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Hy4mNBLVBXAIj6zWrv4m3M3nBXKhKDuikrHyzw_y0AVUWjFTVr34ZDUfT7mo6FqAfqab50zyk-ZPAFRJlNomIPT8V5bnzxlerVybud9GQOzqAPrOaoDKtydvLBl01BFUJKRB1rckAIlsE2bpCAGoT1_YTJFINT8uKiqVwgQ3WMZKBjjJu6gSD0dunDo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="2392" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Hy4mNBLVBXAIj6zWrv4m3M3nBXKhKDuikrHyzw_y0AVUWjFTVr34ZDUfT7mo6FqAfqab50zyk-ZPAFRJlNomIPT8V5bnzxlerVybud9GQOzqAPrOaoDKtydvLBl01BFUJKRB1rckAIlsE2bpCAGoT1_YTJFINT8uKiqVwgQ3WMZKBjjJu6gSD0dunDo" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFYlGh7rkoelasQW88iJANQn182vbzVgrBdu4t0ks9-V6XyPpEEM-9djPz9w1E6ID-ELxIhSFzeHqlQUSzfkCbaELKHgjISMCHattAr9fT073WQDArgpYhHI4orUwKiLYk0myHbF3dKxVYwb7c6b1rNMjrE6042pcg53q7uaOob3dIoyE0T6qBIZJpFnI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFYlGh7rkoelasQW88iJANQn182vbzVgrBdu4t0ks9-V6XyPpEEM-9djPz9w1E6ID-ELxIhSFzeHqlQUSzfkCbaELKHgjISMCHattAr9fT073WQDArgpYhHI4orUwKiLYk0myHbF3dKxVYwb7c6b1rNMjrE6042pcg53q7uaOob3dIoyE0T6qBIZJpFnI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLQ9EnLMf0ADVkLU1FvBGZAcZCBdvzc598jBxMHMCCgWrJLpQJVNOvA-S7GFtdZW80wDqDlPvG_CL3CdyGXE1k9Hi_2vzE-mBhyOWWpPI6_0I0WkPu5YwoZ7h2bCzOfeDbo9ZkQCWh3RyG1D4gEcDl2x9Nic-MzTGAmVHGOTWrLOam8OICVq-nV3mSW2U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLQ9EnLMf0ADVkLU1FvBGZAcZCBdvzc598jBxMHMCCgWrJLpQJVNOvA-S7GFtdZW80wDqDlPvG_CL3CdyGXE1k9Hi_2vzE-mBhyOWWpPI6_0I0WkPu5YwoZ7h2bCzOfeDbo9ZkQCWh3RyG1D4gEcDl2x9Nic-MzTGAmVHGOTWrLOam8OICVq-nV3mSW2U" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZtjgfwL6E3KkCPmjcnqgkviN8o6YQ-pFVtYHkX5FE_iA2GoOOdJDOtwoqq1phPiG9zbgMT26ljIKuDE9L1tvZRbjwurTxcG5-kSa9KUwlONDw5chTtCJn6ujgmGBORIcw5eT4x8zZbffum6BJdHzMLc9OTXDKBTslj4aJxuJC6WpSOgD9Z35CEyVIPRs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZtjgfwL6E3KkCPmjcnqgkviN8o6YQ-pFVtYHkX5FE_iA2GoOOdJDOtwoqq1phPiG9zbgMT26ljIKuDE9L1tvZRbjwurTxcG5-kSa9KUwlONDw5chTtCJn6ujgmGBORIcw5eT4x8zZbffum6BJdHzMLc9OTXDKBTslj4aJxuJC6WpSOgD9Z35CEyVIPRs" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We went to dinner together that first night, to an Udon place, one of the very few restaurants that was open past 2:30 PM. I decided to try the curry udon soup. It came with a bowl of scallions, to add as much as you'd like. I ended up getting this curry udon soup every night we were here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIHcsc4vYfzWxHt9P3yL360XqtunCrX9PGw2XWvKQMJXo3VbROhCA2SUW5O7VaU9USMGPhUQCfrGi5fzRCS9EHYjUqVgeC9jWh5uNEx2Cz7iTnalFWnwITl0-DFOPrieOir3S1PQKAXMzvrS77fGynMFKER1nR2HcB7gHx0BjPOVULRGyvgJv2x0PGfPE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIHcsc4vYfzWxHt9P3yL360XqtunCrX9PGw2XWvKQMJXo3VbROhCA2SUW5O7VaU9USMGPhUQCfrGi5fzRCS9EHYjUqVgeC9jWh5uNEx2Cz7iTnalFWnwITl0-DFOPrieOir3S1PQKAXMzvrS77fGynMFKER1nR2HcB7gHx0BjPOVULRGyvgJv2x0PGfPE" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Japan has a seemingly tiny amount of breakfast restaurants, and I could not find a cafe that would open earlier than 10 AM. The seven eleven was directly in front of the city hall, which dwarfed it considerably and so made the setup look strange. I bought some buttered toast with sweet beans, similar to what I had the first few mornings in Tokyo.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY00upr3dV2divg79y4-xH5w1yxFaZnMTpLem6PUD-Oa7qp4OKCKw8QZXAGWrnwI9Fj4inWedXo4ZtRtMUZxrGIziVLt-4BDUKiSkCWfkj3rkPOnWNB2Ofc33RfuhdTV_NL5hbpj7XUMQnpLAV0UhaJXxoLaE5yMhtjbPYz0kK9d-oB4mMMWAm00S9d0s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY00upr3dV2divg79y4-xH5w1yxFaZnMTpLem6PUD-Oa7qp4OKCKw8QZXAGWrnwI9Fj4inWedXo4ZtRtMUZxrGIziVLt-4BDUKiSkCWfkj3rkPOnWNB2Ofc33RfuhdTV_NL5hbpj7XUMQnpLAV0UhaJXxoLaE5yMhtjbPYz0kK9d-oB4mMMWAm00S9d0s" width="180" /></a></div><p> I stayed home for most of the second day, which involved a lot of catch up sleep. The following day we had a 1:00 reservation for Miles to have a glassblowing workshop. Since there was a language barrier, the glassblower mimed and demonstrated what he wanted Miles to do. It wasn't a very long session, and Miles was slightly confused about some of the instructions, but overall he had a good time. We would pick up the resulting glass(which was left in its packaging and has flown home with him since) on the morning that we would leave town.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinPmG4XjE1yceixyfXLOjvbtFlG_ToLnfVa1Evqs56hL33qgsTRuN7zywz_0nH873HSSBdqB-6e5H9_ZcXGsoKfVPD1VzXCUyS2w81fas6p2YOblMm9h3B4T-LoBgyDqJDp0QaSpzbfhlfU1OPguhgYnyI3Tz3bZ5hU2Xo8KtGHgCcVgeux-fXR4nnPdU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinPmG4XjE1yceixyfXLOjvbtFlG_ToLnfVa1Evqs56hL33qgsTRuN7zywz_0nH873HSSBdqB-6e5H9_ZcXGsoKfVPD1VzXCUyS2w81fas6p2YOblMm9h3B4T-LoBgyDqJDp0QaSpzbfhlfU1OPguhgYnyI3Tz3bZ5hU2Xo8KtGHgCcVgeux-fXR4nnPdU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigKBGR7hPJZq9D1TVMmUhMQPCjzFK8sZkBhLPWOMhrKrXIpD6kNyRmRR84Rb-jNLuSyp7-9gGo6TEbi18qsjeWQI2KyfnxwqrlKuhEGHwO178cgUgEsfyLww_3tyy9pOcolKstY7MEykEh6u3Pa-9Q2MaHHivOiPFSMJL8ZzqliO2P7XIPKUD24CmiCOA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="2430" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigKBGR7hPJZq9D1TVMmUhMQPCjzFK8sZkBhLPWOMhrKrXIpD6kNyRmRR84Rb-jNLuSyp7-9gGo6TEbi18qsjeWQI2KyfnxwqrlKuhEGHwO178cgUgEsfyLww_3tyy9pOcolKstY7MEykEh6u3Pa-9Q2MaHHivOiPFSMJL8ZzqliO2P7XIPKUD24CmiCOA" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6lrxuGTx7QLV7o40nGCJ47m2lGOK-vYv0k0thkFoOfACNZzgcCX7QkfdTR7EISeeLI6YdiOSRZ7ICJuzN_DOCyVAQbRaawJhsKURMt0ySutMZGN0k_3cIzU05PTqLouvCvEat3DU85f3HJpv6jsx-AZ4IvyveCQ_rrgmgF7pmZ5IgVHYbw5FIkvDwIRk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3184" data-original-width="2388" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6lrxuGTx7QLV7o40nGCJ47m2lGOK-vYv0k0thkFoOfACNZzgcCX7QkfdTR7EISeeLI6YdiOSRZ7ICJuzN_DOCyVAQbRaawJhsKURMt0ySutMZGN0k_3cIzU05PTqLouvCvEat3DU85f3HJpv6jsx-AZ4IvyveCQ_rrgmgF7pmZ5IgVHYbw5FIkvDwIRk" width="180" /></a></div><br /> After dropping Miles off at the apartment, I set out west to wander through the town streets, with the eventual aim of reaching Mount Shizukiyama and the town's castle ruins. The first interesting place I came across was this shop. I was unable to find a corresponding spot on google maps, but it was certainly interesting looking. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtqJXA0eJNzHVaftJa6pMNTvBVIDiEaP1KbQG7yYd2kIzILLKzw-FuUDRcBWguWP_XVV5QvSYrzOV3ncLQfDGI9TC3dHsmMMyOatX6vNrCdT3UGxZ8kT4UqoOoTbuRJLeyfgSjtuWA4E58AytPKhkXclSGDiVtTRuamFkeagZVIiRJRPQl2wKtwZedxKM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5628" data-original-width="8559" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtqJXA0eJNzHVaftJa6pMNTvBVIDiEaP1KbQG7yYd2kIzILLKzw-FuUDRcBWguWP_XVV5QvSYrzOV3ncLQfDGI9TC3dHsmMMyOatX6vNrCdT3UGxZ8kT4UqoOoTbuRJLeyfgSjtuWA4E58AytPKhkXclSGDiVtTRuamFkeagZVIiRJRPQl2wKtwZedxKM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ6qTommixYvTegEauA4AKn6nteCDAw7sBNHeoovDavsK9u1Jcz2eHedtn65EdCa_HlJTMRX4KZC_1CFEedvYXWD-6NcksnU_pDJsSlJaP1vMbzA17SJLYfEEWGTdfPvY7Oz376i3yj5W_vAuDAMCEgoVw85vzxSFgXBAozRCfEuiAzVrt0fn0d_sBcMI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3943" data-original-width="2957" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ6qTommixYvTegEauA4AKn6nteCDAw7sBNHeoovDavsK9u1Jcz2eHedtn65EdCa_HlJTMRX4KZC_1CFEedvYXWD-6NcksnU_pDJsSlJaP1vMbzA17SJLYfEEWGTdfPvY7Oz376i3yj5W_vAuDAMCEgoVw85vzxSFgXBAozRCfEuiAzVrt0fn0d_sBcMI" width="180" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3qTzxCb0XiNgPXyn4gpnxlomn3B7KJ7MQYDUeBun1sriyWCSHsTstBNStvgsRccDNJ8SqgsyjE04GJ4MGg9AuKc6G3ksargOMqdZN8cvvDu94mWxA7cg1cCAyBeSga5xHCbhe6YJ4IHGZhBrZdJBw9HOOMkaxlN2AU8UD85xllrINIMp_IjIgETKY-XU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5814" data-original-width="8842" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3qTzxCb0XiNgPXyn4gpnxlomn3B7KJ7MQYDUeBun1sriyWCSHsTstBNStvgsRccDNJ8SqgsyjE04GJ4MGg9AuKc6G3ksargOMqdZN8cvvDu94mWxA7cg1cCAyBeSga5xHCbhe6YJ4IHGZhBrZdJBw9HOOMkaxlN2AU8UD85xllrINIMp_IjIgETKY-XU" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPHfY0CU3gFzWtgQeWuKbfC3TpC9x6F7zIGsIcIrqmBA8W0H9IGBa-2rX7UbckPt1eEl6qajOxaz5_FBlowR-ZFND2HX21GbM1tKOONegWqbWsEgmZmmjX-qU_SFQVQemTJAESQRTFz0UsmhykNsFZe_yZtQWcooWpqvupSfIYKYwman1dizqo1AdCuuo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="2989" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPHfY0CU3gFzWtgQeWuKbfC3TpC9x6F7zIGsIcIrqmBA8W0H9IGBa-2rX7UbckPt1eEl6qajOxaz5_FBlowR-ZFND2HX21GbM1tKOONegWqbWsEgmZmmjX-qU_SFQVQemTJAESQRTFz0UsmhykNsFZe_yZtQWcooWpqvupSfIYKYwman1dizqo1AdCuuo" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat sleeping on the air conditioning unit.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWzLmG822klnngd0XoiG4I2dm8VjAmME_V3JlHLPHBS_TKweA7upzkzStQR_CT3te1YIA-LPAEyg7mZMQ1ykS4gic_XlfG41XpigkqWVCc87_m6PzpetbQO31Y378pu3CDqE8URNX_AKXMCHW--SBt_yRRnzBpduSzLXBKO8jeXffrLBLuJZxYylegRio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWzLmG822klnngd0XoiG4I2dm8VjAmME_V3JlHLPHBS_TKweA7upzkzStQR_CT3te1YIA-LPAEyg7mZMQ1ykS4gic_XlfG41XpigkqWVCc87_m6PzpetbQO31Y378pu3CDqE8URNX_AKXMCHW--SBt_yRRnzBpduSzLXBKO8jeXffrLBLuJZxYylegRio" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMIcp-cYJLCW9NC9Dhq3Ub06oxlVcde_OEQ6Q1OF8a95xT22tskqdCJZ80vfcZL1ixR5qDpW2YZkaz92ePjzVPDiwTC22aGWTxiItd9mAYulWt1DoYmK40yaY3VzS_RrUh92nspSBq1VIxnIBUcsWF-PIsq3bV4B1u3eR0f9mnP8fWhOUnJgSz1Q8QExo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMIcp-cYJLCW9NC9Dhq3Ub06oxlVcde_OEQ6Q1OF8a95xT22tskqdCJZ80vfcZL1ixR5qDpW2YZkaz92ePjzVPDiwTC22aGWTxiItd9mAYulWt1DoYmK40yaY3VzS_RrUh92nspSBq1VIxnIBUcsWF-PIsq3bV4B1u3eR0f9mnP8fWhOUnJgSz1Q8QExo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuS_zinBKX5idwL3KCYuN43OqIDNHrIXDmcI9Xw4FTGIs9IO3lkvj9ibLIwk_7HZVJhuLKe7wATnLrPMMOYrCgo7QVpWd2Yk9fRlCaNEj_dmd2M0J4ff_X9k-wir3UwWzA4h9V7BWze0FwX79i-oIZ5l8TXDEa4sWb9z7ivFsDP_hCY7jHOLtrgaiX6qw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3236" data-original-width="4885" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuS_zinBKX5idwL3KCYuN43OqIDNHrIXDmcI9Xw4FTGIs9IO3lkvj9ibLIwk_7HZVJhuLKe7wATnLrPMMOYrCgo7QVpWd2Yk9fRlCaNEj_dmd2M0J4ff_X9k-wir3UwWzA4h9V7BWze0FwX79i-oIZ5l8TXDEa4sWb9z7ivFsDP_hCY7jHOLtrgaiX6qw" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I visited a sculpture park but there really wasn't much to see, so I sidestepped into the grounds below the mountain and began my ascent. It was extremely, extremely buggy. I pushed through and reached the top, which had beautiful views from three sides.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifEBgDcu-_r03AwOURSU7el1joSDh3ujrHHF61TWYYfs_x6Nf6YY1GONa80woLBqibHruHcc-bxxRmg4XqJnbQYQE6z2GY4bbZz36lEKW-QSxC5Cv1d1c9sVfgH2dEKoFtAi5CceDKcrAbGXFX48fY9VQbapnzdJc3Ssaskf0Q8JQxjceJmIFD_Nu2BJ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6115" data-original-width="9192" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifEBgDcu-_r03AwOURSU7el1joSDh3ujrHHF61TWYYfs_x6Nf6YY1GONa80woLBqibHruHcc-bxxRmg4XqJnbQYQE6z2GY4bbZz36lEKW-QSxC5Cv1d1c9sVfgH2dEKoFtAi5CceDKcrAbGXFX48fY9VQbapnzdJc3Ssaskf0Q8JQxjceJmIFD_Nu2BJ4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF1SREQZepDCpSoZONDdvAoxY1K5-DavVhE6_n3fnJzUoWjzgKx5gKOgaxmNOpNeGcbcfy_O1yNhgys_xnoL3qiyrTkU7n2Lv5TlMGr4S4T1n-Xo70Tkp-gWRm7ufgyFx7J9y7wKF7Sz0eJzw7pu-P2iLNh7XPTVX30NWufA0clCHRsZ9lwn_IrNxq6O8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6267" data-original-width="9421" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF1SREQZepDCpSoZONDdvAoxY1K5-DavVhE6_n3fnJzUoWjzgKx5gKOgaxmNOpNeGcbcfy_O1yNhgys_xnoL3qiyrTkU7n2Lv5TlMGr4S4T1n-Xo70Tkp-gWRm7ufgyFx7J9y7wKF7Sz0eJzw7pu-P2iLNh7XPTVX30NWufA0clCHRsZ9lwn_IrNxq6O8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMBLnMjZP2Z7RhNt32KSwe4wCASGyJDBJUwRQaxYePSvgjARTQO5FTLUyXfmGid1LHiQRvJnYw2urzn5wLeoEt40Pphi8sXkhPt3LbRX5hF8b3tSpyNRiR1erRAtS_xnlcHUXBUaDvqbgGPsyAUdXoEQEGgKY41qCFU_qY_DTZ1b7EuIWBJIVycUIJkgk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMBLnMjZP2Z7RhNt32KSwe4wCASGyJDBJUwRQaxYePSvgjARTQO5FTLUyXfmGid1LHiQRvJnYw2urzn5wLeoEt40Pphi8sXkhPt3LbRX5hF8b3tSpyNRiR1erRAtS_xnlcHUXBUaDvqbgGPsyAUdXoEQEGgKY41qCFU_qY_DTZ1b7EuIWBJIVycUIJkgk" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyRNANxUY0-LE2SR-EmwXppReTcOPtNBlzNjRXvkZ-R0aL_2MTGxr0BQ95rLk6bKHYIYwcTDzrfZZAIwsZgQtq_7kkdOiSqF545q0P7ufMJikshc7rUXMdeQjqVTRQPTj7qymyf5TKfRMl4pTp6u4IjyR02pxwwjGPvQ_Ft5ujUrGDwjRTuemB0UfuQHQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8525" data-original-width="11367" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyRNANxUY0-LE2SR-EmwXppReTcOPtNBlzNjRXvkZ-R0aL_2MTGxr0BQ95rLk6bKHYIYwcTDzrfZZAIwsZgQtq_7kkdOiSqF545q0P7ufMJikshc7rUXMdeQjqVTRQPTj7qymyf5TKfRMl4pTp6u4IjyR02pxwwjGPvQ_Ft5ujUrGDwjRTuemB0UfuQHQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVqBOiWHivOxH5NzborfGcABkYVV_YZLFQOW83dPfuV3IHEV55nvO9oeBnNFwNru3C4WxfHSXEyvyH8i_GYBw8mdbOgK4q7QToi32SGttz5HWRYsPZorRsyZyR3j8CFjIN11aeMKaxJNXbvveKnhYJUvHmvkuBnV77qlWM7ywvHFexn4lsMXsaJ7do8EY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="3896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVqBOiWHivOxH5NzborfGcABkYVV_YZLFQOW83dPfuV3IHEV55nvO9oeBnNFwNru3C4WxfHSXEyvyH8i_GYBw8mdbOgK4q7QToi32SGttz5HWRYsPZorRsyZyR3j8CFjIN11aeMKaxJNXbvveKnhYJUvHmvkuBnV77qlWM7ywvHFexn4lsMXsaJ7do8EY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I took a different random route back, passing beautiful houses and walls. I peaked into some if the pottery shops, which the town was known for. I ended up at an ice cream store that I had bookmarked previously, though this was not on purpose. There was a large group of elderly Australians here with a guide. It was ice cream on top of a flavored jelly. I picked one with a name sounding the least familiar. I believe it ended up being orange soda flavored and was kind of gross to be honest. The ice cream itself was good.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZh2VnI2QlsVo9qc0mgmnc4Q5__qN0ls4suVIiZVLQ0tY2u02dN5rDlreyTN9VGCBgIx3HIrIZpcnItgKmOcu5v7YldikM4qKWOCtUeTBt0mCZLZs_hVmj9k_nk1PrLQd-K6GJ2dVXrbYoh1Z0afY36EWCNBhu6bmBBo51011MdLOmfwcGBzxrLcEyEWE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZh2VnI2QlsVo9qc0mgmnc4Q5__qN0ls4suVIiZVLQ0tY2u02dN5rDlreyTN9VGCBgIx3HIrIZpcnItgKmOcu5v7YldikM4qKWOCtUeTBt0mCZLZs_hVmj9k_nk1PrLQd-K6GJ2dVXrbYoh1Z0afY36EWCNBhu6bmBBo51011MdLOmfwcGBzxrLcEyEWE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5biu3B3hoM1_vzEBJbVDlbFlx3HxZ1RiwQt3NSQNDBxf4iIfH2mNsSJ4oJKeSZvxASzV2tf1DCivGJlfaHaaQ9HQDV1uCt_Vg_TNbegnSEP1b_NJci8-ca9z6tLvuHliF5GZbfOB2ZmB-KFs-b47XPrhVJ5eRsI6IoJokuxs4vd-Zd2h_stzSJEg37W4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5biu3B3hoM1_vzEBJbVDlbFlx3HxZ1RiwQt3NSQNDBxf4iIfH2mNsSJ4oJKeSZvxASzV2tf1DCivGJlfaHaaQ9HQDV1uCt_Vg_TNbegnSEP1b_NJci8-ca9z6tLvuHliF5GZbfOB2ZmB-KFs-b47XPrhVJ5eRsI6IoJokuxs4vd-Zd2h_stzSJEg37W4" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidjwfdksk2gFdeP-SvwouhIMfWGLy8z1F9nD1o_gfjbO5K9aOjuG-XTWmzuq4-etpm6ymktqyf1c-mh8D_DBESSIbbys_NHAhKjl7Wyegiappr5fhXJa-xPyc1o_6BOOa9YMH9z7OF8iC7yqTArqbMZUqmL5bRRCw3MhR26Buw65S07_2KPaQ-m0HojwU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9398" data-original-width="6252" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidjwfdksk2gFdeP-SvwouhIMfWGLy8z1F9nD1o_gfjbO5K9aOjuG-XTWmzuq4-etpm6ymktqyf1c-mh8D_DBESSIbbys_NHAhKjl7Wyegiappr5fhXJa-xPyc1o_6BOOa9YMH9z7OF8iC7yqTArqbMZUqmL5bRRCw3MhR26Buw65S07_2KPaQ-m0HojwU" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEityEN0Q6m1Z3GG1v-bXedG0I0LmwrErpsNmh-8ugI_EdXxis9cson8YXlFFVTRS4Df20eitb0_wFwck01yf0bfvCk2Wgp8jttNhLk_uOzozqDkf5tX9kW7aMpmEPTN1u5zHwTzLeNnS8qGPUkJYGLfZj_ckNYC9yag3jWTFd8xeY5CJzWV1fhhtu4OLik" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6190" data-original-width="9343" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEityEN0Q6m1Z3GG1v-bXedG0I0LmwrErpsNmh-8ugI_EdXxis9cson8YXlFFVTRS4Df20eitb0_wFwck01yf0bfvCk2Wgp8jttNhLk_uOzozqDkf5tX9kW7aMpmEPTN1u5zHwTzLeNnS8qGPUkJYGLfZj_ckNYC9yag3jWTFd8xeY5CJzWV1fhhtu4OLik" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrBKx4b49nePosuvaS-2nBrDO0w8x_UkMlQiT0xVO2i94jR4ERn2saVUtmXNLT7_Ce2WK6-R9lJhmHroL1j3cT6t9UZFzhzsE0GChwqIhsnEkry1H31BnL50DsPlZ0CR_HAGrhgACMOifYcd0M7VgMujLdFPrCP8JJaAhNlbhugPWaigkPozopI-xkn2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrBKx4b49nePosuvaS-2nBrDO0w8x_UkMlQiT0xVO2i94jR4ERn2saVUtmXNLT7_Ce2WK6-R9lJhmHroL1j3cT6t9UZFzhzsE0GChwqIhsnEkry1H31BnL50DsPlZ0CR_HAGrhgACMOifYcd0M7VgMujLdFPrCP8JJaAhNlbhugPWaigkPozopI-xkn2A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhojuFmn4uut3pgfHLKgtTfTr4tdYmKBPcqD5guji2nPYN5jvWUMNn50ojAM5mBx8GyVbuoRanH7L0vHINQPII5La2KwG9v-cFLU8oTfATOvcz5Wq4glXtfy6CLRwVbKpixf9eXplyGUOPA1cWsb4D92auc1nW7Nz9jfO23LOS-LAm14-Fr8Kq5Y65S9Vs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhojuFmn4uut3pgfHLKgtTfTr4tdYmKBPcqD5guji2nPYN5jvWUMNn50ojAM5mBx8GyVbuoRanH7L0vHINQPII5La2KwG9v-cFLU8oTfATOvcz5Wq4glXtfy6CLRwVbKpixf9eXplyGUOPA1cWsb4D92auc1nW7Nz9jfO23LOS-LAm14-Fr8Kq5Y65S9Vs" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p> The last day in town had pouring rain for the vast majority of the day. The thunder was so bad that the house shook once and since I was on the second floor, above Miles, he had thought that I had fallen. When it looked to be mostly clear, I grabbed an umbrella, went out to eat, and then stopped at the Hagi Uragami Museum. The staff was extremely friendly and I do not believe I saw another patron anywhere while walking around. It was small, but one room in particular had striking and original pieces.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQhWEjSDT0yR7b_3GaJlGshBzbUGjZGd3S033toyFwHBLEbfwkFLg_7gqX1LVzO9GJ6Wo455_-4w7Bs9rDNsX_1vrj8PXAxJ-OE-euGRYAZpjx2SHU1pMytwUPhdnRT4xJgR9IQHN7JQknQpinVqwx59x6lvneYBV0NM7TV5DizWTiPdto7o8KZvY9C_g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQhWEjSDT0yR7b_3GaJlGshBzbUGjZGd3S033toyFwHBLEbfwkFLg_7gqX1LVzO9GJ6Wo455_-4w7Bs9rDNsX_1vrj8PXAxJ-OE-euGRYAZpjx2SHU1pMytwUPhdnRT4xJgR9IQHN7JQknQpinVqwx59x6lvneYBV0NM7TV5DizWTiPdto7o8KZvY9C_g" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSqHBU2hjG8DiQRDuQE9rJxabORfhtiSLIOi_Ge_VZ4CZDm7HoUWsWexck1HCnVu0ybZQhchCbOvjraXiRM_swSQ4hLNkwf6W8LKubt6zuqQliM0FbYQErqYvFF3PxVMOpVLQZmpz8kwklLqp3sY1r5QVDsbukdeKgoNU3KiymxEdTbfSNk7WLBhr6KRk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSqHBU2hjG8DiQRDuQE9rJxabORfhtiSLIOi_Ge_VZ4CZDm7HoUWsWexck1HCnVu0ybZQhchCbOvjraXiRM_swSQ4hLNkwf6W8LKubt6zuqQliM0FbYQErqYvFF3PxVMOpVLQZmpz8kwklLqp3sY1r5QVDsbukdeKgoNU3KiymxEdTbfSNk7WLBhr6KRk" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpW-b5i_7PUmUaWtLDJpVmAhXjAGYhEZB088GLC_Q1vGwJ3Ws205rZ0_SJpKrjroGo3iAg1-9Fem1YzFmQToX-a4lQwlY04FveJ4kJQu__FpH_hY7fX617xMHBt_nBVWnXpxVjICuvvxI2ZbWwC-fM3SZE3pGUCVcCVX6y2SfHwkAv5gCoZIuJRwhYchQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpW-b5i_7PUmUaWtLDJpVmAhXjAGYhEZB088GLC_Q1vGwJ3Ws205rZ0_SJpKrjroGo3iAg1-9Fem1YzFmQToX-a4lQwlY04FveJ4kJQu__FpH_hY7fX617xMHBt_nBVWnXpxVjICuvvxI2ZbWwC-fM3SZE3pGUCVcCVX6y2SfHwkAv5gCoZIuJRwhYchQ" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmKV-5CSitTy8Ap0yPrm3ADltkJB8JuTn6UzHiDIXtbl6_eLTD2XqI8Mqvkxr_4Ju0VIr3gBrxPDRrcM9soCgqWdmcQzFijgj4oMQUmfcUF8XWPhBrdkzuL2WYVQBGAmmCt6KYsNxIXoWrfBe_QLMQ3ds_WRc3bS5U3bOoNK5fGx0KqL_ymu1MzNonKSA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmKV-5CSitTy8Ap0yPrm3ADltkJB8JuTn6UzHiDIXtbl6_eLTD2XqI8Mqvkxr_4Ju0VIr3gBrxPDRrcM9soCgqWdmcQzFijgj4oMQUmfcUF8XWPhBrdkzuL2WYVQBGAmmCt6KYsNxIXoWrfBe_QLMQ3ds_WRc3bS5U3bOoNK5fGx0KqL_ymu1MzNonKSA" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrginYEfEwzcvWyJVsZ0GFDlfvoniG6Lqm8I9bgL_xIqt6kM_keDj8Hbm1-8Fj1rYFdA-SCOZnFPPUa6j78zU4-eZL-DMC_KC4LqRV1gIMpo4z7gkrU66pY313gq0GenG-m9A9yCpxsC6xUnEzR8dRK4odl6GJSjIdXngqnbXe8kD9LDQXPlJSp5quef8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrginYEfEwzcvWyJVsZ0GFDlfvoniG6Lqm8I9bgL_xIqt6kM_keDj8Hbm1-8Fj1rYFdA-SCOZnFPPUa6j78zU4-eZL-DMC_KC4LqRV1gIMpo4z7gkrU66pY313gq0GenG-m9A9yCpxsC6xUnEzR8dRK4odl6GJSjIdXngqnbXe8kD9LDQXPlJSp5quef8" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIvWBoOPyhoLyrubKpeTmyAiLfRqgFYbFQXCRJAuLpeoZ403qLCIEx6wnbLGM5SrUoJvz2xzU8B2SKRCkRlKN9va0Ma-bCmSgYTLcAcIDNHAxCa68lx9a34BwtSiYJr3dlQbUU47EKojDaps2xQ0-MRWCd-HmZ-5nMHoS5WuWQC6Y1UcOgVx0UWkbHFFI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIvWBoOPyhoLyrubKpeTmyAiLfRqgFYbFQXCRJAuLpeoZ403qLCIEx6wnbLGM5SrUoJvz2xzU8B2SKRCkRlKN9va0Ma-bCmSgYTLcAcIDNHAxCa68lx9a34BwtSiYJr3dlQbUU47EKojDaps2xQ0-MRWCd-HmZ-5nMHoS5WuWQC6Y1UcOgVx0UWkbHFFI" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken from the upper balcony because the piece was so gigantic.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> As I was about to leave, the staff asked me to fill out an English feedback forum. After I did so, they presented me with a small gift in the form of a fancy small paper note holder, with a mountain on the front. I left the museum and began to rain again. It rained for the rest of the night.<p></p><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-7223245184213104102023-06-30T20:12:00.003-07:002023-06-30T20:12:45.624-07:00Japan 6.7: Iwami Ginzan, Omoricho, its Monkeys and Caves of 500 Arhats. The Inari Shrine and Tsuwano Castle.<p> The next small town down the coast was Omoricho, known for its Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. We parked our car and walked just up the road to view. We bought the combination ticket to see the Rakan-ji Temple and its related Caves of the 500 Arhats. Behind the temple was a small cutout of the cliff face, with some neat buddhas. Across the street was a series of small bridges connected to caves containing reportedly five hundred arhats. An arhat is a Buddhist saint of one of the highest ranks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKHlsfD5VEkKBA6r8M1uYl_MRVZWO2SS_oSaw2nRAoPYoM1G1oyrRmgHjqZDyxfKxbGLfWpdmdLKF7_khbmXRq5xmvJl1nrKKWRkLiwE5tycXX0xvltsL9VCP1lN7mgI0RnfYhfv2QH7dcli1fnHJsX81k5TfG92lZRpVO2jIX1eZ9Ze7Sl9hMKtdiqPE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3261" data-original-width="4892" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKHlsfD5VEkKBA6r8M1uYl_MRVZWO2SS_oSaw2nRAoPYoM1G1oyrRmgHjqZDyxfKxbGLfWpdmdLKF7_khbmXRq5xmvJl1nrKKWRkLiwE5tycXX0xvltsL9VCP1lN7mgI0RnfYhfv2QH7dcli1fnHJsX81k5TfG92lZRpVO2jIX1eZ9Ze7Sl9hMKtdiqPE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgZw57zpFWqx8oC8Q9PcqEkfZWu4lMY7LJ2Yt2gZ_fvX4auVSHJjIW1vwn80f9nQJ_K3BaSDriD1FriiU3PJjI10jDp_VIReeoUw0oTJwsocv_RNHfMimcxlXdkS27PW_Sx8mhwmwJt9MzhzkZGgBlfZqm6dtgaCPUCe-HLUNJks_DVxYoZ5WRqeY_INs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgZw57zpFWqx8oC8Q9PcqEkfZWu4lMY7LJ2Yt2gZ_fvX4auVSHJjIW1vwn80f9nQJ_K3BaSDriD1FriiU3PJjI10jDp_VIReeoUw0oTJwsocv_RNHfMimcxlXdkS27PW_Sx8mhwmwJt9MzhzkZGgBlfZqm6dtgaCPUCe-HLUNJks_DVxYoZ5WRqeY_INs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7UDea-PArxnqqAS5vetDdEEIQ_VMvUexmt30hDoLp57hqdme0u-9NnRLZjrAsZ2_hBpHmlejxonY_bJnFCycn_sgCCz8XqkYv8r1wbuc7KJwGKlJGcfg8QpwnviZizoz83lSjBTGsTXqGv5XaKM8VA0gyqnWvCxG8brFDpO-rjQWV83dMB9BjT7ZjZrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7UDea-PArxnqqAS5vetDdEEIQ_VMvUexmt30hDoLp57hqdme0u-9NnRLZjrAsZ2_hBpHmlejxonY_bJnFCycn_sgCCz8XqkYv8r1wbuc7KJwGKlJGcfg8QpwnviZizoz83lSjBTGsTXqGv5XaKM8VA0gyqnWvCxG8brFDpO-rjQWV83dMB9BjT7ZjZrA" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh31XsowvKlw-CiF_kATmyY98GfI7MvgedTQegZQAwAD3g7GoKph-AInP8pPZdo1IHMGYRkKGyjpiKGhk2cPmW2CTz-jrD5hDYJ4WSAmkqEaXgyZg64behQjRzmcub2tPNEDbBxB8qhLtOqaf8GhzagZ5grb59r5c6ZtDnEiH5EcLrB72ZiLFfbJfHBtdI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh31XsowvKlw-CiF_kATmyY98GfI7MvgedTQegZQAwAD3g7GoKph-AInP8pPZdo1IHMGYRkKGyjpiKGhk2cPmW2CTz-jrD5hDYJ4WSAmkqEaXgyZg64behQjRzmcub2tPNEDbBxB8qhLtOqaf8GhzagZ5grb59r5c6ZtDnEiH5EcLrB72ZiLFfbJfHBtdI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkL5TL_1ys4FLRgc55djQz_7wdI13542E4JxH-7YC-Q5MyDLdd6bNUyW43LNs-2igCG9__Q7R1tvZPbg-613UmIbJ1U4IQ5cqr_rQ0z7weSr2O6SUWDHe8f_eo6vSLXWIq0SmJUBI4zAeCVZUYBr3REVXwzOTMw3DALLAfgxo6VQqtMUQ7JSVqN3wCMBQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2115" data-original-width="3217" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkL5TL_1ys4FLRgc55djQz_7wdI13542E4JxH-7YC-Q5MyDLdd6bNUyW43LNs-2igCG9__Q7R1tvZPbg-613UmIbJ1U4IQ5cqr_rQ0z7weSr2O6SUWDHe8f_eo6vSLXWIq0SmJUBI4zAeCVZUYBr3REVXwzOTMw3DALLAfgxo6VQqtMUQ7JSVqN3wCMBQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We backtracked to Iwami Ginzan Highway, the main road of the street, and walked north, admiring the architecture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-y9yRqkOsjrfFmSP7E7_1JOgserSdxYoglIoZETvccEFn4AbiL-3E5qRuTp-Ezm0fLf8aEu2ztwNlZQz1dGw-gZQB35ci_weYQ1qZZ3tOR5VDzbyCQEqPCZ3o5Nj_d69m7tL0CmIynbkzmDBPi6q6uToCFxh4Zx7X2lvHTB2zuh-FsPzcJH546el1QgA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4975" data-original-width="7464" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-y9yRqkOsjrfFmSP7E7_1JOgserSdxYoglIoZETvccEFn4AbiL-3E5qRuTp-Ezm0fLf8aEu2ztwNlZQz1dGw-gZQB35ci_weYQ1qZZ3tOR5VDzbyCQEqPCZ3o5Nj_d69m7tL0CmIynbkzmDBPi6q6uToCFxh4Zx7X2lvHTB2zuh-FsPzcJH546el1QgA" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid9b5TqABcoktOZx0baCqPB9DyPgz05eVoKm7V1kWuXukCT4rQnjvtySH9Hvcbm9n7xCldLDsH_Qd5JlhxmPR4LEYaaUT7wELpzmvTN4HhOqw3_d_d59qco4ltmrsPukbC4M_UtGULhscPvngXsBmeU-nCyEbrLaCIiJx-FXm0PcznRJ5zPqD1PPvEM24" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6298" data-original-width="9578" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid9b5TqABcoktOZx0baCqPB9DyPgz05eVoKm7V1kWuXukCT4rQnjvtySH9Hvcbm9n7xCldLDsH_Qd5JlhxmPR4LEYaaUT7wELpzmvTN4HhOqw3_d_d59qco4ltmrsPukbC4M_UtGULhscPvngXsBmeU-nCyEbrLaCIiJx-FXm0PcznRJ5zPqD1PPvEM24" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An awesome old fashioned vending machine, just like they used to have in the Edo period.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzm-IXOYhnu9rLbbkT-KzBZ8U7uC1yaipz6F3NkFyLJwwLFHlxgfGEXUJ2F6Jo4qu-J5sAvF43hnS2BstEQWjgOyDSu04ENBG-mW-iA3xVFlazqOBLri6JsrWMobiIEIfpTZp6ZwgbM-VqEEG-039YTwOs0QgvISqbhP9etLG-Fear2KGyUIEZe-A8WVw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzm-IXOYhnu9rLbbkT-KzBZ8U7uC1yaipz6F3NkFyLJwwLFHlxgfGEXUJ2F6Jo4qu-J5sAvF43hnS2BstEQWjgOyDSu04ENBG-mW-iA3xVFlazqOBLri6JsrWMobiIEIfpTZp6ZwgbM-VqEEG-039YTwOs0QgvISqbhP9etLG-Fear2KGyUIEZe-A8WVw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE3KYRu0sicL-eLpBgZk8RmzXY_3dfFmTbMMG7VuMuO4X80Rq7FhOnh1Q58iIanw1GkTwXdyr07vkb8OoBR59T4Uy6ScHcGIELCbHRsPMeXEWooH091iSoRglCRtHupnW6dk3VqXKKtSvGanr9LKM23KLBKUdgLbApiegpC3br_npzGnLXm3JXIi5bKi4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6170" data-original-width="9383" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE3KYRu0sicL-eLpBgZk8RmzXY_3dfFmTbMMG7VuMuO4X80Rq7FhOnh1Q58iIanw1GkTwXdyr07vkb8OoBR59T4Uy6ScHcGIELCbHRsPMeXEWooH091iSoRglCRtHupnW6dk3VqXKKtSvGanr9LKM23KLBKUdgLbApiegpC3br_npzGnLXm3JXIi5bKi4" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Miles looked up and caught sight of a monkey on a nearby rooftop, and shortly afterward we saw a monkey hightailing it across the street. We spotted quite a few of them in the surrounding hilltops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBf4Y6pFd52ALq0LVJDMi7R__QjIBmjXLx7MjpPga2Ob-euJtodgJUPf70NPG0_YjZM-M40qVzveEBr324OsHAmV7ofqXfGkpn4zGc19LL2FuWgzkrI0v8l6oCPoPiS9UNlG5eWoHNDzgX9klhffByFlFVUeS5S28U4oe5tpih9Q3uljDdHmszuXSjyJQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2033" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBf4Y6pFd52ALq0LVJDMi7R__QjIBmjXLx7MjpPga2Ob-euJtodgJUPf70NPG0_YjZM-M40qVzveEBr324OsHAmV7ofqXfGkpn4zGc19LL2FuWgzkrI0v8l6oCPoPiS9UNlG5eWoHNDzgX9klhffByFlFVUeS5S28U4oe5tpih9Q3uljDdHmszuXSjyJQ" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK18rGGXX81sFbki2YApeCjl7x-9QubZb-v35rTs3WUyBtWwft74_WgElHvWCHI6HNXbD5JYJmnE8djNraArKFKYeojNShDyYrG3vEKcd_1fIESptvAGmos2VROZcfHbGZUhsTsNQl-x60JzN4xhhmT7ZfqHEtrzEVQLmRNmeDOtI7Nyn8iw4w9gG2lU0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1788" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK18rGGXX81sFbki2YApeCjl7x-9QubZb-v35rTs3WUyBtWwft74_WgElHvWCHI6HNXbD5JYJmnE8djNraArKFKYeojNShDyYrG3vEKcd_1fIESptvAGmos2VROZcfHbGZUhsTsNQl-x60JzN4xhhmT7ZfqHEtrzEVQLmRNmeDOtI7Nyn8iw4w9gG2lU0" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the butterfly in front of the nearest monkey.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKjHtjPyTOlnaQzRejI8pA0ZDSbkxqc6qx1BoijomSRwWo0dUirDoyLtMe1SmVAx4Vx5QUxzWzzHBHpVwx3KlQhGbIumDYOnaT0Bl8OF02aaCoJZun7ep6KFbOgnBjjx0_gSWbu5mF0u4uVlRQaHnh2k5pTubUwp84IHCR695aj71tt5picaV0DXemaBg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1754" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKjHtjPyTOlnaQzRejI8pA0ZDSbkxqc6qx1BoijomSRwWo0dUirDoyLtMe1SmVAx4Vx5QUxzWzzHBHpVwx3KlQhGbIumDYOnaT0Bl8OF02aaCoJZun7ep6KFbOgnBjjx0_gSWbu5mF0u4uVlRQaHnh2k5pTubUwp84IHCR695aj71tt5picaV0DXemaBg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The picture with the babies was the last one I was able to take, because at that moment, Miles dropped a bottle cap on the ground and they all grabbed the babies and fled. We walked back down the street and spent time watching the swallows swoop in an out, as they had nests built into the underside of the wooden houses.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjycW9At602gPcEHUvgc3i2xBIBq8YX0OScJ-L4bGVeeBX6ozIl-VMoXbyoUq561dIy7xqCVd1unM-wBx7pRgJ3L70omO56t1Nn1u91yA-jrqsDsuysphdbhaoKivpN5iXadEuilrf8sZhYlbxoq2ZIVnGGMMXwU1xGPvruEm9buHk_O_NFpkFj0PZ0hY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="3965" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjycW9At602gPcEHUvgc3i2xBIBq8YX0OScJ-L4bGVeeBX6ozIl-VMoXbyoUq561dIy7xqCVd1unM-wBx7pRgJ3L70omO56t1Nn1u91yA-jrqsDsuysphdbhaoKivpN5iXadEuilrf8sZhYlbxoq2ZIVnGGMMXwU1xGPvruEm9buHk_O_NFpkFj0PZ0hY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJ1WoTPkFqx9ROPrfQCVPPlYvta4i8e2Zpv5OBSJaAyEVt9ssIjwZCTZNeKFJeGhBi31aU7llfqfXpQ7gvN58mSPRVMVyrLzilojq3PnHOxR9EkJdoaXZ4me9rSDfrnb7vGwqbFqQPn-2mhDvwicZulavK_Wx7XNl-ujJl0n7K11lNy9kgmDeDnOY-eM8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJ1WoTPkFqx9ROPrfQCVPPlYvta4i8e2Zpv5OBSJaAyEVt9ssIjwZCTZNeKFJeGhBi31aU7llfqfXpQ7gvN58mSPRVMVyrLzilojq3PnHOxR9EkJdoaXZ4me9rSDfrnb7vGwqbFqQPn-2mhDvwicZulavK_Wx7XNl-ujJl0n7K11lNy9kgmDeDnOY-eM8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhathZId7o59oJi5RzJTxV7uFCqzrbTzNA5VnGvAH6fEjtUXNBhvaEFxzw8AhxNEYIpNwT9KHkK_G3nDPa6HEJagG4OnrCpwBpNGp5cmqDNu56ujnt2hhPtss4VDDzbY5ab9ZqENOAnMtT7MRt_S3GKyWyeqBhgqXmUlT2A2xu8iM9SMugd_nDz93gn44Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5037" data-original-width="7557" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhathZId7o59oJi5RzJTxV7uFCqzrbTzNA5VnGvAH6fEjtUXNBhvaEFxzw8AhxNEYIpNwT9KHkK_G3nDPa6HEJagG4OnrCpwBpNGp5cmqDNu56ujnt2hhPtss4VDDzbY5ab9ZqENOAnMtT7MRt_S3GKyWyeqBhgqXmUlT2A2xu8iM9SMugd_nDz93gn44Y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7i3VorHJW42ngt44wsv55UmYF6-uN66OoMYUDb2cY7JWTs3nvtdDeRDA6ni6E4Y9Gw8KOxvqQKDN-hgcKV2SDbotqD3tXFrHYsKorTxxU14yW-W_i8a0vw4DS4zlKU6d20spSiEbXblLvurhCo2E5NUqV18Mda2atnE-zC7y0-VnazmpVYNFDJZat9QI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1499" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7i3VorHJW42ngt44wsv55UmYF6-uN66OoMYUDb2cY7JWTs3nvtdDeRDA6ni6E4Y9Gw8KOxvqQKDN-hgcKV2SDbotqD3tXFrHYsKorTxxU14yW-W_i8a0vw4DS4zlKU6d20spSiEbXblLvurhCo2E5NUqV18Mda2atnE-zC7y0-VnazmpVYNFDJZat9QI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-sJTT0hTdTx7ocxJdbfJUY9Kyy_lZcDaDF1XEwWnWdc0lU9d8w3TujNb5SleD-2IiPyD0CY5NfQWh5eEK0kOByOIdY9e4hfwq9uOmisYsyuwJMtQBtvA5mRseNxTWEOj-DqElEOSZ-dGS8StlON47TTZHB0hukZLWqduRia8ytXh9BnEjZJHHzhoFRBY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1525" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-sJTT0hTdTx7ocxJdbfJUY9Kyy_lZcDaDF1XEwWnWdc0lU9d8w3TujNb5SleD-2IiPyD0CY5NfQWh5eEK0kOByOIdY9e4hfwq9uOmisYsyuwJMtQBtvA5mRseNxTWEOj-DqElEOSZ-dGS8StlON47TTZHB0hukZLWqduRia8ytXh9BnEjZJHHzhoFRBY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We walked southwest along the road, in the direction of the Iwami Ginzan mine, but then we decided to double back and take the car. We parked in the lot that said that vehicles were prohibited beyond that point. We followed the path to the Shimizudani Refinery Ruins. This hike was not at all well maintained, with flora overgrowth nearly hiding the path. Miles turned back two thirds of the way through the hike due to the amount of insects. I continued onward and all that I was able to find was a gated mine entrance. There was a sign for a chute, but when I reached the bottom of the steps, I saw a small snake uncoil and there was a wasp nest near my feet, so I decided to turn back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr1AbrmsVyfD6na9rPq4kXQOOTk770_vPRNzbFUbqN_WmqcI0lp2UYG2duTYSZCn89VjVJ_40Sc6Zl8wOSsj-0_wfFOJ-CzZKMOp6P76fs8FYHHUMggWQFp4MPLYjvzAT_jwXDlX41Myf_drCz69YVwspl4iB9P5moYZADilLV2hwIW-hQotoFoxXsxTo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr1AbrmsVyfD6na9rPq4kXQOOTk770_vPRNzbFUbqN_WmqcI0lp2UYG2duTYSZCn89VjVJ_40Sc6Zl8wOSsj-0_wfFOJ-CzZKMOp6P76fs8FYHHUMggWQFp4MPLYjvzAT_jwXDlX41Myf_drCz69YVwspl4iB9P5moYZADilLV2hwIW-hQotoFoxXsxTo" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat on the street toward the mine.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYagnxQzCkaQeO1GxzSJj-MR6AupdNGeYhB4c2eS4X2D5KR33HwTlDOkpQJ8gh4fVdB4J__3BaMnDjq5WW6nxtVu9KAGCLqlq8I00fVBSOD2DTJJfWMa5P6Y9_bKYVGzlF1Qs-rY3hwXFnahOIQ_BNk-n66cpHxrXNDOyt5y0VOQbWC0yDYC5olbwZSWQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYagnxQzCkaQeO1GxzSJj-MR6AupdNGeYhB4c2eS4X2D5KR33HwTlDOkpQJ8gh4fVdB4J__3BaMnDjq5WW6nxtVu9KAGCLqlq8I00fVBSOD2DTJJfWMa5P6Y9_bKYVGzlF1Qs-rY3hwXFnahOIQ_BNk-n66cpHxrXNDOyt5y0VOQbWC0yDYC5olbwZSWQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMrdNr_3SKyqsQmwGHUgXifA0EpBtUU8wUfFmrqXB1m6qX8o6b1MJuPYdDbM8iXN4flc43hUeRCrlZubE3aAXXJyd6LPxs4EDkJIeGQLRAGg8Jnyn28H5vnWOS_geEOvXzFry9mmhXrCDupvfiYsyeDuLrp6HxhG9U-mwgana-NNhpywcXEUEl4u9H_GA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMrdNr_3SKyqsQmwGHUgXifA0EpBtUU8wUfFmrqXB1m6qX8o6b1MJuPYdDbM8iXN4flc43hUeRCrlZubE3aAXXJyd6LPxs4EDkJIeGQLRAGg8Jnyn28H5vnWOS_geEOvXzFry9mmhXrCDupvfiYsyeDuLrp6HxhG9U-mwgana-NNhpywcXEUEl4u9H_GA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW3m2erbNZ_oTt6gwQCOseEysYzwJOyvSkOC0oQ-8K8gGXsUa0ESHLSdLWWWjoflUdG90sg-ZZ0thnVrwuydEPbQwzuG_giO8TzrbCgvPHmPx_5mcUM0RG7oNFC75PlX4FoyMpBFjBfOOIClOf1EvaQ7XK2pDwzSD7aDlqXDv5OpVBvh7ZEVIbE9fGZTM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6203" data-original-width="9304" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW3m2erbNZ_oTt6gwQCOseEysYzwJOyvSkOC0oQ-8K8gGXsUa0ESHLSdLWWWjoflUdG90sg-ZZ0thnVrwuydEPbQwzuG_giO8TzrbCgvPHmPx_5mcUM0RG7oNFC75PlX4FoyMpBFjBfOOIClOf1EvaQ7XK2pDwzSD7aDlqXDv5OpVBvh7ZEVIbE9fGZTM" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPKvSorONb4e7DQbCCOjZdw4z0ClIlZPfvrZSgmK-_btlGKCIZv00otMapwLn5MGeMly-TmEwyFbmpuD9y0hFnKWYXlpi1u5W8y_wvDCWDLzb-bO7KyiF6LUZWBzG1Q0R1DZfPoMGhyV6ivzaNfs6_WzvnsavQ6Jlv9sDh_VPuxO4gBfqo3QAIniQ5Otc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPKvSorONb4e7DQbCCOjZdw4z0ClIlZPfvrZSgmK-_btlGKCIZv00otMapwLn5MGeMly-TmEwyFbmpuD9y0hFnKWYXlpi1u5W8y_wvDCWDLzb-bO7KyiF6LUZWBzG1Q0R1DZfPoMGhyV6ivzaNfs6_WzvnsavQ6Jlv9sDh_VPuxO4gBfqo3QAIniQ5Otc" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chute was at the bottom of these stairs, I assume at the end of the hill.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzNB4B5aFjMf7n9ksQki99SW6ZMsbV0Fg5rLAJFUqNU4ppxxgfcd6wYnKGFGMWmAnKR-Y773gIgsw54emb0WmvLyb0l_s_AzPYEzfsd3Dzjb5KnkZ8MmGwkk0mnx8LzyomD4QXOMpLQ_m3psz6q6NbM9foBCi3gYDsLCJGQIPusV-Vzcv9BasYdOQoFm8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzNB4B5aFjMf7n9ksQki99SW6ZMsbV0Fg5rLAJFUqNU4ppxxgfcd6wYnKGFGMWmAnKR-Y773gIgsw54emb0WmvLyb0l_s_AzPYEzfsd3Dzjb5KnkZ8MmGwkk0mnx8LzyomD4QXOMpLQ_m3psz6q6NbM9foBCi3gYDsLCJGQIPusV-Vzcv9BasYdOQoFm8" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I met up with Miles at the beginning of the trail and we continued up the road for another kilometer until we reached the entrance to the mine. It was a long tunnel that we had mostly to ourselves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFMI-Jedm2fexOqNuXSISMBA2hnEuRL2H4yUrtoH4af-KR-6Ck6WpF5C-48Q_uHIJx9_pVofIbK_n9GtgtK0DQIQxxlLymd_JQkJ-EWbS0qYegOQQTOWAH0TIrRbJQiBK7TCYVQjgW_fxKTJ-p9jS4BlLhTYbTsTYcVgTE1y-wi5GQ2IM2bcZZNK8V2fs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFMI-Jedm2fexOqNuXSISMBA2hnEuRL2H4yUrtoH4af-KR-6Ck6WpF5C-48Q_uHIJx9_pVofIbK_n9GtgtK0DQIQxxlLymd_JQkJ-EWbS0qYegOQQTOWAH0TIrRbJQiBK7TCYVQjgW_fxKTJ-p9jS4BlLhTYbTsTYcVgTE1y-wi5GQ2IM2bcZZNK8V2fs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0xkRraR9SVt4wpp_U7DdNd3Ax4Oq-nwW_UC6_7ry2-BAK-vi6Rb4dTcHySkAmus2rycHp6XdSl-ZA6uZyuDrfGOQ09pOadoVXMIT4POX4KHHQPpkdE-LmWOZ0mD-Vl09mSP_xOG2gRwWqr7J4Vw3lmnx1FGNkRmfetYzGpr4pTGS9vqL54mE1WgUMnX4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0xkRraR9SVt4wpp_U7DdNd3Ax4Oq-nwW_UC6_7ry2-BAK-vi6Rb4dTcHySkAmus2rycHp6XdSl-ZA6uZyuDrfGOQ09pOadoVXMIT4POX4KHHQPpkdE-LmWOZ0mD-Vl09mSP_xOG2gRwWqr7J4Vw3lmnx1FGNkRmfetYzGpr4pTGS9vqL54mE1WgUMnX4" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT9JuSm6UF4nISbWZXpuo6qfzOR25CSb-IK54zcHvw2u9SY7qwN4a61nIWNGH3WPOmcceY7A3D8kxq5ERVMvesImBdPyThalDxs8b3FgZ_azGuL9RuozaH8xxgD13zIdNvByvSZ-Gk5n7q2l0Sy_6ycIFmCCwmviV2UttxT-HOGya53u44ssD1gjaVwqY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT9JuSm6UF4nISbWZXpuo6qfzOR25CSb-IK54zcHvw2u9SY7qwN4a61nIWNGH3WPOmcceY7A3D8kxq5ERVMvesImBdPyThalDxs8b3FgZ_azGuL9RuozaH8xxgD13zIdNvByvSZ-Gk5n7q2l0Sy_6ycIFmCCwmviV2UttxT-HOGya53u44ssD1gjaVwqY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOm7fvI7gdom2qlqB5SSo_KUqzd5KmwjYg2gwPpvZd-lb4iluC0PAzY0GF2ybAI12rsQs4cmaTROn4rSbbdNG960t7srUo1xIx8wqkGkJvZcnUpNe819YpyAsTM91MGiWh8fPhFAOVhHZ2usvLwX3_R1VridDEGAxJ6EWlFL9fqbls-PJQ8Cvha9B8bVs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5797" data-original-width="8816" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOm7fvI7gdom2qlqB5SSo_KUqzd5KmwjYg2gwPpvZd-lb4iluC0PAzY0GF2ybAI12rsQs4cmaTROn4rSbbdNG960t7srUo1xIx8wqkGkJvZcnUpNe819YpyAsTM91MGiWh8fPhFAOVhHZ2usvLwX3_R1VridDEGAxJ6EWlFL9fqbls-PJQ8Cvha9B8bVs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg2cH5pc8MZg-aqGERvEUlXfZ234cE_fPMgN5rzZ16Vs93jMrKjg3wGeRDsjFqbMHVLPKUnthOqWxkBn782tVHtMCM1eZUnYqafV8HP5pS3Dsev_X3NgfhMy9oUleEpJg0tbUbkx_OxYRO1CSzGVhuRIDB-IxPMyb8KDJgfOEj7nvYH-fM972D4F1qwe4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg2cH5pc8MZg-aqGERvEUlXfZ234cE_fPMgN5rzZ16Vs93jMrKjg3wGeRDsjFqbMHVLPKUnthOqWxkBn782tVHtMCM1eZUnYqafV8HP5pS3Dsev_X3NgfhMy9oUleEpJg0tbUbkx_OxYRO1CSzGVhuRIDB-IxPMyb8KDJgfOEj7nvYH-fM972D4F1qwe4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcBuAn3As-nW0S9xTayY8ur0oQFn0lvOcnODzsTF3tQ6ZvuJJ-ogWEnXwnu-KTBHtZTg2WLbKw8LYjzz5Tg69pNN7FH-xodNnaxqX9G-dFqpqyHIUli93PMX8aUSlmOgrsSngzawZ4JFAbHPX2RjLP-uwKkj6lf0GiTtdjQnU5YRoxfX4VePcJE-G2MKI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcBuAn3As-nW0S9xTayY8ur0oQFn0lvOcnODzsTF3tQ6ZvuJJ-ogWEnXwnu-KTBHtZTg2WLbKw8LYjzz5Tg69pNN7FH-xodNnaxqX9G-dFqpqyHIUli93PMX8aUSlmOgrsSngzawZ4JFAbHPX2RjLP-uwKkj6lf0GiTtdjQnU5YRoxfX4VePcJE-G2MKI" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We checked into our hotel for the evening afterwards. The following day we drove to our third small town in three days, Tsuwano. This one was my favorite. We drove straight to the Taikodani Inari Shrine. It had an interesting machine in the front.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmBDt-toB7rkYMgNBDezqd3Eb5unXPCgyjqYrAyItQHw3q7uIcYEOF_DsAF47k_nCJBRHPPR5I3L5aBDcfVl1390wubu1LxN9t2095QgrY_bX4ghBPYM2cYQKgOQG-xtPK4RRErzreYDGoPK7axzv-qJZGp9Ki5rJRGz-i1lvEfpWT3dgoxwxzAu8ojIY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmBDt-toB7rkYMgNBDezqd3Eb5unXPCgyjqYrAyItQHw3q7uIcYEOF_DsAF47k_nCJBRHPPR5I3L5aBDcfVl1390wubu1LxN9t2095QgrY_bX4ghBPYM2cYQKgOQG-xtPK4RRErzreYDGoPK7axzv-qJZGp9Ki5rJRGz-i1lvEfpWT3dgoxwxzAu8ojIY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjASpfDp_BF4VVsEIpZr8kLuoiSOjLYV3x6DuizNAd-Uty37wLXAIgU_lCg-cYgADQyEIi4GYGCwiLsS_QjgJ28fXMDr559mek2SchYInx0Wb5muYI3Io9P9AKezT0_XdIZNu7HOADSjQKAaKrsIkX0CD5rKBC8gAyv9oMI4pTvwVnqQhLUn8AYIb8lYa4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6193" data-original-width="9309" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjASpfDp_BF4VVsEIpZr8kLuoiSOjLYV3x6DuizNAd-Uty37wLXAIgU_lCg-cYgADQyEIi4GYGCwiLsS_QjgJ28fXMDr559mek2SchYInx0Wb5muYI3Io9P9AKezT0_XdIZNu7HOADSjQKAaKrsIkX0CD5rKBC8gAyv9oMI4pTvwVnqQhLUn8AYIb8lYa4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u9sN0XXa3PM" width="320" youtube-src-id="u9sN0XXa3PM"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We enjoyed the views and walked through the line of red torii gates. It seemed to go all the way down into town, so we turned around and went back up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitpeGCf0GoIs6uJp6L-9p4XwUMra0IXV9nIxz3Bj3G_npyedHbjTsLcgYMgc2818S4K5dVEZY34YQr8iNjA7QQa_4TITZ53-J5PV-OKEjFN03TdEgej2ci4Gtvcetu86yc97BHKUftua_4-T8UdzFdMthJTr4iyNlEou3gHhLFnLozM0HNS7ejXxRyHNI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitpeGCf0GoIs6uJp6L-9p4XwUMra0IXV9nIxz3Bj3G_npyedHbjTsLcgYMgc2818S4K5dVEZY34YQr8iNjA7QQa_4TITZ53-J5PV-OKEjFN03TdEgej2ci4Gtvcetu86yc97BHKUftua_4-T8UdzFdMthJTr4iyNlEou3gHhLFnLozM0HNS7ejXxRyHNI" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhac-emqxGi6m-fyhv3uIVQ0hv0M1HcLPVV-pVFrGEM-oMmRZqDybH6j-Mdo2vd6MpYvz2mWRlrEYKcD4v4-0LuJalECXLMjkxPl2P-L1kPNk3kCsVBKNziA2szUsf12JN2jBefIpWdsv6HLVNIE3uL0oAP-m2ke8K0qXucBrlA8EDNqyJyeTYlD-aMe24" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6237" data-original-width="9486" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhac-emqxGi6m-fyhv3uIVQ0hv0M1HcLPVV-pVFrGEM-oMmRZqDybH6j-Mdo2vd6MpYvz2mWRlrEYKcD4v4-0LuJalECXLMjkxPl2P-L1kPNk3kCsVBKNziA2szUsf12JN2jBefIpWdsv6HLVNIE3uL0oAP-m2ke8K0qXucBrlA8EDNqyJyeTYlD-aMe24" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGcP3TKq18t0TGrHyti9YwrxLKHQQyrvW9dIupJGZZxoxNx6cqNWAGblqhgGr1RT6qJyocEm1U-EvuLTUOHUpgxLQVLxBm1sMLy7LE8KbCotyuJVqei4xC2Qn3ZdIPH2wGA1I-gpe84VV_xgGHCsbcUe3AquzRlsMsdKi1BO7jMprDF4ASrG-DuIF6p1A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGcP3TKq18t0TGrHyti9YwrxLKHQQyrvW9dIupJGZZxoxNx6cqNWAGblqhgGr1RT6qJyocEm1U-EvuLTUOHUpgxLQVLxBm1sMLy7LE8KbCotyuJVqei4xC2Qn3ZdIPH2wGA1I-gpe84VV_xgGHCsbcUe3AquzRlsMsdKi1BO7jMprDF4ASrG-DuIF6p1A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKwU9Ji97uwR473k2Rr5UlLDPNliBT8hWQkKZLw4BkA6VH6xTOBWcfZJVHwx2lit79zHWzkjqjoTHcZYMRWa_3lVL8HxXFQ2Lte6ZcY6vV3hnxMOppREjtk_CooLepmo8QL0hmDdNJ41z_t2hFyMzpOpM1QbP5wuojln3jApryR2m3u8k_Ru6r2PID0sw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKwU9Ji97uwR473k2Rr5UlLDPNliBT8hWQkKZLw4BkA6VH6xTOBWcfZJVHwx2lit79zHWzkjqjoTHcZYMRWa_3lVL8HxXFQ2Lte6ZcY6vV3hnxMOppREjtk_CooLepmo8QL0hmDdNJ41z_t2hFyMzpOpM1QbP5wuojln3jApryR2m3u8k_Ru6r2PID0sw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkuQLdWoe3ZgYlSe_4AMQK0nLFBp3G0AaZWahdKNAwAgp-X9zDWeHsJcP3LriBdMIk4b4w_6Rgu90Flq4YtFSZl_fhverOlfWK2gZ4kKBcgsf5PEphoNJ0W_oOhuC5Bb_dpgsnDCm4aX0Q81Kn7MYzI238TXoipwgoUlYWW7Y4kLI5s-ZXUzDSWAAvqbc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkuQLdWoe3ZgYlSe_4AMQK0nLFBp3G0AaZWahdKNAwAgp-X9zDWeHsJcP3LriBdMIk4b4w_6Rgu90Flq4YtFSZl_fhverOlfWK2gZ4kKBcgsf5PEphoNJ0W_oOhuC5Bb_dpgsnDCm4aX0Q81Kn7MYzI238TXoipwgoUlYWW7Y4kLI5s-ZXUzDSWAAvqbc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF2UiPyMx2E0toJrfiXf-ad7wsu56QTmiS1-U1aW45e0E6Pswsj_2LJS8AyEgb5XlCA87IsDS4HWqdH_Yn9pzHIgHM_P5t9_NUimMTvePyCWyMIS6LFDjw-RU9-m5hqObkWax3_NM1jhg2Kkc8rqWQcvUT4cKO5RAIlfI6Bhus-mx82S0trj5DmavgvSM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF2UiPyMx2E0toJrfiXf-ad7wsu56QTmiS1-U1aW45e0E6Pswsj_2LJS8AyEgb5XlCA87IsDS4HWqdH_Yn9pzHIgHM_P5t9_NUimMTvePyCWyMIS6LFDjw-RU9-m5hqObkWax3_NM1jhg2Kkc8rqWQcvUT4cKO5RAIlfI6Bhus-mx82S0trj5DmavgvSM" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Ten seconds away was the rickety chair lift to the ruins of Tsuwano Castle. It was a short walk to the rocks that indicated the former castle site. There was a VR sign in the overgrown grass, advertising to expand the experience. I preferred the nature.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht79PoaC2DR2eQ3IwjOt3knL1kM64HLxzi_AbtsELOcenDpeLbX1YrBIDSSD11-Us6UHMBJsNteDTME_Wn1MJd8THr175geMaQsJk_-hzYHjL2PU2yhbKT6gME2fRv2eXCXwsPL0QblOg_ZI-iI4Guucb_rS_prv2-UDQyKCziQf8EZkyXbkxaSrMmwBc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht79PoaC2DR2eQ3IwjOt3knL1kM64HLxzi_AbtsELOcenDpeLbX1YrBIDSSD11-Us6UHMBJsNteDTME_Wn1MJd8THr175geMaQsJk_-hzYHjL2PU2yhbKT6gME2fRv2eXCXwsPL0QblOg_ZI-iI4Guucb_rS_prv2-UDQyKCziQf8EZkyXbkxaSrMmwBc" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj8ya_BqjP_XIj9ndxD5PkRTTTBK3-jIhYk4jbGgKPNrpnjBB2jjJCi0rfWySFWaiqB5TR9Pur2tm8HJCmdC--ZsiT2gCOxqUfUF41pognxGGXXH6F217Lm6ph2qNLPDO99H6LRYW0fXiEoX0LY_EMdD2SrZUrwzHXbr2QN_fiw07EnHq6H42mT_0ANTo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj8ya_BqjP_XIj9ndxD5PkRTTTBK3-jIhYk4jbGgKPNrpnjBB2jjJCi0rfWySFWaiqB5TR9Pur2tm8HJCmdC--ZsiT2gCOxqUfUF41pognxGGXXH6F217Lm6ph2qNLPDO99H6LRYW0fXiEoX0LY_EMdD2SrZUrwzHXbr2QN_fiw07EnHq6H42mT_0ANTo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb9GkrxZ1hHyDrZzWU1XijhVz6oc7rRZaA4of3V3gts5_fOn-jhlRnKyE7mr6gnEfZV5HYEnnYkrM5G-7OoVTgi3Wr3sxuWcuDC_UAH1AaZ0lZEZ3XCn6MmCwuyXAmyix-9TwpqJ-2frf9nXZE5f--_NayL27b-RncoPeoxClJkgvDfq70FBaCqhJ-CwM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3153" data-original-width="2365" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb9GkrxZ1hHyDrZzWU1XijhVz6oc7rRZaA4of3V3gts5_fOn-jhlRnKyE7mr6gnEfZV5HYEnnYkrM5G-7OoVTgi3Wr3sxuWcuDC_UAH1AaZ0lZEZ3XCn6MmCwuyXAmyix-9TwpqJ-2frf9nXZE5f--_NayL27b-RncoPeoxClJkgvDfq70FBaCqhJ-CwM" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMyYtS8H_Q9g6RLPk7oq0r32Fq55GqwMvLGhWCEU3ZSBh9Zb2F2OT-zlMoDuHPzpl1g9JcuAS9AKJaLH1A5an44JfVATYngJW1UE3Fd-oyNgvkTcsachYfyw5dDDDGBCofgf-QPKf68EjupEpZQ7qe8J2cdRanNbPfPh0ts_WGDsJiYGOjE04WRYuj3FA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMyYtS8H_Q9g6RLPk7oq0r32Fq55GqwMvLGhWCEU3ZSBh9Zb2F2OT-zlMoDuHPzpl1g9JcuAS9AKJaLH1A5an44JfVATYngJW1UE3Fd-oyNgvkTcsachYfyw5dDDDGBCofgf-QPKf68EjupEpZQ7qe8J2cdRanNbPfPh0ts_WGDsJiYGOjE04WRYuj3FA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMbrf9fh8lp61WqnJ5Ed_ZSAEdt8Re8qWqaN-gNrVXiPYqgG-0SqG32ZZLFk19_Sm8T0m2PNEkFfYihq-g87xaWYPbgGM6hFEgoVinX5h-omF5Tq95RBqCSqLpMavc7c8cGtsrwTOEa3p-feCKKkZOn88ovIszlT6GtDGnQVtwoC9MiC7B1VDgM4p4mTc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMbrf9fh8lp61WqnJ5Ed_ZSAEdt8Re8qWqaN-gNrVXiPYqgG-0SqG32ZZLFk19_Sm8T0m2PNEkFfYihq-g87xaWYPbgGM6hFEgoVinX5h-omF5Tq95RBqCSqLpMavc7c8cGtsrwTOEa3p-feCKKkZOn88ovIszlT6GtDGnQVtwoC9MiC7B1VDgM4p4mTc" width="320" /></a></div><p> We checked into our hotel and Miles opted to stay in. I walked to the opposite side of the train station and into the woods, to the creepy area surrounding the Otome Toge Maria Chapel. There was a statue of someone in a cage and a massive book and cross, among this sterile and abandoned area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC0cyinedsSuZXqCJIvQg_3SHcRB647ZU7nUhEX4rKj3jDq9XRZRYjjk4GTVZZuZT0ahn0g6MHh7s1UR9lfaPPE3e3yetw_Xa0huWrW61n2Q_F3NeyiihQjB3euc3VYOT8H1ydksT9c8qqkYnKagnUE2AKl7DzV4tShHQQfQdvf_0FGzoOC5fAeZ2HltU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC0cyinedsSuZXqCJIvQg_3SHcRB647ZU7nUhEX4rKj3jDq9XRZRYjjk4GTVZZuZT0ahn0g6MHh7s1UR9lfaPPE3e3yetw_Xa0huWrW61n2Q_F3NeyiihQjB3euc3VYOT8H1ydksT9c8qqkYnKagnUE2AKl7DzV4tShHQQfQdvf_0FGzoOC5fAeZ2HltU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZEKnqSgih7fch7rBmkTqOtaT2LsXcq9_VmFdEuXc7KXZZYJ-tAo6tahWapx1V2wqLkbn4N5WHCr9kArt8b5IM9rMzvAS4fqY7EDG7D6aDhV5NVYT17S0FqnnYy5jrWvSiHAD0xveSsSFgNW5b0dSPRTw_C7uYkAPYIxj7OaOt7QWFeaodP-kjx0ALOCg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZEKnqSgih7fch7rBmkTqOtaT2LsXcq9_VmFdEuXc7KXZZYJ-tAo6tahWapx1V2wqLkbn4N5WHCr9kArt8b5IM9rMzvAS4fqY7EDG7D6aDhV5NVYT17S0FqnnYy5jrWvSiHAD0xveSsSFgNW5b0dSPRTw_C7uYkAPYIxj7OaOt7QWFeaodP-kjx0ALOCg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_0f9qD9_rseNUlTiebfWadSh9CR9iF7GdjPBxxg_qBBqkr5JXdNAeLIiCo_flIs1S2RtinFYAUhdxqzCXolJ-DC28aYuBvPy43VqQiDMFePNSeJhQ46yiQ93c_8vLY36aNVSGyvi9TT2guQfu1qTbaNdV5uAwQbi84reeq35Hlpv2q5Vfcadutq_muM0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4634" data-original-width="7047" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_0f9qD9_rseNUlTiebfWadSh9CR9iF7GdjPBxxg_qBBqkr5JXdNAeLIiCo_flIs1S2RtinFYAUhdxqzCXolJ-DC28aYuBvPy43VqQiDMFePNSeJhQ46yiQ93c_8vLY36aNVSGyvi9TT2guQfu1qTbaNdV5uAwQbi84reeq35Hlpv2q5Vfcadutq_muM0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfQ0lu7gKIuzze6EkF-bnFZbwdSHu7d_gzAGoJSE5RCeOOYZBfxn8i0A7Ptt67PwQ5w8ISDG-eMO5BqpPMiyCMkVmoopdPf-WGVd1dxivrzEZotqI42v-wkKvhMjif93hiu_FniMK3GWq1GC3PzGsOnYGBxqhpMb9N-OzJ2UHGdcvz9qdf-lR01f0b5pM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfQ0lu7gKIuzze6EkF-bnFZbwdSHu7d_gzAGoJSE5RCeOOYZBfxn8i0A7Ptt67PwQ5w8ISDG-eMO5BqpPMiyCMkVmoopdPf-WGVd1dxivrzEZotqI42v-wkKvhMjif93hiu_FniMK3GWq1GC3PzGsOnYGBxqhpMb9N-OzJ2UHGdcvz9qdf-lR01f0b5pM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwQLeqwlUqOusmjgOijjn4Ct3LkZBkdPI8yTGECzZzOyStHHvta4CUMFjFM4s-dTmpcTpSBzTXzVFQH8GqLO2Cojotlk5MD2FYCjrldUDm1eO7ek_6ULRK18g8W08i74Mx9lhoIakEbaPRmgaYh_rYVlpKNu5A0ituwmsUS0VLIAaFA7b8zN1M_hXwZlw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4808" data-original-width="7213" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwQLeqwlUqOusmjgOijjn4Ct3LkZBkdPI8yTGECzZzOyStHHvta4CUMFjFM4s-dTmpcTpSBzTXzVFQH8GqLO2Cojotlk5MD2FYCjrldUDm1eO7ek_6ULRK18g8W08i74Mx9lhoIakEbaPRmgaYh_rYVlpKNu5A0ituwmsUS0VLIAaFA7b8zN1M_hXwZlw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKf_Voy6dQ5fzmgGf-OlUYSkaGhDLMnV7YpiNup0BGJoc2m_ESGcPMwDr_1mF2_xtjnWhMl51l_Kb1zocikC-mPtyomARkVpA_jrkUU_RTaz_p5yttWsucI7AoPLqe184AkDa6DDqiJE3Aml20xH5UVhpc6x6ESlixlz0VriK-mKgZn0ec3LWMq6QHSOk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6075" data-original-width="9113" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKf_Voy6dQ5fzmgGf-OlUYSkaGhDLMnV7YpiNup0BGJoc2m_ESGcPMwDr_1mF2_xtjnWhMl51l_Kb1zocikC-mPtyomARkVpA_jrkUU_RTaz_p5yttWsucI7AoPLqe184AkDa6DDqiJE3Aml20xH5UVhpc6x6ESlixlz0VriK-mKgZn0ec3LWMq6QHSOk" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-58664573794514788102023-06-28T03:54:00.007-07:002023-06-28T05:43:40.726-07:00Japan 6.6: Matsue at night and our exploration of Izumo<p> That night I went out in search of ramen. The first restaurant I stopped at was closed, though Maps showed it as open. I crossed the bridge and walked down a dark hallway toward the next nearest ramen restaurant, called Ajitomi. According to reviews, it was known for its gargantuan version of gyoza dumplings. The ramen was fantastic, but the gyoza tasted more like garlic rolls than gyoza. The single man who ran the establishment was not particularly friendly. </p><p> The final day in Matsue was a lazy day for me. Miles stayed in the room to game, and I took a leisurely walk into town. I walked back across the bridge towards a hippie decorated coffee shop. The coffee was excellent and I had an interesting lemon and ginger cake to go along with it. I walked southwest along the river to the Shimane Art Museum.</p><p> I decided to do something a bit odd, and stayed in a voice channel on my phone while I walked the museum. I muted myself as I entered and listened to the banter in the background while viewing the art rooms. There were lots to see, from photos to chinaware to old block prints and some European art. Photography was not allowed. As usual, the museum gift shop had interesting items, some of which I picked up.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpxbZTPUFnhM0dHukAa_vsXVrxomHKO91tNuGvuP1aCLO75Jt0tZp05OJ-5ItvTv1SHy6Ft64_iCnTuL3f3NdGIGP6X_hrsknpejyWrbOLziT7DIgNu2uketzGrTxkqWkSStRX6ZF4UWdckyW51rnvWm8-hzZApctpaFfHSCInvxnzyD2s3ZT06DxZ-Kw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="3826" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpxbZTPUFnhM0dHukAa_vsXVrxomHKO91tNuGvuP1aCLO75Jt0tZp05OJ-5ItvTv1SHy6Ft64_iCnTuL3f3NdGIGP6X_hrsknpejyWrbOLziT7DIgNu2uketzGrTxkqWkSStRX6ZF4UWdckyW51rnvWm8-hzZApctpaFfHSCInvxnzyD2s3ZT06DxZ-Kw" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGFSYKB2pEr_qqQo2vgYZIgRM5UozZDK7ej3uLv_HKJ8EODCiByM1og0jQJM6W2FnLEsp972uEqSaJH2vfW59CGcKHXaE4Ocpo3ehX_0G0MdCClwJhmnxiY9o0ObZEYRj_BrviZfJR60YuKDv2VdA-poNRsMzPtP3vVVP3Og13BgdkMCaI4N96gJnaVHM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGFSYKB2pEr_qqQo2vgYZIgRM5UozZDK7ej3uLv_HKJ8EODCiByM1og0jQJM6W2FnLEsp972uEqSaJH2vfW59CGcKHXaE4Ocpo3ehX_0G0MdCClwJhmnxiY9o0ObZEYRj_BrviZfJR60YuKDv2VdA-poNRsMzPtP3vVVP3Og13BgdkMCaI4N96gJnaVHM" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neat item from the gift shop.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk1YmgptMcn16Ig2Hh3sRjnvgNYv4oEuN-TvfWhkNq5nuIdRfSSfVlGZ-tD4tIE42V1CDXazHYktKGOv4imgs4xUhnrWQhTflMn2EjQT_93bCXPZhYgrldbHmKIVzfotTAHPzpZpmWzXh1cI4CNs4A1zRm8ar9hASWQ0b-a2z90v-DH_6egrLQO-47r0s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2977" data-original-width="3969" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk1YmgptMcn16Ig2Hh3sRjnvgNYv4oEuN-TvfWhkNq5nuIdRfSSfVlGZ-tD4tIE42V1CDXazHYktKGOv4imgs4xUhnrWQhTflMn2EjQT_93bCXPZhYgrldbHmKIVzfotTAHPzpZpmWzXh1cI4CNs4A1zRm8ar9hASWQ0b-a2z90v-DH_6egrLQO-47r0s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi26KlwFewy8w6UKqXuh-_DMkfAzA1rVT7bW3g5XihxtzpOS1gVwfrm-YbtFcd4dcBH8GjxO4WQ1WQQYQ_TAQZgKUm5L-pYka_9CraSGKBiiX8NFivVrJnbRqIOVA70VIkEvAl_U4G2j1S-p-dV-2nyvx13h3oOGvyWACaeYzpXbCLZCgKTRaQHb3a64VA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2881" data-original-width="3841" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi26KlwFewy8w6UKqXuh-_DMkfAzA1rVT7bW3g5XihxtzpOS1gVwfrm-YbtFcd4dcBH8GjxO4WQ1WQQYQ_TAQZgKUm5L-pYka_9CraSGKBiiX8NFivVrJnbRqIOVA70VIkEvAl_U4G2j1S-p-dV-2nyvx13h3oOGvyWACaeYzpXbCLZCgKTRaQHb3a64VA" width="320" /></a></div><p> That night I decided to pack my camera for after dinner cityscapes and went out for ramen again. This time I found a place closer to my hotel. It was poorly rated, but I found the food to be excellent, and the woman waitress was the bubbliest and most smiley that I have encountered in all of Japan. When I returned outside, it was not dark yet, so I decided to take a walk back to the castle. I knew it was reported to close early, but I was hoping they would still allow people just outside the castle. Unfortunately, they were closing the huge doors just as I arrived. I went around the side for pictures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5M8LvXR9SGidNv0y_smudYZ-lMzjli-wTCH0qLhG5af5KassUjAmK9XePIOfOW9MDKVxRlZn8yk1Wp5ybsn3ZdXoZ_tPfGs-2v5SKiFEkxE08BR1oAbGVzt6sJkTkhahg8frGco8fxOa7WhNk9G1aSasTYINt4u0iixLhA9qhTAmxsJ1cpZNmKO2iqRs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5M8LvXR9SGidNv0y_smudYZ-lMzjli-wTCH0qLhG5af5KassUjAmK9XePIOfOW9MDKVxRlZn8yk1Wp5ybsn3ZdXoZ_tPfGs-2v5SKiFEkxE08BR1oAbGVzt6sJkTkhahg8frGco8fxOa7WhNk9G1aSasTYINt4u0iixLhA9qhTAmxsJ1cpZNmKO2iqRs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifruEBv-TIxLwU3blgu6Y1qyjvppMOT6iT0rI4O3W729zL5oqDXjdYxDHcY9Fj7wiLM1Sz0nsPizcrh3KY_r5nk980mj-aFjS7bDJla0vfDt4Ly9FwL__IMXaLndoe7Hxsy9o792jZ-qlgrrdZWbRqM1gj7fSH85WcL0cfFi7CBau5ugI_Bic5PqZfjj4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9146" data-original-width="6097" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifruEBv-TIxLwU3blgu6Y1qyjvppMOT6iT0rI4O3W729zL5oqDXjdYxDHcY9Fj7wiLM1Sz0nsPizcrh3KY_r5nk980mj-aFjS7bDJla0vfDt4Ly9FwL__IMXaLndoe7Hxsy9o792jZ-qlgrrdZWbRqM1gj7fSH85WcL0cfFi7CBau5ugI_Bic5PqZfjj4" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I returned to the central street sandwiched between the Kyobashi River and Ohashi River, which I noticed was particularly beautiful the night before. This is what I saw:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeKNF21LoubSigzur4XgN2Jg05HDaj0kPqDM2dYej4q1a3w6S1igHrXxK_Z8yq05N1fKj2hD8QwdgGtzsvBYIR0T8ZR4ke0oQWCIq9-rlyjS1TsqjtffeZYUVcVUtSHncNmG1oiLqr_f5nLDuDz33c_rOw6qzvYeWdSEbBd2PStMN8Bx55aYWkkphfvF4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeKNF21LoubSigzur4XgN2Jg05HDaj0kPqDM2dYej4q1a3w6S1igHrXxK_Z8yq05N1fKj2hD8QwdgGtzsvBYIR0T8ZR4ke0oQWCIq9-rlyjS1TsqjtffeZYUVcVUtSHncNmG1oiLqr_f5nLDuDz33c_rOw6qzvYeWdSEbBd2PStMN8Bx55aYWkkphfvF4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGRM0KkdF5yo4p8-aSqfs46ABlsHRqa3cTq-7TF0Utn_aNL1aV6NsrADs0GAn49SWbe50hNsoIZeiQYmM8VvKl-96zQRYTNYATtHoqSijadv42vxcrKxa0ZW3xLm_mcyFrJuHFO7BXbgVxMvxX7ejWtt78MeR66kLoFCEW_AVkHnDY2qS7Sm2Ej_yjwJo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6231" data-original-width="9346" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGRM0KkdF5yo4p8-aSqfs46ABlsHRqa3cTq-7TF0Utn_aNL1aV6NsrADs0GAn49SWbe50hNsoIZeiQYmM8VvKl-96zQRYTNYATtHoqSijadv42vxcrKxa0ZW3xLm_mcyFrJuHFO7BXbgVxMvxX7ejWtt78MeR66kLoFCEW_AVkHnDY2qS7Sm2Ej_yjwJo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmb1lMau6GUmy4UYERBm1yjZRu-gzMN19WdfeE791wABR4k7XLGY7xTNbosg1V-9WnMLDc234eL6A0b6OO8OnqBmvFcdgYDGvuCyugp7r03bvjmmBmlAf6zid6FkVIoSaSE-fpxHEy8Be6HoY_uJSXEA040foRp64HqGu3Vxdgk_Cz0RsvLAaHAyoF2F0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5951" data-original-width="8926" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmb1lMau6GUmy4UYERBm1yjZRu-gzMN19WdfeE791wABR4k7XLGY7xTNbosg1V-9WnMLDc234eL6A0b6OO8OnqBmvFcdgYDGvuCyugp7r03bvjmmBmlAf6zid6FkVIoSaSE-fpxHEy8Be6HoY_uJSXEA040foRp64HqGu3Vxdgk_Cz0RsvLAaHAyoF2F0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0B1AYA4osDus2dzjbrBWS2E_vzNSHUTrt7DFY8prigj5gkurHfhxcYzvn60u29RdRKi4tYcg1KMAzSefzaKPYAZq0kWITfdLvqlBoI7OIoSPPh_T_g7GGFjimBgUmw4J6aMDdPpuVv-BRXDRymmSBKAlJqe9HnolpzU4OnVFKOAfgeI8Zj4-g-GdSmQk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5744" data-original-width="8616" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0B1AYA4osDus2dzjbrBWS2E_vzNSHUTrt7DFY8prigj5gkurHfhxcYzvn60u29RdRKi4tYcg1KMAzSefzaKPYAZq0kWITfdLvqlBoI7OIoSPPh_T_g7GGFjimBgUmw4J6aMDdPpuVv-BRXDRymmSBKAlJqe9HnolpzU4OnVFKOAfgeI8Zj4-g-GdSmQk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFaFIidn5Jp5QPZobQhLvABZ6xdlm13tSXRWHCKmXI3VBqTbJHJaT7U3Cyp5kLzrYj1_KC0u_8i3zPG3_sxwMPC_AdhRzyS62w_Q9FQ2JwmBwZ0fdtjEwGHuqloCy9jv1Vw7uusrvQdAOieFsVTcJlLQGlikn-yDQoWICFmbbwt_3HvL9x0ioT6RWdHJo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFaFIidn5Jp5QPZobQhLvABZ6xdlm13tSXRWHCKmXI3VBqTbJHJaT7U3Cyp5kLzrYj1_KC0u_8i3zPG3_sxwMPC_AdhRzyS62w_Q9FQ2JwmBwZ0fdtjEwGHuqloCy9jv1Vw7uusrvQdAOieFsVTcJlLQGlikn-yDQoWICFmbbwt_3HvL9x0ioT6RWdHJo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJbxskS19bmVB_WCi3jKKam_geGc_ohgj34AfiUFxyNkwqWMt0Gv0qLYbpHxxJ73Pkq_gVI598XRC9ocEf3a6T9fA9OyQpxVvya3TNAn8UcMZgT0Zm6XdO8THrmsa5MDD_VdoYmus2IRKgXtRHlsrlkx-hR0Gl9HNUk8-mnAoF1xfVf18nG59JPKU6N5Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJbxskS19bmVB_WCi3jKKam_geGc_ohgj34AfiUFxyNkwqWMt0Gv0qLYbpHxxJ73Pkq_gVI598XRC9ocEf3a6T9fA9OyQpxVvya3TNAn8UcMZgT0Zm6XdO8THrmsa5MDD_VdoYmus2IRKgXtRHlsrlkx-hR0Gl9HNUk8-mnAoF1xfVf18nG59JPKU6N5Y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuo2l5PByMFHabidt018JHgku3inxv_NjvJJScJ91L6NuhzGG1hspUQ2VWdOvHiyaeOkoWjKHBxssn-OwRz_CFnyLLi-9v85B9JNTxpbq4ckKviVBrdsp9XRd5WbvpEMEH7zWqYjVeEiGMDWkXg37YFNBo1KLJ_JQbTqccOR9mPpa7eURKs1bn7CdfqpQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuo2l5PByMFHabidt018JHgku3inxv_NjvJJScJ91L6NuhzGG1hspUQ2VWdOvHiyaeOkoWjKHBxssn-OwRz_CFnyLLi-9v85B9JNTxpbq4ckKviVBrdsp9XRd5WbvpEMEH7zWqYjVeEiGMDWkXg37YFNBo1KLJ_JQbTqccOR9mPpa7eURKs1bn7CdfqpQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8x3ycOANdrr4HFyuKfu0P5jzz6i4NmnWQEzFqJhPaId2YHToOlF_E1ZjiS90keJWnM4FI8LzMwMKP7t-5aXW2eCGvneDYxLrbJ_HQ9KCVqnXdeLrJyOrzIbIe1L6iIne-QrQLcv6zf6drK7yc0UXnowTSLQqVUNi8DI81iQGp_5MwGErzAcjfNxaURMM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9210" data-original-width="6140" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8x3ycOANdrr4HFyuKfu0P5jzz6i4NmnWQEzFqJhPaId2YHToOlF_E1ZjiS90keJWnM4FI8LzMwMKP7t-5aXW2eCGvneDYxLrbJ_HQ9KCVqnXdeLrJyOrzIbIe1L6iIne-QrQLcv6zf6drK7yc0UXnowTSLQqVUNi8DI81iQGp_5MwGErzAcjfNxaURMM" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLZvdcK_x9SkxNeG7FEZkZeWx3w99rLYzxnTNoFi0QUPowTG1JsQTbOwtLe9EUJGilicw8nIzSZrGCOSBArNYzhgh7_LNAp4cgbDZ5y-xUdR-Vy0fPLjM09jeOaJp-_tJvfmUKzPPTz6HHBhPBL45DS6kVkX7D2HfQhpqsvYe0wNKsOOsUCZN8YrVVEmw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLZvdcK_x9SkxNeG7FEZkZeWx3w99rLYzxnTNoFi0QUPowTG1JsQTbOwtLe9EUJGilicw8nIzSZrGCOSBArNYzhgh7_LNAp4cgbDZ5y-xUdR-Vy0fPLjM09jeOaJp-_tJvfmUKzPPTz6HHBhPBL45DS6kVkX7D2HfQhpqsvYe0wNKsOOsUCZN8YrVVEmw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQhYWuMtXPiwKbGmcN-7W-fEQU42yafbyg2VC_u8eeKh46SGPNeBDs7MHScenQb12B5wDpg9hhlBZTLmcwHlESVFdVBHiXmA8jSP_ivighksnJuietCeG92-8AVgwBcRg9sMzvy72BtPWseQ6_HkzFPag3iZ34Gxxa9p7Rh6Kz8oqoccgjMMo7Gd4rT5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5740" data-original-width="8610" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQhYWuMtXPiwKbGmcN-7W-fEQU42yafbyg2VC_u8eeKh46SGPNeBDs7MHScenQb12B5wDpg9hhlBZTLmcwHlESVFdVBHiXmA8jSP_ivighksnJuietCeG92-8AVgwBcRg9sMzvy72BtPWseQ6_HkzFPag3iZ34Gxxa9p7Rh6Kz8oqoccgjMMo7Gd4rT5g" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeaw-LDzNHjeQmyzjPnuq3IQQGRNWlkzSkJ7i7jrW03HngAPleni9DlhC4HsRKJnD7-n2Lb_OOlty26dcTTAtJASjd0nzU2X1WF9ziXPjY7P_unDepkZtdPP5_zGgcnl5v8p_X4zLIQmgB0Rg5YaTucJgT2_lbq5hepRk9YSavzeyOWPLQX2rf60p1LMs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeaw-LDzNHjeQmyzjPnuq3IQQGRNWlkzSkJ7i7jrW03HngAPleni9DlhC4HsRKJnD7-n2Lb_OOlty26dcTTAtJASjd0nzU2X1WF9ziXPjY7P_unDepkZtdPP5_zGgcnl5v8p_X4zLIQmgB0Rg5YaTucJgT2_lbq5hepRk9YSavzeyOWPLQX2rf60p1LMs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXjwR9IPBUngdSylDhakBkl-rPfpG0jUfy2UQJE6ggK7Y3xpW5ijm5TJLcTANc5YqN6w8W0ybN1XpO4lOkflmAT6dg6h7VY_YcE7J0oP7yYDqG6oqba8T8GsPyBt_kmUvWt7041mVa6VVHt0EqLnSe6t07FV0xO1Un51uV7zfSLreSg6ZLhmLLIuumCc4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXjwR9IPBUngdSylDhakBkl-rPfpG0jUfy2UQJE6ggK7Y3xpW5ijm5TJLcTANc5YqN6w8W0ybN1XpO4lOkflmAT6dg6h7VY_YcE7J0oP7yYDqG6oqba8T8GsPyBt_kmUvWt7041mVa6VVHt0EqLnSe6t07FV0xO1Un51uV7zfSLreSg6ZLhmLLIuumCc4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAFWiEhg1L7f63CizK9obaOTsU5PVFuE6-CEB4H1yEHvog1cRPbL_lGCTl2i-MIfJyil9Ibw-Rt5w4gNv4YjKSlVz8b5QHuYuMKie12gDdDLhKhzx4iqN7F7sKes2kmtO8ysocM7e8QYtXCJdwL-tABhcBOAyzkpuyYqfNOeiCM5jq4tPEnd84BAKk6kU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6081" data-original-width="9122" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAFWiEhg1L7f63CizK9obaOTsU5PVFuE6-CEB4H1yEHvog1cRPbL_lGCTl2i-MIfJyil9Ibw-Rt5w4gNv4YjKSlVz8b5QHuYuMKie12gDdDLhKhzx4iqN7F7sKes2kmtO8ysocM7e8QYtXCJdwL-tABhcBOAyzkpuyYqfNOeiCM5jq4tPEnd84BAKk6kU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy84_mYCN2Xv_cJSMHd47iMbHEWQOVrkWhmiTUJVVIXQuLYrfOGxBSvYqjC13JAP7UeB7JFhjPSEBY0xTuJYwV6XiAz6xy_sMyuRgK4fEfTAH6ciSG1PLf8v3d4jZNX6_PdB45Xs4LnXff5HpIls2x0oFOoY2KY1JcUwaCVZpZsuXFlSkIUcK89zEPRdk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5647" data-original-width="8470" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy84_mYCN2Xv_cJSMHd47iMbHEWQOVrkWhmiTUJVVIXQuLYrfOGxBSvYqjC13JAP7UeB7JFhjPSEBY0xTuJYwV6XiAz6xy_sMyuRgK4fEfTAH6ciSG1PLf8v3d4jZNX6_PdB45Xs4LnXff5HpIls2x0oFOoY2KY1JcUwaCVZpZsuXFlSkIUcK89zEPRdk" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We finished one last outstanding breakfast, which featured curry rice, yogurt and honey, and a most spectacular French toast. We drove west along Lake Shinji, into Izumo, and then north to the Hinomisaki Shrine. The buildings were a striking orange/red color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3lZ5Lj3jmIpgFSSWqrqXBvxYh60ZGsFZK5N6jm0O-0X2Qpke-NFFtA22S5nj-Krlu8LSbPhFbAmMDyUhGV5cOs8j6gDppt8IoceTgoQJuxm8IsbTsqmuvkInex35VYfbTjS0-589At8tbWSGTd09oMRj-vNroV981BGXvgOEzToBmrHNurOTm1PGFZ1A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3lZ5Lj3jmIpgFSSWqrqXBvxYh60ZGsFZK5N6jm0O-0X2Qpke-NFFtA22S5nj-Krlu8LSbPhFbAmMDyUhGV5cOs8j6gDppt8IoceTgoQJuxm8IsbTsqmuvkInex35VYfbTjS0-589At8tbWSGTd09oMRj-vNroV981BGXvgOEzToBmrHNurOTm1PGFZ1A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh55T7kTkwMcNo0kGSlXbkUsPYDdWut6thBeR4EaNmZeKS9zSyUAVJC_7Ey5trUYrdrQHMDMiS56bl4_XbHVajuesgyVrVDDwmmb1aExQkEcPY8mp3UsVtLg_fCB2MPa0I2Mqd4cdOSNAwCpw-AuRaug4npj0sa4UuzJ6unTO-Q1BjX7HnPl6Ck_7bpSbY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh55T7kTkwMcNo0kGSlXbkUsPYDdWut6thBeR4EaNmZeKS9zSyUAVJC_7Ey5trUYrdrQHMDMiS56bl4_XbHVajuesgyVrVDDwmmb1aExQkEcPY8mp3UsVtLg_fCB2MPa0I2Mqd4cdOSNAwCpw-AuRaug4npj0sa4UuzJ6unTO-Q1BjX7HnPl6Ck_7bpSbY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNoxpRcLs4vZgmyz6nAbkQdf__yhiFU2sJqvK-MMKyWT1j0dFh0EN4JK81WeFfVE3hSBwH-TmXzk0XtGpNy5AmT6LZXQpz_ZrKN48jUfZXlIRk1xtg35a5_6MslWW0zYOgRNKw7njg1CIZlc3f9kZ9_9hW4VYYq8SWWi-VHUWqDS1tn4wlkY5EJzaRlAs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNoxpRcLs4vZgmyz6nAbkQdf__yhiFU2sJqvK-MMKyWT1j0dFh0EN4JK81WeFfVE3hSBwH-TmXzk0XtGpNy5AmT6LZXQpz_ZrKN48jUfZXlIRk1xtg35a5_6MslWW0zYOgRNKw7njg1CIZlc3f9kZ9_9hW4VYYq8SWWi-VHUWqDS1tn4wlkY5EJzaRlAs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7xDXvnWDhPGcsFuoGu7x_7WP9Eyg1s_yw3wFNZzQj6-dqJLQLuuMRA7WQBUi4i-nA7hwo3Qi2OFsTpZphQzDzOIeEzTsWqONlmYFv0t_8GvGJy8pDP5zxKeqMiBaxx3VnGap6uVnzaTtXXZHZwkgjlJ387iA0Ryo_WzWnxz3o-KI6vzQf9zIbzsPSOr8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7xDXvnWDhPGcsFuoGu7x_7WP9Eyg1s_yw3wFNZzQj6-dqJLQLuuMRA7WQBUi4i-nA7hwo3Qi2OFsTpZphQzDzOIeEzTsWqONlmYFv0t_8GvGJy8pDP5zxKeqMiBaxx3VnGap6uVnzaTtXXZHZwkgjlJ387iA0Ryo_WzWnxz3o-KI6vzQf9zIbzsPSOr8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHxF-dZO-hdOoAnyG-fYqyC0-7xVIIRLXFF3cNmcEtAdO1R8kpNks5pHy4JKfU4XNWZq-_dGatipsLUEb6EScQKHOrWHija0oaR8oEl9IbV8Ly1ACskwUCyefqTiUPStBGQoDRO7Fe4AxCCzHfE3Dxk9Aj7Z5yrR5KPeQLGf9CdVBv_aqla6726qZR8lY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHxF-dZO-hdOoAnyG-fYqyC0-7xVIIRLXFF3cNmcEtAdO1R8kpNks5pHy4JKfU4XNWZq-_dGatipsLUEb6EScQKHOrWHija0oaR8oEl9IbV8Ly1ACskwUCyefqTiUPStBGQoDRO7Fe4AxCCzHfE3Dxk9Aj7Z5yrR5KPeQLGf9CdVBv_aqla6726qZR8lY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU_xuWRFlwSF6M4e00Ecq1YMIwbpj-QCndAd3gT49o1J9H-bcaUkIoepi2V73XvEx_AgqAbrpFSZysU5cDg_cd6h21y1GBehsDlXB8BbPyV2ixUUdW4sSo5PQVC5Lh9jPrRyVRckFtTMsa2ggB3GW1d0vp9UJbEMiWr28Y8sX9_bWFG-eY-JcFKOaFP48" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5653" data-original-width="8479" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU_xuWRFlwSF6M4e00Ecq1YMIwbpj-QCndAd3gT49o1J9H-bcaUkIoepi2V73XvEx_AgqAbrpFSZysU5cDg_cd6h21y1GBehsDlXB8BbPyV2ixUUdW4sSo5PQVC5Lh9jPrRyVRckFtTMsa2ggB3GW1d0vp9UJbEMiWr28Y8sX9_bWFG-eY-JcFKOaFP48" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Up a short set of steps was a smaller shrine with animal statues.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlqfhd1D7iuPkrPuTZ780SGmTz7vzvtRz6uN4Q10vH6crvyszNEFZCf_j0nsSkbzDQPWfVwjHpi0MN4DMNFTeHu44sjDnq4HwAxtJHmX0_YAE_E8ZGQUHwxC7DOew3sMbCc65CGhdRO-Ncl7MQeyrs4bYBGxLO6VQB04su1hfefK60kb1leAIAtEa7XSc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlqfhd1D7iuPkrPuTZ780SGmTz7vzvtRz6uN4Q10vH6crvyszNEFZCf_j0nsSkbzDQPWfVwjHpi0MN4DMNFTeHu44sjDnq4HwAxtJHmX0_YAE_E8ZGQUHwxC7DOew3sMbCc65CGhdRO-Ncl7MQeyrs4bYBGxLO6VQB04su1hfefK60kb1leAIAtEa7XSc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBMyN6PbU82YbQmcZS5ffdDJ1c4HU_p69VhOPXw7XWNWVnmTE1AtWNWEzEvN0q4Cey8ZdcGLis5ILX26CWa5yF61oWnuxhEFDuOjy4xisdnz_8IscggC7o2G1ef4kSULiNEoAoB3GYD1M9XNggtPHILzmyUptHWAPS3iVUGy1tH6y8yR5TJgPbvP9TmrM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7619" data-original-width="10158" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBMyN6PbU82YbQmcZS5ffdDJ1c4HU_p69VhOPXw7XWNWVnmTE1AtWNWEzEvN0q4Cey8ZdcGLis5ILX26CWa5yF61oWnuxhEFDuOjy4xisdnz_8IscggC7o2G1ef4kSULiNEoAoB3GYD1M9XNggtPHILzmyUptHWAPS3iVUGy1tH6y8yR5TJgPbvP9TmrM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitIMZnclcKWsvBxfgrlbs18i92RasGUaHQOUZWD0JCCU6i4bJOFNVEEIbc0Gtemk4M8se1_oZex-pHi9I6sRNyqDAQraK0cvoObQKdyvpK_6-m4zp2PrTl5U1CoVIc6Hmh5R9ChkDEDYUD2xOnhahvh37neVLJGOeZxoWVOFsM_O5cwY2xMYTPRptdmn8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7734" data-original-width="10312" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitIMZnclcKWsvBxfgrlbs18i92RasGUaHQOUZWD0JCCU6i4bJOFNVEEIbc0Gtemk4M8se1_oZex-pHi9I6sRNyqDAQraK0cvoObQKdyvpK_6-m4zp2PrTl5U1CoVIc6Hmh5R9ChkDEDYUD2xOnhahvh37neVLJGOeZxoWVOFsM_O5cwY2xMYTPRptdmn8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeiooUTqthEmEM-wq2QJtFklNO5eFXVaK1de2w9Jp7UPs8iu5sgipyXs9rEg5f5SAyX-V3dxfvCE-khokHINNq5mZHjtWkoJ9lkSIU8GnQjGPfH0Jsu6_JaKRA8ZAb2ipoa5_qfxjJJ4YKTBQF7XcS-Lgeg65Q-8fJhoi8qODqv2IOtVudgNlAXlSB6y4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8289" data-original-width="11052" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeiooUTqthEmEM-wq2QJtFklNO5eFXVaK1de2w9Jp7UPs8iu5sgipyXs9rEg5f5SAyX-V3dxfvCE-khokHINNq5mZHjtWkoJ9lkSIU8GnQjGPfH0Jsu6_JaKRA8ZAb2ipoa5_qfxjJJ4YKTBQF7XcS-Lgeg65Q-8fJhoi8qODqv2IOtVudgNlAXlSB6y4" width="320" /></a></div><br />There were unique pieces of art adorning each building. Each of them had an individual scene, with no repeats.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhViLnJPUY9pEFXh5qsxnHr2Y4JPDCEmaHyHR99oIJ4ET6jL87Edo9ymRExmY4YFZpE5HyzLm-hIY3xy63dATZE50b3EQMOPUMSE8M-tCfKdN7w6gPWh4cQ2Oq-zF1NCBR89qBWO5DL-mUZSL-IDQwTm_gIZiLZ-KjcHsU7nsMP4jFbvjyTxz-qiRQTTI0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6243" data-original-width="9494" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhViLnJPUY9pEFXh5qsxnHr2Y4JPDCEmaHyHR99oIJ4ET6jL87Edo9ymRExmY4YFZpE5HyzLm-hIY3xy63dATZE50b3EQMOPUMSE8M-tCfKdN7w6gPWh4cQ2Oq-zF1NCBR89qBWO5DL-mUZSL-IDQwTm_gIZiLZ-KjcHsU7nsMP4jFbvjyTxz-qiRQTTI0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3QX24agvk7JqPEK6N1ZhxeHoV78bCDjOoclQN_pFyDtUhW-QWRVUhwZn5IMD3zrzxKYgjSH6x8ZmBGhkzPctiVcbA2Q7mTYluhsyfV2uLfQolNcQ6A6TBlwcicXp2L52llPThxGShXAZ_CFox6EIM3k7Tal_PBYs1Hmo-W_QJqBHgnFxsDdacVHwx_8I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4137" data-original-width="5516" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3QX24agvk7JqPEK6N1ZhxeHoV78bCDjOoclQN_pFyDtUhW-QWRVUhwZn5IMD3zrzxKYgjSH6x8ZmBGhkzPctiVcbA2Q7mTYluhsyfV2uLfQolNcQ6A6TBlwcicXp2L52llPThxGShXAZ_CFox6EIM3k7Tal_PBYs1Hmo-W_QJqBHgnFxsDdacVHwx_8I" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimFHDtEbuuLt-O0feUgHwKKVRay2NoSX345lAvzOM38FT0v0H67gF_FCK2MuA633H4QVxIPQ5qhLx9C7qQO8112intSzAn9_OEWqjm31b1zLYtXEJzrUGWSd5GEcborC8rGZGCoBRxFm-0sv7jTaAPhhDuREjoGX3FYXD_QBrVufVlJ2H6ChdBy3yT_cI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4851" data-original-width="6468" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimFHDtEbuuLt-O0feUgHwKKVRay2NoSX345lAvzOM38FT0v0H67gF_FCK2MuA633H4QVxIPQ5qhLx9C7qQO8112intSzAn9_OEWqjm31b1zLYtXEJzrUGWSd5GEcborC8rGZGCoBRxFm-0sv7jTaAPhhDuREjoGX3FYXD_QBrVufVlJ2H6ChdBy3yT_cI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyEX1zYdS_4ZDuNAGfHmww-rhFrZQ2lSstaM8VqS0kRzANjdcxXNtIfmqT_AjEaGY1OnuhwLcp99erzGWN7LQJ_IS2sK_Z4iyziU54fMf1d2EzEJ32tCvSgQL6RGLz58UpTxQyoIdS2XjG8cLxx7SYsDRb3BCudNx2_UYSNj2cSneI6juvASmVkNWqPBs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6521" data-original-width="8694" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyEX1zYdS_4ZDuNAGfHmww-rhFrZQ2lSstaM8VqS0kRzANjdcxXNtIfmqT_AjEaGY1OnuhwLcp99erzGWN7LQJ_IS2sK_Z4iyziU54fMf1d2EzEJ32tCvSgQL6RGLz58UpTxQyoIdS2XjG8cLxx7SYsDRb3BCudNx2_UYSNj2cSneI6juvASmVkNWqPBs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimuvkxalRdIeyOu-uezYpjq0TuTn_8F-GfEHUPrCQD8FU9Ew7loFJSD8G4Ygp90vttd7Elgb6vZ_dzctp0OIp6dTGcMsivZA1Cla2BB5SNKmfDQH2NOcwDBhOgXG9uiC4WkpULQXjInLN-aAXsU3C4L3GDie3ABLWHUeVrC6Hrvat9m2ik6q55BwgAwlU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8325" data-original-width="11100" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimuvkxalRdIeyOu-uezYpjq0TuTn_8F-GfEHUPrCQD8FU9Ew7loFJSD8G4Ygp90vttd7Elgb6vZ_dzctp0OIp6dTGcMsivZA1Cla2BB5SNKmfDQH2NOcwDBhOgXG9uiC4WkpULQXjInLN-aAXsU3C4L3GDie3ABLWHUeVrC6Hrvat9m2ik6q55BwgAwlU" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Just down the road was the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, which is supposed to have nice views from the top. unfortunately, it was blocked off for reconstruction. Miles got an ice cream cone as a consolation prize.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQC5u00jdFYrQK9tOKcxdm5bUlXCdi5bsfie6y_OoMb5qSYRGD6AfKqrhupoXX-t4GtpCmdOtwFwpnocz6CGD-Ai2HidrSdY2eFl5h2-uZg6z2hML8bCUzZoAdLPaYkMMifIBaSkuWLhXs-YGb29y8FeT7yDW_3d40HZB_lQXXLiaT7s-VyJJAnIBrIh8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQC5u00jdFYrQK9tOKcxdm5bUlXCdi5bsfie6y_OoMb5qSYRGD6AfKqrhupoXX-t4GtpCmdOtwFwpnocz6CGD-Ai2HidrSdY2eFl5h2-uZg6z2hML8bCUzZoAdLPaYkMMifIBaSkuWLhXs-YGb29y8FeT7yDW_3d40HZB_lQXXLiaT7s-VyJJAnIBrIh8" width="180" /></a></div><br /> On the Inasa Beacha, on the western coast of Izumo was the interesting Bentenjima. It was slightly disappointed to see some pollution near the bottom. I removed some pieces.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Av-P0W9BqRIY4fTpr5Zi8mC1HiWM754vG1FZ3X9Fgx-rmvr3ne--rzpCPdcghI9f__wEs3l2C9RhTplJCwtdfzbi77gNOFX8zfh6v_QB2RjzfdLWmgbzFrq4PmtcfaCPOpZdboO408rLzjZDBc05CiL3kBtzeYqSS0IXeIzBF99mIfZ6FR7JdfboUUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8624" data-original-width="11521" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Av-P0W9BqRIY4fTpr5Zi8mC1HiWM754vG1FZ3X9Fgx-rmvr3ne--rzpCPdcghI9f__wEs3l2C9RhTplJCwtdfzbi77gNOFX8zfh6v_QB2RjzfdLWmgbzFrq4PmtcfaCPOpZdboO408rLzjZDBc05CiL3kBtzeYqSS0IXeIzBF99mIfZ6FR7JdfboUUA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6HFK_dDgrrPUg-mAraTwhFAUfgS_zfkKGj0z-6RK4i0EdSXQLlW2PCxcu8bjQCtKiqIQvU0SRex6jGw39-9fCLi_GJsTa0gjGzYb-aeoDroZWPvPktV5SlRVWMcbdjwkIZ3aH_D6uOn1C4xKONDrhvMAJR6wCLDq9SKxsCjjYyVPGb9m9MTr-DHwYPq8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8361" data-original-width="11150" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6HFK_dDgrrPUg-mAraTwhFAUfgS_zfkKGj0z-6RK4i0EdSXQLlW2PCxcu8bjQCtKiqIQvU0SRex6jGw39-9fCLi_GJsTa0gjGzYb-aeoDroZWPvPktV5SlRVWMcbdjwkIZ3aH_D6uOn1C4xKONDrhvMAJR6wCLDq9SKxsCjjYyVPGb9m9MTr-DHwYPq8" width="320" /></a></div><br /> A dish unique to the region is wariko soba, so we went to a local restaurant to give it a try. Well, I did. Miles had a tempura soba dish instead. You are served cold noodles in three bowls, stacked upon each other. There are sides of garnish and a pot with a light type of sauce that tasted similar to soy. Once you are finished with the top dish, you spill the remaining liquid into the next dish down, and repeat. It was pretty decent, but not spectacular.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsSLA1L2--_Tpg3grGz_VMJzagqSyA9w2wWyLDetMSc2NkI15ZLA37yuM3qRjJZwCLVmEREIbNNikpptkK6wTluIF6AvHek90fiENUq8EfiOnxZhkjlOvlp9U03uZ-rcxnKIBGaDC6L-MFfhHoYtN1MApDMQdyZ-9WhEbI-ZFTRyndjjtYA70yyP9CQk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="3876" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsSLA1L2--_Tpg3grGz_VMJzagqSyA9w2wWyLDetMSc2NkI15ZLA37yuM3qRjJZwCLVmEREIbNNikpptkK6wTluIF6AvHek90fiENUq8EfiOnxZhkjlOvlp9U03uZ-rcxnKIBGaDC6L-MFfhHoYtN1MApDMQdyZ-9WhEbI-ZFTRyndjjtYA70yyP9CQk" width="320" /></a></div><p> We checked into our room and then walked to the center of town, to follow the main pathway to the Izumo Taisha. Along the way there were side gardens and a whole bunch of interesting statues.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-sVSXonJQN0fOdhHn52l9-B0rwRFkP6JMU57LFdJ5Wl4H_ihs141jzyXgqHc6YE_PC1lccfF1NCP3B2863xafuLbJH2UOCagzoA-fIQcH6FziaEM3Z-EWGLZfa5zKFCWHv1exEd11twqH7ys0qeMmNqjaMwxxZ2lScljD5iWeAE1hs2ixLJJ182vi-Q8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-sVSXonJQN0fOdhHn52l9-B0rwRFkP6JMU57LFdJ5Wl4H_ihs141jzyXgqHc6YE_PC1lccfF1NCP3B2863xafuLbJH2UOCagzoA-fIQcH6FziaEM3Z-EWGLZfa5zKFCWHv1exEd11twqH7ys0qeMmNqjaMwxxZ2lScljD5iWeAE1hs2ixLJJ182vi-Q8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzS9B6B7UZzofvQF7Eg_fR27SvY92NXWCqBiFPd9kYUb0lpmasaMM9ZgsC9U3MNqEEZW0pAS9IIUUaSdPtBsiKMn6XYXAkeYTjqA1HYc95Spw9HHOMWaDW0z_iSH3tDs9NCk-ydJYdKQpim3EedJR6nvGB15D90hkYfMraO3ORdRTQzUaTA5YJEoGcfRY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5884" data-original-width="8949" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzS9B6B7UZzofvQF7Eg_fR27SvY92NXWCqBiFPd9kYUb0lpmasaMM9ZgsC9U3MNqEEZW0pAS9IIUUaSdPtBsiKMn6XYXAkeYTjqA1HYc95Spw9HHOMWaDW0z_iSH3tDs9NCk-ydJYdKQpim3EedJR6nvGB15D90hkYfMraO3ORdRTQzUaTA5YJEoGcfRY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0na8I910QLjsdxtr6Vt7e5F1EgOsC38D33_QMOf0kU6Ooxg_oNsEh5Z-dh0Rd5dfwEiCiehrhTXW70T1rJwF9a1pTKzkPeFgxPquuYH7eYSvizgb12qvdL7vUkc1v8malHNXtWIOMzzQ73Ixfcl96ugAiNHfL-L_7hqE-k4hgilv7UaZKN5h0aCZq8eY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0na8I910QLjsdxtr6Vt7e5F1EgOsC38D33_QMOf0kU6Ooxg_oNsEh5Z-dh0Rd5dfwEiCiehrhTXW70T1rJwF9a1pTKzkPeFgxPquuYH7eYSvizgb12qvdL7vUkc1v8malHNXtWIOMzzQ73Ixfcl96ugAiNHfL-L_7hqE-k4hgilv7UaZKN5h0aCZq8eY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs8bCE9FGAIYOTOxt4i9benEkGz_a6cO_hl-L3AI5_jQDgEof1RaBarxQH_6iTbvXOJMX2V9aNX2BU-nsYSpOQm2GFtxmWIk1D3XL4nd1GAHile1aej7bsZMa3JGbTeZq5AV_pkkps3NhAdOwtbWwdceZruTeXSqwdy4mOUwhswFk3cr8-TuTA_PgpGfk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8660" data-original-width="5715" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs8bCE9FGAIYOTOxt4i9benEkGz_a6cO_hl-L3AI5_jQDgEof1RaBarxQH_6iTbvXOJMX2V9aNX2BU-nsYSpOQm2GFtxmWIk1D3XL4nd1GAHile1aej7bsZMa3JGbTeZq5AV_pkkps3NhAdOwtbWwdceZruTeXSqwdy4mOUwhswFk3cr8-TuTA_PgpGfk" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit8v6PlkB9cnhQ4jsKVVTKc93G7jEcG8ULhGeQHzITRyn0RkBg01nxhasQ9ziLLEVvuXAKOWcNC3-DxdMjx5dcDEEDuUgg3zYuO3DWwwGypI_EzhBOqw5nMVsQWxWbl25OfXARhOhCJ6izACyo7BatSRlMF--DsIXXihvhtkqVIy-VJNShZvGkN6qX-S8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5739" data-original-width="8610" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit8v6PlkB9cnhQ4jsKVVTKc93G7jEcG8ULhGeQHzITRyn0RkBg01nxhasQ9ziLLEVvuXAKOWcNC3-DxdMjx5dcDEEDuUgg3zYuO3DWwwGypI_EzhBOqw5nMVsQWxWbl25OfXARhOhCJ6izACyo7BatSRlMF--DsIXXihvhtkqVIy-VJNShZvGkN6qX-S8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE-BBXFvgLjK-yLQlLUT-0SHFWr7fYFrYiXisKFaOV0pO7fkbtp7scWubhzTKKJCOTuVVqTFCHc4XXjMkOlM3Y_dWgyG1JnHWeA1OXK22ac9w31PsPVbmGfGKY_nYQMFa-uxPMNoRzl3Jmew50JsO_fdPFx438H1SyTrr3GA45uoZ_D5I2AJ7nisc05dA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE-BBXFvgLjK-yLQlLUT-0SHFWr7fYFrYiXisKFaOV0pO7fkbtp7scWubhzTKKJCOTuVVqTFCHc4XXjMkOlM3Y_dWgyG1JnHWeA1OXK22ac9w31PsPVbmGfGKY_nYQMFa-uxPMNoRzl3Jmew50JsO_fdPFx438H1SyTrr3GA45uoZ_D5I2AJ7nisc05dA" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Once we reached the temple area, we walked past the first building, to try to get our eyes on the beautiful buildings inside a massive fenced area. It was closed off on all sides, and I was able to take the best pictures towards the back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3UfKLZfq9-pJiq4xpGGhXnFQU1keWNlHr3_S5e9hadbNlptMKAbFPqoUxf1l5pRNgNrKN3y1mxcMclwJZKEMCH4QBvNWRlgBRdb1KwtcZ9Qril9ONujYCmVbAiBsqXhwmd0CpLP5R3FiV6w6rV7bqEp2r-wNGO_AOAV0_HrvTZKAUSm_wB6DuLz-oRNc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6265" data-original-width="9457" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3UfKLZfq9-pJiq4xpGGhXnFQU1keWNlHr3_S5e9hadbNlptMKAbFPqoUxf1l5pRNgNrKN3y1mxcMclwJZKEMCH4QBvNWRlgBRdb1KwtcZ9Qril9ONujYCmVbAiBsqXhwmd0CpLP5R3FiV6w6rV7bqEp2r-wNGO_AOAV0_HrvTZKAUSm_wB6DuLz-oRNc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRc6qGWLUmXJpN9Pt-Sf5iY-jFxo2g5t5o_KZaFD31im4qPIFUFsnCAs0XEl7nq_IFNv8Hmi6oiMJaXBj_ZFvP3bEyStuGWpnd_nnE6kLCrgAM-7315qsmvBsPoTv-CezUgSkPawxM6Fi9QDuGJjl502qbQg2TCJbN0NpoKUz5YLEpVUuA1Th7sOuVDa4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6335" data-original-width="9503" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRc6qGWLUmXJpN9Pt-Sf5iY-jFxo2g5t5o_KZaFD31im4qPIFUFsnCAs0XEl7nq_IFNv8Hmi6oiMJaXBj_ZFvP3bEyStuGWpnd_nnE6kLCrgAM-7315qsmvBsPoTv-CezUgSkPawxM6Fi9QDuGJjl502qbQg2TCJbN0NpoKUz5YLEpVUuA1Th7sOuVDa4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI_EElRhzIeNXeN9Td40yKwZbXFVsTKCgMFj5oLo1_dRr5AaFJCx8YJEEx7c4rIxS67kwgCyBUvTf-r-XEXdEOQI1xGpsBp3yT6OpHDNxPM4a5r2IH90IrReZtSsfy3tq7at59gzCfpSwMXfTF_dqh8m_y5gL97WblblAUEHWeJgEnOx5hkWokXvSqtzk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6328" data-original-width="9624" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI_EElRhzIeNXeN9Td40yKwZbXFVsTKCgMFj5oLo1_dRr5AaFJCx8YJEEx7c4rIxS67kwgCyBUvTf-r-XEXdEOQI1xGpsBp3yT6OpHDNxPM4a5r2IH90IrReZtSsfy3tq7at59gzCfpSwMXfTF_dqh8m_y5gL97WblblAUEHWeJgEnOx5hkWokXvSqtzk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzW1Xd_H_A7rJNCVIc_GgbcuZnUZREKL6bugNv1Y7VIOveqahTeFvEQmyp08dGg5Y29XHj3Q9ROCJzkMgfqy3OloEL1OENknwcbfcvadl-7YMShyg2iHzKHXjdisKiMvYWdpymGxAlYh4rclPM739E1xVk_3WoYJwQzxs5Y5bR6fwHeXSFBhEALDpDil4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9604" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzW1Xd_H_A7rJNCVIc_GgbcuZnUZREKL6bugNv1Y7VIOveqahTeFvEQmyp08dGg5Y29XHj3Q9ROCJzkMgfqy3OloEL1OENknwcbfcvadl-7YMShyg2iHzKHXjdisKiMvYWdpymGxAlYh4rclPM739E1xVk_3WoYJwQzxs5Y5bR6fwHeXSFBhEALDpDil4" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg56G4j2G7NgpXXpZNY5vGW0Hdf2wlvU2iEKGXsbu8BIy2gfW00_bO4N3ZFY7pQDx8pHPRz-aQwaxmXahmff5kAgl-uGhM1L6f8HNgDktXhlDktxShT20LCIxk9HFklsaM7a9euc2NCQa1FVaMkLWZjqvVJMDAYMrjmVQYLpSrIjY0Ynw-bcAjKCvOeUHA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg56G4j2G7NgpXXpZNY5vGW0Hdf2wlvU2iEKGXsbu8BIy2gfW00_bO4N3ZFY7pQDx8pHPRz-aQwaxmXahmff5kAgl-uGhM1L6f8HNgDktXhlDktxShT20LCIxk9HFklsaM7a9euc2NCQa1FVaMkLWZjqvVJMDAYMrjmVQYLpSrIjY0Ynw-bcAjKCvOeUHA" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We exited out the western side, to encounter the Izumo Taisha Kaguraden, which featured a tremendously large straw rope. To get the picture directly underneath, laying on my back on the ground was not enough to capture it whole. I had to make multiple attempts at placing the camera on the ground and aiming upward.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKh1efFMHXqOIZli_kPbtuG4C2EZxCh5P-XbOk0lXOyNC0poojmmQztOX5TYQO9y12fqlPXOnUsS6m4EaRgzZPdPBiohky_3zSFXEGFHtLlBFm00sSG1G8SuRThaJACeF8nmpFEVK9JS3sdVoEe67AE7sFjaekPzF9f4FU5sirEsyyEzJJBGPLZRE3ui0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKh1efFMHXqOIZli_kPbtuG4C2EZxCh5P-XbOk0lXOyNC0poojmmQztOX5TYQO9y12fqlPXOnUsS6m4EaRgzZPdPBiohky_3zSFXEGFHtLlBFm00sSG1G8SuRThaJACeF8nmpFEVK9JS3sdVoEe67AE7sFjaekPzF9f4FU5sirEsyyEzJJBGPLZRE3ui0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3A-EmI9K5cW5J6fgBXl50AaRMv2S5WR0NiSsjqQFmGyL2sl37xZTBzgjbst-nXJFURN9iwTWoUm6AaqBzALzUAgpSkP_zRXmiDQLVUuyLsSdj2B-fqCCVOxqTS4SrgsqTpMQxQATbjL9sbQ_DuiSIM9cHsaKATgnoiw6d_aER1Mu3SbqYmrUfMoOunMw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6003" data-original-width="9130" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3A-EmI9K5cW5J6fgBXl50AaRMv2S5WR0NiSsjqQFmGyL2sl37xZTBzgjbst-nXJFURN9iwTWoUm6AaqBzALzUAgpSkP_zRXmiDQLVUuyLsSdj2B-fqCCVOxqTS4SrgsqTpMQxQATbjL9sbQ_DuiSIM9cHsaKATgnoiw6d_aER1Mu3SbqYmrUfMoOunMw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMkyRxEZ08FqIfneUQcrfc2m_x2mawPCHh6ZAE7uuUCb-Cn0WOpMA2xpj1E6S_y491V5tNVSDg-_XDr8BiUE0d41DiUJlc7Srz8uMWYEY5AyhN-ifyaebz6GVGvGXJFj_B8jtArSRuNGUATQU4CMBi_tKEuqVWUCv3GUAAepBpxdq0JMsp5KLgTEcq2NA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMkyRxEZ08FqIfneUQcrfc2m_x2mawPCHh6ZAE7uuUCb-Cn0WOpMA2xpj1E6S_y491V5tNVSDg-_XDr8BiUE0d41DiUJlc7Srz8uMWYEY5AyhN-ifyaebz6GVGvGXJFj_B8jtArSRuNGUATQU4CMBi_tKEuqVWUCv3GUAAepBpxdq0JMsp5KLgTEcq2NA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzjMPzMFP7p4q1trpjIeb76qlbzRTMy_OwzRdxH2kUUEuo7eKK2OolYaS40Mey8GsUJIgBA-6MHHV3fmz9T7Swhfmqu-siG-xPLu4oNX1P2AxjQr6fnLkX8TnQDNwYCYSvZFKlP0sN2Nx3l7u514XQQYqI2vKU06lpBXI5JOjR7tlgMS9ksTFxcHDyQik" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzjMPzMFP7p4q1trpjIeb76qlbzRTMy_OwzRdxH2kUUEuo7eKK2OolYaS40Mey8GsUJIgBA-6MHHV3fmz9T7Swhfmqu-siG-xPLu4oNX1P2AxjQr6fnLkX8TnQDNwYCYSvZFKlP0sN2Nx3l7u514XQQYqI2vKU06lpBXI5JOjR7tlgMS9ksTFxcHDyQik" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh59Y__s4o-bzIZDDo0oebPSxkT2WaeDQ_m5n0p6nUcD-tIzHVKB795U2N-C4-0qAPdiKUF2A1oLlSjkiU49qGWJHIha5rr-Gsz4sf7YarzQVrfMH65JkBonsxLgy-Lr6lqoLMiHidejJTJ40sGpbS9GXrmG-U_6sa0IFZ6JV0gkUoooidpmWUILcFg4JE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh59Y__s4o-bzIZDDo0oebPSxkT2WaeDQ_m5n0p6nUcD-tIzHVKB795U2N-C4-0qAPdiKUF2A1oLlSjkiU49qGWJHIha5rr-Gsz4sf7YarzQVrfMH65JkBonsxLgy-Lr6lqoLMiHidejJTJ40sGpbS9GXrmG-U_6sa0IFZ6JV0gkUoooidpmWUILcFg4JE" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-21731689940449487302023-06-27T07:20:00.003-07:002023-06-27T17:31:16.001-07:00Japan 6.5: Yonago's huge insects, some magnificent gardens, and Matsue <p> After arriving in Yonago, I simply felt too exhausted to do the Mount Daisen hike, so I decided to take the day off to relax. I eventually did go out for a short while to check out the Yonago Waterbird Park. Reviews were unclear as to whether you could actually walk around the wetlands, so I kept my expectations in check. </p><p> Before going into the building there, I walked the path, hoping for views of the water, but shortly ran into blocked off side channels and a dead end. While walking back, I caught sight of an insect that looked interesting. It attached itself to a tree that was absolutely swarming with large insects. I stayed there until the smaller insects buzzing around me became too annoying.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-9njUsQf7luR3xfgHGIFqijHc22sMOZI5ZK1_IZPnuFXK5FDDSjPVwjbFh5n6aV8c_bMTHbJs3C5kq_zVgwCBREFsIS8X-zQwl1aZ0x0tS3hHMqvIj01H4Ps3ct11BOMJyKDEXEz85rDrn40NjEEwxVLLPyGV3fA2K1YdnvWG9E_BipmyUPGQwJdUHRQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="7345" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-9njUsQf7luR3xfgHGIFqijHc22sMOZI5ZK1_IZPnuFXK5FDDSjPVwjbFh5n6aV8c_bMTHbJs3C5kq_zVgwCBREFsIS8X-zQwl1aZ0x0tS3hHMqvIj01H4Ps3ct11BOMJyKDEXEz85rDrn40NjEEwxVLLPyGV3fA2K1YdnvWG9E_BipmyUPGQwJdUHRQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3GI5OHIxKmHugaP-JPUOBOSFc9ShCepGbAFH0EUjOJXqpdQxiHDL9WHBWu3xooTC8HDyEXkYpMS3MKa2k91oim5EqYT8dQm_lnK1j7x8UqcXnkS4vQemz3tBUJYJQTPXEWlOJLV2X0KaFyVIbWjNN9iJdxJLeSCn3QP2zTpJumek0qDgheP6lw0RqosM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2383" data-original-width="3575" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3GI5OHIxKmHugaP-JPUOBOSFc9ShCepGbAFH0EUjOJXqpdQxiHDL9WHBWu3xooTC8HDyEXkYpMS3MKa2k91oim5EqYT8dQm_lnK1j7x8UqcXnkS4vQemz3tBUJYJQTPXEWlOJLV2X0KaFyVIbWjNN9iJdxJLeSCn3QP2zTpJumek0qDgheP6lw0RqosM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRubrGK45l6eskI6PCNSppGLmatCYozmK50jgpGMrP9HYWD46YXXuuuHeKhc6OtCg9PplQZ74lGfmyuIaE-vUbcQKxNSBdXN58I5vpawk58592f_nBaTbUQom8p3hYY52gdz9l1q8kNMlGe0IkgtckveQAdR7CwhPs82sXiROO36uewBPLi1B3tibwmHs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="3625" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRubrGK45l6eskI6PCNSppGLmatCYozmK50jgpGMrP9HYWD46YXXuuuHeKhc6OtCg9PplQZ74lGfmyuIaE-vUbcQKxNSBdXN58I5vpawk58592f_nBaTbUQom8p3hYY52gdz9l1q8kNMlGe0IkgtckveQAdR7CwhPs82sXiROO36uewBPLi1B3tibwmHs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZAU5KP8_q_YLgXTcx8R7UbJVyScWvYR0p2QHr_8AZTJk4An4CzTWKZsDHM7pZb9PjT8HlcYJH6Q1ZWfF4gy5gMK2mA9VJCSMOOFHPx11rI_U5xTeRTJII5g1ap_OOL8YmZYbm6aQ587udFvIx-9Ko7_34To9Smc-3Cw2UXjEAlSwDPJA_T8iERY5Oi3A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3151" data-original-width="4727" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZAU5KP8_q_YLgXTcx8R7UbJVyScWvYR0p2QHr_8AZTJk4An4CzTWKZsDHM7pZb9PjT8HlcYJH6Q1ZWfF4gy5gMK2mA9VJCSMOOFHPx11rI_U5xTeRTJII5g1ap_OOL8YmZYbm6aQ587udFvIx-9Ko7_34To9Smc-3Cw2UXjEAlSwDPJA_T8iERY5Oi3A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDiaaECIuS8uvlz45iMiV0ubivt3hNueUPJihwmIe9gCF_AtNjEK6ocWdCEBB_zw7Z_aRLSwilPkIcLCJyUuoYMRyWAXC2w_pxWJ_e5CvUAiq4uehXz0xOMwgbszsaz-TYDKK8McX5DfWQ88xqW8Mk50X2WsT4UO7gnpLNJ6R8h9c6TvDkcZAxFn5Yd-M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="6192" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDiaaECIuS8uvlz45iMiV0ubivt3hNueUPJihwmIe9gCF_AtNjEK6ocWdCEBB_zw7Z_aRLSwilPkIcLCJyUuoYMRyWAXC2w_pxWJ_e5CvUAiq4uehXz0xOMwgbszsaz-TYDKK8McX5DfWQ88xqW8Mk50X2WsT4UO7gnpLNJ6R8h9c6TvDkcZAxFn5Yd-M" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy9eqCOx0VE9kuVK4M2u2OtEtCxA-MMXjVMbP_yo89cC4DIM9My_Ovo7AVZYcoeuA2wuwJ7u4tj3MrUNvuynCrz16o-oAEPrcApNosAZOMxbO-uPeQUpQI9djSvZAUjrWO5GXsq7ZuEwCB7boEVOnaD2YHyNnOCDLV33JvAlYGasjHToHqougFGeciQgo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="4693" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy9eqCOx0VE9kuVK4M2u2OtEtCxA-MMXjVMbP_yo89cC4DIM9My_Ovo7AVZYcoeuA2wuwJ7u4tj3MrUNvuynCrz16o-oAEPrcApNosAZOMxbO-uPeQUpQI9djSvZAUjrWO5GXsq7ZuEwCB7boEVOnaD2YHyNnOCDLV33JvAlYGasjHToHqougFGeciQgo" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The building had a small entry fee, and had some information about the surrounding wildlife, but only offered screened views of the wetlands, with spotting scopes. The only thing out there within view were a few ducks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgybtAw8a3jc7pwoN762lGDBSU2qSaMjrl_oyzhTL3XGn_9TcuQl3V1zqGFkfV-K2z6Aff5qSjoVIezTv_eIJcY7qxqKL17b--bE7yMzyyfKVge97rw2OfQ_c_kKfj4r4Cre8PqzO-NUuDDVSilyONwuLgkuKuozMOuaqEsT0Q8-cc16D89-PR14BkY7SI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgybtAw8a3jc7pwoN762lGDBSU2qSaMjrl_oyzhTL3XGn_9TcuQl3V1zqGFkfV-K2z6Aff5qSjoVIezTv_eIJcY7qxqKL17b--bE7yMzyyfKVge97rw2OfQ_c_kKfj4r4Cre8PqzO-NUuDDVSilyONwuLgkuKuozMOuaqEsT0Q8-cc16D89-PR14BkY7SI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwNq2Ff7i6WhSfRDdk6_K0-n0CYdLDBQrQCmgeK1n8B5teWEafSZjynYf50IBxciYMDozmCe-x0wYGuR0WQu4rEIdpuMVBcbTxUnoydSepOl9kfabCla7IjxcxC1Qe7dyvxQPPkVJNGnv-e1st5M1TwR76_QABVMVjsFjjiAPRhv-UcHQQ_lxYMnVsQHg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwNq2Ff7i6WhSfRDdk6_K0-n0CYdLDBQrQCmgeK1n8B5teWEafSZjynYf50IBxciYMDozmCe-x0wYGuR0WQu4rEIdpuMVBcbTxUnoydSepOl9kfabCla7IjxcxC1Qe7dyvxQPPkVJNGnv-e1st5M1TwR76_QABVMVjsFjjiAPRhv-UcHQQ_lxYMnVsQHg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next day we left towards Matsue. Our first stop was to do the short hike up to see the Gassantoda Castle Ruins. There wasn't really anything to see of the structure, but the views were nice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijVesH-Nctx-4w_KOTKgt-vVsbaEnKt4vC2NRPbYqNFSO5B4usXVKAPGFJr3wb3i1SnQnOe_VMhQPAZdbJ9cMOhfq1SKUsv96gPaNbLaww2V9Rxb_r1JFw5AcxP5t_9npTlX96VBFizuHYyO1mIvXWem4b3nYMvL9qCYmAtVG_90srHb3Cf3utpaeoAXc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijVesH-Nctx-4w_KOTKgt-vVsbaEnKt4vC2NRPbYqNFSO5B4usXVKAPGFJr3wb3i1SnQnOe_VMhQPAZdbJ9cMOhfq1SKUsv96gPaNbLaww2V9Rxb_r1JFw5AcxP5t_9npTlX96VBFizuHYyO1mIvXWem4b3nYMvL9qCYmAtVG_90srHb3Cf3utpaeoAXc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXcE93-s3hAua6yNcLK9eokvuUgQuEQD5jxJr-7OAC26APENciXdcqLSSv3onIjWOIGwfCNNVhbl0qzUtkxyG1VEa3z8xN0FlznV_V7CShn-S_-5ZikmXxBWfkA11jw3EUqCZFYJy1pfR5MIFH9omLg7oImr1KxYL6GhWS3Y9szDqciv5Wb7J-a2lNoYs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXcE93-s3hAua6yNcLK9eokvuUgQuEQD5jxJr-7OAC26APENciXdcqLSSv3onIjWOIGwfCNNVhbl0qzUtkxyG1VEa3z8xN0FlznV_V7CShn-S_-5ZikmXxBWfkA11jw3EUqCZFYJy1pfR5MIFH9omLg7oImr1KxYL6GhWS3Y9szDqciv5Wb7J-a2lNoYs" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW_V0F-IpJuCibdEsHtcGHQ24i1dgvr-zVTjBVZeQ9_S7YqHFMq17BR1ep98c0YC0bcpFqFFXODcRjO0u11Tvk8ajqbbGr4bnMlORJSpXQvfk8eEWspVd9JO3N7g7-lHpXAAfXNoD-Bo0yZ96CUk4Pf8-b9IMubSWxadUMjbxScvoMtSbtns8HNuVpdW8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW_V0F-IpJuCibdEsHtcGHQ24i1dgvr-zVTjBVZeQ9_S7YqHFMq17BR1ep98c0YC0bcpFqFFXODcRjO0u11Tvk8ajqbbGr4bnMlORJSpXQvfk8eEWspVd9JO3N7g7-lHpXAAfXNoD-Bo0yZ96CUk4Pf8-b9IMubSWxadUMjbxScvoMtSbtns8HNuVpdW8" width="180" /></a></div><p> Just five minutes away was the Adachi Museum of Art. The museum not only had fantastic and varied art, but it claims it has won best garden of the year for twenty years in a row. The museum itself did not allow photography of the art, but it did allow photography of the gardens. You were not allowed into the gardens, but able to view it from the windows and a few outside observation areas. Miles surprisingly enjoyed some of the art in the museum. We stopped for a short snack in the cafe with views of one side of the garden.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSfMOPnZFPDjmUmHJieayPjSSN-gZPoKumPMNBDqPcUTudWTYNxkDUsPpICeGkxuJ1Xydg4-b26YMIIN12zp-l_OJeYoKMpBVXXVgJnVL1fma4STHKM5dIRCuJ51fLn4DV9QZBRHnWKTl7ZRi6QiqNpGFk6LJs9SBuswf0V8cEmSO-FZix5NQElri_Rb8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSfMOPnZFPDjmUmHJieayPjSSN-gZPoKumPMNBDqPcUTudWTYNxkDUsPpICeGkxuJ1Xydg4-b26YMIIN12zp-l_OJeYoKMpBVXXVgJnVL1fma4STHKM5dIRCuJ51fLn4DV9QZBRHnWKTl7ZRi6QiqNpGFk6LJs9SBuswf0V8cEmSO-FZix5NQElri_Rb8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrZypQd27-eFKf_VtthSUgXbGulQPETkp9XnswkIRmzJrgulSWHW119M9NwtRl5Sa80XzyiBh4phEJdgyCDhC01Sko6bviuGYjiTDcVVzL6QVOXpBeGCZ1kvrP7bRPE5TY4HCs3VHG-EA7pqWw8DSkThj9odSxPpAwOgY3fgRnDKl19T56fKalwsHlGlw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6057" data-original-width="9085" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrZypQd27-eFKf_VtthSUgXbGulQPETkp9XnswkIRmzJrgulSWHW119M9NwtRl5Sa80XzyiBh4phEJdgyCDhC01Sko6bviuGYjiTDcVVzL6QVOXpBeGCZ1kvrP7bRPE5TY4HCs3VHG-EA7pqWw8DSkThj9odSxPpAwOgY3fgRnDKl19T56fKalwsHlGlw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghQTTUe5__yZIjElRoKBA9-q-SrYR_hhkixAJEUQgNgDYjKd_7ulrwPzmFPRsKPjQDQ-1T3dtH1iR6hfq-7AG9woR5zRP0CYCrC58LVxrwpjelySLpE3k8L5Lwbv3UIoCdjbsX_IWVJXYU0GkzivkD3IdgnvzFZobuQ6JqteuBOn-caTID_e2IgBc1dHk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghQTTUe5__yZIjElRoKBA9-q-SrYR_hhkixAJEUQgNgDYjKd_7ulrwPzmFPRsKPjQDQ-1T3dtH1iR6hfq-7AG9woR5zRP0CYCrC58LVxrwpjelySLpE3k8L5Lwbv3UIoCdjbsX_IWVJXYU0GkzivkD3IdgnvzFZobuQ6JqteuBOn-caTID_e2IgBc1dHk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL-2tfR4Vd_dTzGHMG_pNcRSuYqLucWP-ocGhDJlntzYv1CnMATb7-YWNiF5-zNth0s9hOfmAGSYDgttBQ1Cht9qzAC9GoJ3zmkSXTRkH1PyahWAFFFBoAtrzx33zySUcnDrreZ9tlmbZwAlrczge4uFPIOQ-loLdADSZ9Zaa7Hd5ilOn-VCXARmI4E3Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL-2tfR4Vd_dTzGHMG_pNcRSuYqLucWP-ocGhDJlntzYv1CnMATb7-YWNiF5-zNth0s9hOfmAGSYDgttBQ1Cht9qzAC9GoJ3zmkSXTRkH1PyahWAFFFBoAtrzx33zySUcnDrreZ9tlmbZwAlrczge4uFPIOQ-loLdADSZ9Zaa7Hd5ilOn-VCXARmI4E3Y" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The last stop of the day was to the Yuushien, a peonie garden. It was a pleasant, short, circular walk.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsGRHeLM2FNOU_bUpABE9KBwBpVDV04S4EmGuVB029jUCfrXdOm91lxr8OuzG1p7MPW1TunLZNkJO0R4ZXwparp58EjLrwTKSNXBXFsXUrDifWMsyZqyeevmQhmqL475ubvv_sWpUWAheupWaPgDW3qCZwJnaeWBTuSNSH_-RPDC_y8PPKct8B-VUTGIA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6225" data-original-width="9467" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsGRHeLM2FNOU_bUpABE9KBwBpVDV04S4EmGuVB029jUCfrXdOm91lxr8OuzG1p7MPW1TunLZNkJO0R4ZXwparp58EjLrwTKSNXBXFsXUrDifWMsyZqyeevmQhmqL475ubvv_sWpUWAheupWaPgDW3qCZwJnaeWBTuSNSH_-RPDC_y8PPKct8B-VUTGIA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzHb_ab79C6dMmrrll4gu8O4nw8wRo_pybmTFbVQNycwbAx4FYVe-EkzkOFhg9lEvrg8TvYnflJRnbYoYA25tR6H5Qbh2c7FaKlAKUIFLw0gj-mIBSWm0TbFgIIVXPnDW9i0URDldze9RYLOWgVSeQkfbtt2tBh3aGwvMvsEQVgwpLdY88GwABWMdH6XA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzHb_ab79C6dMmrrll4gu8O4nw8wRo_pybmTFbVQNycwbAx4FYVe-EkzkOFhg9lEvrg8TvYnflJRnbYoYA25tR6H5Qbh2c7FaKlAKUIFLw0gj-mIBSWm0TbFgIIVXPnDW9i0URDldze9RYLOWgVSeQkfbtt2tBh3aGwvMvsEQVgwpLdY88GwABWMdH6XA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUseKV8-pgMXpRogEuLD07e6yGoXSonEDzyMsZvZRXwrXP16Z4mvORpQhwmV6liZn1HJe7nz1C9eEDU53C4u9HB5PSgqHCe3ig39NRTR_8FDOcRqvfUXUfh9mUMelnFthh80wTwOIkkDChkxkz2gsC1i5draWGCe2OksT98v3iVc4XLCfxZR-6oNZZ-5A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8216" data-original-width="10955" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUseKV8-pgMXpRogEuLD07e6yGoXSonEDzyMsZvZRXwrXP16Z4mvORpQhwmV6liZn1HJe7nz1C9eEDU53C4u9HB5PSgqHCe3ig39NRTR_8FDOcRqvfUXUfh9mUMelnFthh80wTwOIkkDChkxkz2gsC1i5draWGCe2OksT98v3iVc4XLCfxZR-6oNZZ-5A" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtS39pWPKChWUHf3quF1CRiarFZLlTcVaojz7Uiu7GnIGVjHa17cfI3-aTOLac82RP5A8dZ1hLMbIIsEN2sxH4CbhtjJjhFK03nqnpx2jsExCViPRkvR_DfaOyF1mSR74i5NTYsOADNgBwFa9TGXuW-L3KaBYl3dcJmuh9oUQSPjoYFHNgmCnDLs8hw2M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9672" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtS39pWPKChWUHf3quF1CRiarFZLlTcVaojz7Uiu7GnIGVjHa17cfI3-aTOLac82RP5A8dZ1hLMbIIsEN2sxH4CbhtjJjhFK03nqnpx2jsExCViPRkvR_DfaOyF1mSR74i5NTYsOADNgBwFa9TGXuW-L3KaBYl3dcJmuh9oUQSPjoYFHNgmCnDLs8hw2M" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioa2kJvPhqJtpCbX7YVcN3Ldvw7LtG5zXglsUrkJ6pAj6Reqnje7us5ov37ojGBN9tz-pnx51Z15b2L8LkN_VH3ndKkZ3M-9el4soAztD1J_T0CRSURw-v1WPrnTp5W3xuJD-o6f0UGIX3qFYxwf3Ir8OJLeE7Sh507wcKo33GSEpkcVPxy9uKdJc4JxQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioa2kJvPhqJtpCbX7YVcN3Ldvw7LtG5zXglsUrkJ6pAj6Reqnje7us5ov37ojGBN9tz-pnx51Z15b2L8LkN_VH3ndKkZ3M-9el4soAztD1J_T0CRSURw-v1WPrnTp5W3xuJD-o6f0UGIX3qFYxwf3Ir8OJLeE7Sh507wcKo33GSEpkcVPxy9uKdJc4JxQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga6dHq2Qf_MDrQ1_I_f5RXuFeLJgO9GYvbrv3uPhK229jN57b1nz6ZtRGj2x1dnB45wXi7WkBAQgO9uSFBmMPizF_ZPStV4dQTV57-GJF92zvj1D6WUa9TdyEgkKjlrGcQqLKx2l0YTEhLqrgjcO61siTjS-yyTYSPqyCgvj2tNp8qvybMzTzsizhEOrk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga6dHq2Qf_MDrQ1_I_f5RXuFeLJgO9GYvbrv3uPhK229jN57b1nz6ZtRGj2x1dnB45wXi7WkBAQgO9uSFBmMPizF_ZPStV4dQTV57-GJF92zvj1D6WUa9TdyEgkKjlrGcQqLKx2l0YTEhLqrgjcO61siTjS-yyTYSPqyCgvj2tNp8qvybMzTzsizhEOrk" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It was difficult to find a hotel in Matsue that had an easily accessible parking lot. I ended up going with Hotel Ichibata, just a little west of town, with the castle just north and the rest of town to the south. It was a very nice and spacious hotel, with an absolutely incredible buffet breakfast, along with a nice onsen. We would be staying for three nights. <div><br /></div><div> The first day, I took Miles out with me. We took a circular path, beginning with Gesshoji Temple. Situated amongst local housing, it was a fairly large complex with monuments, gardens, and a large turtle statue. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD4IZ9LFo6e9d23uZKUJXVE6QOBCNKa3VOP9crHMNO7xwYpfKCha7tdpcZWJaBGZ8sNcDYJ7SDp37MlTvcX-fuYJr87STlLXKcpKZetHfEiH7cwRxneXt8hnAqsaj4JOr32X4bZotbuTmBBl9PatQI7m_JYeQRjkGCdn6eqTbtgGv17jf8eklhYysEsbE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5870" data-original-width="8927" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD4IZ9LFo6e9d23uZKUJXVE6QOBCNKa3VOP9crHMNO7xwYpfKCha7tdpcZWJaBGZ8sNcDYJ7SDp37MlTvcX-fuYJr87STlLXKcpKZetHfEiH7cwRxneXt8hnAqsaj4JOr32X4bZotbuTmBBl9PatQI7m_JYeQRjkGCdn6eqTbtgGv17jf8eklhYysEsbE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvzE6QEiYmFkUI6VXWyhUGb7wKMBsnAVx--ya5-Ut8WuVmflPWY2pDPZnSWVjsWc_VklhEN9Kqd24V8K_c9WvhJJymhn-6naql19AcCHfNPtsqqbti4b8PM9TGPm2jWiC2T3a5eYbzlhsXrbM8SbzILvcBN9W3hF_yuks2QaGgorBhMJhyu21wxHch6B0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvzE6QEiYmFkUI6VXWyhUGb7wKMBsnAVx--ya5-Ut8WuVmflPWY2pDPZnSWVjsWc_VklhEN9Kqd24V8K_c9WvhJJymhn-6naql19AcCHfNPtsqqbti4b8PM9TGPm2jWiC2T3a5eYbzlhsXrbM8SbzILvcBN9W3hF_yuks2QaGgorBhMJhyu21wxHch6B0" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilsApn3zYtul2_hxV-eWXytIyuF_ZRqEcV5hiIKRkkkfTsnGr1ukfttAjL7XOghLnSJqNzPYZX9PPEQhK5wiqPEmTktdGfc46agJY8_gHNsHoaG8aGkPQE75jQU8nkoe86Ks2Ory-IqcLEfRdWOEamtlHI2Dqf1toJyh6uDx9gFC0uUoYq3vPV6SQHQRA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilsApn3zYtul2_hxV-eWXytIyuF_ZRqEcV5hiIKRkkkfTsnGr1ukfttAjL7XOghLnSJqNzPYZX9PPEQhK5wiqPEmTktdGfc46agJY8_gHNsHoaG8aGkPQE75jQU8nkoe86Ks2Ory-IqcLEfRdWOEamtlHI2Dqf1toJyh6uDx9gFC0uUoYq3vPV6SQHQRA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghM19GcLaLGMceSHJdh34odzMq2n51iM0Sk4sv4ZpkYeZaIkZX1hSFzeZW2xUXKwzrt65br18-uC1pAQMGmTpruaenLhP-QQb1HTQQaL-baJH6wnqsAuLQa9r_uuBwwnJfQA3K0G51kTO5wcejhCn9CT4b_-Jg6DqtV7_LJo92xdJlXYU6KQAih5eMZ9E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4754" data-original-width="6338" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghM19GcLaLGMceSHJdh34odzMq2n51iM0Sk4sv4ZpkYeZaIkZX1hSFzeZW2xUXKwzrt65br18-uC1pAQMGmTpruaenLhP-QQb1HTQQaL-baJH6wnqsAuLQa9r_uuBwwnJfQA3K0G51kTO5wcejhCn9CT4b_-Jg6DqtV7_LJo92xdJlXYU6KQAih5eMZ9E" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5upzH1DUhrkHYmMuOclhIb2zkzSXkHvUDTcgbo1zpQv0gMq7xEwaHtJESdp5w3ZQAuJk-XpEBwiuCSWM_Xw2s6aOgDU79QxCTAWOuIfKDGgC2J1naZ1G4EGYgkmt_iMQZO4CA8liEhxx-gJyeUZ941jNaDFYUbVxim1GSMhWZNw4Xl_DbDmx4iJXZIAU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5upzH1DUhrkHYmMuOclhIb2zkzSXkHvUDTcgbo1zpQv0gMq7xEwaHtJESdp5w3ZQAuJk-XpEBwiuCSWM_Xw2s6aOgDU79QxCTAWOuIfKDGgC2J1naZ1G4EGYgkmt_iMQZO4CA8liEhxx-gJyeUZ941jNaDFYUbVxim1GSMhWZNw4Xl_DbDmx4iJXZIAU" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2YPF2AU6IyNKnnTTXCf_avuW2mLq6ECJL6vi5rrVdsAIc7UxvC9jg_AXRtA1tpd3zJwbskWGm5haNzqygGv0cI8JsxyA2tZN-35Gg4tQfnhOUhGybTexwI7WUwBHw0P3WtyWNUy3ZJwuLPZnyK1L_zuTQIqv6DjtbiG-0xzsbjOnq57qzQnh3kWKLaX8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8322" data-original-width="11096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2YPF2AU6IyNKnnTTXCf_avuW2mLq6ECJL6vi5rrVdsAIc7UxvC9jg_AXRtA1tpd3zJwbskWGm5haNzqygGv0cI8JsxyA2tZN-35Gg4tQfnhOUhGybTexwI7WUwBHw0P3WtyWNUy3ZJwuLPZnyK1L_zuTQIqv6DjtbiG-0xzsbjOnq57qzQnh3kWKLaX8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuWw3zksT1jmQfiEm0snNCXyq1gaGOXL1tIC_pFsrcTN_qQ8zGe1oMQ-d4cXyweP_nwopbYYjRuZBoA5cN_uW9X-0Q4hNxS7jr6as9HlDLng-uth-nFP1_-zYrN9cp5HcjA-brtsOZWuKryqCT3ydEdRjsZqC1Rz_haAlMImc3aZqD0pGtPwDmHq-gdvU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11023" data-original-width="8267" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuWw3zksT1jmQfiEm0snNCXyq1gaGOXL1tIC_pFsrcTN_qQ8zGe1oMQ-d4cXyweP_nwopbYYjRuZBoA5cN_uW9X-0Q4hNxS7jr6as9HlDLng-uth-nFP1_-zYrN9cp5HcjA-brtsOZWuKryqCT3ydEdRjsZqC1Rz_haAlMImc3aZqD0pGtPwDmHq-gdvU" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKFsCXslc_VNQpSHaZ3vs5-DgmY-EKZM0l_MQJo1XJzkui4CkLhdNY4geOa7RDkjV5Z8qfNaLWxPT_hNc67Q7KahNH5xuInE_9xjkf9ew39iaTFcKdEa0d7uT7f62jBtINGJLSLXSmnpoCo-RJOR1K__1JVCbs5noSm3AO7hFHCkUmbATbmaCXPx2WMd8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKFsCXslc_VNQpSHaZ3vs5-DgmY-EKZM0l_MQJo1XJzkui4CkLhdNY4geOa7RDkjV5Z8qfNaLWxPT_hNc67Q7KahNH5xuInE_9xjkf9ew39iaTFcKdEa0d7uT7f62jBtINGJLSLXSmnpoCo-RJOR1K__1JVCbs5noSm3AO7hFHCkUmbATbmaCXPx2WMd8" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> Afterwards, we walked toward the Shiomi Nawate Street.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRnMobD8wlTl98bIh9K9CPNs060oizCAZTGXZk4gVE5Yl-dDtA8stwFSXSWAUtOMJQbwUIII12gZIbgmpLkcvIm1grznuERuSrefUH0riCuJdcDL5Z52oBhljVELYUfJrCOiFPToO5mFYlisnAENHo1zFRLApinyikt9q4l955gmBRH_y3_AFDo9_Yen0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5120" data-original-width="6826" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRnMobD8wlTl98bIh9K9CPNs060oizCAZTGXZk4gVE5Yl-dDtA8stwFSXSWAUtOMJQbwUIII12gZIbgmpLkcvIm1grznuERuSrefUH0riCuJdcDL5Z52oBhljVELYUfJrCOiFPToO5mFYlisnAENHo1zFRLApinyikt9q4l955gmBRH_y3_AFDo9_Yen0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There are some former residences on this street, but having been to many of them before, I chose to walk the path with beautiful architecture, and stopped inside one second floor handicraft shop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9KIT-VLtNAlOJpm3Q3aC5_gwu4lbLyhqWElzsS-MTGUTwFeAornlHZum9-yUAHFh8pWW4CUXtqpyIBG1S7cD3X4UoX12dvM6SjFn4utE0FLs_tWA2A4nxncuNXBToNZp-wlXM5tU5-R4t3OZ1c47vfPtfdama-yagGikSyDmVswlfW8eevdGP3c8qDQI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9KIT-VLtNAlOJpm3Q3aC5_gwu4lbLyhqWElzsS-MTGUTwFeAornlHZum9-yUAHFh8pWW4CUXtqpyIBG1S7cD3X4UoX12dvM6SjFn4utE0FLs_tWA2A4nxncuNXBToNZp-wlXM5tU5-R4t3OZ1c47vfPtfdama-yagGikSyDmVswlfW8eevdGP3c8qDQI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfSk_NcsPqF4_14dFmMHfWMoAfsH5_X--VuXfYk2qZ5jBy75133_b5R4LDLUbCCZZgIAOqfR1bfjkL9LgUbNPdjfdEs4Fbe8vnGx5kRanZQm0B8yyuBW6fHcW17BI7lGPi4Lfcb7QKzsQXQvz2WQ7EY0t_IGoHrEoh5U8bStXvPuFLHmb60cfLro-r02g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11648" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfSk_NcsPqF4_14dFmMHfWMoAfsH5_X--VuXfYk2qZ5jBy75133_b5R4LDLUbCCZZgIAOqfR1bfjkL9LgUbNPdjfdEs4Fbe8vnGx5kRanZQm0B8yyuBW6fHcW17BI7lGPi4Lfcb7QKzsQXQvz2WQ7EY0t_IGoHrEoh5U8bStXvPuFLHmb60cfLro-r02g" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOmLo6wClSeYpFe6s0L39t7V1vO35kwCV8HG9iZ5gVJkVGls299UhK5n8IpFmV7bSl_sjY_ZF3626ps9hGyOjfiwX0of5ZYuw-cInWF3WfBIUoUhan7CRrJOLRksFAcPqmldn_AQVApSd5v5Kg2yMeWrlQkQSxEZ524SnGRlCLYdYQLf9HoRVHfVlQVRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4702" data-original-width="6269" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOmLo6wClSeYpFe6s0L39t7V1vO35kwCV8HG9iZ5gVJkVGls299UhK5n8IpFmV7bSl_sjY_ZF3626ps9hGyOjfiwX0of5ZYuw-cInWF3WfBIUoUhan7CRrJOLRksFAcPqmldn_AQVApSd5v5Kg2yMeWrlQkQSxEZ524SnGRlCLYdYQLf9HoRVHfVlQVRw" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The final destination was the castle complex. We quickly visited a spot that I cannot find the name for on Google maps. As it was empty, Miles tried to spring across the path, but was yelled at by an attendant nearby, which did not make him happy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhROwJK14GIbUIOhteKRtXX9pUidPprAOn211cYS9iunIAUXjR0HdNWUvaNjNGhZYh8EB6fw9bVT-vCK_ygz12CepZrWHO9-eph-6uDrbsK6hmsI5mIrCrcw1cK0n4xBIM53YEW8_q6HGKmzm2jxLGTxAhJpV7NTVwdk61YXdsmlZFXX2ERjn_BjxFju_s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhROwJK14GIbUIOhteKRtXX9pUidPprAOn211cYS9iunIAUXjR0HdNWUvaNjNGhZYh8EB6fw9bVT-vCK_ygz12CepZrWHO9-eph-6uDrbsK6hmsI5mIrCrcw1cK0n4xBIM53YEW8_q6HGKmzm2jxLGTxAhJpV7NTVwdk61YXdsmlZFXX2ERjn_BjxFju_s" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoFh3ihOkYzdKmTZ7phkxyMxblWYeL1Jy1i8CPeE6oA_okMVku4vNyYl6BNrK5iNmzMCvZc08DK7Jfv_0zsHGNIJLXHG-3lPUsu9mPhsA7ImXyyb_11wjt4dUP2x__D3s8KuRxWHAbmUGtwZxZcJWj_hU4igzHSB6q9S80Y0_60EDMfZ58afsL7v5DsVQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8717" data-original-width="11623" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoFh3ihOkYzdKmTZ7phkxyMxblWYeL1Jy1i8CPeE6oA_okMVku4vNyYl6BNrK5iNmzMCvZc08DK7Jfv_0zsHGNIJLXHG-3lPUsu9mPhsA7ImXyyb_11wjt4dUP2x__D3s8KuRxWHAbmUGtwZxZcJWj_hU4igzHSB6q9S80Y0_60EDMfZ58afsL7v5DsVQ" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /> Just down the road, we visited the Jozan Inari Shrine, filled with hundreds of fox statues. We had the place all to ourselves. I tried to convince Miles that a nearby cat crying out was actually a fox spirit. He did not believe me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw-oWxBIXsfg7DaM46zCkP7gqTdsLOfPlD2aD-QEHJ2CGBu7eQKqAu3V5iwrrID5fzB6iw0apx39OGEJmoLR3RLt9L_bwkX9zSsmq1zq3AOjlRWOv6OZt4dbCxSIrlr1Bh10nQJvviBNZD5lfC92B4LYrrbDDnEYpCMbbbFscWBZwvKoma4-9z8WNeFqU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7760" data-original-width="10346" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw-oWxBIXsfg7DaM46zCkP7gqTdsLOfPlD2aD-QEHJ2CGBu7eQKqAu3V5iwrrID5fzB6iw0apx39OGEJmoLR3RLt9L_bwkX9zSsmq1zq3AOjlRWOv6OZt4dbCxSIrlr1Bh10nQJvviBNZD5lfC92B4LYrrbDDnEYpCMbbbFscWBZwvKoma4-9z8WNeFqU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgborg7gyOqLx66YMp8NSHffj0FJ1oXsVjCXYgAyC2uYfcik2W-KOwdMfz8j-fL0s9KUekaVYagrmDp9QHbvPAWiIuODnrtf_yBfB1R960josoCrjDwNEFL0bP_FSuvC50ymXXrPe4ZzDQ1NmY2USTDIwCJ90TuSaX_dl4SOxiC2OHVzGdQJUJBSBHsM5U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="10923" data-original-width="8192" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgborg7gyOqLx66YMp8NSHffj0FJ1oXsVjCXYgAyC2uYfcik2W-KOwdMfz8j-fL0s9KUekaVYagrmDp9QHbvPAWiIuODnrtf_yBfB1R960josoCrjDwNEFL0bP_FSuvC50ymXXrPe4ZzDQ1NmY2USTDIwCJ90TuSaX_dl4SOxiC2OHVzGdQJUJBSBHsM5U" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3diXOxXRjk0ivGzvETUSymXTDpkc71fSlpJdU9beB9q_tb2GliBmc6RS6H8bsMNmvn_aD6ktAACtwNIIGyw0KV3zl1H7O0rIt3naeSNE2uUtZu20gcd7UJSlvHOUeoT7xzCtkCE9HfmGybY2Svq-DfFJW9_5VuWkYCoQDOJObUFOVqdrdNGS3BIFzCEA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7651" data-original-width="10201" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3diXOxXRjk0ivGzvETUSymXTDpkc71fSlpJdU9beB9q_tb2GliBmc6RS6H8bsMNmvn_aD6ktAACtwNIIGyw0KV3zl1H7O0rIt3naeSNE2uUtZu20gcd7UJSlvHOUeoT7xzCtkCE9HfmGybY2Svq-DfFJW9_5VuWkYCoQDOJObUFOVqdrdNGS3BIFzCEA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6ta0KjdolzqnvnEyvfqU2sKscsG8NRGxmVHed4L6yhRWgpqBC4ek-m7rdT08LyyAG82YxehdIQrl9SyepJumGrNPIGEBl_k0Zbip6MrVWepZlL4d5i2SdA1XwIZm8KPfqzwrPCmE-WdjwDP3yBzMzx3o4f91usAYoQx3ukLLhxW9ewBGVvf2HybVpjHE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6ta0KjdolzqnvnEyvfqU2sKscsG8NRGxmVHed4L6yhRWgpqBC4ek-m7rdT08LyyAG82YxehdIQrl9SyepJumGrNPIGEBl_k0Zbip6MrVWepZlL4d5i2SdA1XwIZm8KPfqzwrPCmE-WdjwDP3yBzMzx3o4f91usAYoQx3ukLLhxW9ewBGVvf2HybVpjHE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0UCgD5_7hZO4122Oh5DBQ2x_IASSfhCWk8k2XnaWiWuRgxazYicQAGKI79brb6fAB0CIsIO6kEpsM0fd10Oe4vkKXDaCzG2uB8n6Ng8PF9z5iw9UF4eFgcZWOk9aQfw82hNN01kcVnuq40Q4lLrDg6CnBJcp1tlKERX0g3snkTlZYplPk6_HGZW9PigA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0UCgD5_7hZO4122Oh5DBQ2x_IASSfhCWk8k2XnaWiWuRgxazYicQAGKI79brb6fAB0CIsIO6kEpsM0fd10Oe4vkKXDaCzG2uB8n6Ng8PF9z5iw9UF4eFgcZWOk9aQfw82hNN01kcVnuq40Q4lLrDg6CnBJcp1tlKERX0g3snkTlZYplPk6_HGZW9PigA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXtnLAqUCHOAnmHu8eml1-v2T907hn2oC4Oe5UC-JiegFuG__f5RU70y6IOKtgDnxa7j_HsGswMutPDy809gN29W-tdfggPMHDEMCGSN4w5Mw5mVCfEGbfQuv_pS5UIS9BpCEbWMYtyzclos-bKpZlnbEBFIkyA3GSFKD31Xtl7iiMYymuAl7hz2qF1Oo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXtnLAqUCHOAnmHu8eml1-v2T907hn2oC4Oe5UC-JiegFuG__f5RU70y6IOKtgDnxa7j_HsGswMutPDy809gN29W-tdfggPMHDEMCGSN4w5Mw5mVCfEGbfQuv_pS5UIS9BpCEbWMYtyzclos-bKpZlnbEBFIkyA3GSFKD31Xtl7iiMYymuAl7hz2qF1Oo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2mH5pigFT9q77AwRcCXltlUASTnhgZ_9csbmcuGYAzpDtz3SNI0f1GHw6OVItu_D83gTjdo2HZNen5zKbojE-_WumoxBNrqw-ZA3qpxLeG1XYTOkfYeigjKHhhhyTsdYweDAd1CiIS21VzfaH-FJIgRL-3CWaq9SFrqOrzTu7W8XTyCu1Tw2gCA0AEgE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2mH5pigFT9q77AwRcCXltlUASTnhgZ_9csbmcuGYAzpDtz3SNI0f1GHw6OVItu_D83gTjdo2HZNen5zKbojE-_WumoxBNrqw-ZA3qpxLeG1XYTOkfYeigjKHhhhyTsdYweDAd1CiIS21VzfaH-FJIgRL-3CWaq9SFrqOrzTu7W8XTyCu1Tw2gCA0AEgE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg675edV4Jlquk4jVawtDXd3YaPUOzU_w9I2xEdYYYBZggiJOAGGAJ4-uVzB0kyQf4np1YiHdW7XfprIp6gJqoExbZBW_kt3RzAPg4SkqnYKTti1BU4174rROJwFzfwOxzldFvYkr2d8QPdXEZ3EE43hRzZOxBZamCwuqxkaxhTgqF6n-sxJRc1IoFw9L8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg675edV4Jlquk4jVawtDXd3YaPUOzU_w9I2xEdYYYBZggiJOAGGAJ4-uVzB0kyQf4np1YiHdW7XfprIp6gJqoExbZBW_kt3RzAPg4SkqnYKTti1BU4174rROJwFzfwOxzldFvYkr2d8QPdXEZ3EE43hRzZOxBZamCwuqxkaxhTgqF6n-sxJRc1IoFw9L8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4Fd6X-2I49GpHgTllbSUFcAlvK1xOeUldb6wE4VFetuZ_gqWqeVJcvMCWYf97PtDNwSAqdXuSL7LjkaNZImhk8qTn8SgiDn0WhKRYpYNKUgqBZZJskHMxGpMjHgsSf7tkjb3zS8caJ69ONDwvIwD32zShJ6dLTDPSZMdthKD8YavhurbA4qIq_-ZanIQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6177" data-original-width="9394" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4Fd6X-2I49GpHgTllbSUFcAlvK1xOeUldb6wE4VFetuZ_gqWqeVJcvMCWYf97PtDNwSAqdXuSL7LjkaNZImhk8qTn8SgiDn0WhKRYpYNKUgqBZZJskHMxGpMjHgsSf7tkjb3zS8caJ69ONDwvIwD32zShJ6dLTDPSZMdthKD8YavhurbA4qIq_-ZanIQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The castle itself gated behind two large doors. We paid the fee to visit the castle and were given plastic bags to carry our shoes while we walked around. Like the other castles I have visited, each floor was fairly small and mostly empty, with each level a fairly steep climb up a ladder to an even smaller room. There was very little to see, but the top made it worth it. There were beautiful views on all sides. <p></p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi99Uqv6OVZ9UP5s7KAdodW8LlYo7UG58IQVEMvD5TDLwLAcDtVu4jhhEIriZromm1Wdr6sGEF9Dzo5OM-OTDAHk3MuFCPtRXIGkrKaG-L5XW7wDXq_o2suAtqaBKQ5oDS_jtcz-1k7QXBUTYibZX5fRu5bhjubVCyp5PMYGv5iwM66llXw04Ul7gkZ048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi99Uqv6OVZ9UP5s7KAdodW8LlYo7UG58IQVEMvD5TDLwLAcDtVu4jhhEIriZromm1Wdr6sGEF9Dzo5OM-OTDAHk3MuFCPtRXIGkrKaG-L5XW7wDXq_o2suAtqaBKQ5oDS_jtcz-1k7QXBUTYibZX5fRu5bhjubVCyp5PMYGv5iwM66llXw04Ul7gkZ048" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFVBMmLWClRKAYSiW_MY0ednpRgUMHJr-T_Zmge6BmaeBgHvyqQZUkYTjzYGVjoYLnF-qBGKE4OqQkoENNhGWH14YoFiLYGvdV6tlJ6mtQZ0Eifrv36FpDAAEpBbMmazyTqq71ErXkZVnmROQl9et4akYIcTZJBYOEii10BKwYriPjK-xk4V0wKBpPww0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFVBMmLWClRKAYSiW_MY0ednpRgUMHJr-T_Zmge6BmaeBgHvyqQZUkYTjzYGVjoYLnF-qBGKE4OqQkoENNhGWH14YoFiLYGvdV6tlJ6mtQZ0Eifrv36FpDAAEpBbMmazyTqq71ErXkZVnmROQl9et4akYIcTZJBYOEii10BKwYriPjK-xk4V0wKBpPww0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_eFUw7yBsBS_Cusx0OTjeL44ugMIr9aq822WU6zPNYqsNV13xA7haFa1BtxtybfVXigc-RQJ2eN0BSHgG4Zjd1IPyA8P-BYAeUdsu0u3cNGqPCvsnfskzKQlwFY41EldkBlo7RVkrryM5c3U33aYZwwSC6dmI05u4nznTo6tmUl_0THi8-y1otZeWVFk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_eFUw7yBsBS_Cusx0OTjeL44ugMIr9aq822WU6zPNYqsNV13xA7haFa1BtxtybfVXigc-RQJ2eN0BSHgG4Zjd1IPyA8P-BYAeUdsu0u3cNGqPCvsnfskzKQlwFY41EldkBlo7RVkrryM5c3U33aYZwwSC6dmI05u4nznTo6tmUl_0THi8-y1otZeWVFk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwkfenJHc8L48EFxCY-dyEh4jGSwceF0v5bP9suO37r2QZArSwPjYSYVoTQmkcf4drx7a__NXhMXazxlzCqwbWbGv1UEuyDkoPdfyJoLRdm05m4nUildWR_2QgPqeo2aCRC492LE6sq96ftdu4GlIm_5kPM4pGt09mNnsyyO0m_8-W8I0oKNg8TYnCXHk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9564" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwkfenJHc8L48EFxCY-dyEh4jGSwceF0v5bP9suO37r2QZArSwPjYSYVoTQmkcf4drx7a__NXhMXazxlzCqwbWbGv1UEuyDkoPdfyJoLRdm05m4nUildWR_2QgPqeo2aCRC492LE6sq96ftdu4GlIm_5kPM4pGt09mNnsyyO0m_8-W8I0oKNg8TYnCXHk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicpOhwHQpZlFOpuOOrwWX17IKKP7ogWU7p1X3ZJ3eQ5aLkiKmEncD8KlGWp8pKo_e0jWwRkJ3DFdtTy1dvSkYGRHiKyjFsNSDSmcjLkgcDnK14ADsm0IhhDdHnVIvpbHu6_IYoM-4CFApbRgrwTwusaeNRBEIYLjI0Gt2HbTvSh-Dz2Rj3M8qVQkFvkP0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicpOhwHQpZlFOpuOOrwWX17IKKP7ogWU7p1X3ZJ3eQ5aLkiKmEncD8KlGWp8pKo_e0jWwRkJ3DFdtTy1dvSkYGRHiKyjFsNSDSmcjLkgcDnK14ADsm0IhhDdHnVIvpbHu6_IYoM-4CFApbRgrwTwusaeNRBEIYLjI0Gt2HbTvSh-Dz2Rj3M8qVQkFvkP0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeMUWSZIz4agU3AcAUlo8DOtPBgxtx-10NLi_WgESPQ6XJ2ZNs5eL9MfQCxjbSPIiuDeR3IsWtMT6YdwS0Bx7CjaGvusYMuRpmZa82PXGlaDPLJ__gd7Hi4GlFd-5wY3AXy4yaY2zoH5uAfFuWTMY2yxsh3C6WmeOkPC0bUMRjWl3asGu4hYm29VghxgI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeMUWSZIz4agU3AcAUlo8DOtPBgxtx-10NLi_WgESPQ6XJ2ZNs5eL9MfQCxjbSPIiuDeR3IsWtMT6YdwS0Bx7CjaGvusYMuRpmZa82PXGlaDPLJ__gd7Hi4GlFd-5wY3AXy4yaY2zoH5uAfFuWTMY2yxsh3C6WmeOkPC0bUMRjWl3asGu4hYm29VghxgI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibk6ojwMa1f9vGTtLdjg8Xl7sslukF8ppdUPq7WgKoIwP0di0ONX9qA21xc3Vs0R4FGrwNClTkKMVmpc947_QVcc6hknRpJBmlscG8KDk_NNGz7jpDdcLIvQmy5QluaGOFqFaQtMhuMkXCm2XyZUt3OpSv1sOIuvHercWwt72MkKqOQC0XQ2DDiY7U3zw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibk6ojwMa1f9vGTtLdjg8Xl7sslukF8ppdUPq7WgKoIwP0di0ONX9qA21xc3Vs0R4FGrwNClTkKMVmpc947_QVcc6hknRpJBmlscG8KDk_NNGz7jpDdcLIvQmy5QluaGOFqFaQtMhuMkXCm2XyZUt3OpSv1sOIuvHercWwt72MkKqOQC0XQ2DDiY7U3zw" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-36110883409753896882023-06-21T16:31:00.008-07:002023-06-27T18:56:49.658-07:00Japan 6.4: Detective Conan town, Tottori Flower Park, and the Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography<p> After our failed hike, we still had plenty of time before we would be allowed to check in at Misasa. We drove out to Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, a small museum about the creator of Detective Conan/Case Closed. It was a small place, but had nice displays. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR3m0VbbafPfMCjMcRmEZ6FUK8kN1B-Wo4xOJ6Vm_FM6GufE7kcLrcROkFgHxxl3mdfz_w6ARcdWEE6_u8L7wuWLhCfEQNobuYqc-yKkdaLKw2U51x5V8vyUVbJ634cqhIO4C_fy7MGZUm8EZADY7lrMIv2xcl9sIjEJhaxA4mBSFAYEo6zvaNkKfF5vs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="2306" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR3m0VbbafPfMCjMcRmEZ6FUK8kN1B-Wo4xOJ6Vm_FM6GufE7kcLrcROkFgHxxl3mdfz_w6ARcdWEE6_u8L7wuWLhCfEQNobuYqc-yKkdaLKw2U51x5V8vyUVbJ634cqhIO4C_fy7MGZUm8EZADY7lrMIv2xcl9sIjEJhaxA4mBSFAYEo6zvaNkKfF5vs" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We drove past these swanlike street lamps.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi01z4isk_4mQBOUMeVsFS7sPFUPvmzKS4jsRlMcC1HbvGIQCvABds58yHZWra_DQwTsFIqpS1yKN5omDd7r_cAU3peN3zfLZ74OyRCxnycZk5Gc-sTO5ksgi9CjASVEYBT7H568ORQ1xzqdtNTlLShwVkfA8zEZhmRSA64mFokBE1b_7ABHtLzQ6Xv1So" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi01z4isk_4mQBOUMeVsFS7sPFUPvmzKS4jsRlMcC1HbvGIQCvABds58yHZWra_DQwTsFIqpS1yKN5omDd7r_cAU3peN3zfLZ74OyRCxnycZk5Gc-sTO5ksgi9CjASVEYBT7H568ORQ1xzqdtNTlLShwVkfA8zEZhmRSA64mFokBE1b_7ABHtLzQ6Xv1So" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS4PBE1blI6CX1mlRalgUK5xFvyxLKEWX8gLlmsEuWLdHgZE61P824SY0kj5mP3ejMjb7TXGYMPrcE-MtW8O7Fq80hxdgJheBmbogkdl2iiNKoiTTv06wt76lU7_tVZpAqk1fhYl6CxY5Tu0N5ZAdXtJ_UPg59cjfBHy6zIj5Dh8oO2Zv9lJu1T2FHJCg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6224" data-original-width="9466" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS4PBE1blI6CX1mlRalgUK5xFvyxLKEWX8gLlmsEuWLdHgZE61P824SY0kj5mP3ejMjb7TXGYMPrcE-MtW8O7Fq80hxdgJheBmbogkdl2iiNKoiTTv06wt76lU7_tVZpAqk1fhYl6CxY5Tu0N5ZAdXtJ_UPg59cjfBHy6zIj5Dh8oO2Zv9lJu1T2FHJCg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-HGZn4PB-mA0pM24aRlQQqvKob9k1a1yJeGQQEYcbDZTNP7Wx2vUGk5eGq6PgsxmpIKeW1cZNn7C728d_6f26f9_sHLtHrCrjfeSPB2RwnZuAyrbB_L8S06UWyMNgn-ud20ej1VgHezA-fD6UQUH1Yiscj6FehZ1tUrEw8-uyUmebiV42nO3KDwCdG0o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-HGZn4PB-mA0pM24aRlQQqvKob9k1a1yJeGQQEYcbDZTNP7Wx2vUGk5eGq6PgsxmpIKeW1cZNn7C728d_6f26f9_sHLtHrCrjfeSPB2RwnZuAyrbB_L8S06UWyMNgn-ud20ej1VgHezA-fD6UQUH1Yiscj6FehZ1tUrEw8-uyUmebiV42nO3KDwCdG0o" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Z2xGl3DU24sNu0SKdw7m5qCNWDeQN6XCIxbT4ULl21lyxLyjZc7DM7VTZNW6Es7N6t5CPUbZsCmpqxbrbahfjwBw_yXJrzS5vAmPl7lk4HkSrK3dJRa26b78TVJmbwzzU_skP0VdnOg6RxHQy_qoj70a_MyBFcdIaSlsQ089CC2FxIt8r_RUdDPt-H4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Z2xGl3DU24sNu0SKdw7m5qCNWDeQN6XCIxbT4ULl21lyxLyjZc7DM7VTZNW6Es7N6t5CPUbZsCmpqxbrbahfjwBw_yXJrzS5vAmPl7lk4HkSrK3dJRa26b78TVJmbwzzU_skP0VdnOg6RxHQy_qoj70a_MyBFcdIaSlsQ089CC2FxIt8r_RUdDPt-H4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZt9aLs7kNrP8L34CKYF1_Bk0UosD9EwgQOQuhi7HxUF1LxNV3Ufy1Koi0wmDk7A1k_ngDOPkJzU3HS1e1p5pl1yG-4dFFbpX6-0qu0fKD1SGPn7vTgmJ_1yJurX6AoY7zgJ8dQYIHVMAiGQUd3LH0FPfgVmEhtToL1ZAwcA8PM1Zbpp79LJVFvnvvEf8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6191" data-original-width="9415" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZt9aLs7kNrP8L34CKYF1_Bk0UosD9EwgQOQuhi7HxUF1LxNV3Ufy1Koi0wmDk7A1k_ngDOPkJzU3HS1e1p5pl1yG-4dFFbpX6-0qu0fKD1SGPn7vTgmJ_1yJurX6AoY7zgJ8dQYIHVMAiGQUd3LH0FPfgVmEhtToL1ZAwcA8PM1Zbpp79LJVFvnvvEf8" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Just down the road was a small area dedicated to Conan shops. We stopped in a cafe for lunch. After, we ordered ice cream. On top was a decorative piece that I thought was edible. I took two small bites but still was not convinced. Miles thought that it wasn't edible. I couldn't really ask, because I wouldn't understand the answer. Since it was already swallowed, I figured that I was better off not knowing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioJXRhcdeEMKXpNub4052VbvGoen0pGAk8BH-JxivWre9Yb4iDb1r5pf5qXm1B6nkmiY37MHPfR0WURAYZ5QJRhZzglVW5yfw0uIzECnaPu1SHnzEVfr6DI99r7JSc7BCGn1cV10IofrtzbXcDqmeOAzQco6JA829MwefFFvZOa5bwUQv5yMG0xHjOwN8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioJXRhcdeEMKXpNub4052VbvGoen0pGAk8BH-JxivWre9Yb4iDb1r5pf5qXm1B6nkmiY37MHPfR0WURAYZ5QJRhZzglVW5yfw0uIzECnaPu1SHnzEVfr6DI99r7JSc7BCGn1cV10IofrtzbXcDqmeOAzQco6JA829MwefFFvZOa5bwUQv5yMG0xHjOwN8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiImURyHYyuaIxFXekxvWBLSA7JBXt3USnqbv5AxQIXEbOpns3wUktvH1X4OztXTQU2iJ1Qyav0IMAH_9PtBYo1fTVRH-hVC-LtWpXJPaDcQsQkL6TbDJLo8O9-gSDPnL85RpPiMoUyoPmgVcAgQNHYZPnle_cKxbSv-bkK5nv7jD2FsbEPQ1Oqvy_m34A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5258" data-original-width="7997" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiImURyHYyuaIxFXekxvWBLSA7JBXt3USnqbv5AxQIXEbOpns3wUktvH1X4OztXTQU2iJ1Qyav0IMAH_9PtBYo1fTVRH-hVC-LtWpXJPaDcQsQkL6TbDJLo8O9-gSDPnL85RpPiMoUyoPmgVcAgQNHYZPnle_cKxbSv-bkK5nv7jD2FsbEPQ1Oqvy_m34A" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM_UfJkC-j0J98anbm_nMWv9tKGPW3KDWEv5AwoeJIWrjtPNmYHdwaESKSVeP3B0O0dVE44BtoNP35Q9ubJgZoCj2LbCZ7_ugkn5zajfvieBROmSimSYMA72ToombTKH7uJV1MnHVENJ2CU3xKu-jWN61Sfbk_TakCNydIV9TvVs30v7Au5RIdedZxK-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM_UfJkC-j0J98anbm_nMWv9tKGPW3KDWEv5AwoeJIWrjtPNmYHdwaESKSVeP3B0O0dVE44BtoNP35Q9ubJgZoCj2LbCZ7_ugkn5zajfvieBROmSimSYMA72ToombTKH7uJV1MnHVENJ2CU3xKu-jWN61Sfbk_TakCNydIV9TvVs30v7Au5RIdedZxK-g" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF6h3EVN99jJwqZwod90JR9QkRq2H4xIV2XCEN_3hp5H5RDmySnULKA-Wvb71PSMFfYps8i1YAd50bYGFhEPdohhqBq5dgTQGBBCW4piEXlVv70O0tol2qs6NUoz0DKzLP7xw5-_U4azBLWSKopJ0_0SP5Erq7sqXMUInDtM-bPr-f3-CIeL3xhhcOWXY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF6h3EVN99jJwqZwod90JR9QkRq2H4xIV2XCEN_3hp5H5RDmySnULKA-Wvb71PSMFfYps8i1YAd50bYGFhEPdohhqBq5dgTQGBBCW4piEXlVv70O0tol2qs6NUoz0DKzLP7xw5-_U4azBLWSKopJ0_0SP5Erq7sqXMUInDtM-bPr-f3-CIeL3xhhcOWXY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFDxF1UgQDqNPnR9GlVd0P-8X2S-TkUjC8_f298HFoG5_H7cZB1_SPjKassFuhJ0sx8JQlslFNjuFJGwPTmSFPRCaIz5S131ijmiRJ5-yiQIfsu5T6A8ZToVbrpJQ_9yAI37LdxFBqCFOdFps-mb-NJcluOIzcNCusSBfG7astLQ24nxvqpnLwrPzL1e4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="3534" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFDxF1UgQDqNPnR9GlVd0P-8X2S-TkUjC8_f298HFoG5_H7cZB1_SPjKassFuhJ0sx8JQlslFNjuFJGwPTmSFPRCaIz5S131ijmiRJ5-yiQIfsu5T6A8ZToVbrpJQ_9yAI37LdxFBqCFOdFps-mb-NJcluOIzcNCusSBfG7astLQ24nxvqpnLwrPzL1e4" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Next we drove to the nearby town of Kurayoshi. It is known for its White Wall Warehouse buildings. There were two streets that we walked up and down, admiring the buildings and looking at the shops from the outside. As we were returning to the parking lot, we came upon a place that taught Japanese archery. We decided to give it a go. We watched a short video and then got to shoot five arrows each. It was slightly unusual in that we were instructed to use the bow and arrow sitting down, which I believe was to encourage good posture while shooting. We also were instructed to pull the the aiming arm away from the arrow before firing. I hit the target once. The rest went just above.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbAnv7diqV8AlmmNR2PX_gb4LZKVY1mgbo5aDigHkIb58aO9rPAyf5t8J332xu67hCNlZOiAKIUYp86w81pzHKex4ph1tOXwY4iYP_hjK5y-mf065pYvjv1lxV1zscSfsyzbbXoYJ7k4U6rl2EO5OP68HCEyKUUyIHz7bxWYl5ijQ76CZkRV6VnNiqTGY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6131" data-original-width="9197" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbAnv7diqV8AlmmNR2PX_gb4LZKVY1mgbo5aDigHkIb58aO9rPAyf5t8J332xu67hCNlZOiAKIUYp86w81pzHKex4ph1tOXwY4iYP_hjK5y-mf065pYvjv1lxV1zscSfsyzbbXoYJ7k4U6rl2EO5OP68HCEyKUUyIHz7bxWYl5ijQ76CZkRV6VnNiqTGY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpUspXmec0HVbPAzW2I5vtl2UI54BlHURwvW4cGj7KD5khDhY0oH4-RgsgteQDeIKw8vELpLjhMykHzpBw45_06biLgWb8js7fLsB9FxlIEZt6jYVz_ckfP8Ap9n3eyHEOzD112JlxsgovBpXgEbfzhsOQRgt0OP4PDujvCiPXrom1M4u86giKlb7RNz0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpUspXmec0HVbPAzW2I5vtl2UI54BlHURwvW4cGj7KD5khDhY0oH4-RgsgteQDeIKw8vELpLjhMykHzpBw45_06biLgWb8js7fLsB9FxlIEZt6jYVz_ckfP8Ap9n3eyHEOzD112JlxsgovBpXgEbfzhsOQRgt0OP4PDujvCiPXrom1M4u86giKlb7RNz0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3kDdz-BVKfP1U7r4cBIJmTcdnAK2h454P4U2lo1LwJ28KjoF9DL0ITx869s_XSFce55fKXUWchA701t0umGf5ho2ev7m_HOqIOVPm07uasaKbR2okIYDChanvA1kr2kL1YCDIAzuL4r3H135srLYTgUZaAbigCsn8yrD5L9Sd7hUp6IpR37rn3FsyVV0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3kDdz-BVKfP1U7r4cBIJmTcdnAK2h454P4U2lo1LwJ28KjoF9DL0ITx869s_XSFce55fKXUWchA701t0umGf5ho2ev7m_HOqIOVPm07uasaKbR2okIYDChanvA1kr2kL1YCDIAzuL4r3H135srLYTgUZaAbigCsn8yrD5L9Sd7hUp6IpR37rn3FsyVV0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitfp_D0Po7kmNsAJNDQwfPns1ZGqChWyqacOJJBOi1O-geqzWM8QHfnwuCtT5UUfWdMxVo4gsz378uoZD8fCcdgX9NkQ0jLXzQM_lHIV4xZzQLAIyvWwIb3X0M-Lwa_XYxL0xcAA8BrGs3iozvOJ5mLfJ0LvnejIlf6p4rW5HLEZAAzoDTyrPowOobBLk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9tWyGgGbgxtkrGSOLqKOlQC1ZBa-V7CDBazVZ2LrsuzXmvqXrgvFHP4maKEgDaZaAa4HXh3H5lqz4L8OlFTRDbJeOwc6h2Nh5qeyOG5JXdBKSPrXeViB93kGR2HZZDDQCtlQc6Hh0tm732JXncZiIdwraTTjt3C9_BPPqJIkl6PCF46-4CZpE_1CMBoQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6054" data-original-width="9207" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9tWyGgGbgxtkrGSOLqKOlQC1ZBa-V7CDBazVZ2LrsuzXmvqXrgvFHP4maKEgDaZaAa4HXh3H5lqz4L8OlFTRDbJeOwc6h2Nh5qeyOG5JXdBKSPrXeViB93kGR2HZZDDQCtlQc6Hh0tm732JXncZiIdwraTTjt3C9_BPPqJIkl6PCF46-4CZpE_1CMBoQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3506" data-original-width="2629" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwgIhIe91WLAjUFRcUVFdSSedHWFoixNtahsqbQoCmM32YjJWpciYiwFkJUPz2RkYtV3_d9j89Q2XRVLdMgorR92PMGGtaCdWf79svC6RBKM5piO9RyJGTCh-BhGhExRF8c8MXcBWhg92ehXI0ancr5Q923U0YRhzAttkPeIb0w5Lal8plkVzdgBMQooI" width="180" /></a></div><br /> It was time to go to our hotel for the night. I chose Misasa, an onsen town, just near the hike. The hotel was on the fancy side, with Japanese style rooms. The onsen was fantastic, with an outside area. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhjaoQ5tWurqg9I9UINIB68KTY0EjojvfI96VefI0RohcUjY77A0uumKihXo9ma72E08kb94a4ddeVw_NBWOwqTbTf91nPsytVrRS-_jXK66xsUbRcRv2qD-7M9o2YSQDp-Pr-YtFiC9s69RbtUswMhCo9FiorbI_yCZoDggK5o_pHGYsBBD2rqdTx2SM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="3894" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhjaoQ5tWurqg9I9UINIB68KTY0EjojvfI96VefI0RohcUjY77A0uumKihXo9ma72E08kb94a4ddeVw_NBWOwqTbTf91nPsytVrRS-_jXK66xsUbRcRv2qD-7M9o2YSQDp-Pr-YtFiC9s69RbtUswMhCo9FiorbI_yCZoDggK5o_pHGYsBBD2rqdTx2SM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP4fpdLkLvbmyDWdmmHBWuZ5HdvQolobjuCTOz72zY9qfaHoF2B6QhyohUM5AOV-DeFBQg66sxCm0P0QVOMWYewpgCzmtZo8ukZlrkm0oYiuGiD_bxX83LeIXtUT0KQNKO2K-JDQVe7XTQzWR3iM4RGn0EPGK02zgVcdJ3R232iFTPMGUGY1l0UhR643w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP4fpdLkLvbmyDWdmmHBWuZ5HdvQolobjuCTOz72zY9qfaHoF2B6QhyohUM5AOV-DeFBQg66sxCm0P0QVOMWYewpgCzmtZo8ukZlrkm0oYiuGiD_bxX83LeIXtUT0KQNKO2K-JDQVe7XTQzWR3iM4RGn0EPGK02zgVcdJ3R232iFTPMGUGY1l0UhR643w" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXZRDscBdpYedvb07zqDatmZKPuhOA3e7Ycu1-rDqNC7WETDKpZRQy9O34wmayG1n6AUwcATiOBcK61ZU3C_uhoywYgZjDZOSTKipBMaMgISRQmrr6qXpdExaZuvY7akzpPBUnRgJRM53g6yiD9zh_QgifSLGVfQXTj9EwZGGszM-k-UhM4joj2ruXX18" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXZRDscBdpYedvb07zqDatmZKPuhOA3e7Ycu1-rDqNC7WETDKpZRQy9O34wmayG1n6AUwcATiOBcK61ZU3C_uhoywYgZjDZOSTKipBMaMgISRQmrr6qXpdExaZuvY7akzpPBUnRgJRM53g6yiD9zh_QgifSLGVfQXTj9EwZGGszM-k-UhM4joj2ruXX18" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrbpwqyQZNUczlHV5qih79qKHdo23BzWEP-XqQxRYZeKwAZYm2GkSQADdlxYJqKna-aAiWLBc4v5hLIuKv6DjZESY3cVdaCMiAGExYtPliXMj3oB6EMAJNIGGwpMBS6vF0gw8LRtXE9dM5dccyllclEXaTNN_IVHyYijLagWR5iXTBAyb5EVZDFiRkzE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3111" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrbpwqyQZNUczlHV5qih79qKHdo23BzWEP-XqQxRYZeKwAZYm2GkSQADdlxYJqKna-aAiWLBc4v5hLIuKv6DjZESY3cVdaCMiAGExYtPliXMj3oB6EMAJNIGGwpMBS6vF0gw8LRtXE9dM5dccyllclEXaTNN_IVHyYijLagWR5iXTBAyb5EVZDFiRkzE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUCBh10tLBelgVhSDtiVNK7JX7TrOwjqU2Wh-xkFV8pMMV8IYvy1oyQ1KxJdemwJ-WQ1YprgQW7EmWmGinFD8E6Y5_uT6tOWhMAmcTFT-V9poAe-WCKGiRtyzAG01m7bp_jrDwOBveicSAk5TdV10B3JDAw8sn0NKsYUtGAdmOZ_R0Ky2rfFnMTKrAbxo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUCBh10tLBelgVhSDtiVNK7JX7TrOwjqU2Wh-xkFV8pMMV8IYvy1oyQ1KxJdemwJ-WQ1YprgQW7EmWmGinFD8E6Y5_uT6tOWhMAmcTFT-V9poAe-WCKGiRtyzAG01m7bp_jrDwOBveicSAk5TdV10B3JDAw8sn0NKsYUtGAdmOZ_R0Ky2rfFnMTKrAbxo" width="320" /></a></div><p> Breakfast was not included with the room, but I decided to pay extra for it. When the front desk needed to go look up the price in the back, I knew that it was unlikely to be a regular hotel breakfast. It was an elaborate Japanese meal. I asked if they had coffee, but it was tea only. I tried my best to try everything, but I would not touch the fish.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfshTtsUv1xsgNvk_bCX_Ua4oY-SQPfA5fAT4B7ucIOjPJyEgXb9T9cabpwnpXZ2qMboFK23eNllZYcIrEJ7ynEf_2EMWZy2KKWAlVaVpsFeMMU9NRBWlV5FIIrdLoyssATocRaBZUy02Mv3MuXxdwxyyCa8pDtceeormxuFHujvRIiRdSRKMnx7_oQ_4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfshTtsUv1xsgNvk_bCX_Ua4oY-SQPfA5fAT4B7ucIOjPJyEgXb9T9cabpwnpXZ2qMboFK23eNllZYcIrEJ7ynEf_2EMWZy2KKWAlVaVpsFeMMU9NRBWlV5FIIrdLoyssATocRaBZUy02Mv3MuXxdwxyyCa8pDtceeormxuFHujvRIiRdSRKMnx7_oQ_4" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The first stop of the day was to the Tottori Flower Park. It was much larger than I expected. Miles was in a pretty grumpy mood at the beginning. It was a hot day, and flowers are not particularly his thing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhJAHW2CiVmFY-wFejQE4hf02CxoZJqCfAnfCWlETKoG3PdWVMiRzM7qNTPZlGFEmFC2Pi3QEoFMacJR14y2IZYe_mH17QIBZEojlZ3QfitoOy5K7zoFgRXth_IpfVM8nDEmg8g8WjzvGJVTJ0NeCKT3xJKN4aJpCGjzacbGjYWbsz80optopCEr_5BXI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhJAHW2CiVmFY-wFejQE4hf02CxoZJqCfAnfCWlETKoG3PdWVMiRzM7qNTPZlGFEmFC2Pi3QEoFMacJR14y2IZYe_mH17QIBZEojlZ3QfitoOy5K7zoFgRXth_IpfVM8nDEmg8g8WjzvGJVTJ0NeCKT3xJKN4aJpCGjzacbGjYWbsz80optopCEr_5BXI" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRRhz99E2QjJYQOk7w6N3ivt3so_xuRieZDz8sX5rO7yevyERtZ0aZ_9DfGKiirEKzbMzg6X-OXU0nFc54E7q28SiA9joaEDjVW5qk79pKL7sozOAfw3EMxD1uUvONmiMYIowx9bF--_oDFZ229bhGASnoYWPy0aiGfDF-jpSlOHBWYbZOshig4xuXUH4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2851" data-original-width="3802" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRRhz99E2QjJYQOk7w6N3ivt3so_xuRieZDz8sX5rO7yevyERtZ0aZ_9DfGKiirEKzbMzg6X-OXU0nFc54E7q28SiA9joaEDjVW5qk79pKL7sozOAfw3EMxD1uUvONmiMYIowx9bF--_oDFZ229bhGASnoYWPy0aiGfDF-jpSlOHBWYbZOshig4xuXUH4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYOA70vPbiduSIpPUdjW2hATKf9WHl7QwJHqq67b3Bjk4P1_qxXzNAcId24wyNkP3aptP0PLiT86rIQQRWEAgzhEC7Kr4gqBj6CTAq9ZkGhEXjKEZMYh6E_a3DXpZmMeZVGIwsvAFvtP7GCiBZYfnL3CTWLRBUtSQNNPi5xk03vdNRlwPacDto4B6IwXA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYOA70vPbiduSIpPUdjW2hATKf9WHl7QwJHqq67b3Bjk4P1_qxXzNAcId24wyNkP3aptP0PLiT86rIQQRWEAgzhEC7Kr4gqBj6CTAq9ZkGhEXjKEZMYh6E_a3DXpZmMeZVGIwsvAFvtP7GCiBZYfnL3CTWLRBUtSQNNPi5xk03vdNRlwPacDto4B6IwXA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWNTbXf_rqhqO9xX3AdtP8UYPBSr4iLigO1szoaqxT7K71Wx14UcHQSvH8X5-RIqhqSxBUHJcuYe1h6MZ1LgxPrcK_vXkmWzsaxuGSTqeZdGtOr7l9uzMwax9ZkwOOyDcoBUPkYX9bqvb5HAeBW27efDU7pF_0I1VCEabHvJ2omXCfnY_JbkP9NOpFta0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAhXKMTQOqtJznY1EViUwSUUbQ470VG4dE3riFdOdE4QyBbLpuOTCCNqBnXadn-mU46JQQZEYK0q5F0CnsfKiCNKRkV6LLdNlpVEJwvvteDHJlaeGTeH7_SpPTWI7W2BRLilteWcKU2HaGsvUxGynsyKlHfFrGKU8MLAWh8fddk7UqjTjvcrqUHgKhev8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAhXKMTQOqtJznY1EViUwSUUbQ470VG4dE3riFdOdE4QyBbLpuOTCCNqBnXadn-mU46JQQZEYK0q5F0CnsfKiCNKRkV6LLdNlpVEJwvvteDHJlaeGTeH7_SpPTWI7W2BRLilteWcKU2HaGsvUxGynsyKlHfFrGKU8MLAWh8fddk7UqjTjvcrqUHgKhev8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJVPvfMrWFAc3RwdAHat7SZw49bsfYU3X9ax079XuKNBvZX7jCI8AxfMrcDCao0_-NWiWDT6r1nIF_46U4ItaqnDWqcSYTMu848NJRhy0ZrLJUV5lZ6LPZBMZ5KawATNWFjynj4FBIJu3p7ZUYB6EIBGdlzRtbQKO9A2pyACXbv_fCuNvAqzQmpRwRtfU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8375" data-original-width="11166" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJVPvfMrWFAc3RwdAHat7SZw49bsfYU3X9ax079XuKNBvZX7jCI8AxfMrcDCao0_-NWiWDT6r1nIF_46U4ItaqnDWqcSYTMu848NJRhy0ZrLJUV5lZ6LPZBMZ5KawATNWFjynj4FBIJu3p7ZUYB6EIBGdlzRtbQKO9A2pyACXbv_fCuNvAqzQmpRwRtfU" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I spotted a shimmering on a small plant and on a hunch, I walked over to examine it further. There was this translucent insect on top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3-CU7qHRF5L-2VUdJ4N4SrnMhD4bWA8Kvzsf29jg4kf0knVyHLMUrHhvmacL20EMmreJHYY_kPBzMAgUX8K5XKubFdcvWqxc5yNQz0TH7orwBHwOIt360dnP1Vpl6lwIF1t4FNeBWdrLUgK8XWWnkyBBbBqtpEhNv0mMWkqNI4SHeLBjtvyXmmplOh-8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="3324" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3-CU7qHRF5L-2VUdJ4N4SrnMhD4bWA8Kvzsf29jg4kf0knVyHLMUrHhvmacL20EMmreJHYY_kPBzMAgUX8K5XKubFdcvWqxc5yNQz0TH7orwBHwOIt360dnP1Vpl6lwIF1t4FNeBWdrLUgK8XWWnkyBBbBqtpEhNv0mMWkqNI4SHeLBjtvyXmmplOh-8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIxRdEKcitroIf_mEvEqjB5bOaqF8Zvtm5v2z4nOKMSW4F-aIT8qqmE7_QvkBf_w6AYA_1rxSI3bS5OfuwmWhIOC1aowDzA2suwiCuzwiTMzQXvyxzwh6GOSQyRDM-TjlhobbrYktcZYc9HiOCpIxW9iEKeW6RKjbpImxvGVbs6uTZWBQi63lMnVsnJ_Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIxRdEKcitroIf_mEvEqjB5bOaqF8Zvtm5v2z4nOKMSW4F-aIT8qqmE7_QvkBf_w6AYA_1rxSI3bS5OfuwmWhIOC1aowDzA2suwiCuzwiTMzQXvyxzwh6GOSQyRDM-TjlhobbrYktcZYc9HiOCpIxW9iEKeW6RKjbpImxvGVbs6uTZWBQi63lMnVsnJ_Y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWjLTdBlfH6bDXlIMwL5Upbmiie572kT9erV_9t8IJVwd3R1F3Yd2iDfWIYZAV77kqR1COYqI5kHFQ6pYWDuwQrB-tKqfuxHrzHrmo5WrSBIwzsI7TJKcLk9ahfqFj63PDHKOLCb5dWhTydfqPxAtoyHOcs4zz5iatW5Y1Owi177vJs5aTRiGkf3_59OE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2647" data-original-width="3529" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWjLTdBlfH6bDXlIMwL5Upbmiie572kT9erV_9t8IJVwd3R1F3Yd2iDfWIYZAV77kqR1COYqI5kHFQ6pYWDuwQrB-tKqfuxHrzHrmo5WrSBIwzsI7TJKcLk9ahfqFj63PDHKOLCb5dWhTydfqPxAtoyHOcs4zz5iatW5Y1Owi177vJs5aTRiGkf3_59OE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> As we approached the dome again, Miles caught eye of two little kids holding cotton candy. I walked over to the family and asked where they had gotten it from. The man indicated inside the dome and to the left. I thanked them and we walked inside. I could not find anything to the left, and was about to give up, when the man appeared from behind us and guided us there. He decided to go out of his way to make sure we found it. This behavior is uniquely Japanese, and something that I have witnessed repeatedly. Actually caring and going above and beyond to help a complete stranger is not something I am used to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The cotton candy was in a room with dozens and dozens of small bowls with fish in it. Some kids were fishing out fish from a larger water source, I assume to bring home as pets. Why this side room was here at a flower park, I have no idea. The room itself was completely off to the side, on the bottom level, past the bathrooms. There were a few small cotton candies being sold for just above a dollar. We sat down as he ate the cotton candy, and it immediately transformed his demeanor into a positive one. We did a final pass of the areas that we had missed of the park and Miles acted content.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmnG73mqpr3ifH2ltenBD8XiPFWqlkiIILaMrcllad_0z2lvebAd7i8T0ls3wcOX0SzAVfYXqya4KBn6R3ZQrGLAcMn2ltIdSjzy-9wi1w7XdqmU2IEkW8DFgWI6rqSRRXVpbwPRR0S7XVEjO3RTM1YQqbTpebL59bvzTx8kWrz-WG_rI3Yj7qbgmrAE4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmnG73mqpr3ifH2ltenBD8XiPFWqlkiIILaMrcllad_0z2lvebAd7i8T0ls3wcOX0SzAVfYXqya4KBn6R3ZQrGLAcMn2ltIdSjzy-9wi1w7XdqmU2IEkW8DFgWI6rqSRRXVpbwPRR0S7XVEjO3RTM1YQqbTpebL59bvzTx8kWrz-WG_rI3Yj7qbgmrAE4" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-LGjlj5mcdNeGGokf2EzmaXuZ2aTD4mOl0Lp74O6SVirEjdEXPFh8WyEs-MRcbVoIk4yMQaFqp5-QtbyC2ti0xtGhyNbpZKTxjJ4a_ZHZpCtvNcXC6IlwWW6kDkBOzD6vGwkbjQkNh2IdSNGjYY56O-2fGEmSH6xJhivAkvdHdtaIT0LsSdOaJm2KAUE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3611" data-original-width="4814" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-LGjlj5mcdNeGGokf2EzmaXuZ2aTD4mOl0Lp74O6SVirEjdEXPFh8WyEs-MRcbVoIk4yMQaFqp5-QtbyC2ti0xtGhyNbpZKTxjJ4a_ZHZpCtvNcXC6IlwWW6kDkBOzD6vGwkbjQkNh2IdSNGjYY56O-2fGEmSH6xJhivAkvdHdtaIT0LsSdOaJm2KAUE" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent a good deal of time following this dragonfly around.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpuD3Aqgi2qMICa8VMGOO2G_RFS1DU2Qx6mIUuRtzmLGgpe9CMjgIWiGf0n5hl5vIcTdPyg7taSmLOGne-ypQYIWMaponka1kuj0cww7K3Uny75vvzA4TtVMsg_4SedgAHRKr7WGH6l14PFqzGMnfcV6H1OlL4FShJtBtXWsHG7hHYPIshun09VeyDXJ0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2745" data-original-width="3660" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpuD3Aqgi2qMICa8VMGOO2G_RFS1DU2Qx6mIUuRtzmLGgpe9CMjgIWiGf0n5hl5vIcTdPyg7taSmLOGne-ypQYIWMaponka1kuj0cww7K3Uny75vvzA4TtVMsg_4SedgAHRKr7WGH6l14PFqzGMnfcV6H1OlL4FShJtBtXWsHG7hHYPIshun09VeyDXJ0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQPGLE0qspqzSkC12SSJir-pithcoI1GboWV4vjcvkgUUq_auQuI06rbRW3Qf7Rg3JY68EdVoyhUSSFdLwlugPoJS9TlvcC6ADeOf5-1PacYWuAxkqBWegCswTwKnbuiO5yPcBHubMT3bovEbbJq1sw8gnS-m9gErAjxgql7FhCVfVY2bifKlWc1JpKoQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQPGLE0qspqzSkC12SSJir-pithcoI1GboWV4vjcvkgUUq_auQuI06rbRW3Qf7Rg3JY68EdVoyhUSSFdLwlugPoJS9TlvcC6ADeOf5-1PacYWuAxkqBWegCswTwKnbuiO5yPcBHubMT3bovEbbJq1sw8gnS-m9gErAjxgql7FhCVfVY2bifKlWc1JpKoQ" width="320" /></a></div><p> The photography museum had interesting architecture, and was set up to view Mount Daisen nearby. There were just a few exhibition rooms, with a focus on portraiture. It was just ok.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmatS8HHXLqdJM_nFAIioQ3dr7cSfrUz88Hp1zcTTVHIND7K9CkXsdz46rYzsYSs-k4RZAbgteBu8Mand8Fm79ywB8McRNbn7ruxx5ARldsi4SJQiHGrRsnh5CIaW3bJSXPjzF-vg4ft43kyetQL9cL-f4BX8nsitfSMh0DWtfp_PYJZNDChnudS0QCgA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="3982" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmatS8HHXLqdJM_nFAIioQ3dr7cSfrUz88Hp1zcTTVHIND7K9CkXsdz46rYzsYSs-k4RZAbgteBu8Mand8Fm79ywB8McRNbn7ruxx5ARldsi4SJQiHGrRsnh5CIaW3bJSXPjzF-vg4ft43kyetQL9cL-f4BX8nsitfSMh0DWtfp_PYJZNDChnudS0QCgA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivFoLaBAnzKvhFizvf0B327wnyuHC_0wHRwU91vQ6sn5reakcQm_9pAQx_I_mVKJL85uux5CYkS48u2agSwS5EttYj8v7MkB7avQU-WlpbeNEhfR0iOukifhcltMibMJGO1DqFRNnCewhdLdxyCLN6GZ22n9HnQK-PqO4vB_9Rt8RS9DgbFZWVj0gvKuE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2981" data-original-width="3975" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivFoLaBAnzKvhFizvf0B327wnyuHC_0wHRwU91vQ6sn5reakcQm_9pAQx_I_mVKJL85uux5CYkS48u2agSwS5EttYj8v7MkB7avQU-WlpbeNEhfR0iOukifhcltMibMJGO1DqFRNnCewhdLdxyCLN6GZ22n9HnQK-PqO4vB_9Rt8RS9DgbFZWVj0gvKuE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWUbaK75B4IlXKB2W3Uo1nVCJrglnCzc6Bqq9DCh0HF2p4Y61FoBeRxjZDz8EgJKAtH6Qz-vjOeR4U_Y8iYCygR-k5hh_DsBKpACt6LLhidyJch1D3Fara6FLj9hhQpvY6xyg4sXDHpGABO2lpzXUk_MY1-BswbkSOQCwVq79qzbPy7ElzYmpxIR53AAc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWUbaK75B4IlXKB2W3Uo1nVCJrglnCzc6Bqq9DCh0HF2p4Y61FoBeRxjZDz8EgJKAtH6Qz-vjOeR4U_Y8iYCygR-k5hh_DsBKpACt6LLhidyJch1D3Fara6FLj9hhQpvY6xyg4sXDHpGABO2lpzXUk_MY1-BswbkSOQCwVq79qzbPy7ElzYmpxIR53AAc" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Our hotel was in the small city of Yonago. My original trip blueprints had us staying on Mount Daisen, but the hotels were all booked this time around. We walked to a very local ramen restaurant. We both had ramen, with a side dish each. I chose okonomiyaki, a pancake like dish with a topping that tasted like yakisoba sauce. All told, it cost about $12, and was one of my favorite meals of the trip.<div><p></p></div></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-87774250898295262592023-06-19T05:32:00.004-07:002023-06-19T05:32:56.161-07:00Japan 6.3: The Sand of Tottori, the Uradome Coast, and our failed hike to NageireDou, the "most dangerous national treasure" of Japan<p> Miles and I decided to drive to the farthest point of the day first, the Tajiri Park Observation Deck, along the Uradome Coast. We parked at the pier and walked up for the views. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghizsT8vn9tTyI4QTEtbHhLxxX2MR5eTBpmIvi4CfprKnHG-sxjRlzg_oYIZShJJ8m65PdN8YWO1PE9GVbIFuQlLuN6VBG_thXOobJ1BpsmGjUSbifSrXw2FlhfFETG-IJYNd0XUt_amUq38rMVtSKcx8jplywfVRr2c4lT7xh7hdPJPZA5w-Fjco8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghizsT8vn9tTyI4QTEtbHhLxxX2MR5eTBpmIvi4CfprKnHG-sxjRlzg_oYIZShJJ8m65PdN8YWO1PE9GVbIFuQlLuN6VBG_thXOobJ1BpsmGjUSbifSrXw2FlhfFETG-IJYNd0XUt_amUq38rMVtSKcx8jplywfVRr2c4lT7xh7hdPJPZA5w-Fjco8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4YRgH5PqVzi051Bl3_K9yT1pClxkb1j-Af_qiAEWK5ee2h6eHbBSDXGAnxDTcmqG0xB8StZNl4jCCSwlgokna_7wTXS_PgkBED0VLYh4fgQe3SYsLNoOTYzb-3amR7LFnB3K9P1DXujIudMjXcETmtfpVQJ476G9bSNxUo87Q_cBBf0YpEblNP2by" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4YRgH5PqVzi051Bl3_K9yT1pClxkb1j-Af_qiAEWK5ee2h6eHbBSDXGAnxDTcmqG0xB8StZNl4jCCSwlgokna_7wTXS_PgkBED0VLYh4fgQe3SYsLNoOTYzb-3amR7LFnB3K9P1DXujIudMjXcETmtfpVQJ476G9bSNxUo87Q_cBBf0YpEblNP2by" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Just a few minutes down the road, we stopped at the Shirawara Coast. When we got out of our car, we saw some hawks fly overhead. We walked down the steps to the beach, and hung around for a while. We enjoyed watching the water, watched the crabs, and eyed the birds. There were tons of small insects that scurried away everywhere we went. Using a google reverse image source, it appears that they are called Ligia Dilatata, a woodlouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0yStP5QmaIR3hJ-FnzTEzv8XL-D24fV8Gg1zQq90DzT6qWVENJhs7jpe2OGyby3__4zgDyLAweoB71cQQu-dlNXMXhf1w0sfnXLcODcUxWNpg0JHCC4GjmE97Z6uwAwkeJNaUoStpdrJr9g1P2Tj3kkDoDK1U8KPZ4yZ4-yW3_2fAipS1ivzaZBSg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3772" data-original-width="5659" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0yStP5QmaIR3hJ-FnzTEzv8XL-D24fV8Gg1zQq90DzT6qWVENJhs7jpe2OGyby3__4zgDyLAweoB71cQQu-dlNXMXhf1w0sfnXLcODcUxWNpg0JHCC4GjmE97Z6uwAwkeJNaUoStpdrJr9g1P2Tj3kkDoDK1U8KPZ4yZ4-yW3_2fAipS1ivzaZBSg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not the woodlouse.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNlWejHIfqD8gxcmGKyU3Y0r44oWUR2qUMw2il1K8KO5q1yo1LHbdhGR0lXLbMG5I7KoeGUL8hSlLWUmgqCViJfXcJbPuG6c_A0mdynzp4ZSKHJuo_DB6ccnp7l64LSQfnIuEiwB-RB75IoqjG_fa0Ut0DrnH6bBw_vNYxhM1SFA3E8kj1Fc6fIiv5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNlWejHIfqD8gxcmGKyU3Y0r44oWUR2qUMw2il1K8KO5q1yo1LHbdhGR0lXLbMG5I7KoeGUL8hSlLWUmgqCViJfXcJbPuG6c_A0mdynzp4ZSKHJuo_DB6ccnp7l64LSQfnIuEiwB-RB75IoqjG_fa0Ut0DrnH6bBw_vNYxhM1SFA3E8kj1Fc6fIiv5" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGTa3n4V9XDsdrvD_mHRn3xeWq5pFeRtJGbWQaFs9s9y_pMaAX4oOIZVGUEV_iBQOkh9EIaIV6ghJd_yDnZAvsvw609CzNOJxAQnOG_-RpPIJthvRQmarUBfbLmL0A-VQ4hNX9t396jxviEeD-TynkoOmY6H7i5Y-leR0v4VYq9diTjcPkXJXhR9qp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGTa3n4V9XDsdrvD_mHRn3xeWq5pFeRtJGbWQaFs9s9y_pMaAX4oOIZVGUEV_iBQOkh9EIaIV6ghJd_yDnZAvsvw609CzNOJxAQnOG_-RpPIJthvRQmarUBfbLmL0A-VQ4hNX9t396jxviEeD-TynkoOmY6H7i5Y-leR0v4VYq9diTjcPkXJXhR9qp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTg6tjAdRKx8zW1IN4u0UJdxx0X0G7aK94-vJJ7UPwJh9wGVJbwcmEoF_x8ytXguD-gwBSsfxMbqWdX1xpRcxqZ-YdLEa0I2HgJTzLAF0TMuVPA9FaxUEs3c6VEqAuqx8JzY0YhN0_ne2sBydFDLLG1K7nKnME3DPjTEEBOlP_MqrFEnNR2xpT15hA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTg6tjAdRKx8zW1IN4u0UJdxx0X0G7aK94-vJJ7UPwJh9wGVJbwcmEoF_x8ytXguD-gwBSsfxMbqWdX1xpRcxqZ-YdLEa0I2HgJTzLAF0TMuVPA9FaxUEs3c6VEqAuqx8JzY0YhN0_ne2sBydFDLLG1K7nKnME3DPjTEEBOlP_MqrFEnNR2xpT15hA" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> We encountered a German woman, from Munich, who was walking the paths along the beach. She told us about her son in law that was attempting to become a photographer. Then she went on her way. We walked back up the steps and a hawk made one last pass overhead.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS_d8cmf6OGmSef7JuWGmY-MKkR9yMge6rvdGX9tIgyyPCc39r9lgtRKRScGxB7-APNK1RZ-YvKa7CkfXw1Sty1ZHBJJAqrNh7sntSRlTf4xcSU4_uKPVy5p5J_Wf5F5Im6DHhvmXGxP8uH1xMJWrqOEODziJvg_p13wXgm9BegjVsh9MwKXC6wHR_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3219" data-original-width="4829" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS_d8cmf6OGmSef7JuWGmY-MKkR9yMge6rvdGX9tIgyyPCc39r9lgtRKRScGxB7-APNK1RZ-YvKa7CkfXw1Sty1ZHBJJAqrNh7sntSRlTf4xcSU4_uKPVy5p5J_Wf5F5Im6DHhvmXGxP8uH1xMJWrqOEODziJvg_p13wXgm9BegjVsh9MwKXC6wHR_" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2SR0RN6I9uDSbu973UwU9OkJo0Rvi1ztdVy5CxerEEvn56L-41eCWvluTZeQyWNDFv7riPkEmYQJGrNH-m1LqhUI5e5bVlvRK7pM8a4C5GkfkkCWsD-mLpgG7a7idsJ239OwgEQWDkQgBqxHBEFOG-rMTJEe4dHVRGIwVa0WYrTZQNVDLqj7dyMKJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3660" data-original-width="5490" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2SR0RN6I9uDSbu973UwU9OkJo0Rvi1ztdVy5CxerEEvn56L-41eCWvluTZeQyWNDFv7riPkEmYQJGrNH-m1LqhUI5e5bVlvRK7pM8a4C5GkfkkCWsD-mLpgG7a7idsJ239OwgEQWDkQgBqxHBEFOG-rMTJEe4dHVRGIwVa0WYrTZQNVDLqj7dyMKJ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh66cDGC-4roER4qbLUU4FbiHnFGoSJPddEMpFoPx-KGXypi6vl1nw4Q1CB_T_BBwHK_T9mi73Lq62odhKo8h4Q33s_tQ5MXdeBGZvnkU0GY_kajIaLXPbPzogkIUrf4BqMPYs4zW_rWqEQEMvO3EieFtzqZ0H-EsiZX7XZemzTNfFujVN-dt51tL5B" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh66cDGC-4roER4qbLUU4FbiHnFGoSJPddEMpFoPx-KGXypi6vl1nw4Q1CB_T_BBwHK_T9mi73Lq62odhKo8h4Q33s_tQ5MXdeBGZvnkU0GY_kajIaLXPbPzogkIUrf4BqMPYs4zW_rWqEQEMvO3EieFtzqZ0H-EsiZX7XZemzTNfFujVN-dt51tL5B" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Our last stop along the Uradome Coast was at another pier, to see the Sengan Matsushima Observatory. The GPS told us to go up a narrow street, but I noped out of that one, and just parked near the water. We walked up the street, which was inhabited by some street cats, and it became more and more narrow. We would have needed to back up all the way down had we tried it.<div><br /></div><div> After passing the last house, a few steps up and we reached a nice view. There were two directions that we were able to hike up to better views. Miles opted to do neither, and walked back to the car instead. I went up to the right, to the Ajiro Observation Deck, which gave views in multiple directions.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJQvnY8G37PQF73LEtfOXLy85ZpDR7lEIeaFXh1dQzCvFenMxlOtGObNaBw-SwST720NDGgdscoVcReEaIRpe9bFoT3vAz06DWJBf-ONjyACFa22ed0qmz-otq00ScbpKffe0UDAM6Z1EqsdQ95ipEvFK0RuTQ5iSioQIgXnRqE34jEr3sQwJO8OrL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJQvnY8G37PQF73LEtfOXLy85ZpDR7lEIeaFXh1dQzCvFenMxlOtGObNaBw-SwST720NDGgdscoVcReEaIRpe9bFoT3vAz06DWJBf-ONjyACFa22ed0qmz-otq00ScbpKffe0UDAM6Z1EqsdQ95ipEvFK0RuTQ5iSioQIgXnRqE34jEr3sQwJO8OrL" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJ2XOPg-cuub-5C-KHOR75mynOTFyPkeQh-5Fz34lXysc0Nwvo0YnJplAUiTm2sACFkne6hxfawXYIdlvMRmZvIQNlhyJUFQ0U7N1MMw4jkUmBIbuPHh7HJtfV8C9Gr0lgkAUR-uHhqm-3yn3Psg4yqluNX-9BOqEEIQLeVREz2wqFmsmK5Qs-3B-U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJ2XOPg-cuub-5C-KHOR75mynOTFyPkeQh-5Fz34lXysc0Nwvo0YnJplAUiTm2sACFkne6hxfawXYIdlvMRmZvIQNlhyJUFQ0U7N1MMw4jkUmBIbuPHh7HJtfV8C9Gr0lgkAUR-uHhqm-3yn3Psg4yqluNX-9BOqEEIQLeVREz2wqFmsmK5Qs-3B-U" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiwYhp07eE2MRiZ274G82jqsdFfeBgdY04Bbxq-Tii1vy5nZhTAUmeVfaL9A1fztQRlieQpNaxXsLVkItK66ey98e3oXkKa8bsArKlGF-sQYLsVRZ9mUD1Ld6FkpYdSGjkMhg4jFL2Hc7E16ILNJjH3Su6-Vr5M8oZ8_JAKIzBxQGnLTYgibQ0Ijy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiwYhp07eE2MRiZ274G82jqsdFfeBgdY04Bbxq-Tii1vy5nZhTAUmeVfaL9A1fztQRlieQpNaxXsLVkItK66ey98e3oXkKa8bsArKlGF-sQYLsVRZ9mUD1Ld6FkpYdSGjkMhg4jFL2Hc7E16ILNJjH3Su6-Vr5M8oZ8_JAKIzBxQGnLTYgibQ0Ijy" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE7Fx4Eayd2L_1mRHfqiC3djbOhp-JY8FPF2iMS8UPW1cYHy0rdOoK8lJR_qZob0lNR1AVOaQsnN4C-KVYn4V9JgKAPQ0S7AoNGRybJdmedW819MZMGSZy26vB3PI6mh77ZqpEk8LbczyYnvZo4F8fEvHVcABVM_pB0W3uOHtspqm2OwkpirWD4jqf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE7Fx4Eayd2L_1mRHfqiC3djbOhp-JY8FPF2iMS8UPW1cYHy0rdOoK8lJR_qZob0lNR1AVOaQsnN4C-KVYn4V9JgKAPQ0S7AoNGRybJdmedW819MZMGSZy26vB3PI6mh77ZqpEk8LbczyYnvZo4F8fEvHVcABVM_pB0W3uOHtspqm2OwkpirWD4jqf" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The final stop of the day was at the Tottori Sand Dunes. We parked in the Sand Museum's parking lot, and walked to the dunes. The Tottori sand dunes are about sixteen kilometers of dunes, from sand that was deposited from the nearby Sendaigawa River. It was a five to ten minute walk up the dunes, which were really not much different than a normal beach, except for the dramatic verticality of the dune by the water.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimNfbvV_uFNLkl0OoisT0iYin_SwBxy8XwA2ZJUoqevFFvepj3kBi9hBILxQU3X_fQSZo9vazpA4J03tOuYLNimN4ww9g4fIwNjblVIVi5l6-PlGyoBqUrhMJlZbzK2cFJ-xBYXW5nVUPCVQG_07tBHRT3ZVdpqcNJ3_Wy-AfCv6qDiGryIZqF9PXo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimNfbvV_uFNLkl0OoisT0iYin_SwBxy8XwA2ZJUoqevFFvepj3kBi9hBILxQU3X_fQSZo9vazpA4J03tOuYLNimN4ww9g4fIwNjblVIVi5l6-PlGyoBqUrhMJlZbzK2cFJ-xBYXW5nVUPCVQG_07tBHRT3ZVdpqcNJ3_Wy-AfCv6qDiGryIZqF9PXo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3MIofep44Y5gMfrjsqDTBKc4afrvF0mY8d4xFMW1TbNT50M9ARkwcdvAwpnqGJuI4gmmGyBTzAHC-dfKHnI4-Nz1z1H_F9J-NPRUVcIPiInF1c2xgGI30ErbqsUkB4zxAIEKKOAWVI13tr9O92WnTopm7jCCb_gNIyyWlnQBUhnZXX5B_4PxAzCjz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3MIofep44Y5gMfrjsqDTBKc4afrvF0mY8d4xFMW1TbNT50M9ARkwcdvAwpnqGJuI4gmmGyBTzAHC-dfKHnI4-Nz1z1H_F9J-NPRUVcIPiInF1c2xgGI30ErbqsUkB4zxAIEKKOAWVI13tr9O92WnTopm7jCCb_gNIyyWlnQBUhnZXX5B_4PxAzCjz" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMJoln0ULfi7KR4dMaBtIK5HkYHEZxRkBWy9aYA2zu1IwmspHpxoHBq_OHkJHEf58g3cnt8ApjhAjJkQYjA_BjnlZthFm_MDGW0FRZOkKu50WimH8W5Y5GzRT18M7rlnBwC3q5KO4FibOLmbM4ucTl54Ux6HesUn5qlkThZ4xgtvTwWOqP1_Drce77" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMJoln0ULfi7KR4dMaBtIK5HkYHEZxRkBWy9aYA2zu1IwmspHpxoHBq_OHkJHEf58g3cnt8ApjhAjJkQYjA_BjnlZthFm_MDGW0FRZOkKu50WimH8W5Y5GzRT18M7rlnBwC3q5KO4FibOLmbM4ucTl54Ux6HesUn5qlkThZ4xgtvTwWOqP1_Drce77" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles seems to really enjoy running down sand dunes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We stopped for a soft serve ice cream cone at a nearby vendor and then returned to the parking lot, this time going into the Sand Museum. It was a very tiny installation, with an odd entrance. There was one large room, with many intricate sand creations. The description explained that only water was used to harden it, and not anything else, like glue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivkgNh45p9FbqXo9KIZ2hTSCUYAEr5YwUWeThsWlRVpha3I65p4WdqXyHoe2d7nR6zHmhRX5RbW9rERVhGhcX1fCU9aq5-XGxPVsaxDAvqu1UKRq2spHVh30DVsTFokSMq75_bAtwU4_t3kFYVbe_mRicQNqLxCe-RuaE3HjqBZr6w-dDfqDjPTEHZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivkgNh45p9FbqXo9KIZ2hTSCUYAEr5YwUWeThsWlRVpha3I65p4WdqXyHoe2d7nR6zHmhRX5RbW9rERVhGhcX1fCU9aq5-XGxPVsaxDAvqu1UKRq2spHVh30DVsTFokSMq75_bAtwU4_t3kFYVbe_mRicQNqLxCe-RuaE3HjqBZr6w-dDfqDjPTEHZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDiyoOLEEcBP5esw4wep13vcaWAgDaXIPhMkktox8XeHHOnoR3Q1q9W1EEtLEElVtamH7OV33St9k3negu8WMDYtq1TSKCU5bm2iwTPYdo5gjtskXIBKtiqaro0Kw_AmUTxhZLImO6SRhnxYiAY2jK1WVnVv1yVjh6rpPGs5ppXeX2XTaE7gL4rUSe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDiyoOLEEcBP5esw4wep13vcaWAgDaXIPhMkktox8XeHHOnoR3Q1q9W1EEtLEElVtamH7OV33St9k3negu8WMDYtq1TSKCU5bm2iwTPYdo5gjtskXIBKtiqaro0Kw_AmUTxhZLImO6SRhnxYiAY2jK1WVnVv1yVjh6rpPGs5ppXeX2XTaE7gL4rUSe" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYkcLsx9TFH1m33ysokdz-le4rFPuz9VJ5ULdDZ64go4Z0kvjt-WZ2VdnmXKkF-YgvVpE8ExZMwqKKgoV9EL_74tvP2ojDPol5_vx8Yz0-SgPZpVdBJ7OxCkz8IgNlWC6KCkSgeY7Dp5bwyDCOijmpmk2_jDXH-9szyxit5dYURjAABpqpOy0GEf-N" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYkcLsx9TFH1m33ysokdz-le4rFPuz9VJ5ULdDZ64go4Z0kvjt-WZ2VdnmXKkF-YgvVpE8ExZMwqKKgoV9EL_74tvP2ojDPol5_vx8Yz0-SgPZpVdBJ7OxCkz8IgNlWC6KCkSgeY7Dp5bwyDCOijmpmk2_jDXH-9szyxit5dYURjAABpqpOy0GEf-N" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkTQ_b7YxHTTPaznzmptyxsnt1-VJYWLlnsncwCFRbpQ5CXMSoDFlTkkHFzQKKe7rdaQNYhSznJJzrpdDRLdYi9dvC2l8liKkdfttmrCcGwuYd_lzqx2M9mdc_c5Yeu5ShBhwdahPIlFtwANd2LP1MPh-tOb1MV7C37th4kWYvawfHOgkeZOwJ6f-n" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkTQ_b7YxHTTPaznzmptyxsnt1-VJYWLlnsncwCFRbpQ5CXMSoDFlTkkHFzQKKe7rdaQNYhSznJJzrpdDRLdYi9dvC2l8liKkdfttmrCcGwuYd_lzqx2M9mdc_c5Yeu5ShBhwdahPIlFtwANd2LP1MPh-tOb1MV7C37th4kWYvawfHOgkeZOwJ6f-n" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyawXLKkyA4Rcgj2MqkA8viVLkq5jlJGAAILdwEEQ9UQuGtu00_PfhCCn2jHyyqIt7J93RrV11WqjA0ZztA5Jw08AoxJ-vOpwYs7ewN6sAKLGhuC9QRnkW0APcUibChsyAGOfPPTlDXf5BcvDYYHGNdAS_s48Ef9fHrhW6wswF0TEWZRenB2FYXVEt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11648" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyawXLKkyA4Rcgj2MqkA8viVLkq5jlJGAAILdwEEQ9UQuGtu00_PfhCCn2jHyyqIt7J93RrV11WqjA0ZztA5Jw08AoxJ-vOpwYs7ewN6sAKLGhuC9QRnkW0APcUibChsyAGOfPPTlDXf5BcvDYYHGNdAS_s48Ef9fHrhW6wswF0TEWZRenB2FYXVEt" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcEYZPn6Q25UG-SCdq2-Oc6IliitKv7uMgXDGXjxK3bg2OqD7x9wXvaAArDj5-yU2zg6PDLVF5YbeysMvA7D1xkJcPdZoSnaWbYOoBYTzyuVAUKTAIlMDGxjCgZhu5nrVO1NSf_Jw6P-Dxe-cHAgYB8LjQ2X0Z94SYTAaFZbJjH2LPy94GH3Uq7Eah" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcEYZPn6Q25UG-SCdq2-Oc6IliitKv7uMgXDGXjxK3bg2OqD7x9wXvaAArDj5-yU2zg6PDLVF5YbeysMvA7D1xkJcPdZoSnaWbYOoBYTzyuVAUKTAIlMDGxjCgZhu5nrVO1NSf_Jw6P-Dxe-cHAgYB8LjQ2X0Z94SYTAaFZbJjH2LPy94GH3Uq7Eah" width="320" /></a></div><br /> That final night, Miles wanted to stay at the room, so he stopped at Family Mart for his dinner. he chose one of the meals there, which they heated up for him in their microwaves. For myself, I chose a local restaurant, which had reviews raving about its dan dan soupless noodles. There were only two tables, along with three single bar seats. I used the ticket machine to pick my noodle dish, and then waited. It took a good twenty minutes to be seated. </div><div><br /></div><div> My dish arrived, and the worker mimed to me that I should mix it. At the end, I was left with some sauce, which I had begun to scoop up. It was at this point that the patron next to me, who had been seated just before me, tapped me on my shoulder. He did his best to explain that I should get rice for the remaining sauce, and smiled widely. I didn't understand if that meant that I should place a brand new order or not. Sensing my confusion, he called over the worker and asked for rice. The worker proceeded to bring me a very small bowl with rice, which was complimentary. I guess that this is general procedure for this dish. The entire interaction was memorable and filled me with delight.</div><div><br /></div><div> It was time to leave Tottori city, though we would remain in Tottori Prefecture for a while yet. We woke up to sunshine for the first time on the trip. On our way to Misasa, we stopped to attempt the NageireDou hike, billed as the "most dangerous national treasure" of Japan, according to the National Parks of Japan site. I did some reading up on it ahead of time, and bookmarked a few sites, which I reviewed ahead of time. That being said, I confused the first temple along the path, Monjudo, with the end temple, NageireDou, which is built into the wall of a cliff.</div><div><br /></div><div> We parked our car and walked up to the entrance. They checked our shoes to make sure we had hiking treads, charged us a fee, and we walked upward. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQShCHUkUT6natTyhkaq97X8HY5WrnWsNzsPt9oMX7bAEUdtwkYtE41AU_hdoyDj_B_LF-aHQO7r8iMBVfpymTduL7MYrCUL-YkW4cXehZ3vWQ1WqfVhTAl-myIr67zmXXjBxNKxShpwixvxNGQogELaQrVnpUBESHCAKpaMNNB1bzJEcTIssUFaBYxnE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQShCHUkUT6natTyhkaq97X8HY5WrnWsNzsPt9oMX7bAEUdtwkYtE41AU_hdoyDj_B_LF-aHQO7r8iMBVfpymTduL7MYrCUL-YkW4cXehZ3vWQ1WqfVhTAl-myIr67zmXXjBxNKxShpwixvxNGQogELaQrVnpUBESHCAKpaMNNB1bzJEcTIssUFaBYxnE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjai7YwwrdCT_plkjxVP_5cfgRYC3eLB4bFQqp40OZiyOIenJpmPSCv7yzGtA3oSWNuVOAv-E-dp8tSgS4REINZac5xz6sjW315Ou7AOC05wcXNe2vPDZGQS_3Xx_dO9yl1OuBDUcpTNaxJKY8c_RKLvHLP-17puweqRWTVw4SDusG0Xq-Jn_nXcNoR53M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6182" data-original-width="9402" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjai7YwwrdCT_plkjxVP_5cfgRYC3eLB4bFQqp40OZiyOIenJpmPSCv7yzGtA3oSWNuVOAv-E-dp8tSgS4REINZac5xz6sjW315Ou7AOC05wcXNe2vPDZGQS_3Xx_dO9yl1OuBDUcpTNaxJKY8c_RKLvHLP-17puweqRWTVw4SDusG0Xq-Jn_nXcNoR53M" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWuFhKJTpfXO4PT-BOcpmDALKVwpLCwBFwwqKKXgJUf0i1dP8-0YMK4qtOChM9uzPtLXG5dcx9t_0nJRelX35X1SYsS7Qkzocm0YFMBLwtbSA7a7P26w4NE5AOmb3BAySKjXEEUDdi6HKnw3GNOz7MGWj2CN9zwvztZel7vmN8O3nojkWeYAVSRZbn7c0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWuFhKJTpfXO4PT-BOcpmDALKVwpLCwBFwwqKKXgJUf0i1dP8-0YMK4qtOChM9uzPtLXG5dcx9t_0nJRelX35X1SYsS7Qkzocm0YFMBLwtbSA7a7P26w4NE5AOmb3BAySKjXEEUDdi6HKnw3GNOz7MGWj2CN9zwvztZel7vmN8O3nojkWeYAVSRZbn7c0" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We entered one final building, where we were given two sashes to wear, and we signed our name on a list of hikers. Ours was the first in English. The woman explained that the hike would take 90-120 minutes. Down the very first set of steps, Miles stumbled and ended up outside this small barrier rope marking the path. Perhaps this was an omen of things to come.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSAbcmuKhheg9GIl2oQ-NyFtc7CD-eSwS9CvA6vatSOOHZke2uIyWk8YjXmh3HSuczXPjw10OpeZd_0YkNGPxdt6E3gBDXQw5noUXFTZIvfKCOF2PvTQ-mHGG1zJgTWpFVjGf1nPxzSPxY-IwgUuWZgzJ4JADQlNWLq2m3lxOHWSwG0LaZxysrKbjL7nI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSAbcmuKhheg9GIl2oQ-NyFtc7CD-eSwS9CvA6vatSOOHZke2uIyWk8YjXmh3HSuczXPjw10OpeZd_0YkNGPxdt6E3gBDXQw5noUXFTZIvfKCOF2PvTQ-mHGG1zJgTWpFVjGf1nPxzSPxY-IwgUuWZgzJ4JADQlNWLq2m3lxOHWSwG0LaZxysrKbjL7nI" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT17WkbF6HW__QEv0oJOaC29FZ_CH-1B9RtZ966wgnSbR8U27N3xW_X1q6xoWbjk9Fjjg88NK3znMJEpRRGZrPEzKaEICn621ZeyOwLU9a0kbqO0yXDtEIvcTVIZIBhw34fmenKyE0RYIyzM0wxbrSTlDc5QsG3BqZB3J9TUZm4zAT2H4mxAr8-hxOLsM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9636" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT17WkbF6HW__QEv0oJOaC29FZ_CH-1B9RtZ966wgnSbR8U27N3xW_X1q6xoWbjk9Fjjg88NK3znMJEpRRGZrPEzKaEICn621ZeyOwLU9a0kbqO0yXDtEIvcTVIZIBhw34fmenKyE0RYIyzM0wxbrSTlDc5QsG3BqZB3J9TUZm4zAT2H4mxAr8-hxOLsM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSX2leUWmHIY0R_6b8kRxgRwuDZZtMfpI8biBaFGtF7S0HCHNF7s9HPAVvBG6RDEDfA8DrI2w9B3__70EMKxxbJP69QXOcqrrDd7a852soC1ZCr1ON6tg6cA0rOtWm3ozoU-5cd-MLQUlwonZJNz_FVOSnwrHajz0zysvVH_vUlxIZYk16AMKVBk1QQ_U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSX2leUWmHIY0R_6b8kRxgRwuDZZtMfpI8biBaFGtF7S0HCHNF7s9HPAVvBG6RDEDfA8DrI2w9B3__70EMKxxbJP69QXOcqrrDd7a852soC1ZCr1ON6tg6cA0rOtWm3ozoU-5cd-MLQUlwonZJNz_FVOSnwrHajz0zysvVH_vUlxIZYk16AMKVBk1QQ_U" width="158" /></a></div> </div><div> It all began simple enough. There were some easy rocks to climb up. Then we reached a set of tree routes that we had to climb up. I expected this, having read the guides. It was at this point that I put my camera away so I could focus on the climb.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh-0c-gExEXMb1WP9PrsBHjTq845dh0DMy4117GOopMGBelg8Q291rjVW7S5osEr-OmUxCJC0Dfo-Kmb0Ymmf8c6FR3Y-z22p95xhukpedvcA6mYBZqeF89C7GW1fldLDPNDkHXlG_bHC1OExeTO3Seo8JcdOgMiIdzcb3J6Y62Kj4T6DGbdYwb-tkKUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9636" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh-0c-gExEXMb1WP9PrsBHjTq845dh0DMy4117GOopMGBelg8Q291rjVW7S5osEr-OmUxCJC0Dfo-Kmb0Ymmf8c6FR3Y-z22p95xhukpedvcA6mYBZqeF89C7GW1fldLDPNDkHXlG_bHC1OExeTO3Seo8JcdOgMiIdzcb3J6Y62Kj4T6DGbdYwb-tkKUA" width="158" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhsgHrzWWWzeNYSqIlK2e2p0CoReQy6mZP0PG3bxsdwMyklSpps38fx8D53kicGABPvIYE4ZjfQzPGzlwPs4Qkb9cRvLqHdvYqxCx_djeQUAX-oRhVTXuOTO0PLs6zZVGxxYRZ2A74bDv0yCEZU5kgtv82U2b04B7-_qud5RIClHtJdNqaLCez1DcdOk4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8644" data-original-width="5684" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhsgHrzWWWzeNYSqIlK2e2p0CoReQy6mZP0PG3bxsdwMyklSpps38fx8D53kicGABPvIYE4ZjfQzPGzlwPs4Qkb9cRvLqHdvYqxCx_djeQUAX-oRhVTXuOTO0PLs6zZVGxxYRZ2A74bDv0yCEZU5kgtv82U2b04B7-_qud5RIClHtJdNqaLCez1DcdOk4" width="158" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roots to climb. Beyond this spot, there were many more roots as we climbed ever upward.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We continued onward for another fifteen minutes or so before we reached the chains. I was also prepared for this. What I didn't quite realize was just how long you would be climbing with this chain. The following pic makes the ascent look flat. It was very much upward, and it went on for quite some time. As someone with height difficulties, this was more mentally challenging than physically. Once at the top, we veered right, took maybe ten steps and then had to climb a few more feet straight up on another chain before reaching Monjudo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWZ45PvcvElp8ZTG4Q4mlsPcGwfoOJIP8PgMOB4l8ZxFk504GBe8qUhDimvL3tfpuesTuS9JGC8JtakKDaKQXBjHQ5V4ObIE6iQxiyltc7pWN3un45KkHQV6CUo98iBdMUJkgmQPPrAcxw6cJpVUFm0yexod5LYPn1bWXSzuNP2NZN7Hw1SRiQoe86p2M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWZ45PvcvElp8ZTG4Q4mlsPcGwfoOJIP8PgMOB4l8ZxFk504GBe8qUhDimvL3tfpuesTuS9JGC8JtakKDaKQXBjHQ5V4ObIE6iQxiyltc7pWN3un45KkHQV6CUo98iBdMUJkgmQPPrAcxw6cJpVUFm0yexod5LYPn1bWXSzuNP2NZN7Hw1SRiQoe86p2M" width="180" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ0NWx8hGFqH6AG6elIY7p-VXdluRzckqYNIrlOf22vY-32YIff-Mfjqo7g6OBKcQrQh8lskZj0yrptFZUlOSWNBy9x3w0DVK83_Tm269rpTU_27qZYe11v3tt9XBbNT38e6k5eOrkQOdZYz1ZMG9L3rC4K1f_5aSdrmkg6HFILZmJPZEeF9KMyRs0fmQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6220" data-original-width="9460" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ0NWx8hGFqH6AG6elIY7p-VXdluRzckqYNIrlOf22vY-32YIff-Mfjqo7g6OBKcQrQh8lskZj0yrptFZUlOSWNBy9x3w0DVK83_Tm269rpTU_27qZYe11v3tt9XBbNT38e6k5eOrkQOdZYz1ZMG9L3rC4K1f_5aSdrmkg6HFILZmJPZEeF9KMyRs0fmQ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE4fAqrRup549W0suC5d3eReHS8g30xox8UNIFk18thTOGVYnww4LFXpmgEQZDnwlQ6C08HNxkF6_8eQNW2MgtHcn5eceuk9w2mXdxF_ICZZXQv8wF8s7gHx8QNf_jHLOALj5DgyOPE9dDyrVkvbTRglqn_Mi3sx38jtzR0l4fs_0IW8NyJMT_HNTP6cc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6220" data-original-width="9349" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE4fAqrRup549W0suC5d3eReHS8g30xox8UNIFk18thTOGVYnww4LFXpmgEQZDnwlQ6C08HNxkF6_8eQNW2MgtHcn5eceuk9w2mXdxF_ICZZXQv8wF8s7gHx8QNf_jHLOALj5DgyOPE9dDyrVkvbTRglqn_Mi3sx38jtzR0l4fs_0IW8NyJMT_HNTP6cc" width="320" /></a></div><br /> There was a very safe and flat side to the temple, with the option to go out on the couple of feet of wooden supports on either side. I chose to go out on neither. Miles had had enough and no longer wanted to continue onward. I completely understood. This was not too physically challenging, but it was a bit hair raising to deal with the terrain compared to what we were used to. </div><div> </div><div> The course downward had some modifications. First, we had to go down under the temple, which was blocked in and a pleasure to go down. Then we had to use the chain. There was a downward chain as well as an upward chain. I went first, flattening my body to the rock face, inverting my watch band so it would not scrape against the ground, and let myself slowly descend. It was actually quite simple and easy. Honestly, the only thing that I was panicked about was Miles' safety. He can be a bit unsteady on his feet, but more importantly, he does NOT like to follow directions. After the chain, most of the way down was quite easy. There were alternate paths downward that were less unwieldy than on the way up. Miles was constantly contradicting my instructions on how to maneuver on this hike. This came to a crisis point when we reached to roots to descend. This was a good twenty to thirty feet of slightly slippery roots, damp from the previous days' rain. There was a sign clearly indicating that you should be turning to face the roots and grabbing it and climbing down like a ladder. Miles kept trying to sit facing forward and grabbing with one hand. It was a massive fall if he were to slip, and a single hand backwards was insufficiently safe to say the least. I had to outright scream at him to turn around. Luckily he did, but it was a very harrowing experience. <br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_HJn03JzvtKsLSVa_Cr7xHUy6RK9MxvcLxN0fnmYQVdbdso6tJkCvWkoxNb5cldYDWP5Gj8UjLKC2XS2HQ9jHlr7a0zBUp3ufabNoniU6rwCmPetwWsiwLxCAEvjlha0mKmoHdtRQmjHXxLU_CZgvCaie3NSszHKQJyzsdJ6CaE9Dn3iPGNRovu1b6G0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2891" data-original-width="3855" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_HJn03JzvtKsLSVa_Cr7xHUy6RK9MxvcLxN0fnmYQVdbdso6tJkCvWkoxNb5cldYDWP5Gj8UjLKC2XS2HQ9jHlr7a0zBUp3ufabNoniU6rwCmPetwWsiwLxCAEvjlha0mKmoHdtRQmjHXxLU_CZgvCaie3NSszHKQJyzsdJ6CaE9Dn3iPGNRovu1b6G0" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Although we didn't complete the hike and get to see the temple that I had planned this location around seeing, I am glad that we stretched a bit past our comfort zone and got to experience something new. As my friend commented, I could always come back and try again. It was rewarding tonight, as I write this blog, to hear him excitedly talking on the phone about his experience climbing the chains.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-41686856418943695192023-06-18T05:25:00.000-07:002023-06-18T05:25:05.733-07:00Japan 6.2 Walking around the town of Tottori<p> Our days in Tottori were forecasted as rainy days. Our first full day I decided to keep us around town. We took our umbrellas and walked to a toy museum, WarabeKan. This is what we saw along the way.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXUDLUUDva66SalGPnsVJ0sZc7Xc519UGDyb1-XSiSb6Eotjn0ntc7k47nk0DKjw1V_QEvo3iyfdLeDe95cTQ_S1B-ugCHoqNuzDVDxAboBvzUR8ra5nve_RkHviCCQXISFNy7GJJt8JfxMiuezZeeij-iLo3v8r7p1lommiYlHZe09tTONHa1A_ie" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXUDLUUDva66SalGPnsVJ0sZc7Xc519UGDyb1-XSiSb6Eotjn0ntc7k47nk0DKjw1V_QEvo3iyfdLeDe95cTQ_S1B-ugCHoqNuzDVDxAboBvzUR8ra5nve_RkHviCCQXISFNy7GJJt8JfxMiuezZeeij-iLo3v8r7p1lommiYlHZe09tTONHa1A_ie" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9kALYn-MUkgaVZsfcRFHfLl_qchcl45GZOrxCMrQT4WdDTYGQJN80pXOh-Kc0MhVWrad1LlubvDnwnwqsfIAoMEvjfDh57kbmETaCmNzPH9UoCH5DE7MV3016S4h7-u099kv4wtLQ7vKFf0C8AlyYA3x3FsFuAkuf5CbTtDCAR7iMj0CAKpyX1Jnd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5461" data-original-width="8192" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9kALYn-MUkgaVZsfcRFHfLl_qchcl45GZOrxCMrQT4WdDTYGQJN80pXOh-Kc0MhVWrad1LlubvDnwnwqsfIAoMEvjfDh57kbmETaCmNzPH9UoCH5DE7MV3016S4h7-u099kv4wtLQ7vKFf0C8AlyYA3x3FsFuAkuf5CbTtDCAR7iMj0CAKpyX1Jnd" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we walked past this statue, I commented to Miles that this depicted the story of The Ugly Duckling.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVRULXR-ovfp420vB1a97cRX68bz8-rKLfPtgJyqp1FqpQPnYM7ya0149n2eLNEFvI3cKgNebxPiu94jzmRRwV2oP2sZryvWJ29DzIzZDHP4c1SbAQSDimqlstbz_mJapPfUAUbPVzHMVvC4Uo-qEmuu4P2Ys6-5lhlw9Cagtp0dgobFnzK-yXHFV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8771" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVRULXR-ovfp420vB1a97cRX68bz8-rKLfPtgJyqp1FqpQPnYM7ya0149n2eLNEFvI3cKgNebxPiu94jzmRRwV2oP2sZryvWJ29DzIzZDHP4c1SbAQSDimqlstbz_mJapPfUAUbPVzHMVvC4Uo-qEmuu4P2Ys6-5lhlw9Cagtp0dgobFnzK-yXHFV" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The toy museum had pretty cool architecture. There were a handful of vintage toys on the second floor, but the highlight was the third floor, which was chock full of display cases of toys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW7y1FHR7-iSee4nqIBRWvCRzGYhyg7lDfHc1GQMqWZlUMK11xWI4D1HSqsWyC90cEkyC2zlnnMNKefUtx82qbh-DysFn760vnoVWSyQw1geNWUhu2rtFy-kS4s_WNr3gy8ttb2rUjGc7IpRJfThdeeTQ70HyWAFbhq_NwraodHpmSyorwptM8c11C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5698" data-original-width="8667" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW7y1FHR7-iSee4nqIBRWvCRzGYhyg7lDfHc1GQMqWZlUMK11xWI4D1HSqsWyC90cEkyC2zlnnMNKefUtx82qbh-DysFn760vnoVWSyQw1geNWUhu2rtFy-kS4s_WNr3gy8ttb2rUjGc7IpRJfThdeeTQ70HyWAFbhq_NwraodHpmSyorwptM8c11C" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs_LwRaFPycCfFdkKnejw-PZtBGREW7zzPNci67uHB_x6x5UfYTsqFobqz5pPAzL7cSizZ7LPttMhRF9olyjOROiUUK70W4zjze7Um2dc2FhOE3AH-utBjb1kotSw7J81DB6F_N1LJQEp7KUMO3X0xfTcnpCXRaAgD2JxbMiSUwALYik9cGYLHSDwW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs_LwRaFPycCfFdkKnejw-PZtBGREW7zzPNci67uHB_x6x5UfYTsqFobqz5pPAzL7cSizZ7LPttMhRF9olyjOROiUUK70W4zjze7Um2dc2FhOE3AH-utBjb1kotSw7J81DB6F_N1LJQEp7KUMO3X0xfTcnpCXRaAgD2JxbMiSUwALYik9cGYLHSDwW" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqwGrsDgtL7SD66a1-SYhGi7AhGcxX9-tHoL6S4jiPoRLaY800ihkdD9T9uWH46RSmJy95NYWh_kHF_bvoHvpZ9n3dmZIl3nkKQG8_2OwD3BABgYbm0LLY-qXrEYZV_MMj1UFzqRZPTmqnpIS8Vq9EtV-scme0eOUJ7adYxDddAgDRemNEDJgX3-E6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqwGrsDgtL7SD66a1-SYhGi7AhGcxX9-tHoL6S4jiPoRLaY800ihkdD9T9uWH46RSmJy95NYWh_kHF_bvoHvpZ9n3dmZIl3nkKQG8_2OwD3BABgYbm0LLY-qXrEYZV_MMj1UFzqRZPTmqnpIS8Vq9EtV-scme0eOUJ7adYxDddAgDRemNEDJgX3-E6" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikIfMUlBXOsFQkkfJPGofKeb4sUQ3hsxJHrLatOxj5DaPe8y6zlOx_FFo-08ISprLKDO6-KCJpzlzprUI-LAQLEuF6mNezP--RIZKQWXSlUlmEKl8XnS37g2ulmyr71yGCjN_PfZFBzBigh-YwSJiUSRDiomNYlQ1AHLjewjGC8-IDKwF82zzRO9fV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikIfMUlBXOsFQkkfJPGofKeb4sUQ3hsxJHrLatOxj5DaPe8y6zlOx_FFo-08ISprLKDO6-KCJpzlzprUI-LAQLEuF6mNezP--RIZKQWXSlUlmEKl8XnS37g2ulmyr71yGCjN_PfZFBzBigh-YwSJiUSRDiomNYlQ1AHLjewjGC8-IDKwF82zzRO9fV" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Just a few minutes down the road was the Jinpukaku Mansion, which you couldn't enter, but you could walk around the gardens. We followed the path up the hill, which led to the Tottori Castle Ruins. There wasn't much to look at with the ruins, but the view of the city was nice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTyQvwP_vjrMKSJ1Ma9jN1j2vI6uLtP5OPOL577MHgCNusNuLKFVIwSoLiimEUzrgDeaS7mp-OCmGtybFtSqjcallfD6H1n-fEy-i5VLU82z1JDvEovjByTqmnagTqK9ixWm__qNT3eYJCNWXS2qOOM2aJlqUPhiLum2aNWZnXJLrdihY-sDWwJMt2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTyQvwP_vjrMKSJ1Ma9jN1j2vI6uLtP5OPOL577MHgCNusNuLKFVIwSoLiimEUzrgDeaS7mp-OCmGtybFtSqjcallfD6H1n-fEy-i5VLU82z1JDvEovjByTqmnagTqK9ixWm__qNT3eYJCNWXS2qOOM2aJlqUPhiLum2aNWZnXJLrdihY-sDWwJMt2" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqzoAdWZVFqpSSuh2yLu2r2FIGULxH4Dcq2dX7Yq2_XtaJTGYXPxUfX8OaehT5v-yD6wY84bgNk46JO-evLHJPnEZVR40P_QPjiWhPqdZ59NbaG3FdUS27NH_fbZIpW7Vgz6pEMFvBlaHPj1PnaqOKzUDoVfAF31dno_fVLNcRyVzwfm8Uy_lJ_2o8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqzoAdWZVFqpSSuh2yLu2r2FIGULxH4Dcq2dX7Yq2_XtaJTGYXPxUfX8OaehT5v-yD6wY84bgNk46JO-evLHJPnEZVR40P_QPjiWhPqdZ59NbaG3FdUS27NH_fbZIpW7Vgz6pEMFvBlaHPj1PnaqOKzUDoVfAF31dno_fVLNcRyVzwfm8Uy_lJ_2o8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3AQ6kEUHU5EtOAtjv5k_YuL1Inijvg-of-L7QGhErLdMpzyYohCnYJ75MVYYEd_uNBRiW7OwGYUUHeQdh6guzPe5nP840YqadHogk7deSPj3zJT1wlRcRPgTgUTNT0QnbTrqQ1WWx7q__xvi8OIYoD_MiiY7Qmff9VN7rWg6eteHELFp9Iu5WZGqa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3AQ6kEUHU5EtOAtjv5k_YuL1Inijvg-of-L7QGhErLdMpzyYohCnYJ75MVYYEd_uNBRiW7OwGYUUHeQdh6guzPe5nP840YqadHogk7deSPj3zJT1wlRcRPgTgUTNT0QnbTrqQ1WWx7q__xvi8OIYoD_MiiY7Qmff9VN7rWg6eteHELFp9Iu5WZGqa" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNEZPK_mtUHa44q7Pjp0NXW8km0B_I6jjkdkypFUp_8Haxb1O8xfWtLn1QGXbmjK22TF5XHzF9taR3R1sMmB7qS6V94TDUsc0tJ6NpYrvKennaCLwU-f3IUPEcY-I6xk2L9tY1qWHTWLRD82P3OvVWdv-lD7gnZEthCZMgEevut7aVN-vjhSwA4VlP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5341" data-original-width="8124" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNEZPK_mtUHa44q7Pjp0NXW8km0B_I6jjkdkypFUp_8Haxb1O8xfWtLn1QGXbmjK22TF5XHzF9taR3R1sMmB7qS6V94TDUsc0tJ6NpYrvKennaCLwU-f3IUPEcY-I6xk2L9tY1qWHTWLRD82P3OvVWdv-lD7gnZEthCZMgEevut7aVN-vjhSwA4VlP" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpQ4cD5smKBUKdQpbB2ouNtj3LoClOjUMdZ1T9gAzYhLScuMFMy6VWfAIaNIEXSy_kLY96yFi9B2XqcEK_Aq3W251nXvOYzc1ZGXX_6f_LiJoYUOS4Kuwmu147Z31TdTCovdjzwfvWozVpriwlTp0yaftxH5S6QXFb9zRby2htcd-Np0Mvvhr2e2jp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5748" data-original-width="8623" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpQ4cD5smKBUKdQpbB2ouNtj3LoClOjUMdZ1T9gAzYhLScuMFMy6VWfAIaNIEXSy_kLY96yFi9B2XqcEK_Aq3W251nXvOYzc1ZGXX_6f_LiJoYUOS4Kuwmu147Z31TdTCovdjzwfvWozVpriwlTp0yaftxH5S6QXFb9zRby2htcd-Np0Mvvhr2e2jp" width="320" /></a></div><p> We had to retrace our steps back down, and we walked to two temples. The first was Kosenji, a simple shrine, with an interesting display that had Mickey Mouse shirts.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG4nXpPjhJFDS6DF1lFiBvis4UJ-ywKS1BrPGIJQkVnY4Veci6DqIwhny7wjxS9RFCwzRF5gLGa4I4FX85rpclDc2LoSQvlvWCq8qdsL7i-SK71IRlNAT6oLV09z43QCebGXBKh0oFIviuzOYP4OvM5VBm2T-lykaBpXVND4Kcr6V3u8crRmI4272D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG4nXpPjhJFDS6DF1lFiBvis4UJ-ywKS1BrPGIJQkVnY4Veci6DqIwhny7wjxS9RFCwzRF5gLGa4I4FX85rpclDc2LoSQvlvWCq8qdsL7i-SK71IRlNAT6oLV09z43QCebGXBKh0oFIviuzOYP4OvM5VBm2T-lykaBpXVND4Kcr6V3u8crRmI4272D" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNPbuOLCjGDlL1_XOY8lLTVijjV80iMd-xY6JpdpG0vVbXQLbqO2GL-q_m-yFgbSjvIkbrjH69f53v0Gg0siNkTzew-OgSSrPEnJ2Nj0K7d5RRTSryxcyx6fOsrFhKlMencoy1KIEcUgvFnpCBbOioyXfMumVH9ZNVLRjjtoAWtc9neNGX7dQlygMG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5737" data-original-width="8660" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNPbuOLCjGDlL1_XOY8lLTVijjV80iMd-xY6JpdpG0vVbXQLbqO2GL-q_m-yFgbSjvIkbrjH69f53v0Gg0siNkTzew-OgSSrPEnJ2Nj0K7d5RRTSryxcyx6fOsrFhKlMencoy1KIEcUgvFnpCBbOioyXfMumVH9ZNVLRjjtoAWtc9neNGX7dQlygMG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZuuSP-rLv1o9CPIKVzzysyBxGG1bK6cRXQ8ZREr6xeGpHdMFlZTC3aTSWAFJZGAhpDMSb3dfqFl10Z9-yftof6iW8nYPCAR59LhENMaPvSG2m4-aSTusMxBU6Q_g2xUhDzlELu51G9e_eQy09aMuhyuiqt07aE2mHjYYfz3Ukuxq1Ega4Ou1st1Xu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZuuSP-rLv1o9CPIKVzzysyBxGG1bK6cRXQ8ZREr6xeGpHdMFlZTC3aTSWAFJZGAhpDMSb3dfqFl10Z9-yftof6iW8nYPCAR59LhENMaPvSG2m4-aSTusMxBU6Q_g2xUhDzlELu51G9e_eQy09aMuhyuiqt07aE2mHjYYfz3Ukuxq1Ega4Ou1st1Xu" width="320" /></a></div><br /> There were many flowers in the small garden areas that were a part of houses, in the residential area that we were walking through.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX58DxbLMlil8xED3vsOfxrh_Yxn7bbhClA9p5p0Bzd4rBy7YAy_2ByhtQ96MuR_g8Qs4yvIY1-K8Np1zyKoR-lBX1FJVV7rCxwr2EaR0J7b3Plms88SEnYk2kkD51zmeqmq1jJRp9cPXHk8nb7JFkz4lS3ysi5-EffuRuiBaKBsuLgSBPwmCLpVLP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5704" data-original-width="7605" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX58DxbLMlil8xED3vsOfxrh_Yxn7bbhClA9p5p0Bzd4rBy7YAy_2ByhtQ96MuR_g8Qs4yvIY1-K8Np1zyKoR-lBX1FJVV7rCxwr2EaR0J7b3Plms88SEnYk2kkD51zmeqmq1jJRp9cPXHk8nb7JFkz4lS3ysi5-EffuRuiBaKBsuLgSBPwmCLpVLP" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiymAfwjFJ3ee_AOkmv9gB9YkWeZjmNz5XQNt0PqBzO2YSSyxOuuerR_KKzoJY1w3cQMduuANkxnONgRAvSgW08z9EsfXKEmIwz-xPdigVUl1G3pS_Bb21qk-6ClOGa83-qbHLUHkM_ss0cJvg2KKPTBuqTbn7JWdF2mfVFYkBQc9t8ohAbLqoE-fbJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiymAfwjFJ3ee_AOkmv9gB9YkWeZjmNz5XQNt0PqBzO2YSSyxOuuerR_KKzoJY1w3cQMduuANkxnONgRAvSgW08z9EsfXKEmIwz-xPdigVUl1G3pS_Bb21qk-6ClOGa83-qbHLUHkM_ss0cJvg2KKPTBuqTbn7JWdF2mfVFYkBQc9t8ohAbLqoE-fbJ" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP3-bhyJViqe8jrTMhWH_ZOff84lb_YRcLcnrUgEFQFW0Md91Q-7Zrk1d5aGrT2l0-Q57MT_8GhLgTM4u_3-PUg_kK77q6GIdr5GLxydN1L89b54bvoYNpNDK3XFmI6nWOg_gvqhtIznmuIy3psuzt6SiTh1ecYaP4Vy_Lh3bq7uaS6HakhM2ptLM5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP3-bhyJViqe8jrTMhWH_ZOff84lb_YRcLcnrUgEFQFW0Md91Q-7Zrk1d5aGrT2l0-Q57MT_8GhLgTM4u_3-PUg_kK77q6GIdr5GLxydN1L89b54bvoYNpNDK3XFmI6nWOg_gvqhtIznmuIy3psuzt6SiTh1ecYaP4Vy_Lh3bq7uaS6HakhM2ptLM5" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea what these were.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBjVjaMoW9qwh9nXzbKMRarpEQJ5ga6LxZE8KYdIrxJj-MpTOtm4K5EqX3jxeXKqkdTaATbCaPxbHoXPwRuS_fNY2YmECX7W6nGRG2-KSMEE5rBrVx6uUT8am_El8M7ZWj62n_8xPochZhyRUdmQPEG7ekFHq5xiCtM7zKlda7aMV-NsV-u2_bIHo0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8372" data-original-width="11163" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBjVjaMoW9qwh9nXzbKMRarpEQJ5ga6LxZE8KYdIrxJj-MpTOtm4K5EqX3jxeXKqkdTaATbCaPxbHoXPwRuS_fNY2YmECX7W6nGRG2-KSMEE5rBrVx6uUT8am_El8M7ZWj62n_8xPochZhyRUdmQPEG7ekFHq5xiCtM7zKlda7aMV-NsV-u2_bIHo0" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The typical concrete ground flower pot.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4hgZLPhEeUitBBgfBg-ksPi0PDuspFSjydVqGPmGSzZy_Dko1vpbKceWk39uJekp8oj4vHCuuMJtolpn6gc_HuFADCe9ZQd56Zj-WCtYw_dsdepUAf7589VUBb6TztjHnRtYx6mc0SNUAaLqevnC_msgwnNO9omMeCtZheUwejO9yCHk5FYxanxWv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4hgZLPhEeUitBBgfBg-ksPi0PDuspFSjydVqGPmGSzZy_Dko1vpbKceWk39uJekp8oj4vHCuuMJtolpn6gc_HuFADCe9ZQd56Zj-WCtYw_dsdepUAf7589VUBb6TztjHnRtYx6mc0SNUAaLqevnC_msgwnNO9omMeCtZheUwejO9yCHk5FYxanxWv" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4xqnn8euupizqwHvI6XCEAmsP68fsa0_VU608vvzEyr3a_R3BBDfSu0Grz-xFogmtm37C7FchIn-7ve99rEP0-DeVp6Qat5FQWYVlyQcUMk0lNFlfl2N8w7FvJky1ENqjjyNnZaXr0kj4Z_cVeHUqqngp5JhZ0QBU4NUyMhK0zY16Q5zYX2qrVBRv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4xqnn8euupizqwHvI6XCEAmsP68fsa0_VU608vvzEyr3a_R3BBDfSu0Grz-xFogmtm37C7FchIn-7ve99rEP0-DeVp6Qat5FQWYVlyQcUMk0lNFlfl2N8w7FvJky1ENqjjyNnZaXr0kj4Z_cVeHUqqngp5JhZ0QBU4NUyMhK0zY16Q5zYX2qrVBRv" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The last stop was at the Kannon-in Buddhist Temple. I peaked my head inside and was greeted by a woman that was in an area that actually looked like a kitchen. Maybe she lives there. She asked me to pay a fee and then she brought me into the back, which had a lovely view of a garden, and served me tea. Miles stayed away due to the bugs, but I took the opportunity to go out toward the water for some photography.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisoJIg5hXLya0CeLUYaawXBONkAXlZ02V01K4nx2CWPXgtmnn-zGbhq8Qu9wpR4grTuJp0zrHQmxNcOZAL1rqhwtcDe-X57G40zlZLmyZkug0MqyCzrJ-E1tbhnnn-248OIHy21EC5XyjxuwvLi-Olj7shZAB7ZLp_KswQsbHRlqwG7b0sTAQP7KfZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisoJIg5hXLya0CeLUYaawXBONkAXlZ02V01K4nx2CWPXgtmnn-zGbhq8Qu9wpR4grTuJp0zrHQmxNcOZAL1rqhwtcDe-X57G40zlZLmyZkug0MqyCzrJ-E1tbhnnn-248OIHy21EC5XyjxuwvLi-Olj7shZAB7ZLp_KswQsbHRlqwG7b0sTAQP7KfZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmE5UKuK4Gpbzec7GGfccBqEDdLCWq4O-3BVtX2hodtFydhiRpiLPY6TtsK2vVX3pzukI-NNrEamoQwyRG3vo-tZJ2qpRO4MTsV_mm8nbix8WeTMhCyZQZg7SgSJZS1BDIEybGUvqy73ypHwC1_L2T0lquruJnx33jQ8CVTHif4w76CrY2fwq03hun" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8017" data-original-width="10689" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmE5UKuK4Gpbzec7GGfccBqEDdLCWq4O-3BVtX2hodtFydhiRpiLPY6TtsK2vVX3pzukI-NNrEamoQwyRG3vo-tZJ2qpRO4MTsV_mm8nbix8WeTMhCyZQZg7SgSJZS1BDIEybGUvqy73ypHwC1_L2T0lquruJnx33jQ8CVTHif4w76CrY2fwq03hun" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilr6Jm-_Gbl6Tj9v_pnKxjGB6NeCJaP2WQoWDj5412Vz6bWoXIewP4rHH8vG9sr5_Cl76W3NCVBnt2YSKWYvl29-PxbvzSiOv8zCIfUsCSEoJMB_V9SkpCUp4Mnih_raIFCWzj3-ee4TORpEX5vaEU9joDGdYlNljrE5xyAD92Dy5Z1MeaOaqT9Egk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8068" data-original-width="10757" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilr6Jm-_Gbl6Tj9v_pnKxjGB6NeCJaP2WQoWDj5412Vz6bWoXIewP4rHH8vG9sr5_Cl76W3NCVBnt2YSKWYvl29-PxbvzSiOv8zCIfUsCSEoJMB_V9SkpCUp4Mnih_raIFCWzj3-ee4TORpEX5vaEU9joDGdYlNljrE5xyAD92Dy5Z1MeaOaqT9Egk" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj548MVFKeDsiIcImYN5I3TWb-49oePWobUu9BMVE-3Ritj2JdgeY-lLEOLBvvwlPKcQCheUcCfWy_sKVeI7sQCo-j6x_jxVpxnAQv63Yy1XACLA8ETaEr3wvAPEhODl2r5zVBgnvl8KUm8o-UKvtGejbZlmdKQkg_N_4sSlEKPtuiyizDZIMf1qDoo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5684" data-original-width="8645" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj548MVFKeDsiIcImYN5I3TWb-49oePWobUu9BMVE-3Ritj2JdgeY-lLEOLBvvwlPKcQCheUcCfWy_sKVeI7sQCo-j6x_jxVpxnAQv63Yy1XACLA8ETaEr3wvAPEhODl2r5zVBgnvl8KUm8o-UKvtGejbZlmdKQkg_N_4sSlEKPtuiyizDZIMf1qDoo" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7oDPXXu7V22CaJe_GRktheAr9J2Sb6ohDYjgtsO44do0eA_5Gl4U4JovwMAjfDdbie11-OoCom6Uh0JU3ZnNGUOUxuhCZtIUT32_uJK0iaAAY6gHEXn9j0pgW6wtEJ0iQyx6wyTfELRRJ8v2vtqa4ChMbZKFZWSRM2mftrSx45q-HzwKFJsj0HDSF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2101" data-original-width="2801" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7oDPXXu7V22CaJe_GRktheAr9J2Sb6ohDYjgtsO44do0eA_5Gl4U4JovwMAjfDdbie11-OoCom6Uh0JU3ZnNGUOUxuhCZtIUT32_uJK0iaAAY6gHEXn9j0pgW6wtEJ0iQyx6wyTfELRRJ8v2vtqa4ChMbZKFZWSRM2mftrSx45q-HzwKFJsj0HDSF" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge-WjRkA7tJxQqYxWa_D7gGLkyEIMXDE9fEbYA_lZSmixuXI-563iVIcqHOVbpm6i1pnumU_wD1h1Vbm-W4CDtp0B0K-MCNdBUz5BWcpTYuTo1esbcIn50Yuxd5ErqaNgHFMX9OlcH_972yknjVbev6RPYKPvt0UAXHW3A-IXQRz_RR7rm8bfC81K8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3612" data-original-width="4816" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge-WjRkA7tJxQqYxWa_D7gGLkyEIMXDE9fEbYA_lZSmixuXI-563iVIcqHOVbpm6i1pnumU_wD1h1Vbm-W4CDtp0B0K-MCNdBUz5BWcpTYuTo1esbcIn50Yuxd5ErqaNgHFMX9OlcH_972yknjVbev6RPYKPvt0UAXHW3A-IXQRz_RR7rm8bfC81K8" width="320" /></a></div><p> We walked home, and passed an interesting set of buildings and a change in the city landscape.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc7WGYZCzBK5sRweVaawwH7TzZfbSI5n4myJrs-T8-4oNAhkItgvkQX2mRTJ-hLwjsKv5Z3P1A8mXM-eEcHcCLxLipzU0exhfFUUC0NHvaLQ1M9WJRSFzz1rFs-AFjPspVIkeT29pORdyX6gswZnZO6RyzwowIlrYaKHLMJfQTQs1FfIe_dGsyqYcU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc7WGYZCzBK5sRweVaawwH7TzZfbSI5n4myJrs-T8-4oNAhkItgvkQX2mRTJ-hLwjsKv5Z3P1A8mXM-eEcHcCLxLipzU0exhfFUUC0NHvaLQ1M9WJRSFzz1rFs-AFjPspVIkeT29pORdyX6gswZnZO6RyzwowIlrYaKHLMJfQTQs1FfIe_dGsyqYcU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo0-E8_hNAhr7dDc80GJ2quOADSJhVGSliElNsZqczlHhBO3v_hbRyMSVvEr-VEC9bcmb8J3t_7aeIsXKf4T93bFauEtVq005gwsLQC1IkWSo_SoSLlVSCPMcS_c0YHiHp41-aj2id226bvBEHiLDGZD7QhZOA9C9_HbjLiOHZRnIIlUkp0HlxUe9R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo0-E8_hNAhr7dDc80GJ2quOADSJhVGSliElNsZqczlHhBO3v_hbRyMSVvEr-VEC9bcmb8J3t_7aeIsXKf4T93bFauEtVq005gwsLQC1IkWSo_SoSLlVSCPMcS_c0YHiHp41-aj2id226bvBEHiLDGZD7QhZOA9C9_HbjLiOHZRnIIlUkp0HlxUe9R" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHK1cX9wi4ykQH8KdHYLomfvQLBlUSDuYbaBDJRvKbcPVTM3LmEE0DmOgRqXkvbZ_t1c4Ibp-ne-UCkIxGhJLiNHqN5m9dVgGRc42jXa5xsViCx3K9zBi25vpQ_17aPyh9iJU0hwl4_UxafykqyUsw3LnxfSCTfvc8fyk7wnwiO3UTmcDm0YrFsn9g"><img alt="" data-original-height="8708" data-original-width="11610" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHK1cX9wi4ykQH8KdHYLomfvQLBlUSDuYbaBDJRvKbcPVTM3LmEE0DmOgRqXkvbZ_t1c4Ibp-ne-UCkIxGhJLiNHqN5m9dVgGRc42jXa5xsViCx3K9zBi25vpQ_17aPyh9iJU0hwl4_UxafykqyUsw3LnxfSCTfvc8fyk7wnwiO3UTmcDm0YrFsn9g" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPVOpBnqdX2Blz8wHGFcEeJ_H9j3f9msUFmgPPy4GFg2I-yaRhjdpAlCMVpWxtr4uJ2OqoB5OyDBJ2n4us1m9QBm5zQrlJRy79oxdJ4_QxADBb4ja-cGDmDcSN0G_xVI060xo9OBJ8yTA5fffLU75-ej_vhddCHPCtP_b87j4KmBD7DqeR8Un7DzhE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8732" data-original-width="11642" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPVOpBnqdX2Blz8wHGFcEeJ_H9j3f9msUFmgPPy4GFg2I-yaRhjdpAlCMVpWxtr4uJ2OqoB5OyDBJ2n4us1m9QBm5zQrlJRy79oxdJ4_QxADBb4ja-cGDmDcSN0G_xVI060xo9OBJ8yTA5fffLU75-ej_vhddCHPCtP_b87j4KmBD7DqeR8Un7DzhE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLVZsKJcXlT79WVkgWIOSwuLvbb6eyrf-9CtEEC3w-C_vPMtwDH_YyGiuAKb0vfMl8sKWazV1y5fUjAJ6LHZQ_23MHa_FSM2046NsdoSQevgyoItWg7lo-ZW81IfzTb2jO9B-ZR51ZO8XSc1wKHDt8XAa2IwLhAohll7tFwtBbml8hVHA5nXUfgr8s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8699" data-original-width="11599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLVZsKJcXlT79WVkgWIOSwuLvbb6eyrf-9CtEEC3w-C_vPMtwDH_YyGiuAKb0vfMl8sKWazV1y5fUjAJ6LHZQ_23MHa_FSM2046NsdoSQevgyoItWg7lo-ZW81IfzTb2jO9B-ZR51ZO8XSc1wKHDt8XAa2IwLhAohll7tFwtBbml8hVHA5nXUfgr8s" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT54VSJFn40Tse8sQF2CF4ISpP_Ou_yz0ugVyA4bFp22p7n_Qd51kHaMNKeYUhPB-a0nYMrjqzMLOI2z-RyjdWhlmSflPDvuK3om-AxE9EirrkqSZF7nDVtj8bq--OYj4ytxDCYy8J1HvMO5HPnpW-g-CyHUDgzhB9hcxs9KWABybwBirZnuK2WppW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT54VSJFn40Tse8sQF2CF4ISpP_Ou_yz0ugVyA4bFp22p7n_Qd51kHaMNKeYUhPB-a0nYMrjqzMLOI2z-RyjdWhlmSflPDvuK3om-AxE9EirrkqSZF7nDVtj8bq--OYj4ytxDCYy8J1HvMO5HPnpW-g-CyHUDgzhB9hcxs9KWABybwBirZnuK2WppW" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has been a long time since I had seen a phone booth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> That night Miles requested that we return to the Udon Restaurant, so I happily obliged. We both ordered the same dish that we had had the night before.<p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-76916650431296413562023-06-17T05:54:00.002-07:002023-06-17T05:54:39.994-07:00Japan 6.1 : Tokyo Disneyland and out to Tottori on the Sea of Japan Coast<p> For the first three weeks of summer, Miles will be joining me to Japan. I planned out this itinerary for a trip in March of 2020 that never happened. I kept all of the paperwork, and retraced the steps, with only one modification, around Mt. Daisen, as that hotel was already fully booked. </p><p> I picked Miles up from school on the penultimate day of the school year, and we drove to Washington, DC. I parked my car at the hotel for the summer, and the next morning we departed for Tokyo. Our flight was direct. It was just fifteen minutes late to depart, and the whole experience was a smooth one. Our luggage arrived with us, and at 3:30 PM, we took the train from inside Haneda Station to just nearby Tokyo Station. I built in two full days of rest from jetlag before moving onward. That first night, all we did was check in to our hotel and then go out to eat. I chose to bring him to Hakodate Ramen Funamizaka, which I had fallen in love with on my December trip. </p><p> Although my hotel did not have its own breakfast, there was a Japanese 7/11 on the first floor and a Cafe on the second floor. Each morning I went down and had bread, bean paste, yogurt with honey, and their amazing coffee. On the first full day, I only went out for meals. For lunch, I did a search for curry soup and settled upon a place called Yellow Spice. It turned out that the restaurant was down a set of stairs into the basement, and there was a short line. I ended up having a conversation with a young Korean who was here on a short holiday. I asked him about a word I kept hearing while watching the tv show "Itaewon Class," <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f58;">그럼 (geureom),</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f58; font-size: 17px;"> </span>an</span>d we spoke a bit about Japan. The food was good.</p><p> On New Years Eve, I met up with a few Ukrainian refugees. That night I went out for yakisoba with one of them from that night, and we caught up a bit. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtGUpiibgLTgm-cPbHQ1yKi--acLLRLATVQr6W0S5r3pjisOxayyXbW4xayYabBGJp-buLX_fVxeCdIF88eN0v71_J5o8tZddPD8qthNmKOdpInfvP-iAZFdwABbPqrG5oa1QoU7GyUXZI7IGJtuH69eevXvAhOp-andQVf1C5JY3DwnOy-598UNI0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtGUpiibgLTgm-cPbHQ1yKi--acLLRLATVQr6W0S5r3pjisOxayyXbW4xayYabBGJp-buLX_fVxeCdIF88eN0v71_J5o8tZddPD8qthNmKOdpInfvP-iAZFdwABbPqrG5oa1QoU7GyUXZI7IGJtuH69eevXvAhOp-andQVf1C5JY3DwnOy-598UNI0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The next day we had plans for Disneyland Tokyo. We had visited Disneysea back in 2017, but had never made it to the main park. It was a rainy day, so we both had umbrellas. Main Street was completely covered, which was a surprise. It also was shaped like a "T," branching out to the sides. We used the app to get estimates on how long each of the ride lines were, and chose Pirates due to its proximity and shorter line. Unfortunately, they have removed free fastpasses, and instead you now have to pay for each individual ride per person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVoTIiKXNbDtMYETeeY0-36Y-DlJTal0uRGxE59Q32OJe_8LYQK58hItRCIJlfjMijAYjdZXZwADiUJizMuX0E73oU7oPDF2QfBZVC_fhYXdhg6Kp9KuSeJpLntiO5_QHgmtEwWxupT9pJ6lqH2oJtUL9wVCN6wEWsE81SlYFeCo9vCFMG4k_62e53" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVoTIiKXNbDtMYETeeY0-36Y-DlJTal0uRGxE59Q32OJe_8LYQK58hItRCIJlfjMijAYjdZXZwADiUJizMuX0E73oU7oPDF2QfBZVC_fhYXdhg6Kp9KuSeJpLntiO5_QHgmtEwWxupT9pJ6lqH2oJtUL9wVCN6wEWsE81SlYFeCo9vCFMG4k_62e53" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Next up was Thunder Mountain Railroad. The track was nearly identical to the one in World, with the addition of a final small drop. Splash Mountain was a bit truncated, and with a smaller drop than World. Some of the dialog was in Japanese, and some in English. The Haunted Mansion was nearly identical to World as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKwIEMBuhdX-KTiH99VT2GcPkp5-BY6PAgGeTdHpU9wMSUKqFDCNuzzOuTrLZTLsW19J0skuwOLpMh58Wd4exyputYuuBq8WBHmjFcPWp0jjokKfojROUfO_mNh45i9cP4ZpAUNuOszeEt1Zk8KY-Ul-I-pjQz4dX6dCDAe_yVx_ibB_zJz2gKOZHS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2967" data-original-width="3956" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKwIEMBuhdX-KTiH99VT2GcPkp5-BY6PAgGeTdHpU9wMSUKqFDCNuzzOuTrLZTLsW19J0skuwOLpMh58Wd4exyputYuuBq8WBHmjFcPWp0jjokKfojROUfO_mNh45i9cP4ZpAUNuOszeEt1Zk8KY-Ul-I-pjQz4dX6dCDAe_yVx_ibB_zJz2gKOZHS" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrN64hsxjQEX_UdFOaxMAaGzkY-p8VRydnBDMCOum8u0qIODLGPpNIhhnbBLgzF7YXliP4-7XhugJriPfwlA1_Iz9_0riAYndUL4LaH01zVd44wuWoQJJ-60uqcmS8q8NnGrfdpxt9zy_4ngnUJVHAGnppoGEWGaj-V3eI6WXbtGPFgJ9R8lGuR0BM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrN64hsxjQEX_UdFOaxMAaGzkY-p8VRydnBDMCOum8u0qIODLGPpNIhhnbBLgzF7YXliP4-7XhugJriPfwlA1_Iz9_0riAYndUL4LaH01zVd44wuWoQJJ-60uqcmS8q8NnGrfdpxt9zy_4ngnUJVHAGnppoGEWGaj-V3eI6WXbtGPFgJ9R8lGuR0BM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIGKOatgeKnEOk50HC5DAQLtkh2tl-NLGjZEGnGD-kLF5Gzxd7FZF6DvOePSlJ1jiiKmEql1YPnyRghM4OG46g5bFwJhYBobkaZOPO3fszo8iBkw7qqZGf_hIkJjfDX94vri2g2DaERWMqNsyi8UY-JF-F5WWBAGyNZ2e9M_M887U_Ylsbnhq5Lh1O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIGKOatgeKnEOk50HC5DAQLtkh2tl-NLGjZEGnGD-kLF5Gzxd7FZF6DvOePSlJ1jiiKmEql1YPnyRghM4OG46g5bFwJhYBobkaZOPO3fszo8iBkw7qqZGf_hIkJjfDX94vri2g2DaERWMqNsyi8UY-JF-F5WWBAGyNZ2e9M_M887U_Ylsbnhq5Lh1O" width="180" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0FCfRlbZILi77lPyCwdkmYT-YPlNCMBJVCQdgd8qrK1oJofhsj3e1saoNSGpFL8DT5q4yS9tipVO9ecSKTLQz77QZc2nJI41udmc2um1r3G3mPzFat4S6r51zQr49Y6HQUKzUoCxWNqhfZoVtdOB9x1pA4rK5KjFu2tAVz0FE1tCeX_cRI4Hi5F2H" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0FCfRlbZILi77lPyCwdkmYT-YPlNCMBJVCQdgd8qrK1oJofhsj3e1saoNSGpFL8DT5q4yS9tipVO9ecSKTLQz77QZc2nJI41udmc2um1r3G3mPzFat4S6r51zQr49Y6HQUKzUoCxWNqhfZoVtdOB9x1pA4rK5KjFu2tAVz0FE1tCeX_cRI4Hi5F2H" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike World, the loading area for the ride was completely indoors.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHhsqXrEwuRd9Aorz4JHYKkDmUHAP7bebID-LpHcan-8aNO1LMvK9OcaR2VtySwGsS8maaf_iixAY-Z0pIcEjEhGqLYwxqrw1ISCC0sRctNij0GLsd343m3S8oPtFwssJw_2s9uaPR6yDaOWtEVgAgVRaeMasy26Z5EHjAAQYeyhKZKNcDbQWhXDNo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2939" data-original-width="3918" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHhsqXrEwuRd9Aorz4JHYKkDmUHAP7bebID-LpHcan-8aNO1LMvK9OcaR2VtySwGsS8maaf_iixAY-Z0pIcEjEhGqLYwxqrw1ISCC0sRctNij0GLsd343m3S8oPtFwssJw_2s9uaPR6yDaOWtEVgAgVRaeMasy26Z5EHjAAQYeyhKZKNcDbQWhXDNo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We stopped for lunch in an Alice and Wonderland cafeteria. The food was actually pretty good. I had roast chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and rice. Well, I didn't eat the mashed potatoes part...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtKwou9lYPku4DL2IqPzYPkTYKjrqL8NgC32GJM7o7PyuMUUPvvoDzQ0XCoJVV7ZKHBCNcQ4VTyW74qEA1ZqdegveIaVgzTnaUhHX-DhzoayeLHJ_-kfsPIFQ3ucQ76WNGFkbYk3OvOGu9lcDCE2RCPvjkAaB9DDU5m8YeP-vi5z-Dp04IAY-pcx_l" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2854" data-original-width="3806" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtKwou9lYPku4DL2IqPzYPkTYKjrqL8NgC32GJM7o7PyuMUUPvvoDzQ0XCoJVV7ZKHBCNcQ4VTyW74qEA1ZqdegveIaVgzTnaUhHX-DhzoayeLHJ_-kfsPIFQ3ucQ76WNGFkbYk3OvOGu9lcDCE2RCPvjkAaB9DDU5m8YeP-vi5z-Dp04IAY-pcx_l" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> We picked up some ice cream bars at a snack vendor for about $2.50 each. Mine was tiramisu. The Pinocchio ride was short and in the style of Winnie the Pooh. I had been looking everywhere for coffee, and finally located a cafeteria that served it. It was a cute Tomorrowland sci fi themed spot right across from Star Tours. The ride was updated to include scenes from the newer movies, and Miles was chosen as the "spy" on our car, with his picture shown on screen. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOP96_8CtJOrBKF25gIWGyq_Sz-Q6-dMJQi-snBNluQVCJyusnreyAUrhGig5okAOSZu0p0EZnA05W7UzXzHT12S5syFDcFrB0kMzUQUy1VMWfV5SS8oNe1Pp-oih5LXopK_9n969UQCzCPFpfIYTideH2THE1KdlWKydxhkaaPVEwBENtyDHDyAuW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2893" data-original-width="3857" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOP96_8CtJOrBKF25gIWGyq_Sz-Q6-dMJQi-snBNluQVCJyusnreyAUrhGig5okAOSZu0p0EZnA05W7UzXzHT12S5syFDcFrB0kMzUQUy1VMWfV5SS8oNe1Pp-oih5LXopK_9n969UQCzCPFpfIYTideH2THE1KdlWKydxhkaaPVEwBENtyDHDyAuW" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw8dg4efaDwM8MAUOLakCcIJWVpcltqLJ4EiWOZWmyvlKjG-x39ZO9qb0rY-Wt55S0DUBsroudgsCWrHFQps0ZaMBTO5Q63iFxA6ojpTkaG2KqgK5sCC4bAsiGY0IfFkuGM1HRWFpD56SgNQDFRpxW-TBJLrQ5WsZyisPSmPEAUjp_ilUsja_EUuOo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2773" data-original-width="3697" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw8dg4efaDwM8MAUOLakCcIJWVpcltqLJ4EiWOZWmyvlKjG-x39ZO9qb0rY-Wt55S0DUBsroudgsCWrHFQps0ZaMBTO5Q63iFxA6ojpTkaG2KqgK5sCC4bAsiGY0IfFkuGM1HRWFpD56SgNQDFRpxW-TBJLrQ5WsZyisPSmPEAUjp_ilUsja_EUuOo" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Our final ride of the day was a Monsters Inc ride featuring spinning cars and a flashlight gadget to shine on hats around the track, which would then animate. No score was kept. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixpIEzwoPuj7gX_KZnDW85amRmUWZhqryqXAUz39ZRocm4uEmE98kmedxmd6PRHAEK5_Whmu2uq1QqBhW6gZ_z8TzPjLrROnhcIBum3fCxdRla_X2dsDrhrQJNNk4OMesAFDjUmM6X3t6zrhBE_NfT4_Th7BR3IAtKeM__7W67VM6P_djOLnUUhC_I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixpIEzwoPuj7gX_KZnDW85amRmUWZhqryqXAUz39ZRocm4uEmE98kmedxmd6PRHAEK5_Whmu2uq1QqBhW6gZ_z8TzPjLrROnhcIBum3fCxdRla_X2dsDrhrQJNNk4OMesAFDjUmM6X3t6zrhBE_NfT4_Th7BR3IAtKeM__7W67VM6P_djOLnUUhC_I" width="180" /></a></div><br /> I had wanted to go on their newest ride, a Beauty and the Beast themed one, but the line hovered around a two hour wait for our entire stay. I would have still done it, but Miles was content with the day and ready to leave. On our way out, we tried to secure him cotton candy, a favorite of his at Disney parks. Unfortunately, even the confectionary store on Main Street did not sell it. I googled "cotton candy Tokyo," and a store in Harajuku sold it, as well as some vending machines a few minutes from our hotel. Unfortunately, the vending machines showed that it would only remain until January. We decided to stop by anyway, but the entire floor was blocked off as under renovation.<br /><br /> The next day we took a one hour flight to Tottori. While in Haneda Airport, our gate was changed four times, with one time being a mistake, and it actually hadn't changed, so they sent us back. We also notice that there were mobility wheelchairs that electronically were navigating around the airport on their own, complete with loud beeping. <p></p><p> Tottori Prefecture is where the creator of the cartoon/manga Detective Conan/Case Closed, was born. Miles was obsessed with this show when he was eight years old. The whole airport was themed after the show. The jet bridge was lined with pictures, the baggage claim played the show's theme song (Miles pointed this out to me), and there were numerous other displays throughout.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ9gaxGEj7jFBefblMHKoOmRZW34v7iDcxPdjCZFyf0DWe-HqESC_TwhMD4gpna9dp-VTCbNPF9hHJK-1w_IC-9KZa3Qe0uc6OStxU18BKKvaj1UATkpcV--XzTZzQ8TszFW2TxM2rmDJIFBy4T8wacLIKP1nsPGFvcEPbXjJfQfNo9mZQo48Xfdqe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2723" data-original-width="3630" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ9gaxGEj7jFBefblMHKoOmRZW34v7iDcxPdjCZFyf0DWe-HqESC_TwhMD4gpna9dp-VTCbNPF9hHJK-1w_IC-9KZa3Qe0uc6OStxU18BKKvaj1UATkpcV--XzTZzQ8TszFW2TxM2rmDJIFBy4T8wacLIKP1nsPGFvcEPbXjJfQfNo9mZQo48Xfdqe" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZWQ0PnphTCz12aHNimllqXjADteEeJ_Vt7bV5XhgNMH837upOwiXWAomcPFglTMh92nFlg0wnC4HTXOnePVXzwatSXrrCMDDV6ISi0qZ7jbovBfuZqICMqXSUBnP2IAMoES58NVGkmWBIMJv8woVyY-0kMBEzXwu6c7Qzge-XqzybBrcPyAY3QCCp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3662" data-original-width="2746" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZWQ0PnphTCz12aHNimllqXjADteEeJ_Vt7bV5XhgNMH837upOwiXWAomcPFglTMh92nFlg0wnC4HTXOnePVXzwatSXrrCMDDV6ISi0qZ7jbovBfuZqICMqXSUBnP2IAMoES58NVGkmWBIMJv8woVyY-0kMBEzXwu6c7Qzge-XqzybBrcPyAY3QCCp" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho_x9IcZ1TV-vWEQlErafPOzvzRvHsoxe0aQMsrntMQFTjCKBB8j2yfEP7gmYt9a7VMchMCxSEvA6SSyvnYUMvhK0gLRRSTbSEJFy2rtJZEMumQyHsy23d9zlQxQDBT6LAABVhWOy3Qt8Etc_u9se4V_mqmZWdw-TldN83R9Z_h55T3Xagvjbqxb-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2949" data-original-width="3932" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho_x9IcZ1TV-vWEQlErafPOzvzRvHsoxe0aQMsrntMQFTjCKBB8j2yfEP7gmYt9a7VMchMCxSEvA6SSyvnYUMvhK0gLRRSTbSEJFy2rtJZEMumQyHsy23d9zlQxQDBT6LAABVhWOy3Qt8Etc_u9se4V_mqmZWdw-TldN83R9Z_h55T3Xagvjbqxb-Q" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhXTm1wbg1N_eUbV66TsaSiFGXgScUxFF39qsnDTJe-xDrfkmY5o6XodgdXczAKbvU-7X5zHtyFwrpFdwo2lakJrLwZFrLrIPg6sg7FGvtj8vNpzSP38CKZnA3EI6sP2pNynli7HxPe0EM1MR0WpDBG7XyTnF_n-s9TPB3btQ2Jx-UQylHUfzkXqQD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhXTm1wbg1N_eUbV66TsaSiFGXgScUxFF39qsnDTJe-xDrfkmY5o6XodgdXczAKbvU-7X5zHtyFwrpFdwo2lakJrLwZFrLrIPg6sg7FGvtj8vNpzSP38CKZnA3EI6sP2pNynli7HxPe0EM1MR0WpDBG7XyTnF_n-s9TPB3btQ2Jx-UQylHUfzkXqQD" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5n8JgTvB6arVdDcNwy17K-U99YVIvBXPm-gksq9o9YgAaLz4yNRfWJ7Q2baCnMkBIMC_1F5enJY-plqYSEohHW0xFJRWsBsybrWDwOGpFfYbp2seKOOAWB2tXD6Su9PRGlylZ3eOH-QpfoVAALe6pH6ojOqJOv4MfTanXbeeHNFk49Fl7QiVTzpki" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5n8JgTvB6arVdDcNwy17K-U99YVIvBXPm-gksq9o9YgAaLz4yNRfWJ7Q2baCnMkBIMC_1F5enJY-plqYSEohHW0xFJRWsBsybrWDwOGpFfYbp2seKOOAWB2tXD6Su9PRGlylZ3eOH-QpfoVAALe6pH6ojOqJOv4MfTanXbeeHNFk49Fl7QiVTzpki" width="320" /></a></div><p> We took a taxi into town, using some of the new phrases I had memorized for this trip, to communicate with the driver. Then, using a translation app, he tried to sell me on a sightseeing tour. He appeared surprised when I explained that we were planning to rent a car. We checked into the hotel and I took a three minute walk to our car rental place. I then drove it to the hotel, where I made use of the first Japanese garage elevator system I've ever encountered. They summon a platform and you maneuver your car along the rails. You lock it, keep your keys, and they give you a tag number. They apparently move the car to parking spots up and inside the building.</p><p> That night we walked into town to visit the cat cafe Kitty Blue. We spent an hour inside. The cats were pretty active and mostly friendly, though it seemed like some of them were not well cared for. One had a limp and a few had runny eyes. I didn't mention this observation to Miles, as he was having a very good time. For dinner, we went to an Udon restaurant, that took some time to locate. Google Maps had brought us to it, yet we still could not find it. It was down a tiny indoor alleyway that we would never have found without knowing that it was indeed close by.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhlpIHPxmqe1a9Q2cl7RS23WDR5-QgafiXjP8AAS9dWyOqwd4hZ8YebiceRaKTHm-X8uoKPak-yptP1-mcjMmyqzIgYdKq_g7cWu67kSwU4vUavwiGpONw3DYGAxQFsMbQUKnkpgUYX9YZyELX-IKFd0u4IVVcTO2SflflNAgu3Q1zmRgpx8qTNR-j" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8042" data-original-width="10723" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhlpIHPxmqe1a9Q2cl7RS23WDR5-QgafiXjP8AAS9dWyOqwd4hZ8YebiceRaKTHm-X8uoKPak-yptP1-mcjMmyqzIgYdKq_g7cWu67kSwU4vUavwiGpONw3DYGAxQFsMbQUKnkpgUYX9YZyELX-IKFd0u4IVVcTO2SflflNAgu3Q1zmRgpx8qTNR-j" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwxPsCqn_bi7OWbc6gaLxy5XuxPWISHcEMnwdumHa-vQG7wETC8BvDbN0Nf5GbGsQgiQk7TMXHfF48uF9ssezRJ8GlOKyqva8OTRb0U_4tfay-iFbkkU7_PzW_nXhgovt8RgqnH8GQSfAA7FvWk9NbQpzJAEJqvSm4c4ChreGOnYZYn-0V-ufd9N_b" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjHETfwQ4yKiBa39OaMUVpWc78yuP9fxpIW3LqMwkDdP3IMLCN-WrmLtsuNv7cWVbQVnP-UhHxK3I-vgDMYDh2wjPEp5Cb6Z51xzpRzsuOUEkTio5m0u7tbtOhZoPcGht_lBvU2trfuXg4Y8WX5z1uS9L0wQiKdnULhuXHQq3czmumeS2-IxOpjnBl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjHETfwQ4yKiBa39OaMUVpWc78yuP9fxpIW3LqMwkDdP3IMLCN-WrmLtsuNv7cWVbQVnP-UhHxK3I-vgDMYDh2wjPEp5Cb6Z51xzpRzsuOUEkTio5m0u7tbtOhZoPcGht_lBvU2trfuXg4Y8WX5z1uS9L0wQiKdnULhuXHQq3czmumeS2-IxOpjnBl" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgve3rrdcA_xmVwku73dXTP2jNMuIPmLH2QkRl4ruwyv045put63FAKwk6vOO8JWx7poEjRHUuNot12JJteedG0pIToHBDcmYklAMtF9ALQfHFiu3GzQd2DizbaUgjS46G-XchgWDFxDe8Y9bSUGkOu2Z7683DmbxHisUaEyLOL-KfT-BEeh_3taPO-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgve3rrdcA_xmVwku73dXTP2jNMuIPmLH2QkRl4ruwyv045put63FAKwk6vOO8JWx7poEjRHUuNot12JJteedG0pIToHBDcmYklAMtF9ALQfHFiu3GzQd2DizbaUgjS46G-XchgWDFxDe8Y9bSUGkOu2Z7683DmbxHisUaEyLOL-KfT-BEeh_3taPO-" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFpJGoOS7p2FEqUi1xg_sbYqzftOl4o1nC4dmEJom645R135SjAsWA_pMPQjbkps6QOwklQhHRe5YbKTTDZTeck5g65qjajuqJCBuxMLvDIntsx1lUlTPUZj-Mc8H5nGGqOnDKIn7l2SsWic2qCmAVx8P3l-SNG5j0eMd2M3Gq-KCbgeHN88S44Z1Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFpJGoOS7p2FEqUi1xg_sbYqzftOl4o1nC4dmEJom645R135SjAsWA_pMPQjbkps6QOwklQhHRe5YbKTTDZTeck5g65qjajuqJCBuxMLvDIntsx1lUlTPUZj-Mc8H5nGGqOnDKIn7l2SsWic2qCmAVx8P3l-SNG5j0eMd2M3Gq-KCbgeHN88S44Z1Y" width="320" /></a></div><br />Miles had regular udon soup with some tempura on the side. I decided to try something new, kamaage Udon. I even had to Google how to eat it. Essentially, they give you noodles, in steaming water, some garnishes on the side, and a sauce similar to soy sauce, in a bowl. You have to drag the noodles over into the dip(they are very slippery!) and then slurp them loudly. Slurping was emphasized in the article. It was very, very good. Miles decided that he loved udon soup. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvgUgnv-9PFQCdet-qyusAzy-jVXqSW5rSxHIEeeY56sWiSLKECYPQDKo_8iNTie4tkmQsX4xJjW-CYIKNcOhUk5RrEWOvyIXllhG2hWbDyksdnoBffIuq-JtZgvNe7LLhHWzYCjg_28MefYUnQ0RIHFYKmn5OdSzpEuUl3KxzvCxSwVcUvsOT_pZp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvgUgnv-9PFQCdet-qyusAzy-jVXqSW5rSxHIEeeY56sWiSLKECYPQDKo_8iNTie4tkmQsX4xJjW-CYIKNcOhUk5RrEWOvyIXllhG2hWbDyksdnoBffIuq-JtZgvNe7LLhHWzYCjg_28MefYUnQ0RIHFYKmn5OdSzpEuUl3KxzvCxSwVcUvsOT_pZp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-15805230494726330442023-03-21T11:28:00.000-07:002023-03-21T11:28:09.011-07:00Oman 7: The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Wadi Alarbeieen Resort, and the end of Oman.<p> The only stop we made on the way to the Turtle reserve was to a small, local supermarket, to pick up supplies. We stayed at the official Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel. With a stay at this hotel, you get to go for an evening and early morning tour to see turtles. Reviews online were mixed. Some said that it was a wonderful experience, while some said that people crowded the turtles and were inappropriate. I warned Miles of this, just in case.</p><p> We showered, to rid our bodies of the endless sands. One aspect of the desert that I may have forgotten to mention, was that everything is covered with at least a thin layer of sand within seconds. Put your phone onto the table? Covered with sand. Open bag on the floor? Sand. </p><p> We left for the 8:30 PM tour, and were directed to sit outside, behind the hotel, in the dark. We sat there for about thirty minutes. I assumed that someone was out looking for turtles, but no one gave us an official heads up about what was happening until at least forty five minutes in. They had park rangers out, looking for turtles, and would not walk us out there until someone found one. This is turtle off season, so there was no guarantee that one would be found. Eventually we got the message that a single turtle was found.</p><p> We were in group number one, since we were staying at the hotel, and our group of about fifteen was clearly explained that there should be no cell phone flashlight use and we should be respectful of the wildlife. We then walked one kilometer along a sand road to the beach. The four or so other groups followed behind us, and once we were able to hear the water, we stopped. Our guide awaited notification from the ranger that it was time to go on over to the exact spot. Our guide gave us some more information about green turtles and said that they were waiting for the turtle to be done digging. Apparently, this was an adult turtle, and not a baby hatching, which is what I had expected. </p><p> It turned into a good thirty minute wait, and so we were instructed that we could sit down while we waited in the darkness. There were people that should not have come on the tour, with small children that ran all over and carried on. One burst out screaming and had to be taken away. This isn't a zoo, and children under a certain age should have been restricted, in my opinion.</p><p> Eventually it was time to see the turtle. We were guided the rest of the way, to find a massive turtle digging in the sand. The scene quickly devolved into chaos, with people crowding the turtle, and of course, using their phone's flash anyway. On the plus side, we saw bioluminescent plankton, which illuminated where the waves were, it lit up peoples' footprints. Miles was angry about the turtle situation, and so we decided to walk back, unguided.</p><p> Despite the disappointment, we were clean and comfortable in the hotel. At first I didn't want to do the morning tour, but then I figured that since I am here already, maybe there will be less people willing to wake up for a 5:00 AM tour. It helped that I told someone that night that I was planning to wake up in the morning, because, when the alarm woke me up at 4:40 AM, the temptation to skip it and go back to bed was STRONG!</p><p> It turns out that it was the right decision to go. Only four of us showed up, two from outside the hotel. The guide brought us to his truck and drove us down the dirt path to the beach. He used a flashlight to walk us along the water. He did not mention whether there was a turtle or not, but we followed him. One of our group took off their sandals, and the guide told them to put the sandals back on because of the dead spiked fish that littered the path.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jOmLyjZgcfE" width="320" youtube-src-id="jOmLyjZgcfE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We came upon a sea turtle nest, where a fox had dug up and eaten the eggs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGruFMwSlHn0Dn-RJ9MQBRrVfv3-S7ESSKvlmknrT88kmxbAr64R6Yn4s8opA8uFuv1-Ur1I-VI2wGsqSi2gv-zeXFXeUZXSVw2Xk31fU93vXEO_XSUES28OiR9yeNuP17X3LptcS6QJaQ5NUHzo102dvxS_VN8CTC3PpW1_Vzmrwe8jytPTE2rKv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGruFMwSlHn0Dn-RJ9MQBRrVfv3-S7ESSKvlmknrT88kmxbAr64R6Yn4s8opA8uFuv1-Ur1I-VI2wGsqSi2gv-zeXFXeUZXSVw2Xk31fU93vXEO_XSUES28OiR9yeNuP17X3LptcS6QJaQ5NUHzo102dvxS_VN8CTC3PpW1_Vzmrwe8jytPTE2rKv" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We approached a wall of rocks, and I still did not know if a turtle had been spotted. Luckily, it had. After briefly using a flashlight to show us the turtle, our guide sat off to the side and we all hung out, giving the turtle plenty of space, and observed until sunrise, when the turtle climbed out of the hole and walked back to the sea. A wave came and the turtle was swept up in it. I once caught it swimming on the top of the water, but it disappeared before I could catch a photo of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiaoUl9Y6JaAiqv2ApyzcGoF4Yc2Dm-vwUVp9XgucJ-YGZB76nnFGEzi0jT1rPAShvBtqca5UTz8dTyq3qbPEdPtyb06tMi_wpVnFJ7dFu669XKiFwGlLDEQ5hxLsz-qPZVLRPmEreWmcRI6jVOI1rqn2BlpGX2Hrkvj46lsWmS2OwX8QPHAc1GL-Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiaoUl9Y6JaAiqv2ApyzcGoF4Yc2Dm-vwUVp9XgucJ-YGZB76nnFGEzi0jT1rPAShvBtqca5UTz8dTyq3qbPEdPtyb06tMi_wpVnFJ7dFu669XKiFwGlLDEQ5hxLsz-qPZVLRPmEreWmcRI6jVOI1rqn2BlpGX2Hrkvj46lsWmS2OwX8QPHAc1GL-Y" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4UUsexdLrDQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="4UUsexdLrDQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EpuoXydYnI" width="320" youtube-src-id="0EpuoXydYnI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JcjdgxDocOU" width="320" youtube-src-id="JcjdgxDocOU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/whry7V4mcU8" width="320" youtube-src-id="whry7V4mcU8"></iframe></div><br /><div> These are some sunrise pictures that are oversaturated because they were taken with my phone.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqQ1BAdwnst-fWCIsMbIHchw60MNB7M61Eo4gCjKSdWPtQM7WrhQ8WkaDXuek56kbu-Rsy0a0BsBxMUr_j9DFLwpChGkbA9g5rrlCc6jYpDz-hsm5XuikPj44mFWOvSg_ySlTAjocJYoeqNUCIiJjLefWY8I9Fl9thE0wkWwN7L4ejO1Z-cHmgzFPc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqQ1BAdwnst-fWCIsMbIHchw60MNB7M61Eo4gCjKSdWPtQM7WrhQ8WkaDXuek56kbu-Rsy0a0BsBxMUr_j9DFLwpChGkbA9g5rrlCc6jYpDz-hsm5XuikPj44mFWOvSg_ySlTAjocJYoeqNUCIiJjLefWY8I9Fl9thE0wkWwN7L4ejO1Z-cHmgzFPc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqCtcae3LiNtVfw1FoKHVazFWjuajTJSSwtPiHFVxaXwZxaw_EtJbvEKGkaOe_QLoJU5brq_FHd2HDx0oLn0EGdTber0y5jMjJeNSSG3rcHQZG9vKnb8Yjolcr5m8lXMXf34YRLIVG7znQLIF6GdiVisgcBxiNb0yLqKroorJWhuh6FD0fDwcBeTSY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqCtcae3LiNtVfw1FoKHVazFWjuajTJSSwtPiHFVxaXwZxaw_EtJbvEKGkaOe_QLoJU5brq_FHd2HDx0oLn0EGdTber0y5jMjJeNSSG3rcHQZG9vKnb8Yjolcr5m8lXMXf34YRLIVG7znQLIF6GdiVisgcBxiNb0yLqKroorJWhuh6FD0fDwcBeTSY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia0kJHQBBt-UUi8w69i2VeTLyW-yeyl6sog53qNgOy1e8Ck4-JSo-g3lALl2TX2MdmZM8CKqRbbixqR_Z5FSP1pTSs44cyj4b9zZAFtaz1sIyivMDFMyEkcHHDF6t0IaPQkjSiCIC8dd3BKBUAEXnIfOebmjK8KA2tkifQR7maSdmNykWR7HQNS1tJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia0kJHQBBt-UUi8w69i2VeTLyW-yeyl6sog53qNgOy1e8Ck4-JSo-g3lALl2TX2MdmZM8CKqRbbixqR_Z5FSP1pTSs44cyj4b9zZAFtaz1sIyivMDFMyEkcHHDF6t0IaPQkjSiCIC8dd3BKBUAEXnIfOebmjK8KA2tkifQR7maSdmNykWR7HQNS1tJ" width="320" /></a></div><br /> These are the rocks and spikey fish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIUu9RI3O5v_FurDU2TgUCAQTIN5T_V8LtsIpM4lXi-pr4A2SBKo1vAQ_JIcBPhFFFxH_LNXQiIAONdSyGYXgsI0PeKBIxYTSDH02jMEu7Y_-CbEr6Hmd_E5-h_cvcsfu9zidaO9NyOUyEFSK9kUFN71DPKD8Ktr2T8tVjTH4eo6JgAQxKRO8LRfud" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9338" data-original-width="6225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIUu9RI3O5v_FurDU2TgUCAQTIN5T_V8LtsIpM4lXi-pr4A2SBKo1vAQ_JIcBPhFFFxH_LNXQiIAONdSyGYXgsI0PeKBIxYTSDH02jMEu7Y_-CbEr6Hmd_E5-h_cvcsfu9zidaO9NyOUyEFSK9kUFN71DPKD8Ktr2T8tVjTH4eo6JgAQxKRO8LRfud" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifxDJboOvBftH-Ijz8pAcY9HWsg-SnzIwYHuANXun9sss_igQJXSLr_SGRjn9IeSORejdDnF9OGaQYGyWlQUzVhlJV8HVCrPBjlpav5M8rKLndSg5OMd6dtwDcKBmP87nxZaJFnG1FnETHR10btFI5KFhK9kTuC1Q4uYD1TBJEH46H-yEd4kevCw3C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6335" data-original-width="9503" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifxDJboOvBftH-Ijz8pAcY9HWsg-SnzIwYHuANXun9sss_igQJXSLr_SGRjn9IeSORejdDnF9OGaQYGyWlQUzVhlJV8HVCrPBjlpav5M8rKLndSg5OMd6dtwDcKBmP87nxZaJFnG1FnETHR10btFI5KFhK9kTuC1Q4uYD1TBJEH46H-yEd4kevCw3C" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCMubnxjmVSRvDuOV6W8qDFGWDBG0MyhzJEVGWWjAFUUx-BWEC77J7qhPArnnfwmPJfwH7x52vg_9n8gXlh9Fc4MzQr8nh26y7CuZN8rkdyf9DLAXyV4YxzSH5w91-HuPgPZXbTjekDvSKhn6uF5QVYsb-yKxx8sbcTxR8Q5lBzdV_YZeDlPOV_XKc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6337" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCMubnxjmVSRvDuOV6W8qDFGWDBG0MyhzJEVGWWjAFUUx-BWEC77J7qhPArnnfwmPJfwH7x52vg_9n8gXlh9Fc4MzQr8nh26y7CuZN8rkdyf9DLAXyV4YxzSH5w91-HuPgPZXbTjekDvSKhn6uF5QVYsb-yKxx8sbcTxR8Q5lBzdV_YZeDlPOV_XKc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWS3iYEZUADTTS9GNXm6FjBSoqDzUaQgtPPkroZmc9wiNQTgyJry_65KE5EA2qLD7cveTPXdrC18Tpt9m-bR1_ffpi3V2Q6OMviXA-y7lkaB0UMoFACMY2Z95bzm9e0X-Py7WUX4hLd2zwDuJmJd3PUGW5tLJv2-zzEfKiKkw4dOl-yGPBEsctrczT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6319" data-original-width="9478" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWS3iYEZUADTTS9GNXm6FjBSoqDzUaQgtPPkroZmc9wiNQTgyJry_65KE5EA2qLD7cveTPXdrC18Tpt9m-bR1_ffpi3V2Q6OMviXA-y7lkaB0UMoFACMY2Z95bzm9e0X-Py7WUX4hLd2zwDuJmJd3PUGW5tLJv2-zzEfKiKkw4dOl-yGPBEsctrczT" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6-aavFgwlhFx4PFiWaqxccgHn0avztMZTMy6NP7WBlt1LfxmsiGk4srHP-ic2oNT3-IBprRRPw9Gh2oFDdDkng9mxA_KBqlP4LvGZUvGTRuU8HIY1N8WwUlAWKzQHs9sVjsEQ7OSaASQ5_Zlme4lZkrefV5N7XZZYe_4sIWDmGFG2j74ykG8Nokei" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6169" data-original-width="9254" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6-aavFgwlhFx4PFiWaqxccgHn0avztMZTMy6NP7WBlt1LfxmsiGk4srHP-ic2oNT3-IBprRRPw9Gh2oFDdDkng9mxA_KBqlP4LvGZUvGTRuU8HIY1N8WwUlAWKzQHs9sVjsEQ7OSaASQ5_Zlme4lZkrefV5N7XZZYe_4sIWDmGFG2j74ykG8Nokei" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next day, we stopped again at a supermarket, just a few minutes away from the supermarket we stopped at a day before. This one, however, was part of a giant store, not too unlike a Walmart. It had everything from pots and pans to toys and food. Our only other stop was to the Bimmah Sinkhole. What was surprising was that there were no signs for it on the highway. It was tucked away within the Hawiyat Najm Park. It was free to enter, and after a short walk, we came upon the circular sinkhole, with a staircase down to a beautiful swimming area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX0bZ4Y2B-W61vuGruhkQ9eWBipxXaaKgD4s_nS4PPEdKv8d6484QKyzuxHKGQ4ONMsEOaPAt1uwsF9Rkb-QuT7ucVi45saxpF03PZ0qbF5tXA2OtM8owx-Wn6IGS0T6D1mtTwRdk6P9jFX6FsgsL0zns-wUabxI2xXfPhu1womaXW1S92iJEE3wdZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8671" data-original-width="11583" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX0bZ4Y2B-W61vuGruhkQ9eWBipxXaaKgD4s_nS4PPEdKv8d6484QKyzuxHKGQ4ONMsEOaPAt1uwsF9Rkb-QuT7ucVi45saxpF03PZ0qbF5tXA2OtM8owx-Wn6IGS0T6D1mtTwRdk6P9jFX6FsgsL0zns-wUabxI2xXfPhu1womaXW1S92iJEE3wdZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Just ten minutes away was the exit to head towards our hotel, inside the Alarbeieen Wadi. The paved road eventually turned into a mountainous dirt road. The resort sent me directions with pictures via Whatsapp. It was fairly easy to get to. We had to take a final small descent to the bottom of the wadi area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> About an hour after we had checked in, we received a knock on the door. The weather promised rain, and they worried about flooding as the water would run down the mountains. We drove back up the hill and parked in a dirt parking lot at the top. After I had walked back to the hotel, the owner walked over and introduced himself and pled with me to sit and drink coffee under a small covering. An elderly couple from Austria sat down and we ended up chatting for two hours. It ended up pouring, so after the cover was no longer working well, we moved to a community room just inside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> By the time the conversation was over, it was too late to walk into the wadi before it would get dark. The next morning, I woke up before 7:00, and went for a walk. Unfortunately, like is often the case, there was a lot of pollution in the area. The typical empty water bottles were strewn about the landscape, but a garbage bag hung in a tall bush highlighted the problem even further.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh1BZJH7RbMU8F3l0zaav-2boTAJhadWzZgaZoVx3KvNS9xSTQNUKFlKaPrleiQh4xZyOS_HnAXDse5XVIj9vF1dTVzoyiWHPaEizANe3cJz3KnEU44dAIeAspPxogd-5jNubN9XANKr3W4NQlFgr6bsVazan_i4KkH_wfnnvNdsDcjw1LMexwClaP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8640" data-original-width="11522" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh1BZJH7RbMU8F3l0zaav-2boTAJhadWzZgaZoVx3KvNS9xSTQNUKFlKaPrleiQh4xZyOS_HnAXDse5XVIj9vF1dTVzoyiWHPaEizANe3cJz3KnEU44dAIeAspPxogd-5jNubN9XANKr3W4NQlFgr6bsVazan_i4KkH_wfnnvNdsDcjw1LMexwClaP" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> After about fifteen minutes of walking, the path ended up flooded, with no way around. I begrudgingly turned around. On the way back, I looked down and saw a long, thin snake neck poking out of the water. I took a few steps back, took out my camera, and tip toed back, but it was gone. I crouched down and waited, hoping that it would reappear. It never stuck its head out of the water again. A tiny, tiny piece of debris floated near the snake, and it ducked back down. Shortly after, it quickly swam away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg59vWkkPlhCvWG7vMUG-LV6u-aPdjEdssNw7i4Sw2TKRCxxqMe5N0-VdSrmXeoInx0YS4y-BJ_uTb-0BsAfYUYz4-JAenhK2rtgaSLr_-rpFDSCgB7H621nQ87ONym-b-OkpeEJyWlRWbLnfL4rQydxFMf9r8L_zGSZ2QJRz2fX96z3-iGzka4BZh_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg59vWkkPlhCvWG7vMUG-LV6u-aPdjEdssNw7i4Sw2TKRCxxqMe5N0-VdSrmXeoInx0YS4y-BJ_uTb-0BsAfYUYz4-JAenhK2rtgaSLr_-rpFDSCgB7H621nQ87ONym-b-OkpeEJyWlRWbLnfL4rQydxFMf9r8L_zGSZ2QJRz2fX96z3-iGzka4BZh_" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCd8rDgf0ovA5PhudDCkduCNotwPvfYNCg5IC3VdrUloXYJt82nSuLYn7SX8mBU-l3aU0HCViHPvpUn9IwNjeN-Z9y8CrfrSudBQusYUEQasOKyln_RXW59YXwDRATD0SenJfk_R4LIRdK2_VmZ42I6iBiwoVTrmFUx6lQkiNxZFHNjT1ghixQe5y4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4645" data-original-width="6195" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCd8rDgf0ovA5PhudDCkduCNotwPvfYNCg5IC3VdrUloXYJt82nSuLYn7SX8mBU-l3aU0HCViHPvpUn9IwNjeN-Z9y8CrfrSudBQusYUEQasOKyln_RXW59YXwDRATD0SenJfk_R4LIRdK2_VmZ42I6iBiwoVTrmFUx6lQkiNxZFHNjT1ghixQe5y4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL1TGJjqgwLeEbIRG_f4rOT1cEuTT7XMwFIrF2hgUvawvTxXuRctn0mFH8a6Go6psTDo6jAvwGoIk2BD3TOLD4lxTMe2xWIaXXGOYrFXzgi3qD68QEeCr6wOc17CUomZqc2x6IqOo0l0AXO-hxckHDmPGaRTKTi1XOPuQDdYdzb2ItzWoHM6sudELe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3227" data-original-width="4303" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL1TGJjqgwLeEbIRG_f4rOT1cEuTT7XMwFIrF2hgUvawvTxXuRctn0mFH8a6Go6psTDo6jAvwGoIk2BD3TOLD4lxTMe2xWIaXXGOYrFXzgi3qD68QEeCr6wOc17CUomZqc2x6IqOo0l0AXO-hxckHDmPGaRTKTi1XOPuQDdYdzb2ItzWoHM6sudELe" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcxEPCezci-CZpae16mgVx_8EsIgjSqbw9biF3YdMl5s7kne08SyDPu8zRbP1LAKxNkJxCjAQx07RHu-vsPjtE0yc9jZyVrcJjII5pMNcz8LZORedNugPmiw45Kic-45v0_ycUNFMfCYhNZ73qOPYwYcVXKGAynZ2tYvTAQM1eZ6920swAXDZtDOJA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2184" data-original-width="2913" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcxEPCezci-CZpae16mgVx_8EsIgjSqbw9biF3YdMl5s7kne08SyDPu8zRbP1LAKxNkJxCjAQx07RHu-vsPjtE0yc9jZyVrcJjII5pMNcz8LZORedNugPmiw45Kic-45v0_ycUNFMfCYhNZ73qOPYwYcVXKGAynZ2tYvTAQM1eZ6920swAXDZtDOJA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5DpXRq46ClkwXYZDB3fLB9GyrEOlHRTEpX0ZBatzsFT50yQqNT1d-3gBH-tlMK9F47P79aYlLzQhH1WJjrfMCUOVi6oQ5C7GA5TIJPc9MAirxYJCUvxWcwG6BDnWIt7cNl6n_ePv8a2AFLalPxWkmeOzA9EBy8pdKaGM__Iuvt00DvwEAEio7xEEP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6449" data-original-width="8600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5DpXRq46ClkwXYZDB3fLB9GyrEOlHRTEpX0ZBatzsFT50yQqNT1d-3gBH-tlMK9F47P79aYlLzQhH1WJjrfMCUOVi6oQ5C7GA5TIJPc9MAirxYJCUvxWcwG6BDnWIt7cNl6n_ePv8a2AFLalPxWkmeOzA9EBy8pdKaGM__Iuvt00DvwEAEio7xEEP" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8Ke2pZJehZAW7_tARDqLk-CB0xoFdWcdyMvs5PNClr5_3vQSOVGOHyB44qGVIlccH-y3RuP33ol9EFL1MnwWrUGX-SEHkuegASZWkojxV8o-wMsew_K9ci5SgokldxVLH1GAUHTGy_CiMDrGgP4m61j_Kgyo2hKFz9vnkpTrYTv65DRSARKQLSmqE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3327" data-original-width="4437" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8Ke2pZJehZAW7_tARDqLk-CB0xoFdWcdyMvs5PNClr5_3vQSOVGOHyB44qGVIlccH-y3RuP33ol9EFL1MnwWrUGX-SEHkuegASZWkojxV8o-wMsew_K9ci5SgokldxVLH1GAUHTGy_CiMDrGgP4m61j_Kgyo2hKFz9vnkpTrYTv65DRSARKQLSmqE" width="320" /></a></div><br /> We waited until the 11 AM checkout time before leaving. Our flight is at 2:45 AM, the next morning. Our only agenda was to have the car washed and then drive to the airport. Luckily, for some reason one of the hotel workers was using a hose to clean all of the hotel guests' cars. He was going to do mine anyway, but I told him I'd pay him to do it. I gave him a nice tip, which he seemed unhappy to accept.</div><div> We began driving, passing some local donkeys, and it was easy at first. The landscape became slightly unfamiliar. The gps, however, said we were on the right path. We went over a rocky bump and down a very, very rocky decline. At the bottom, things did not look right, so I got out of the car and looked around. I decided to turn around. I turned on the four wheel drive, but the steep climb and abundance of rocks stalled out the car multiple times. Miles offered to go out of the car and guide me, which proved to be the solution. Despite a very bouncy and unsteady climb, we got out. We decided that perhaps the right way was to the right, which was along a more paved dirt road. This, was wrong. After a while, we were unsure again, and the roads looked poor. Just to our side was a very tiny village of maybe five buildings. I decided to stop and ask for directions.</div><div> I got out of the car and spotted an elderly woman and young child. I approached her and said, "Najda!" in arabic. She shooed the small boy beyond the gate to her house and closed the gate behind her. Then, she took a few steps up on the staircase that went above the wall, and spoke downwards at me. She did not know English, and simply pointed back in the direction we came. I thanked her and returned to my car.</div><div> I began driving back where we came and quickly passed another car. I stopped and rolled down my window. There was a young family that did not speak English, and the best they could do, when I showed them a map and where I needed to go, was again to point back in the direction I was already going. Shortly after, a truck approached us. This was miraculous, because in our drive to the hotel we encountered noone on the road, and after we departed we saw no one either. This person spoke English very well and offered for us to follow him. He turned around and we followed him. It turned out that we passed a sign that was perpendicular to us, and so I did not catch it. I had missed the turn here. After that, the path was effortless.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWM1Bi0OjPsNSax4cJ5tgOnIU-OjoNOkBz2VSePu49RpglayRhgtrpTdTDjRbbod5EVs4AMgsjf-rC9hm99Ft-c1Ca5I-0t-t8WfkrY35_t39KPtjcnhQBAiTiqZqMKYK8gngXEdnXEUNFKRAcvm2VuCpStFyoqFjLWZyiC-WlSpRnFiJB-X8VyY5e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWM1Bi0OjPsNSax4cJ5tgOnIU-OjoNOkBz2VSePu49RpglayRhgtrpTdTDjRbbod5EVs4AMgsjf-rC9hm99Ft-c1Ca5I-0t-t8WfkrY35_t39KPtjcnhQBAiTiqZqMKYK8gngXEdnXEUNFKRAcvm2VuCpStFyoqFjLWZyiC-WlSpRnFiJB-X8VyY5e" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXiN-0lw2pkXoeB-ZswYGryiNndYNY6ZMLCsa-YnOMMmywGZiLCEQNmWRTmh3x3PxGJfkqvgtnjSAGDQaIWm2PMiTpfnwheposrgbWmsPU3oCkweiN42QznkE8xHqBlPSYQOSUkwqF9Ne2PmXxneIh10OpaG7UJHWLlvIM2WG9H7OjUFSiyVLbyJ-P" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXiN-0lw2pkXoeB-ZswYGryiNndYNY6ZMLCsa-YnOMMmywGZiLCEQNmWRTmh3x3PxGJfkqvgtnjSAGDQaIWm2PMiTpfnwheposrgbWmsPU3oCkweiN42QznkE8xHqBlPSYQOSUkwqF9Ne2PmXxneIh10OpaG7UJHWLlvIM2WG9H7OjUFSiyVLbyJ-P" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once back on the main highway, we eventually encountered this radar installation.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The rest of the drive was uneventful. We returned the rental car without issue. It was about 1:30. The website for Oman Air stated that you could drop off your bags within twelve hours of your flight. The bag drop line was empty, so I decided to see what I could do. The woman made a quick phone call and approved us. We walked toward security, but when we tried to scan our boarding pass, it said that we were too early. The woman there directed us back to the Oman Air desk. </div><div> There is a hotel inside Muscat Airport, past immigration and security. One booking is good for either six or twelve hours, with two different costs. I had planned to book it right as we arrived at it. The Oman Air desk told me that if I showed proof of booking, they could let me in early. I booked it on my phone and they bypassed the machines to let us in.</div><div> Immigration was a breeze with no line and so was security. What was interesting about security was that they allowed us to bring two massive bottles of water and didn't require us to take out any electronics, including laptops. The hotel room is absolutely luxurious with a desk, couch, and bed. The best part about it was that it includes two meals, which for us was lunch and dinner. An amazing buffet with a ton of variety was available for both meals, with a different selection each time. Also, there was only a single other person dining when we went to them. We now await our flight.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-60501793612191307412023-03-21T08:22:00.007-07:002023-05-02T13:37:11.456-07:00Oman 6: Time in the Wahiba Sands: Driving the dunes and baby camels<p> After breakfast the next morning, I pushed Miles to join the others to go milk the goats. I had him go on his own because I felt that he would just cling to me and be grumpy if I came along. Twenty minutes later, he came running back, having raced the camp owner from the goats. One of the couples took pictures of Miles, and took my info down, but I have yet to receive anything from them. He tried milking a goat and learned to write his name in Arabic, in the sand.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzxWput6ohLvnyQD7LJDg1C5PjzNf4WmMqmGOJz0zMJ-9i92yJQzq31p9BXHUvR0W6jI2WzhAb4tgEKKnVmYHQ3qgVFsjXtp-dbdrV1sGqRnYtBwGKedC5ZaklmvkLFXQT_diKYx1udSk26xkmwqFNkrVtY3kattBUBE7B08Yf-s7nUMVePo2cS8rl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5628" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzxWput6ohLvnyQD7LJDg1C5PjzNf4WmMqmGOJz0zMJ-9i92yJQzq31p9BXHUvR0W6jI2WzhAb4tgEKKnVmYHQ3qgVFsjXtp-dbdrV1sGqRnYtBwGKedC5ZaklmvkLFXQT_diKYx1udSk26xkmwqFNkrVtY3kattBUBE7B08Yf-s7nUMVePo2cS8rl" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> I spent the day doing yoga in the community room, playing handheld games, and just relaxing. An hour before sunset, we spent an hour being driven around the dunes in a vehicle by the owner's son who had run the campfire chat the night before.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij2ft-IS-LxDwuL4444GLNRI3yV2mdZpXp5iGyeudWO4cKhhA3N7bhB8wXVbhDMZHhXOpnGqzqHB6HuRBI5LTJG-RMt2kBCIkYIZxc6h1tf2VnPq9igNnNIpkpI4ylKxPD0pZhV_t1rpI_rDRIwliaBihc-2KuT9-F6JQ1m7GD6qMHO4uoz92t8wiM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij2ft-IS-LxDwuL4444GLNRI3yV2mdZpXp5iGyeudWO4cKhhA3N7bhB8wXVbhDMZHhXOpnGqzqHB6HuRBI5LTJG-RMt2kBCIkYIZxc6h1tf2VnPq9igNnNIpkpI4ylKxPD0pZhV_t1rpI_rDRIwliaBihc-2KuT9-F6JQ1m7GD6qMHO4uoz92t8wiM" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtB021F9ryiiLa-SyVXn9SdQ1ftqCgzZ6P9_gPmOpjVhM4Ha5-YRUVeuc_0veiR-bLdv6ydk1kLOEshb3cg_hzjmigc-C9ZzAr7LaQdQzrqh62aWm4g5TjE5VrSgEaX_QSpNvnQPoASv6cY0LAZYRlE6J19Jf32JsBDoBudPOr3Wbwnoh6mTRiamyT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtB021F9ryiiLa-SyVXn9SdQ1ftqCgzZ6P9_gPmOpjVhM4Ha5-YRUVeuc_0veiR-bLdv6ydk1kLOEshb3cg_hzjmigc-C9ZzAr7LaQdQzrqh62aWm4g5TjE5VrSgEaX_QSpNvnQPoASv6cY0LAZYRlE6J19Jf32JsBDoBudPOr3Wbwnoh6mTRiamyT" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm43LayQSOo7BbIPNVE6hRygBIF-1oGKRYJ14fZvPJO1dwyVKRjTeL6694mY2KmFfBg-5SPACu9rYgoSU74ZWuSqWMgqKcP7PtOPAE0GMsV-9pseNBuoRDKkvG-cVyqDk-Lyv0XHlBAF5kz9zM_uE0DQETMDqLFYBM8CzaHZ4DUb18LhXKBPKamSGn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm43LayQSOo7BbIPNVE6hRygBIF-1oGKRYJ14fZvPJO1dwyVKRjTeL6694mY2KmFfBg-5SPACu9rYgoSU74ZWuSqWMgqKcP7PtOPAE0GMsV-9pseNBuoRDKkvG-cVyqDk-Lyv0XHlBAF5kz9zM_uE0DQETMDqLFYBM8CzaHZ4DUb18LhXKBPKamSGn" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhghj5TJeEQ5-UdpfGZC0wByc6NDPd0a9a7GKExPaJ_S4yxVsYVHL8553P7MRV7lYapDZMzhQjrzWFct9Lu7zjH-CHpd3FrjI0SaTkRRAv4NJ3zW5iHEhzYdCr4nLqxcgRZNzl30_si8NALOdh9tcPjXOYT_pamXEdhy1lLQITpDugaHTokxQ8lSSVL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhghj5TJeEQ5-UdpfGZC0wByc6NDPd0a9a7GKExPaJ_S4yxVsYVHL8553P7MRV7lYapDZMzhQjrzWFct9Lu7zjH-CHpd3FrjI0SaTkRRAv4NJ3zW5iHEhzYdCr4nLqxcgRZNzl30_si8NALOdh9tcPjXOYT_pamXEdhy1lLQITpDugaHTokxQ8lSSVL" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6j4lXPYrJ67oRwIbGUHJZNoDc4OstUfUG4ZQjtUxWLC4GVV2OafOpDUSaUCauFtWhdPZ6VfcCe7xSzZbaAgNULU71PWhiqwO3CBoi_1CZ0x3OX80HazKkCPmigqwrwVrZ1hRZkX5nzNpt6yzQO8qcHkpphwFNV4YUdDIYH0E5wwyWXrf3D-lGUiGb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6212" data-original-width="9318" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6j4lXPYrJ67oRwIbGUHJZNoDc4OstUfUG4ZQjtUxWLC4GVV2OafOpDUSaUCauFtWhdPZ6VfcCe7xSzZbaAgNULU71PWhiqwO3CBoi_1CZ0x3OX80HazKkCPmigqwrwVrZ1hRZkX5nzNpt6yzQO8qcHkpphwFNV4YUdDIYH0E5wwyWXrf3D-lGUiGb" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-iuY2JY2bY" width="320" youtube-src-id="e-iuY2JY2bY"></iframe></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div> At one point, he let me out of the car so I could film him driving Miles around in the front seat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sZ2hxwQUcdI" width="320" youtube-src-id="sZ2hxwQUcdI"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div> While we drove back, I asked him if the men in Oman played videogames. He answered that it did, and so do women. He explained that his sister was much, much better than him at Fortnite. As we neared the camp, he asked if we would be interested in having him drift. He swerved the car harshly back and forth. I took out my camera, and he did some much lesser ones as we pulled up to the site.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hmgr9ohGgRo" width="320" youtube-src-id="Hmgr9ohGgRo"></iframe></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXQgm6IA7wtZ7-jO9c9v3ovjec0KBJkt838vznwnf35e2IYUeSwnaZFbN8cX83tJu5S16GcA3mxX76d6QrxvGEGZjwmpQ_MPqp2O91Jk7sqanBqC4GFO-sKs57j6u4WnqYnzhhBOtlq1eZxvg8CVo9fJb1L-dBGq12zO0oQI7s52SlQq8bmq5NZz-t" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9505" data-original-width="6336" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXQgm6IA7wtZ7-jO9c9v3ovjec0KBJkt838vznwnf35e2IYUeSwnaZFbN8cX83tJu5S16GcA3mxX76d6QrxvGEGZjwmpQ_MPqp2O91Jk7sqanBqC4GFO-sKs57j6u4WnqYnzhhBOtlq1eZxvg8CVo9fJb1L-dBGq12zO0oQI7s52SlQq8bmq5NZz-t" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUBo7to5pIj7MrXxrHUVs08G1rISKQJSpLEHvOdODZHeHQv0lwXnOKDvCZZ2c5nqGbdFN_q391aBHZETxHNcaUHHPN1KUkP_JxHA7j8n2rY4PrwvLlNT0qa3gNlw5c6qKkn76_25WMYydX1DeNclOT20ymsOl53rinYwM4ouAvBzSSyg9qDdjTUVbt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUBo7to5pIj7MrXxrHUVs08G1rISKQJSpLEHvOdODZHeHQv0lwXnOKDvCZZ2c5nqGbdFN_q391aBHZETxHNcaUHHPN1KUkP_JxHA7j8n2rY4PrwvLlNT0qa3gNlw5c6qKkn76_25WMYydX1DeNclOT20ymsOl53rinYwM4ouAvBzSSyg9qDdjTUVbt" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggMQgZerHm6IdD-ZgzqgQJiLLnMpLnS9DQxox3b0pdyV4DHo0c1St37psuxPfCX0XqulOH26iQ8DEGR0gcGW68LHRpfbJGG3zGMTASbUYxu7hVjqFhUrlqEVQmAwOUNLWSYuzcGmCh0HBSVuSfSGRbboAVGTAU9-U8VJCcxF2dsnZY2pkHaQnvd9i6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggMQgZerHm6IdD-ZgzqgQJiLLnMpLnS9DQxox3b0pdyV4DHo0c1St37psuxPfCX0XqulOH26iQ8DEGR0gcGW68LHRpfbJGG3zGMTASbUYxu7hVjqFhUrlqEVQmAwOUNLWSYuzcGmCh0HBSVuSfSGRbboAVGTAU9-U8VJCcxF2dsnZY2pkHaQnvd9i6" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> That night was the busiest, with 2 couples and an extended family attending. The owner himself hosted the campfire chat. When he opened it up to questions, I took the opportunity to ask a few.</div><div> I asked him how he felt about the younger generation moving to the city and leaving the Bedouin life. He responded that he is happy that he was of the generation that was able to experience the old ways and the old life as well as modern life. He does not believe that the Bedouin life will last much longer.</div><div> I asked him about how call to prayers used to be handled before the loudspeakers and I also asked him what he thought of the loudspeakers. I do not believe he fully understand the second part of the question. To answer the first, he explained that they would use people with powerful voices to literally yell out calls to prayer.</div><div> He talked at length about how laws are needed to protect the desert from people driving in on quads, making a racket, and leaving pollution everywhere. He told a story about such an incident, where loud music and quads had scared his pregnant camel so much that it lost its pregnancy. He tried calling the police but the said that as long as no one was trying to literally run down the camel, there was nothing they would do. He explained that government bureaucrats are out of touch with how the people in the desert live, and they do not care.</div><div> Finally, I asked about the rabbits in the camp, and he said that he brought in the rabbits for one of his daughters, and now they live in the camp.</div><div> The next day at breakfast, after Miles had returned to the room, the owner approached me. He mentioned that since I was staying for three nights, perhaps I would like to drive out with him in the desert to look for his pregnant camel, for two to three hours. Most visitors only stay one night, so I think he was trying to do a bit extra, in order to show his appreciation. I asked when he had in mind, and he said immediately. I jumped at the chance. I returned to the room to ask Miles to join me but I could not get him to gain any enthusiasm for the idea.</div><div> We jumped into his vehicle and took off, deeper in the desert. I brought two cameras, but did not want to ask him to stop for me to take photos, so many of my photos were taken with my phone, through the open window. We were on the lookout for his pregnant white camel, as well as his second camel, who was also white. He told me that he received notice from friends deeper in the desert that his camel had been seen nearby, so we were going to scout around that area. </div><div> Along the way, he pointed out different projects being built, such as other camps, and showed me a well that was constructed, to give the wandering animals a place to drink.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivceLhL7I5J7xPFkfIG1SUF1uFX-xWTg8AvG_iEYxjRaKQnl8r6qeL_6L48HNFzQoKciWDWPGUICOBwDzvqVsWigGTNai-_pb0ddt1sUDW9axyILa8vcwXleViA1HYojQkZQoFZHbIxbPzJVKVI-8hLpKh-LviBt5ZhiUSWlrKwVvZMnw5lOF74kD-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivceLhL7I5J7xPFkfIG1SUF1uFX-xWTg8AvG_iEYxjRaKQnl8r6qeL_6L48HNFzQoKciWDWPGUICOBwDzvqVsWigGTNai-_pb0ddt1sUDW9axyILa8vcwXleViA1HYojQkZQoFZHbIxbPzJVKVI-8hLpKh-LviBt5ZhiUSWlrKwVvZMnw5lOF74kD-" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaAD-xQhmQjmtkWlidY1JLbUmwmL3fkhkHLvffVXYbzoOYpD3orf1uV6i_hMHo6gX_I8ptUGvZ2qoLiuhGKPFbQWaDlNtB8dmgK6K6itz5aw2Om837dWCH5ulc848rTETN3gFrD81bIBNZ3APsOekNeHlhrtZdCg9zCnONocXvZ5O0VrC2HZFa_Xw7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaAD-xQhmQjmtkWlidY1JLbUmwmL3fkhkHLvffVXYbzoOYpD3orf1uV6i_hMHo6gX_I8ptUGvZ2qoLiuhGKPFbQWaDlNtB8dmgK6K6itz5aw2Om837dWCH5ulc848rTETN3gFrD81bIBNZ3APsOekNeHlhrtZdCg9zCnONocXvZ5O0VrC2HZFa_Xw7" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjHHI0aWKx2PIlGzX3Ne3FtyI6fHPZJLqUM6fvrggy-0-0M3NYW1gla9Rou2_6WsWhgjAW4luOb-SRMqU9l2BMmzmGaDVwIwW75OrcwnEfQCFbzByFwI2AcFqv7DXTgqV7IMnn19H6QgZI0yD71XLvKPCIYhae0-IQQUz3STFmQFayinVOEYq5jPRn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2974" data-original-width="3965" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjHHI0aWKx2PIlGzX3Ne3FtyI6fHPZJLqUM6fvrggy-0-0M3NYW1gla9Rou2_6WsWhgjAW4luOb-SRMqU9l2BMmzmGaDVwIwW75OrcwnEfQCFbzByFwI2AcFqv7DXTgqV7IMnn19H6QgZI0yD71XLvKPCIYhae0-IQQUz3STFmQFayinVOEYq5jPRn" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-kri1HKDmF5cWCP3B5zQ6MygTsIJyHBbYpKfT117wP-sNdDfAvjxVH_ZpsUfKO52VTf7hgYlINognDAbGIuoze-sKIiaCMzABcgnHl9xmH7mrCfSM1wg7Txo3RCFC3gZD-FKq17gHMSYUNB_QS8fWBnY5-NOlUndlpUlnRQVu4ZfVBJAMjIIiewFO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2647" data-original-width="3529" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-kri1HKDmF5cWCP3B5zQ6MygTsIJyHBbYpKfT117wP-sNdDfAvjxVH_ZpsUfKO52VTf7hgYlINognDAbGIuoze-sKIiaCMzABcgnHl9xmH7mrCfSM1wg7Txo3RCFC3gZD-FKq17gHMSYUNB_QS8fWBnY5-NOlUndlpUlnRQVu4ZfVBJAMjIIiewFO" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCHpITOlRTXXo7zGYPIZN3TBfPA_-IZlDxXfs7lF0M-UutpKhpCDjmoLBTlOrRX9UXXLRPawcvZsNQOHIfQb7tobi_co69ot87PBRrC1KzLOO6wf9MJU2oSg5UjVE7eVoU7TAC05yHvhZfWOetHGuQs1fGU5N4W2VU4lK_YhWQZJhmGrj4jqzIAG7p" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCHpITOlRTXXo7zGYPIZN3TBfPA_-IZlDxXfs7lF0M-UutpKhpCDjmoLBTlOrRX9UXXLRPawcvZsNQOHIfQb7tobi_co69ot87PBRrC1KzLOO6wf9MJU2oSg5UjVE7eVoU7TAC05yHvhZfWOetHGuQs1fGU5N4W2VU4lK_YhWQZJhmGrj4jqzIAG7p" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> We came across a camel and its young, still partially stuck in a post birth sack. He declared that the camel was one year old. I asked permission to take out my camera and took a bunch of pictures, along with one video.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje-Y6eyBjYNh5nQvzZuUDOLnsdHDr7uJztMVQSuTNA3nftFHuXNrOSTGn8aDvCJYrc7pWmOag6tfMcSlbqBrrs8-Dtown6dK7IVbsRmpSSnBL0JSAIy12NX9orr3UJJuVhp7MmP59_2ANrawsDL0f57JO9iExSp-q2n3TaDEuVWlztRT82Gt9LyCSY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3957" data-original-width="5935" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje-Y6eyBjYNh5nQvzZuUDOLnsdHDr7uJztMVQSuTNA3nftFHuXNrOSTGn8aDvCJYrc7pWmOag6tfMcSlbqBrrs8-Dtown6dK7IVbsRmpSSnBL0JSAIy12NX9orr3UJJuVhp7MmP59_2ANrawsDL0f57JO9iExSp-q2n3TaDEuVWlztRT82Gt9LyCSY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCxYlW_wJ90cnwPFEmtQwB1ZR8SnwxdICoJFbiNuiaN19WY8YweIP00N3xmAA98bXZ_omQ_no488pDtUmYTzrYxxDPZWc9BYTDpvCm4T2nbhWTKGGCpSQT4L_RuwnpLFevgi5g4BaB7NorVOkVodPf3sAoQ7ja_imYgLerQbh57-KX__MStm06Jl9W" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3764" data-original-width="5646" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCxYlW_wJ90cnwPFEmtQwB1ZR8SnwxdICoJFbiNuiaN19WY8YweIP00N3xmAA98bXZ_omQ_no488pDtUmYTzrYxxDPZWc9BYTDpvCm4T2nbhWTKGGCpSQT4L_RuwnpLFevgi5g4BaB7NorVOkVodPf3sAoQ7ja_imYgLerQbh57-KX__MStm06Jl9W" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9GayNYpZtfRAslL1dYdOY9yBIMcNreZgvTOZdImKLhdGVHig6cpOtJmH8HDzj75ewovohtQzi6ha0ZgxcGETe-ZR9uHeWi9xalzGVUf7_ug2G274PDjxd9Y_PNh0dAsePVkbQ4C_OdM2kL8ktDObDNgCDbdTFN4wdljdIESoaiRQUZO3Rysfx2Vhp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5367" data-original-width="8050" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9GayNYpZtfRAslL1dYdOY9yBIMcNreZgvTOZdImKLhdGVHig6cpOtJmH8HDzj75ewovohtQzi6ha0ZgxcGETe-ZR9uHeWi9xalzGVUf7_ug2G274PDjxd9Y_PNh0dAsePVkbQ4C_OdM2kL8ktDObDNgCDbdTFN4wdljdIESoaiRQUZO3Rysfx2Vhp" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dsSZaL3iyvQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="dsSZaL3iyvQ"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We drove over the dunes into the valley adjacent. I asked him if the entire Empty Quarter(name for the entire desert area) was structured in alternating valleys and dunes. He said it was. I also learned that each set of Dunes had its own name, and if a car were to break down, this would help identify to a rescuing party where to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I shared the story of Miles and I, and in return, he shared that he was twice divorced, but once was only for an hour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Eventually, we found his pregnant camel, who was no longer pregnant. The baby was two weeks old and walking confidently. We stepped out of the vehicle. He examined both camels and fed dates to the mother. I asked him at what age the baby could be given dates. I didn't write down the answer, but I believe it to be after a few months. I took the opportunity to take photos and a video.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoil_DcPQisPV2yLDXvyz60rODEAWTEDtNwax_qm3rRbRcTuGCULqUiJeEGjXlxw3DiE92o08etZ4uyWu3Fk20yNYaaPkOXizUa2kFli5gMGfvloIDt2kU_9GjkLN5MCIKQZTY668iqOIBOo1r8j8vVwRz5afkwFFfKzl-xP3CXoITBhxXi3g_HpRg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5379" data-original-width="8069" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoil_DcPQisPV2yLDXvyz60rODEAWTEDtNwax_qm3rRbRcTuGCULqUiJeEGjXlxw3DiE92o08etZ4uyWu3Fk20yNYaaPkOXizUa2kFli5gMGfvloIDt2kU_9GjkLN5MCIKQZTY668iqOIBOo1r8j8vVwRz5afkwFFfKzl-xP3CXoITBhxXi3g_HpRg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding dates.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGqkxEzaIRv-zdw1Wkgjaw2R8l5RO0OvoxY5vHTZ2aaHHVGNEn3iw5eFZqafsIMrFTUQYTdOdDgvkMRDkHa_Co-FPdRwlh-ykVLnTZGEQCzfOad1KkvgRyLi0uqT5JPeEQOD18rKRgLeU9hzOX6mftjd81DXU5gjWFpY9kLqoTPbUsPTVEfupdbjPW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6205" data-original-width="9308" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGqkxEzaIRv-zdw1Wkgjaw2R8l5RO0OvoxY5vHTZ2aaHHVGNEn3iw5eFZqafsIMrFTUQYTdOdDgvkMRDkHa_Co-FPdRwlh-ykVLnTZGEQCzfOad1KkvgRyLi0uqT5JPeEQOD18rKRgLeU9hzOX6mftjd81DXU5gjWFpY9kLqoTPbUsPTVEfupdbjPW" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHRtgf3cj5c98bRQVmW2OZ5TWqSOElis_RzVppiguYFPQYIKAkanvZak_am8bIGVC3vEzOICbyvjuhrhXMVq8eRwmm8oU5FVX4Z8V3iNW6Ix-dvHtzzEEOEr6RCNeHdpK7GOpzvF4A625UhwHaUh2w8zFuQllvEX3rShr95pOGdxe45X4O6uP2oIFv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHRtgf3cj5c98bRQVmW2OZ5TWqSOElis_RzVppiguYFPQYIKAkanvZak_am8bIGVC3vEzOICbyvjuhrhXMVq8eRwmm8oU5FVX4Z8V3iNW6Ix-dvHtzzEEOEr6RCNeHdpK7GOpzvF4A625UhwHaUh2w8zFuQllvEX3rShr95pOGdxe45X4O6uP2oIFv" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie6HigKd1gTkyWXX-KcFFZdDP2jqsLyXxm6D7Zq8n26VHrTv7v8Me-HP0q05_PPjgT6e12ovl1U2AWA-eIW6Ot_F-jqvihucdtRRRLeCk1WCSn_ZaCBi8z190SOFoIw1-7jLvy0tAWGlVpXagMPL_hSddZU4Wfk27gbC_LejdxB7CCORMmSZKHYFUf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie6HigKd1gTkyWXX-KcFFZdDP2jqsLyXxm6D7Zq8n26VHrTv7v8Me-HP0q05_PPjgT6e12ovl1U2AWA-eIW6Ot_F-jqvihucdtRRRLeCk1WCSn_ZaCBi8z190SOFoIw1-7jLvy0tAWGlVpXagMPL_hSddZU4Wfk27gbC_LejdxB7CCORMmSZKHYFUf" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfJcbjSna_BMmOcdSd6rnT1LAu7mrXDIaStymMc77uK5fo9sVNi4-KQnsFAfGVd9_93rwKREPi41eBCRwFfOZcwfw1x9Fhg1WunMmRthioWWW-gLK-6sCN6RF8-YGrghGCiksTz5vM7bL55-coFyFBKzhLDUshnLC3BwNCWwzs-JyFqNQzfB5GlPN4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5795" data-original-width="8693" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfJcbjSna_BMmOcdSd6rnT1LAu7mrXDIaStymMc77uK5fo9sVNi4-KQnsFAfGVd9_93rwKREPi41eBCRwFfOZcwfw1x9Fhg1WunMmRthioWWW-gLK-6sCN6RF8-YGrghGCiksTz5vM7bL55-coFyFBKzhLDUshnLC3BwNCWwzs-JyFqNQzfB5GlPN4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHJ_X4-C3SfUZssvV6i3yyrpXbBcYHHcLd13Bb0uppV5Fy84vHXlHgYbJ9llpt8Za9_0NuzHYDOS25aYrRj4VklDe3APnuQYQqCn1jv84EuYFhxWRsn3DpPCSIRDRxNETfZ1sZpecxNL2eU7J7MOmk3y65cOVsP2C_3JrkoZ9_ZBc7RoqmjK22eqwR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5870" data-original-width="8805" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHJ_X4-C3SfUZssvV6i3yyrpXbBcYHHcLd13Bb0uppV5Fy84vHXlHgYbJ9llpt8Za9_0NuzHYDOS25aYrRj4VklDe3APnuQYQqCn1jv84EuYFhxWRsn3DpPCSIRDRxNETfZ1sZpecxNL2eU7J7MOmk3y65cOVsP2C_3JrkoZ9_ZBc7RoqmjK22eqwR" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ELwqMoXd3QQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="ELwqMoXd3QQ"></iframe></div><br /><div> We continued in search of the second camel, driving towards the camp, but in this neighboring valley. There was much more vegetation in this valley, with some small trees that were growing along the ground. He said that if it had rained more, they would have grown into proper trees.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinFMlzszCFujaIq3VnwlIoEacf3avFPZ3bBYtU3qNv0tyE4iSh5eSPllRy71vU2GCs_TjrQoHRbb1lxu8piItHOpNvLnk7zZz1GvRVQ7Tkcx_nciYwVk949jSNY1MTezF3FOpCV5S_KsVk84kPM0y_LZmDdrhZETiTRvR2rTrdaCS8vLyEzkQAwv_f" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinFMlzszCFujaIq3VnwlIoEacf3avFPZ3bBYtU3qNv0tyE4iSh5eSPllRy71vU2GCs_TjrQoHRbb1lxu8piItHOpNvLnk7zZz1GvRVQ7Tkcx_nciYwVk949jSNY1MTezF3FOpCV5S_KsVk84kPM0y_LZmDdrhZETiTRvR2rTrdaCS8vLyEzkQAwv_f" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXq5B3fx87w7t0RHRVSWnYUnyP7hRLXz5TKPQhmAVyA7W_hgMIC6CKIadCpQW6pArn0HfMNdGzlEo37gPBpRVdlxoymmjkmVPEiTcdM9pbFgBuwG4bCfk9N0EzsZsjGDu5FfDEOGCwBe82rcVBCN-QDLbJbgwBS89wN94qS-qMAJNpk4k-AvLlywB5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="3972" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXq5B3fx87w7t0RHRVSWnYUnyP7hRLXz5TKPQhmAVyA7W_hgMIC6CKIadCpQW6pArn0HfMNdGzlEo37gPBpRVdlxoymmjkmVPEiTcdM9pbFgBuwG4bCfk9N0EzsZsjGDu5FfDEOGCwBe82rcVBCN-QDLbJbgwBS89wN94qS-qMAJNpk4k-AvLlywB5" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOvFmFrGn5wz0bueFu18ADMeK6auDi8Z70PLeBT6vdlhEVaLA-ctnaLg_2sBeifI2u2GDlIlimRjWITpsNjWGVXPPb_uGbuyiOaZ4wv46iPiE0FYeneED6TeANlgUFLnKCTpt2b5ueKqHWOocbdjVL-r7M1oPH-Ral46v3dwD7F6tnR7SqyxbjdIgj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOvFmFrGn5wz0bueFu18ADMeK6auDi8Z70PLeBT6vdlhEVaLA-ctnaLg_2sBeifI2u2GDlIlimRjWITpsNjWGVXPPb_uGbuyiOaZ4wv46iPiE0FYeneED6TeANlgUFLnKCTpt2b5ueKqHWOocbdjVL-r7M1oPH-Ral46v3dwD7F6tnR7SqyxbjdIgj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOXLjXMXMolkndAE-Iq3h5HF3sYCyla4JBw4rrd38sfNqlE3v9yc2eR_SCo7ITBiy2GQWHvdrdrBSvPUXo85B4_XVqiBICeH1yE_cPl3k5chi917Yfj48hkwGMZ5ByIpnjSbG5wSYhSqd_-GxyHIZaVGdJLtDEr8qF8hyRCFG_iZaqixoha7NpW9Ew" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOXLjXMXMolkndAE-Iq3h5HF3sYCyla4JBw4rrd38sfNqlE3v9yc2eR_SCo7ITBiy2GQWHvdrdrBSvPUXo85B4_XVqiBICeH1yE_cPl3k5chi917Yfj48hkwGMZ5ByIpnjSbG5wSYhSqd_-GxyHIZaVGdJLtDEr8qF8hyRCFG_iZaqixoha7NpW9Ew" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRK1joBNQo__JcT81dBuSsgDj1d4JFqo-HBOviSixy8jd3mzY484noVrdT5hYxh1YHGH8GxP6T2ohiseyLIIaIWjL0EbJnS1wXRap3pK22KSqBktlRhYuQVXD9vQTi0RR8AiYU-ag9IBqgRc7H0Hm2-mPTBKlWg30Rl1ZQTODyqVsd6ingXO0OMIKU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2887" data-original-width="3849" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRK1joBNQo__JcT81dBuSsgDj1d4JFqo-HBOviSixy8jd3mzY484noVrdT5hYxh1YHGH8GxP6T2ohiseyLIIaIWjL0EbJnS1wXRap3pK22KSqBktlRhYuQVXD9vQTi0RR8AiYU-ag9IBqgRc7H0Hm2-mPTBKlWg30Rl1ZQTODyqVsd6ingXO0OMIKU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJSQwzfyU34TyFno-y12XLGb7SV53Czh6zS9d4FdLxQqTx82YYaXBgmB4B_Xo8AxV51xs1zH0jAXwla_BU_rufGEEaZh6Phduse0VGOa8ubJu1ihiThDURVp88g_pAAq-PydKxs1v0arqR8kYITTf0wb5_x9NKDO2LM49u6jsQJMxDU1Oqz_B4HvSI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2545" data-original-width="3394" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJSQwzfyU34TyFno-y12XLGb7SV53Czh6zS9d4FdLxQqTx82YYaXBgmB4B_Xo8AxV51xs1zH0jAXwla_BU_rufGEEaZh6Phduse0VGOa8ubJu1ihiThDURVp88g_pAAq-PydKxs1v0arqR8kYITTf0wb5_x9NKDO2LM49u6jsQJMxDU1Oqz_B4HvSI" width="320" /></a></div><br /> That afternoon I returned to my routine of stretching/yoga, following by gaming. There were portions of extreme winds, when the sand was being whipped around outside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eDSKvl2Heqk" width="320" youtube-src-id="eDSKvl2Heqk"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> That evening we scheduled a camel ride just before sunset. We were picked up by a local man who had walked over his camels. I guess I never quite realized just how tall camels actually are. When they get up, you get quite a jolt upward. Camels can hold about half of their weight, which can be 300kg(660 pounds). We walked down the valley and then up into the dunes. The wind was so strong that we quickly turned and went back to the calmness of the valley.</div></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL8tOzMX3TGUmTDrHa8CT4DkjLiMVCwJT5FEUr8ea-2yuH_DOMuVr4D2Z8riEIStSg4OJZGLawa8h3THYQMr7dNMJThrRfu5Fwy5_mwCWHA1HayuTdR31oG7UqqFRe0apmD3ushgl1GHSrR_Qko8WA4KfqQDJiwQ-a-qUGPUkENQFYQUqnAd-q5k0E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3875" data-original-width="2906" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL8tOzMX3TGUmTDrHa8CT4DkjLiMVCwJT5FEUr8ea-2yuH_DOMuVr4D2Z8riEIStSg4OJZGLawa8h3THYQMr7dNMJThrRfu5Fwy5_mwCWHA1HayuTdR31oG7UqqFRe0apmD3ushgl1GHSrR_Qko8WA4KfqQDJiwQ-a-qUGPUkENQFYQUqnAd-q5k0E" width="180" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZMFrMszvzA" width="320" youtube-src-id="CZMFrMszvzA"></iframe></div><br /><div> That night there was only two other guests in the camp, a mother and her University aged daughter. The son narrated the campfire talk. I asked him whether coffee or tea came first/was more important to Oman. His answer was that if you have guests over and don't have tea, it isn't a great thing, but if you don't have coffee, it is a much, much worse offense. I asked if Omani coffee was ever had with milk or sugar. He said that milk is never used but that dates are often eaten with coffee, which would be a sugary equivalent. I asked him where Arabian horses could be found and if any were in the wild. He said that mostly only rich people and the Sultan had access to the horses, and that none were in the wild. He went on to explain that the much beloved old sultan had died of disease and the people are still getting a handle on the new one.</div><div> The next morning I wanted to visit the goats with Miles. He reluctantly came. Neither of us wanted to milk the goats, but Miles agreed to feed a baby by bottle for a short time.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Q5mfvLUbvxDGl49Ytv2g6TBcJ4YJIhUW0-B_YjwKCVtJIW0RctnMhUdCDuho8TjWrBurNuxnWzBh-NHzLg-AjUMKe4qk0KUWz1eRO2KLc-Sjme2gU2e8tFfgDoIl_3qhVc9uMufqGEZBiqv_CbeSJdeRbNgYMzqz5me3gPQtVNZlrot0pyEoVqyp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5553" data-original-width="8329" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Q5mfvLUbvxDGl49Ytv2g6TBcJ4YJIhUW0-B_YjwKCVtJIW0RctnMhUdCDuho8TjWrBurNuxnWzBh-NHzLg-AjUMKe4qk0KUWz1eRO2KLc-Sjme2gU2e8tFfgDoIl_3qhVc9uMufqGEZBiqv_CbeSJdeRbNgYMzqz5me3gPQtVNZlrot0pyEoVqyp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZSZwxVZn-Aa4FDgFZHM05GsJzqL9YzmBJAZK4qLD8E-QFp564OLj06-2aMj82GhrK3VN7i2_XxacHQ4SVqgFYC_ZV5g7sxLFwc5iBexp6VBxykl7PTiIaySc0OJ9owkYkHAvx-bRbV9jxzazr77EbJt8a_SnFnCFl5GID_2XFDAFT8dTSVTcGcDDX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZSZwxVZn-Aa4FDgFZHM05GsJzqL9YzmBJAZK4qLD8E-QFp564OLj06-2aMj82GhrK3VN7i2_XxacHQ4SVqgFYC_ZV5g7sxLFwc5iBexp6VBxykl7PTiIaySc0OJ9owkYkHAvx-bRbV9jxzazr77EbJt8a_SnFnCFl5GID_2XFDAFT8dTSVTcGcDDX" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg7E_D1bGIwh4ZrZTXZ5-ATXtQuyDIMz6kWUqKfoeXN7nzqrT5g5l2Hcv0XLyv7xF8Zkx2fq0Lm4MwQgN3gFxTW_eUsHruXCjYKWYTYSB_HIedZkfNEvJ3FHnIHO-i6nALIKma2kfiYp5CVB-sru49g8YQyU6E8j20JNjjUMUgKTqoBPxcOKqhNi54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5255" data-original-width="7883" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg7E_D1bGIwh4ZrZTXZ5-ATXtQuyDIMz6kWUqKfoeXN7nzqrT5g5l2Hcv0XLyv7xF8Zkx2fq0Lm4MwQgN3gFxTW_eUsHruXCjYKWYTYSB_HIedZkfNEvJ3FHnIHO-i6nALIKma2kfiYp5CVB-sru49g8YQyU6E8j20JNjjUMUgKTqoBPxcOKqhNi54" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhaST16cFP97ChEi4HoMDpOjE0ciKUiFYTcLxajs4KA-iYiepq_puNjHPYYRuQ4PElXNdUOZnRTHHMroZTdlEOA-RqG6LXomFfIGk_h6EG40ruwQfPWkaGZg072IA3DvpRtQSCe6xT7kFZzNPPZVeDboTa0l4biERObbgnvRWX8EM8nHL-Ym8k33Rj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9210" data-original-width="6140" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhaST16cFP97ChEi4HoMDpOjE0ciKUiFYTcLxajs4KA-iYiepq_puNjHPYYRuQ4PElXNdUOZnRTHHMroZTdlEOA-RqG6LXomFfIGk_h6EG40ruwQfPWkaGZg072IA3DvpRtQSCe6xT7kFZzNPPZVeDboTa0l4biERObbgnvRWX8EM8nHL-Ym8k33Rj" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiW_7J1QnxKB_DH5aF0SY7lfm4cVqi7K_JmA4R5rOhvOoYAGN-3VdqXTzMMJB8y3vHiATIRTLfYSe81xPQKsHmnXhxRj6d7puffsECiaXIn6kCoHd_HjDOt9N62f3RJh234eAc68Pxvp9vN99HY9lN9P-uKFc-ADmf4UqiyKQ6JlbS8QXRSb-ld4t4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiW_7J1QnxKB_DH5aF0SY7lfm4cVqi7K_JmA4R5rOhvOoYAGN-3VdqXTzMMJB8y3vHiATIRTLfYSe81xPQKsHmnXhxRj6d7puffsECiaXIn6kCoHd_HjDOt9N62f3RJh234eAc68Pxvp9vN99HY9lN9P-uKFc-ADmf4UqiyKQ6JlbS8QXRSb-ld4t4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBW_nuvFwMwBPwMcRvN4tAZc-mfcT-o3GsyNIPtGha8IQIkVRxclYsu_8UvuQUtYYvhqzWhiBzLFi7g2ZjrztsD3Kl9aXGojR_Wh4-Q5tDg-_vrmPFZ4_XNnS-FVXpbLtVwDSwqSxsio5WtE7FwZHO34FoUhr025w2lz0SaYXyhbVwCXF7nFdeNDSl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBW_nuvFwMwBPwMcRvN4tAZc-mfcT-o3GsyNIPtGha8IQIkVRxclYsu_8UvuQUtYYvhqzWhiBzLFi7g2ZjrztsD3Kl9aXGojR_Wh4-Q5tDg-_vrmPFZ4_XNnS-FVXpbLtVwDSwqSxsio5WtE7FwZHO34FoUhr025w2lz0SaYXyhbVwCXF7nFdeNDSl" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mVn212VhdBI" width="320" youtube-src-id="mVn212VhdBI"></iframe></div> <div> We left late in the morning, for the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.</div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-57889482448849616602023-03-20T07:24:00.002-07:002023-03-20T07:24:22.175-07:00Oman 5: The drive to Nizwa, and the beginning of 3 nights in the Wahiba Sands Desert<p> I need four components in order to write this blog. I need a powered laptop to process photos and shrink them down to upload easier, the internet, and I need to have experiences worth writing about. This has probably been my longest interim between blog posts thus far. At first, I was lacking content to write about. Then, I stayed in the desert for 3 nights. The desert camp ran on solar power for lights and only had a small generator for charging phones. The laptop died and there was no way to recharge it, so that was that. Then, I had to get to my next hotel, go through 5 days of photos, and then write this.</p><p> Our next destination was the city of Nizwa. On the drive down, I kept the camera around my shoulder and occasionally stopped to take pictures of the wonderful view.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF4ARu75CzD-MqH-jBFBiTyLFuHlWxh4pdXPHZH3JeXG--xlXir6q_m3Msii7jdckdZV0stDibqAzafRW_3qlDFfGENMRaVeF0e1s_fAXU65gotFqn9kAe36ArLc75KuklhhaWydHeY44z0C8zPxpbchySZqft1BwVclCuYpvf2lAyu4GAvCYVUcsj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF4ARu75CzD-MqH-jBFBiTyLFuHlWxh4pdXPHZH3JeXG--xlXir6q_m3Msii7jdckdZV0stDibqAzafRW_3qlDFfGENMRaVeF0e1s_fAXU65gotFqn9kAe36ArLc75KuklhhaWydHeY44z0C8zPxpbchySZqft1BwVclCuYpvf2lAyu4GAvCYVUcsj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV3vmEypMAr2CJ6DaWmVujM0CcuXmi36zXsLj5kpbDKw6vcip2BoeKR03vHfzij5e2gSfP6RUTpCbu0bT24LEqXU7Q_B46WMm4y46Hya4jIcndfm7D7KI7KN61tQAdwpzaP7_M65AA-a2sCC9totv63cf_i5AVhWtWRsoPTg04Yxkokh5mvyB_F2jf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV3vmEypMAr2CJ6DaWmVujM0CcuXmi36zXsLj5kpbDKw6vcip2BoeKR03vHfzij5e2gSfP6RUTpCbu0bT24LEqXU7Q_B46WMm4y46Hya4jIcndfm7D7KI7KN61tQAdwpzaP7_M65AA-a2sCC9totv63cf_i5AVhWtWRsoPTg04Yxkokh5mvyB_F2jf" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKSvgVBf6VD_BMUW7-zdqxnJxozmieC6a3UuSBoOVhT2oHRp4nKwr26o-zyGkbvDw7arHaz9QAN4M9tvDzZfbF6ocYtuFNwrLwMGxcMDijbNIS1NMqRePClywy-DXQPtX_AfewFS1Jqm8UIAPl3URnw4fjLvIzuUaihYVYSQmt7cH1ovL12xr3maC1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8614" data-original-width="11486" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKSvgVBf6VD_BMUW7-zdqxnJxozmieC6a3UuSBoOVhT2oHRp4nKwr26o-zyGkbvDw7arHaz9QAN4M9tvDzZfbF6ocYtuFNwrLwMGxcMDijbNIS1NMqRePClywy-DXQPtX_AfewFS1Jqm8UIAPl3URnw4fjLvIzuUaihYVYSQmt7cH1ovL12xr3maC1" width="320" /></a></div><p> Back on flat ground, we caught sight of two goats sitting in a gazebo. I absolutely loved this.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpVCx5HuWYp19Nvd0FQyk1WiNWu9rhzSHxr374D35ASTisarF8GfwrHuMB8ZefwqUer983ZH_hCSExYZ2si5O6U_bMtcAto5v2v7gRPhgC6vR_0jy1WzREFdYXI7D2s7u5SD3FaFR6YnYyb1_EjwxFnQieDrolvBgZZw1KipDB8j4jqzx820kRZ_vF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7385" data-original-width="9848" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpVCx5HuWYp19Nvd0FQyk1WiNWu9rhzSHxr374D35ASTisarF8GfwrHuMB8ZefwqUer983ZH_hCSExYZ2si5O6U_bMtcAto5v2v7gRPhgC6vR_0jy1WzREFdYXI7D2s7u5SD3FaFR6YnYyb1_EjwxFnQieDrolvBgZZw1KipDB8j4jqzx820kRZ_vF" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_v46vt4xHmYKny7GMQnFyl8U2Qz01UoEfDzayF9h-TtNJZy0oo6X6Wwo2HIzJFrG90Io71rhxYmv7ZG8s5Sv4mllhFuUnc44z5-kDzHLef0S2qn3n5VQMJkx843Dzv3cphS1tNpeG8bPwTYcAn43hMuheQNzs66VpIQ6lHRcrg-8HLWq2QCkraqsz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8243" data-original-width="10991" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_v46vt4xHmYKny7GMQnFyl8U2Qz01UoEfDzayF9h-TtNJZy0oo6X6Wwo2HIzJFrG90Io71rhxYmv7ZG8s5Sv4mllhFuUnc44z5-kDzHLef0S2qn3n5VQMJkx843Dzv3cphS1tNpeG8bPwTYcAn43hMuheQNzs66VpIQ6lHRcrg-8HLWq2QCkraqsz" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> The first stop of the day was to the Bahla Fort. Miles discovered a small cat and decided that he would stay with the cat and I should walk around the fort. I did so.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOoruItQBCeLJ9USvcTI4pZrbabVIEkO9Ugw79fuSRSOLL1rEmfD95ZIcXBg96MvVkU43cD4HmoXK8jw_LvtdTr3ANUKwKy25wC_LZuRqwYkromQnJiIpLg1V3m4NK2CHnpqJRC3EBbjU9R3nMpGIAkaLQN67aulAEr89L5s6HAKrpBQQZE1RlqcS4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOoruItQBCeLJ9USvcTI4pZrbabVIEkO9Ugw79fuSRSOLL1rEmfD95ZIcXBg96MvVkU43cD4HmoXK8jw_LvtdTr3ANUKwKy25wC_LZuRqwYkromQnJiIpLg1V3m4NK2CHnpqJRC3EBbjU9R3nMpGIAkaLQN67aulAEr89L5s6HAKrpBQQZE1RlqcS4" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkeqQKG16QluyRzx7LEziQUVws5hTZoc1uOkvISp7BP5r_slNBiUcSlDxFm5MEYrarcKqIO1bw8YgGNMg0J-NjWo-wth9OZ9EWsY6LO0bGL796-21A6vORjcmKfMRF7mNQYM56CI9VpEu6oNiCGwhrfnSnDIfcvmgzT9bNkBuLdFi0wIFKMb_I1LXP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkeqQKG16QluyRzx7LEziQUVws5hTZoc1uOkvISp7BP5r_slNBiUcSlDxFm5MEYrarcKqIO1bw8YgGNMg0J-NjWo-wth9OZ9EWsY6LO0bGL796-21A6vORjcmKfMRF7mNQYM56CI9VpEu6oNiCGwhrfnSnDIfcvmgzT9bNkBuLdFi0wIFKMb_I1LXP" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQQbA22CyEI-TC8t-f8UqFVVjeRGYaHMZfHyZ0LAqLZdmH2izlOI4SHhCoHM7qHVB7AQljMV3hsH5qv6Hw1FR4RGwSl01GEAA8F7AiZEa0q3GhrETYZkzXM0FrMxJCnTwp-saIeB0has64gy_oBUsI2iR2x-5XQbIpDVwmFB5Aj1j0ObxiMTBFhNBU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQQbA22CyEI-TC8t-f8UqFVVjeRGYaHMZfHyZ0LAqLZdmH2izlOI4SHhCoHM7qHVB7AQljMV3hsH5qv6Hw1FR4RGwSl01GEAA8F7AiZEa0q3GhrETYZkzXM0FrMxJCnTwp-saIeB0has64gy_oBUsI2iR2x-5XQbIpDVwmFB5Aj1j0ObxiMTBFhNBU" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_roH4-A6tRIKCYbjyJ6d_KDsW3diit45VkUe8KZgdhd9mYarP5SzmGzjN7QSdlIgmhRgaZkEY2fif9_YVhCxbNVR-vVB2MQFGWBaq56N6Wet43EvCkEueCoEnqWlEtTs7X48AFUhoT697kov97uFK5kxO4e50a7to7jnH-YLpgdXD_dIlqk9UA4Qj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5625" data-original-width="8555" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_roH4-A6tRIKCYbjyJ6d_KDsW3diit45VkUe8KZgdhd9mYarP5SzmGzjN7QSdlIgmhRgaZkEY2fif9_YVhCxbNVR-vVB2MQFGWBaq56N6Wet43EvCkEueCoEnqWlEtTs7X48AFUhoT697kov97uFK5kxO4e50a7to7jnH-YLpgdXD_dIlqk9UA4Qj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There is an inner fort/castle, which was particularly magnificent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbHBydy_c47v5dS6hn2T5KhX8gT-Q_iRGtpYSKgX7rzztSax2UTznsFgSMMmjYeNrz9rD39GxtW05NMVzKKgVXGafGCFpanVhkwAV11jxdZWlxrBz1kJjEQsWMs0qVgcXcXay5EoR03g_1DyzB3gBPpXcXyo9JDo9YZ6z2X9beE1w8pOg6kSQL6ox" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5659" data-original-width="8608" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbHBydy_c47v5dS6hn2T5KhX8gT-Q_iRGtpYSKgX7rzztSax2UTznsFgSMMmjYeNrz9rD39GxtW05NMVzKKgVXGafGCFpanVhkwAV11jxdZWlxrBz1kJjEQsWMs0qVgcXcXay5EoR03g_1DyzB3gBPpXcXyo9JDo9YZ6z2X9beE1w8pOg6kSQL6ox" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLXwBau7rnwAn3x_CbGWcHPczAWxybaFncLGpCCQDTXvg9QD4CaNWwUpOYqdt9Vly6EnBHj99sb7cp6Ql7-Wxd2DAzuxtQn_CMuvk_dBYOap-h--e2LqtKLpXFYuxLUVN5NXzqJ0parA5tWoJ_UQ2kXAlxQL_sxubtpstTJAv1O5wG3eluHwjGzQLi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLXwBau7rnwAn3x_CbGWcHPczAWxybaFncLGpCCQDTXvg9QD4CaNWwUpOYqdt9Vly6EnBHj99sb7cp6Ql7-Wxd2DAzuxtQn_CMuvk_dBYOap-h--e2LqtKLpXFYuxLUVN5NXzqJ0parA5tWoJ_UQ2kXAlxQL_sxubtpstTJAv1O5wG3eluHwjGzQLi" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8tN2OVDswmr5fJ0tNu9zZ9aWz8u2zraOnMzVIHASqXhrtgbKUZnaFYPCWfVvY8fB41dnJmzwFlp4I7eQU8Q3BrQBLGMOky2kzIaQkHw4abPoCp13FM4L278uYfheVW3o5l4O4hlW1R9dWGZVnofAdMxPHYVe0CknAGD8xZH_cdYdqDX-anAN-LqSH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8tN2OVDswmr5fJ0tNu9zZ9aWz8u2zraOnMzVIHASqXhrtgbKUZnaFYPCWfVvY8fB41dnJmzwFlp4I7eQU8Q3BrQBLGMOky2kzIaQkHw4abPoCp13FM4L278uYfheVW3o5l4O4hlW1R9dWGZVnofAdMxPHYVe0CknAGD8xZH_cdYdqDX-anAN-LqSH" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was no way I was climbing up there after the balcony hike.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKr7g9ZNnhpBExdPuutC8xUI6nWXggl9_tzo_ZRm0CRYNR_WpllO4DHW7Vor71vf8c9QkWignmg80kBtJAAdxJ6UqbrIws5eQ8m_5uUQQCGs7awf1O71A6PlnB0GzsngZCqpqz0JahrXX5DQ2ZXaJ2PIFqjj31zWoQXgy7A1RgChplnNpQTmwYUgQL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5693" data-original-width="8659" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKr7g9ZNnhpBExdPuutC8xUI6nWXggl9_tzo_ZRm0CRYNR_WpllO4DHW7Vor71vf8c9QkWignmg80kBtJAAdxJ6UqbrIws5eQ8m_5uUQQCGs7awf1O71A6PlnB0GzsngZCqpqz0JahrXX5DQ2ZXaJ2PIFqjj31zWoQXgy7A1RgChplnNpQTmwYUgQL" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTiHRZdFQv7VfkBP_CrkfkdrGIGCtWEYmo0fL6o2slbfZYD4TkdxLWe9mljg3bqEKM1DPToInItGTFiHwD9bzyGs-f1vtA7M5Q0YFGV0yqefbGhoVnhe2VOEUF2VQcvKbgxdxWIQJYvS8_Av4aMfz4uXifaVpYxhMWWuoQ3CVGrZ2Q4LV5jd9GZC4X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTiHRZdFQv7VfkBP_CrkfkdrGIGCtWEYmo0fL6o2slbfZYD4TkdxLWe9mljg3bqEKM1DPToInItGTFiHwD9bzyGs-f1vtA7M5Q0YFGV0yqefbGhoVnhe2VOEUF2VQcvKbgxdxWIQJYvS8_Av4aMfz4uXifaVpYxhMWWuoQ3CVGrZ2Q4LV5jd9GZC4X" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Just ten minutes down the road was Jabreen Castle. Miles stayed with me as we walked around inside. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiNANockkGYoQi7aEpfzi35sIMWCTq38WVOyAvP_EuDnB3XgM0jOtFLMvHMNxvpHo21PA-hsaypzwGGJZxxQiz0gaEm9LSdCoMd-7tSneNoOEuZuugXpvfI8QNDgU5HdIbJNi5v_shBggw8k9oOdjfqjU5mEAZgNqp7W2RPePjiuzOfbR9S_PDie9_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5686" data-original-width="8648" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiNANockkGYoQi7aEpfzi35sIMWCTq38WVOyAvP_EuDnB3XgM0jOtFLMvHMNxvpHo21PA-hsaypzwGGJZxxQiz0gaEm9LSdCoMd-7tSneNoOEuZuugXpvfI8QNDgU5HdIbJNi5v_shBggw8k9oOdjfqjU5mEAZgNqp7W2RPePjiuzOfbR9S_PDie9_" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I noticed a slight discrepancy between the jail for men and the jail for women.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNRI0FnposHTXeL9v1sgz14YQnlbfTil0s6wKajWfTSae5xRO6w1GdT4VuFJu7H8iK8KgZyMkwUneVD-_a1BmOi31eLtID9IsMxknOFWyquoVbckyKL3kxGJxrMoi84z4C__GGQZgaumtTeiwDnAT9vlYOPqGi5DUBf7ZXXsFLVJ0YTzQmd_jbFufY"><img alt="" data-original-height="5675" data-original-width="8632" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNRI0FnposHTXeL9v1sgz14YQnlbfTil0s6wKajWfTSae5xRO6w1GdT4VuFJu7H8iK8KgZyMkwUneVD-_a1BmOi31eLtID9IsMxknOFWyquoVbckyKL3kxGJxrMoi84z4C__GGQZgaumtTeiwDnAT9vlYOPqGi5DUBf7ZXXsFLVJ0YTzQmd_jbFufY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgodhn6Wz_C6sEUSjcYR2KQ_Di-1WoP8WxLy1FkaRE0JRPuGp0gc6XQcitZGPJ2ZHTlNZkOdeq_UoCb41RObP0Yt32S4qG7wvVXEubj-XckHay3g8guHmgb7tWaSbYZ-AQjTvQiu56pvb0EJt1z3Zmk2RMOo6E0D_7kGz-qSeWx7eCxnCH45WYdBaM6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgodhn6Wz_C6sEUSjcYR2KQ_Di-1WoP8WxLy1FkaRE0JRPuGp0gc6XQcitZGPJ2ZHTlNZkOdeq_UoCb41RObP0Yt32S4qG7wvVXEubj-XckHay3g8guHmgb7tWaSbYZ-AQjTvQiu56pvb0EJt1z3Zmk2RMOo6E0D_7kGz-qSeWx7eCxnCH45WYdBaM6" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikVQKXnewmeeWcu4_vaKKb5yeS5WQznv8ApQA-ahNaL_m8sxfurXVmupipf8iT65yIjQ4uf7OYr8lJF_Pblk-UHReLMRidOO_pEJ3NhSaU7LcZukTeBMnArbrNUX3MMp8-CuBtKsN9ir5YHZwWYzbETLCzAS_x84valeS6fwNMcDMHV1g6xKuAvq6e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8681" data-original-width="5707" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikVQKXnewmeeWcu4_vaKKb5yeS5WQznv8ApQA-ahNaL_m8sxfurXVmupipf8iT65yIjQ4uf7OYr8lJF_Pblk-UHReLMRidOO_pEJ3NhSaU7LcZukTeBMnArbrNUX3MMp8-CuBtKsN9ir5YHZwWYzbETLCzAS_x84valeS6fwNMcDMHV1g6xKuAvq6e" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkWep81CS4G8mq5O2E42kjUyHKIALh4iMM2Lxw15tTit8GOjh3kH0I0CFE9w-AXUw4auG8CuPG7jN2z7pZc2oF_iovp_-6FDqcFvlhthDIandptbiTNdTdMUGIkWTao6AiObBTum_bZArYiYF-9Pkx1aGGat20RrddS4ZoVirudgTDb2F7--3S7zXY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkWep81CS4G8mq5O2E42kjUyHKIALh4iMM2Lxw15tTit8GOjh3kH0I0CFE9w-AXUw4auG8CuPG7jN2z7pZc2oF_iovp_-6FDqcFvlhthDIandptbiTNdTdMUGIkWTao6AiObBTum_bZArYiYF-9Pkx1aGGat20RrddS4ZoVirudgTDb2F7--3S7zXY" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDR3YFdeblJNNtNsp-zqrXxL4xOP5an6U-xoO5ah8_GnTtPaUHqNdAsAztz9ew7fAZGNvMOWmNwagdBVWfbQM7122lqfi8NeRN0Zx0OLrX9JxgWPPhLw-6120MjIfZ7Fg7hmeCdqUfwLnAQzCLvFAwzB0yCLgTHYWrHVTHsLjfysYo8IMuraO08pep" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5681" data-original-width="8641" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDR3YFdeblJNNtNsp-zqrXxL4xOP5an6U-xoO5ah8_GnTtPaUHqNdAsAztz9ew7fAZGNvMOWmNwagdBVWfbQM7122lqfi8NeRN0Zx0OLrX9JxgWPPhLw-6120MjIfZ7Fg7hmeCdqUfwLnAQzCLvFAwzB0yCLgTHYWrHVTHsLjfysYo8IMuraO08pep" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAJszqzwetb_GbGC4vLOwRbEEmP0fo45Q17p2ngy1pJree11i0bc3DxwaFVB0f4vIHLqGV3Bmrckr-0ol2X9wAI2Lp3CvYJbLeuyQmR7M14E_RTztEUVZizmZYS5nLj4oelOVjNquT4d-Pb5jnAQ93Y9oWft-Acp4ZgL3KAJT570j3hsXXSWPmr0fV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8659" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAJszqzwetb_GbGC4vLOwRbEEmP0fo45Q17p2ngy1pJree11i0bc3DxwaFVB0f4vIHLqGV3Bmrckr-0ol2X9wAI2Lp3CvYJbLeuyQmR7M14E_RTztEUVZizmZYS5nLj4oelOVjNquT4d-Pb5jnAQ93Y9oWft-Acp4ZgL3KAJT570j3hsXXSWPmr0fV" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This women's prayer area was through a small doorway near the entrance to the castle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ5sQMNjLF7VtMWT-ybNWliRsFnnULhtGDhwuwt-OdkVJa5NxHuH3IskfoEvFQgcPwf7aXW5BgFGLHJ7TToLoEpf5Vg-cUP-6y89M6LsgBzFpQSIQV_bmF2uXQAa5Vw1L-GzZqpcBztT8KLDYDJrAd6NcmYiF771gbmc3ge8W5v2uSykHlKCt9ad9M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ5sQMNjLF7VtMWT-ybNWliRsFnnULhtGDhwuwt-OdkVJa5NxHuH3IskfoEvFQgcPwf7aXW5BgFGLHJ7TToLoEpf5Vg-cUP-6y89M6LsgBzFpQSIQV_bmF2uXQAa5Vw1L-GzZqpcBztT8KLDYDJrAd6NcmYiF771gbmc3ge8W5v2uSykHlKCt9ad9M" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrptF8v5W4GnXJxsgywZ8LhJk3Mb6i6cqFq7Y7eQc9MT0g5L_iTvX5qwly0Nx5RpCGIByfw4603rm-GMT-phk-mOUY8PJTZCxqhrLkzI31AZHfD52PfDk0eCRW2mvCE2VS_z96HjAKRGfrcvRld-Cw4zuT2yau1xODzTn9-45jX8IKRzGWhBqnuRLU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5636" data-original-width="8473" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrptF8v5W4GnXJxsgywZ8LhJk3Mb6i6cqFq7Y7eQc9MT0g5L_iTvX5qwly0Nx5RpCGIByfw4603rm-GMT-phk-mOUY8PJTZCxqhrLkzI31AZHfD52PfDk0eCRW2mvCE2VS_z96HjAKRGfrcvRld-Cw4zuT2yau1xODzTn9-45jX8IKRzGWhBqnuRLU" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It was a short drive to the town of Nizwa. On the way, we passed what looked like a magnificent mosque. I looked it up on Maps after we had reached our destination and planned to visit it on the way to the Wahiba Sands Desert. The mosque was named the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa, and it got rave reviews. I could not find a site for it but reviews said that it would be open every day. Unfortunately, we arrived at 11:20 when we later departed Nizwa, and were told that it was closed to visitors at that time. I should have asked the hotel workers to confirm the time.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTUIinYTP3ud8ujFmOeIFEksOBfNejx-OGlEGU0QrAEiP7z4wC-I_DT5smNYMl1vhF3zjhh0MRdFRyusiNskPWTyjQtChqx5fYXDkoTSQnUS0QXhRTQyB8YRc5f_2OkZZq2_941uSaq0CkuF3Co42Bov7U2JNLE8l_r4BCU9_7FJq3rzO45UtqNrii" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3834" data-original-width="2876" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTUIinYTP3ud8ujFmOeIFEksOBfNejx-OGlEGU0QrAEiP7z4wC-I_DT5smNYMl1vhF3zjhh0MRdFRyusiNskPWTyjQtChqx5fYXDkoTSQnUS0QXhRTQyB8YRc5f_2OkZZq2_941uSaq0CkuF3Co42Bov7U2JNLE8l_r4BCU9_7FJq3rzO45UtqNrii" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only picture I was able to get.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Nizwa turned out to be the most disappointing location of the trip. The old town has a fort, a reportedly better souq than Muscat, and an old town. The hotel itself was pretty nice, but the old town was more of the abandoned variety, with heavy random construction throughout. The first night I tried visiting the souq, which was a disjointed set of clustered buildings. None of them had much on display and many of the shops were closed. I could not find a shop on Maps that had a dishdasha. I ended up spending time on my laptop, near the pool, as I could not find much to do, although I did visit a cute ice cream shop across from our hotel.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9EJaUTJSIXyA9amLj71ZsYDG9MUT_GPQV31fNuJfBMtyU00V35HgiJsrOWgrTEGz7I04UMMUV7p95KZgAHGivO_sDZocL86BfPPY-f7Jjf7XItC345ddvjgHRhS8wHEeu-XWJtjUszdXK-bSS7eDCQvpPRp1z7dHa-wGiWOsRb2SguNJXWh3R57Hw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9EJaUTJSIXyA9amLj71ZsYDG9MUT_GPQV31fNuJfBMtyU00V35HgiJsrOWgrTEGz7I04UMMUV7p95KZgAHGivO_sDZocL86BfPPY-f7Jjf7XItC345ddvjgHRhS8wHEeu-XWJtjUszdXK-bSS7eDCQvpPRp1z7dHa-wGiWOsRb2SguNJXWh3R57Hw" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmfrRvND-MqRkjFqIU5Q5R9hXpV3jSvw6qhFYHVnUUMOoKeuj2d_N9KwiAhOndSePubZCSTD9y2C-aXrpRaQrqO4-_d5116AXjwqYnXPvyZy2DCbobUSUIdZ-3X0M3YI09QYSgMtQw1q4LCbw81ae7jAvmwkU_WSZybntz1gx04h_Up_GiIsbSiO9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="3972" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmfrRvND-MqRkjFqIU5Q5R9hXpV3jSvw6qhFYHVnUUMOoKeuj2d_N9KwiAhOndSePubZCSTD9y2C-aXrpRaQrqO4-_d5116AXjwqYnXPvyZy2DCbobUSUIdZ-3X0M3YI09QYSgMtQw1q4LCbw81ae7jAvmwkU_WSZybntz1gx04h_Up_GiIsbSiO9" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the patio of our room, to the pool and hotel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The next day I walked five minutes away to see the Nizwa Fort. It was the most expensive tourist site to visit of the trip. There was a tall, round portion, that you could climb to the top, and a few buildings with a view of the Al Qala'a Mosque across the street which did not allow visitors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifQkc07JjiI7jRhs9IaDYCt0HuhD-qRHwb8VglWvw9uZvNFaL6dpz-aIJQnlJNPmmTTF2XeNFFWZyhbbcEzlXs200CCaMmFk0xDgeZZa9yJxNJW-A1trHELi4i32zXcbwOUQAS9WYxv-Mz6tPCL676ztz142JFLOgmzH143RbCSOFHboSbxxvIXFNq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5608" data-original-width="8530" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifQkc07JjiI7jRhs9IaDYCt0HuhD-qRHwb8VglWvw9uZvNFaL6dpz-aIJQnlJNPmmTTF2XeNFFWZyhbbcEzlXs200CCaMmFk0xDgeZZa9yJxNJW-A1trHELi4i32zXcbwOUQAS9WYxv-Mz6tPCL676ztz142JFLOgmzH143RbCSOFHboSbxxvIXFNq" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnxAoQoBOIXBWCrmO_jr4TXO91sFxNmOHgh9tnqjP4Nnm0I3yybvCq6fQGBObyISKr4BHPytBW0XWPQptOh5I0_XW2JiNhqjAqpK6kQn2ifOOSYNEo_ZW3Xob_xNdT6rH3_rrUKC90uFV0w-IRp91dPxswso7uxOjql9lnQVuhTnet9dY7wbhwfZYG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5726" data-original-width="8709" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnxAoQoBOIXBWCrmO_jr4TXO91sFxNmOHgh9tnqjP4Nnm0I3yybvCq6fQGBObyISKr4BHPytBW0XWPQptOh5I0_XW2JiNhqjAqpK6kQn2ifOOSYNEo_ZW3Xob_xNdT6rH3_rrUKC90uFV0w-IRp91dPxswso7uxOjql9lnQVuhTnet9dY7wbhwfZYG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikjDuVezodnifYDhq2U6AUzF_QNOjP1L1J8KS0a5sFxuJEkrjjAnCupnNfrczVlg213IZdWjjU_zHRrlRl7V3Ti7e_zJCFey4kN7aFB0HFXLtRIOk8EO4KLk7chJRPcpB4otQOvkmMokJCFmpqQ3zsFQlZpcJL8SnrO8NVzGjgE6xucEZwrByJvjSj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikjDuVezodnifYDhq2U6AUzF_QNOjP1L1J8KS0a5sFxuJEkrjjAnCupnNfrczVlg213IZdWjjU_zHRrlRl7V3Ti7e_zJCFey4kN7aFB0HFXLtRIOk8EO4KLk7chJRPcpB4otQOvkmMokJCFmpqQ3zsFQlZpcJL8SnrO8NVzGjgE6xucEZwrByJvjSj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG4DkojyM6idhrtj_6ieEcIAsjPtb7PNW4UxVVKeisHBmiUj9gvh11hVQm4pAqSDLdqwIyNPzLhH0zw1SDS6l_E4yzLTLf_yGG3sCxTgcn5HeMwPmY4IiGC1yngVjAH3T1u37H67nCeH1o4E78c4rEmSL6E75FZWDLUdH55e5Qo6HunSRc7jF5v7_Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5583" data-original-width="8492" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG4DkojyM6idhrtj_6ieEcIAsjPtb7PNW4UxVVKeisHBmiUj9gvh11hVQm4pAqSDLdqwIyNPzLhH0zw1SDS6l_E4yzLTLf_yGG3sCxTgcn5HeMwPmY4IiGC1yngVjAH3T1u37H67nCeH1o4E78c4rEmSL6E75FZWDLUdH55e5Qo6HunSRc7jF5v7_Y" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> I visited the adjacent garden, which had positive reviews, but was in actuality just some weeds and a tied up cow and goats in a cage, neither of which made me pleased. I tried the Souq again, and entered the large building in the center, which focused around food. It was largely empty of people, with many vendors missing from their booths. By wandering the alleys, I came across the tailor shop street, which had shpo after shop of tailors. I felt that there would not be time for them to make me a dishdasha, since I would leave the following day. Perhaps if I had discovered them on the first day I would have given it a try. I continued on to a coffee shop, which served flat white and had a nice view up on what appeared to be part of a city wall. I tried visiting the Al Shahba Shopping Centre, as an alternative to the Souq, but it was just half closed stores and half jewelry stores.</div><div><br /></div><div> I was happy to leave Nizwa. We tried the mosque, but were turned away. We journeyed two hours to a meeting spot, where we parked our car and were transported across the dunes to the Bedouin Rustic Camp.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo9cicbGYT29aRKXJcZw2h-26b2VmXslaVXwtHpTwy16oOczV5xyUEds2YRm_J6CW98yvdgx30OPCaURQt6t3R04v8ne-2OQUpCrMkb7pMKoz7NoHG3cgVEaNsFoFQ1j8vxZBaHnUQ7IGm1ei4Svik2o4PiZ1ykHYAvHNWzIPrYbAnmRVuyl_JhO9Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3488" data-original-width="2616" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo9cicbGYT29aRKXJcZw2h-26b2VmXslaVXwtHpTwy16oOczV5xyUEds2YRm_J6CW98yvdgx30OPCaURQt6t3R04v8ne-2OQUpCrMkb7pMKoz7NoHG3cgVEaNsFoFQ1j8vxZBaHnUQ7IGm1ei4Svik2o4PiZ1ykHYAvHNWzIPrYbAnmRVuyl_JhO9Z" width="180" /></a></div><br /> We would be here for two nights. We were given the option to take a tent or a room in the building. We instantly felt the intense heat inside the tank and chose the building. Our first act of business was to walk toward the dunes before sunset. Between us and the Dunes we found a large herd of goats. The baby goats attached themselves to Miles. The herd began to move on, but three goats in particular kept following Miles as he and I continued toward the dunes. Miles felt bad and decided to lead the goats back, and then went to our room. I continued onward.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg65tj3u5lcSh4VydDSkTJx562fIdhGOcswduDggfzkksVP3YtmB0QMBruX40VsHLw28FX79mjV08PrjJOOsEjgGmj-ZOJkzYFk02M-R6L-T3pSt7opeQCQtjXVjhRmaq2JtzX546Se8X8SbD3biPmH9kLu28EiB2NQz9OejHqjf2bZCId_j3aQn-LC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg65tj3u5lcSh4VydDSkTJx562fIdhGOcswduDggfzkksVP3YtmB0QMBruX40VsHLw28FX79mjV08PrjJOOsEjgGmj-ZOJkzYFk02M-R6L-T3pSt7opeQCQtjXVjhRmaq2JtzX546Se8X8SbD3biPmH9kLu28EiB2NQz9OejHqjf2bZCId_j3aQn-LC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgazaisNrBQO9UXys6qtYiK4vyV0JVVGVDqcqEann2ZJkQmYkOMKrX51dZORAi4vNW-jS1_i4_QyTBygJF7pMvEJ27Fd6-3rXwotjFy9OKvJETQjPwG8Y2Y-84ePwEu7xU3jxND4kHf2BjsTnKEhDxqlUdnewLDhUJKQjrSDzIZMDbKBpjFkY25RSle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgazaisNrBQO9UXys6qtYiK4vyV0JVVGVDqcqEann2ZJkQmYkOMKrX51dZORAi4vNW-jS1_i4_QyTBygJF7pMvEJ27Fd6-3rXwotjFy9OKvJETQjPwG8Y2Y-84ePwEu7xU3jxND4kHf2BjsTnKEhDxqlUdnewLDhUJKQjrSDzIZMDbKBpjFkY25RSle" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCPtvhpWfFojHPddLyRdqulYu6l5RXkPGTsu805tVSPNinwqc1Z0P4nDxQCwOPbSPZvMXTzhsTYuhCmTTuNQ277Kzsu9tXjcE6X3LMFhmPxJPDjUaevjKXOQ4377XpKgpMX0f9XP_Rg5O1n8hdd6E4ydM3KkUssQRff_k9VTCK9EXWzLKnq4YHL10e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2509" data-original-width="3764" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCPtvhpWfFojHPddLyRdqulYu6l5RXkPGTsu805tVSPNinwqc1Z0P4nDxQCwOPbSPZvMXTzhsTYuhCmTTuNQ277Kzsu9tXjcE6X3LMFhmPxJPDjUaevjKXOQ4377XpKgpMX0f9XP_Rg5O1n8hdd6E4ydM3KkUssQRff_k9VTCK9EXWzLKnq4YHL10e" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZXXBrNWCC2PDYRgAo88XJ4n380RQeOCJbiMgM3d56UKB8n8Ixgc3BULqgXv-ndQCCBgXh5iJhVQf6Q0qoE734HndV3135EmRjN_lWeVPoB5hDrureHBE8aVoi1MhYEhydPKB7v8eT_TMSeLq6eq6cxPA4SUx0nrwin8CnRSOKVou07v0SYZ7qsr2C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5529" data-original-width="8293" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZXXBrNWCC2PDYRgAo88XJ4n380RQeOCJbiMgM3d56UKB8n8Ixgc3BULqgXv-ndQCCBgXh5iJhVQf6Q0qoE734HndV3135EmRjN_lWeVPoB5hDrureHBE8aVoi1MhYEhydPKB7v8eT_TMSeLq6eq6cxPA4SUx0nrwin8CnRSOKVou07v0SYZ7qsr2C" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was incredibly windy at the top, which made taking out the cameras rather difficult. I tried to minimize the time that I brought them out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ld-rY8VF_3M" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ld-rY8VF_3M"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ9qB_UgAyMXiIPbYA_EGkklj9EXFSUCZyLByWpnm6LZsRaI5yNJG-1BnG9_XgGvGNl_QJErcy2uxtm_4eGbRXrJ1Yet356GVmjSnjhv97zV1TvUFmUrJX6P6rHn_R_APh55TBgVsxpdvOmO_w_RcxhOAKcPRNyZMHl66A4u6C5AJ2NBTXe7OtatFt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5320" data-original-width="7980" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ9qB_UgAyMXiIPbYA_EGkklj9EXFSUCZyLByWpnm6LZsRaI5yNJG-1BnG9_XgGvGNl_QJErcy2uxtm_4eGbRXrJ1Yet356GVmjSnjhv97zV1TvUFmUrJX6P6rHn_R_APh55TBgVsxpdvOmO_w_RcxhOAKcPRNyZMHl66A4u6C5AJ2NBTXe7OtatFt" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD1i-X4cPuDZzGTQ-eLzf5tNZ3t5vVw_Gxdaj1F1sKgGtDbH7vbYR7TWBRwM-8ol0JAVH2VLjOI5KVPaKgOXuKxwe8pqI8i49V2l2moIbqtO_HWnCHNOuYYERWj03aRp4xZ8jBxzcL74sPMqX7RfgzPGhfQbobGwocdZVZh4j7NzGYxmGUUWShBfX0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8542" data-original-width="11411" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD1i-X4cPuDZzGTQ-eLzf5tNZ3t5vVw_Gxdaj1F1sKgGtDbH7vbYR7TWBRwM-8ol0JAVH2VLjOI5KVPaKgOXuKxwe8pqI8i49V2l2moIbqtO_HWnCHNOuYYERWj03aRp4xZ8jBxzcL74sPMqX7RfgzPGhfQbobGwocdZVZh4j7NzGYxmGUUWShBfX0" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizc3JjXsTIRrLrYQlBHVKCxjOJeqvGwqykLQAbDad3uelhk3GlMXBsN7VxsmudrRxBFUtPTNtECd5L46uSHwJ9-iG1qyj3jDeNYQzVFnRc6X2tU7TUcRSS9D0rU8mTGz9qCvdvSaEQuFFcdZe7SOj9NRpxa0G1RpkeJupfbentGC0shZDxjkt-RJhV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizc3JjXsTIRrLrYQlBHVKCxjOJeqvGwqykLQAbDad3uelhk3GlMXBsN7VxsmudrRxBFUtPTNtECd5L46uSHwJ9-iG1qyj3jDeNYQzVFnRc6X2tU7TUcRSS9D0rU8mTGz9qCvdvSaEQuFFcdZe7SOj9NRpxa0G1RpkeJupfbentGC0shZDxjkt-RJhV" width="320" /></a></div><br /> According to the schedule board, dancing was at 6:30. I had no intention of participating, but I showed up to watch. That first night there were two younger couples. The camp has a whole wardrobe of Bedouin clothes, which they use to dress up the guests and teach them two dances. One of the dances feature men(father and son in this instance) with mock bendable swords, which they used to attack each other while using their sandals as a shield. This is part of a dance that generally has spectators dancing while holding hands and going around the mock fighters.</div><div> Next was dinner, followed by time in front of a campfire. The first night, the twenty three year old son of the owner hosted the campfire. He spoke about how the Bedouin people were 10,000 in 1970 and had dwindled to 500. He spoke about the ways that camels helped in the old life, as well as how they still benefit them to this day. In the old days, they helped as a way to transport people to Mecca. Body parts of the camel were used for everything from socks to dew collectors to a writing board. Camel urine and milk were used as medical remedies. He spoke as well, about how smart camels are and that camels form a strong bond to the humans and have been known to cry with joy when they return after being away for a while. In modern days, camels are used in highly profitable camel races, which are popular in the region, as well as for tourist purposes.</div><div> He also told the story of how his father, when younger and poorer, came across two English tourists and offered to help them cross the desert, despite knowing only half of the way. On the first night, while one of the tourists tried to film the camels, the camel mistook the noise the camera made as indication of food. The father stepped in an slapped the camel, which made it irate. The camel charged the father, who ran to a nearby tree and circled the tree in a desperate attempt to escape harm. He eventually discarded his dishdasha, which the camel confused for the human himself. Once he stamped out the dishdasha, he calmed down.</div><div> Then, he opened it up to questions. Others were quiet, so I decided to ask a few. I asked if young people were continuing to live the Bedouin lifestyle. He explained that the vast majority are going to cities and going to University, including him and his siblings(6). I asked about how young people met their relationship partners and discovered that it is almost entirely in person. Couples have to be pretty secretive and cannot progress physically. They do not have arranged marriage however. Most people marry between the ages of twenty three and twenty seven. </div><div> He smoked tobacco in a pipe, and explained that this is not allowed by Islam, though it is much more accepted than alcohol consumption. I commented that the goats around the country are not tagged, and asked him to explain the system. He said that they wander on their own, but come home for food like dates. He might have also described a type of burning/branding to mark, but I am not quite sure I understood that entirely correctly. I asked him what the Omani people think of the influx of tourists. He said that Oman, in fact, had booming tourism in 2019, but it has only rebounded by forty percent since Covid. He said that tourism means that people think Oman is beautiful and it is good for business, so the Omanis like it.<br /> We used usb battery powered miniature fans to help sleep that night.<p></p></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-67971622759666781502023-03-14T23:40:00.002-07:002023-03-14T23:40:55.070-07:00Oman 4: Misfat's Spring and the Balcony Walk of Jebel Shams<p> Before continuing where I left off, there have been a few things I have forgotten to mention:</p><p>- The buffet dinner one night in Jebel Akhdar served an Egyptian dessert dish called Omali. It was very similar to bread pudding. I liked it. Miles tasted it but scoffed at its consistency.</p><p>- I took great care to order long sleeved shirts and long pants for both Miles and I, because reading up on Oman indicated that dress code was fairly strict. Even though there would be more leeway with Miles, once you hit puberty, you are considered an adult for dress purposes here. Other visitors don't seem to care in the slightest. They wore short sleeves and shorts, which are kind of expected, but I also saw women in yoga shorts and other completely inappropriate and tone deaf dressing.</p><p>- In the hospitality and service industries, there are every very few Omani workers. It is almost all foreigners, from Africans to Indians, and even Chinese. It has been a waste that I learned about fifteen Arabic phrases, because there seems to be noone to interact with that knows the language.</p><p>- There is trash everywhere. Trash has been on nearly every hike. In streams, wedged into rocks, it has been inescapable. Even when I pulled onto the side of the road and climbed down some rocks to a middle of nowhere spot to view the sunset in this blog entry, there was trash wedged in to the rocks and I had to maneuver myself so that the trash would not end up in the pictures. I am assuming that this has a bit to do with just how much plastic is being used in Oman by the tourism industry. Due to uncertainty when it comes to drinking Omani water, every hotel throws tons and tons of water bottles at you, from their breakfast, to dinner, to being left in your room. With all of this plastic out there, you have disrespectful tourists just dumping them wherever they feel like it.</p><p>- Oman has seemingly abandoned most of its towns and rebuilt elsewhere in newly built structures. They just appear to have up and left them. So, wherever you go, you have crumbling buildings and tons and tons of attempts to now renovate these decaying structures, or just building new. Much of the renovations of older buildings, from what I can tell, are aimed at turning them into hotels, cafes, or museum experiences. I tried to look up explanations for the state of Oman, but have not had much luck. I know that they were extremely poor until they discovered oil in 1962, and then they rapidly expanded education and living standards. Perhaps this explains the mad rush out of the old towns and the old ways.</p><p>- Cats. There are more stray cats here than I have ever seen in any other country, and they are extremely skinny and not well cared for. I don't have a solution for it, but it is something that I definitely noticed. Hell, last night during dinner, a cat came over to beg for food.</p><p>- Just as in Morocco, at different times during the day, for a call to prayer. This is mostly in the bigger cities, as there is little to none in the countryside. At 5:00 AM, and as late as 8:00 PM, prayers are broadcast on loudspeakers. I find this practice to be a bit odd. Before technology, this obviously was not a thing. It feels forced, overdone, and unnatural. While researching this, I found an article about Saudi Arabia limiting the volume of these call to prayers, because it was becoming disruptive and could negatively effect the elderly and children in the area.</p><p>- Jeremy has suggested that adding a hose into my bathrooms would actually be a fairly easy and reversible process, if needed for resale.</p><p>-The Omani people that I DO end up encountering have been incredibly friendly and welcoming. They wave to you while walking on the road or in their cars. They never seem agitated if you ask for help. They also do not give off any irritation at the influx of tourists. There has not been a single moment where I have felt uncomfortable or unsafe here. Of course, this is coming from a white male, so my perception might be skewed.</p><p><br /></p><p> Returning to where my last blog post left off, once I was back in town, I passed this sign for a coffee shop. I could not turn down such a bizarre of an entryway, so I climbed the steps.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEingYMT5b_87VbUGqL_dV6l6upv8fqW-pQd-dSICfbeblntRl9xPtAmxzzuyMUqh4RdgGeXqpWb5jeUK-abQLgl9e9n6PGHJnDF8hzZJiv13ucizkBg9l5ngyMkmeURD8kUFiCrDpqE7nJQQ-WjBgs1TPI7ZQSv1IdSgCCr7P_ty8PfkpgPToNDyT44" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEingYMT5b_87VbUGqL_dV6l6upv8fqW-pQd-dSICfbeblntRl9xPtAmxzzuyMUqh4RdgGeXqpWb5jeUK-abQLgl9e9n6PGHJnDF8hzZJiv13ucizkBg9l5ngyMkmeURD8kUFiCrDpqE7nJQQ-WjBgs1TPI7ZQSv1IdSgCCr7P_ty8PfkpgPToNDyT44" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> After multiple flights of stairs, I reached the cafe at the top, with a wonderful view. I ordered a flat white and fresh orange juice. It had been so long since I had had freshly squeezed orange juice, that the taste surprised me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGAA_sK9E2v42JA-nob9H-EM535d9b_ibobXRRfCOmu_qKCe6b2A2Gtdbpu2iE0kzCZDLEhh64kmNG3CEnj6XNmk7cWgD4B8UwOVQx0KqkTZMlXeyLfxRGrB3FgF50osDRRPnAfL1lRUGO0575irenuvVnXgW7HT84tal5dTZrcuMe4yh_fo6DXv6i" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2972" data-original-width="3963" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGAA_sK9E2v42JA-nob9H-EM535d9b_ibobXRRfCOmu_qKCe6b2A2Gtdbpu2iE0kzCZDLEhh64kmNG3CEnj6XNmk7cWgD4B8UwOVQx0KqkTZMlXeyLfxRGrB3FgF50osDRRPnAfL1lRUGO0575irenuvVnXgW7HT84tal5dTZrcuMe4yh_fo6DXv6i" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUP5rf-nb46VU3AIVsnjn_gQQMcPs5ddqpzthZ7idWBrbZWNTdGm4Ie3AYLMu0dyTTdUtOKWO6clBNjtlsokN0Iuy4iL1jLKYCH6aiY9KOuyeuApBKWuvC__ZdUUKEiLaiVh4QAZO-ZhklhedjyV4uQSiPMUTJg3RAWP9FfjHXQCH4dV5Epn4WTCpJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5755" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUP5rf-nb46VU3AIVsnjn_gQQMcPs5ddqpzthZ7idWBrbZWNTdGm4Ie3AYLMu0dyTTdUtOKWO6clBNjtlsokN0Iuy4iL1jLKYCH6aiY9KOuyeuApBKWuvC__ZdUUKEiLaiVh4QAZO-ZhklhedjyV4uQSiPMUTJg3RAWP9FfjHXQCH4dV5Epn4WTCpJ" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steps leading down to the other side of the cafe.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSeLQnUdnP4GjYXwJSG7quvsOEriAlKqbADNxPLMxDs7r3LqTXKKSpbqQg5oN3skUCklxTXNi72-1DwjdHQVG7CKavAro6bmiJETIbjI6yxCmJtowsffcbWyJ5A0GHZsKT5mGlIyrKTP4Fu9oMoRw7DeMEtIKaBPalIHMLqW2bVJAlcL3MVoXG8cPd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSeLQnUdnP4GjYXwJSG7quvsOEriAlKqbADNxPLMxDs7r3LqTXKKSpbqQg5oN3skUCklxTXNi72-1DwjdHQVG7CKavAro6bmiJETIbjI6yxCmJtowsffcbWyJ5A0GHZsKT5mGlIyrKTP4Fu9oMoRw7DeMEtIKaBPalIHMLqW2bVJAlcL3MVoXG8cPd" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While walking to the hotel on the first day, we passed this shop, which was open at the time. it was never reopened. What found most amusing was the sign pointing to virtual reality. Because, when you think of virtual reality, you definitely think of abandoned villages in the hilltops of Oman.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Once I was nearly back to the hotel, I saw the Omani flag painted on the wall, indicating a trail. I had been hoping to find the trail to the Spring of Misfat's Falaj system, so I decided to see if this led there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB7rwDJjxso77ri2g1phvNTiQ6HKbqKDi1i3WdRseNbQwPSf6onV2bt9lzkYs0XasjflxNsUg2y_GjaBwhTvmaLxmFJ9ATuRpUjwCOncFu9FzAsuVrmNnu48iAeX6zEDeHejIX8G4FZOimUPvIPIMY8v7xxVrKPNL_oHjio3HxDNQ6SXHGwZVjRY-v" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8694" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB7rwDJjxso77ri2g1phvNTiQ6HKbqKDi1i3WdRseNbQwPSf6onV2bt9lzkYs0XasjflxNsUg2y_GjaBwhTvmaLxmFJ9ATuRpUjwCOncFu9FzAsuVrmNnu48iAeX6zEDeHejIX8G4FZOimUPvIPIMY8v7xxVrKPNL_oHjio3HxDNQ6SXHGwZVjRY-v" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieYPbvgYh2LcI4zDHSC_Djj5XnSyzMQf6Ru1EodK0V1UOIEQTvVgTwKDg4hJ7UAP2vTTBdGXcjm8FZqLcHhfkqg0C3-VCDOokZGRL2iq2fsFbWVO_RFanyge9fi8nkcb1PqwtnRTZOB6XhyDfwmutDHlotMP9URJv5Mx_Aru_BqbD0QzA6C9SZgkf1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieYPbvgYh2LcI4zDHSC_Djj5XnSyzMQf6Ru1EodK0V1UOIEQTvVgTwKDg4hJ7UAP2vTTBdGXcjm8FZqLcHhfkqg0C3-VCDOokZGRL2iq2fsFbWVO_RFanyge9fi8nkcb1PqwtnRTZOB6XhyDfwmutDHlotMP9URJv5Mx_Aru_BqbD0QzA6C9SZgkf1" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_b7C8TaYr2LJK5iGAmEFVQITVI2ViKkPN6cenBDKOIlqeIJSohTqJkZENGYHOkjBy4zd01spGrHeSdFuUwpPARAwb_SiqdRkyqPYZybPF31qB-OLI6-7MJb150c16ijF_2Q_DoYDwXtYRrJs4j4CUKvsDSrFiGZlzvHmCU-JgbSaJB1HwrKE2Oq6m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_b7C8TaYr2LJK5iGAmEFVQITVI2ViKkPN6cenBDKOIlqeIJSohTqJkZENGYHOkjBy4zd01spGrHeSdFuUwpPARAwb_SiqdRkyqPYZybPF31qB-OLI6-7MJb150c16ijF_2Q_DoYDwXtYRrJs4j4CUKvsDSrFiGZlzvHmCU-JgbSaJB1HwrKE2Oq6m" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUeDQtktr2HIVBQpbHXA-NbN11BbmO0TtyhTmVroohzvftkuIxpABwc6b3aqRbVsnf6Ltmv5o9LRyNdgW5hFIF0VCyf6-vJLmmMOkJVfZ0iwfCykaz-PrfH1k_8SwCGRJ9uMKjLn1Q8KrJ3-eiw6YL3jDzhd9gM9ovdV7MNLx3LkCOSdmzukpHBJ4V" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUeDQtktr2HIVBQpbHXA-NbN11BbmO0TtyhTmVroohzvftkuIxpABwc6b3aqRbVsnf6Ltmv5o9LRyNdgW5hFIF0VCyf6-vJLmmMOkJVfZ0iwfCykaz-PrfH1k_8SwCGRJ9uMKjLn1Q8KrJ3-eiw6YL3jDzhd9gM9ovdV7MNLx3LkCOSdmzukpHBJ4V" width="320" /></a></div><p> The route was an easy walk east and north of the village, along the mountain's side. The water had little fish swimming in it. Then, it just ended at a rock face, where the water kept going. It was way too tight of a space to enter. I didn't take a picture of it because it was so unspectacular. There were steps next to the waterway, with nothing on either side of it. After looking around for an alternative path, I decided to walk up the few steps and then down the other side. It simply deposited me in a dead end surrounded by boulders.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfrItwJRn1egvarPHsyNwkANKd2uUEPhUQplOI8fIh6tsFlL2SIPATauRhtFQwjyULmSSisyIP5rH4BLWxAA16qD1WGnuZL3FJ-fSOESc1IG9bMvxSrhvK502HmF1sKYYNieXaaWHwJ6kN2YU6ooyV-pcGOV0rKolDX4YeyOsYhuILu3KXa04P2bQ5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfrItwJRn1egvarPHsyNwkANKd2uUEPhUQplOI8fIh6tsFlL2SIPATauRhtFQwjyULmSSisyIP5rH4BLWxAA16qD1WGnuZL3FJ-fSOESc1IG9bMvxSrhvK502HmF1sKYYNieXaaWHwJ6kN2YU6ooyV-pcGOV0rKolDX4YeyOsYhuILu3KXa04P2bQ5" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTWOZaev5msJhlw2rpRk8hENRYkHmS9HgUFTyP41Yq92ScTJqbIChjyoFcWO6BQrNBEU2zN7oBBdj-GPa99C6W3jY70r1AA1FjfX4-NN6Q2J8pMoPUhNTzg2v3jy9CI9kGF40X_LSZlNxuKnQ0Nn_jYM7oUldUcJlTewxqqQuvoy1TI6UAGEwBAO-6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTWOZaev5msJhlw2rpRk8hENRYkHmS9HgUFTyP41Yq92ScTJqbIChjyoFcWO6BQrNBEU2zN7oBBdj-GPa99C6W3jY70r1AA1FjfX4-NN6Q2J8pMoPUhNTzg2v3jy9CI9kGF40X_LSZlNxuKnQ0Nn_jYM7oUldUcJlTewxqqQuvoy1TI6UAGEwBAO-6" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The new town above Misfat blocks the sunset view, so I drove five minutes out of town. I found a place to pull over and walked down to some rocks to watch the sunset.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUB5bc5R8mnSYk1164ALTsmdfwnz7NorBprMe-NIQZhe2Lg2qMB706OC2U0ZVTYWa2Gkhx2X1MFq98b_21DFWLgFFq2bfWgM8VVJfbqpfEOQhdsMleb0fu-d6WiBZ8Wud8PbFB3ajkZcbD4fT6RkeCybciFvZ2EGYbu6Q00FJodPOh0lLy4a1So1O2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUB5bc5R8mnSYk1164ALTsmdfwnz7NorBprMe-NIQZhe2Lg2qMB706OC2U0ZVTYWa2Gkhx2X1MFq98b_21DFWLgFFq2bfWgM8VVJfbqpfEOQhdsMleb0fu-d6WiBZ8Wud8PbFB3ajkZcbD4fT6RkeCybciFvZ2EGYbu6Q00FJodPOh0lLy4a1So1O2" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrLywdwGetwJPKtydanq7g1oyKYtt0IEK8IoAI4GMdJBq7fnMGkVg6nSbQ3vx7koBvLNERBwWkT1kE-2GFgAiaTWHolYWieJg_Mg2MUiG2OBZz8sqGQfspfmfCCCznItEd3IuVSPznG5kZ2tW6-lx78VrEEcJYIu0RlOQO7-fGZOT6hIGN7MD4kG9A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8635" data-original-width="11515" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrLywdwGetwJPKtydanq7g1oyKYtt0IEK8IoAI4GMdJBq7fnMGkVg6nSbQ3vx7koBvLNERBwWkT1kE-2GFgAiaTWHolYWieJg_Mg2MUiG2OBZz8sqGQfspfmfCCCznItEd3IuVSPznG5kZ2tW6-lx78VrEEcJYIu0RlOQO7-fGZOT6hIGN7MD4kG9A" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next day we drove an hour and a half to Jebel Shams. We had to drive on a dirt mountainous road for about fifteen minutes before it became paved again at the top. They allowed us to have an early check in at our hotel, and then left shortly for the Balcony Walk. The Walk itself was another 10 minute drive away, but it only took that long because it was mostly an extremely bumpy desert road. Strangely, getting up this mountain did not require four wheel drive, but it definitely made more use of it than Akhdar.<p></p><p> We were extremely high up, on a well made path, that mostly wasn't completely sheer on one side, though at times it was. Miles was hesitant first but we eventually got into a rhythm. Miles wanted to lead and take it slow, so I did what made him comfortable. There was one time when he freaked out about an insect and made sudden movements and I had to grab him and admonish him that now was not the time to react like that. On the way back, he fell forward once. Otherwise, the trip was without incident.</p><p> There were a few spots on the hike where it opened up into a large walkable cliffside. We ended up making it eighty to eighty five percent of the way through the whole hike. While not physically strenuous, it took a mental toll on us to deal with how high up e were and how stark the drops along the walk were. We could see the final destination in the distance, which was a tiny abandoned village on the side of the cliff(which I point out in one of the photos below). We had seen a majority of the views, and we accomplished what I wanted to accomplish, so we headed back. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAIEDmFLStId7TyyAsKYm89ByVPfAwHG3mVxPYvSnRI4ioAvxaAWhqUonnpuY8McfugW90cAiI9XfDxLoZApC3Hc36GA0R-QzrtSdgfvtcGMXEAi00-Qz_N1ymdF9yTjAND7e05djsE5oWpBSakPtZU1x5QL4Q9Qnto_pcFT7Y0AsgSxlLTlOnSeB2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAIEDmFLStId7TyyAsKYm89ByVPfAwHG3mVxPYvSnRI4ioAvxaAWhqUonnpuY8McfugW90cAiI9XfDxLoZApC3Hc36GA0R-QzrtSdgfvtcGMXEAi00-Qz_N1ymdF9yTjAND7e05djsE5oWpBSakPtZU1x5QL4Q9Qnto_pcFT7Y0AsgSxlLTlOnSeB2" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A goat greeted us at the entrance to our hotel.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt-jiwekO9oM6gmzEFm7OMkVGwFUHeX5LAzt3Njk4mUnnrk_HU1E8eJRvtAVBk6bUsV1nDRZSIOQxmKIqhC4JAsq3zp2VsKZqksOkB1Z_Xp5qfCXXtyPCYPWh8OWlO7dsGUQGRwsZQt1ukfF3vCOORzJ-Ie4jKLU_r_Dek1m0y0fyY2G2M4_nDW-fe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt-jiwekO9oM6gmzEFm7OMkVGwFUHeX5LAzt3Njk4mUnnrk_HU1E8eJRvtAVBk6bUsV1nDRZSIOQxmKIqhC4JAsq3zp2VsKZqksOkB1Z_Xp5qfCXXtyPCYPWh8OWlO7dsGUQGRwsZQt1ukfF3vCOORzJ-Ie4jKLU_r_Dek1m0y0fyY2G2M4_nDW-fe" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxKx96WaLRMnvkjP3FvSmLvkKEbd0W2G8yAlQGLos-ZLrj3yeq8IXqPuiVmg27OuASRHaTWDYTu2rfdXU1yFQZh6kRdZEFRGpBnxX_5BDXvi05VG5EVu0L630KE78apGj_ppdRBltk8LwckdZP-tC6ZC_B0flmdWksOeVYsZ_ayPl5uV4GVN9Pb6Gn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxKx96WaLRMnvkjP3FvSmLvkKEbd0W2G8yAlQGLos-ZLrj3yeq8IXqPuiVmg27OuASRHaTWDYTu2rfdXU1yFQZh6kRdZEFRGpBnxX_5BDXvi05VG5EVu0L630KE78apGj_ppdRBltk8LwckdZP-tC6ZC_B0flmdWksOeVYsZ_ayPl5uV4GVN9Pb6Gn" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZgeaLcqqaPKyTowGmTih8csKtuOjiHqzqxM-Elsp-GC0Y2hDrNp-8ivHVDAjwxybUJZT7okT193PZtbxT_-P2wLWqFc-nvDE9ztHSvASONO5kSlSfK40hTlnaD0gF-iw7Dbw_vkEkUeivydHMxLvnuZelTsJjPbMIp7pJMuLG9_LjdVywepxeSbHp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZgeaLcqqaPKyTowGmTih8csKtuOjiHqzqxM-Elsp-GC0Y2hDrNp-8ivHVDAjwxybUJZT7okT193PZtbxT_-P2wLWqFc-nvDE9ztHSvASONO5kSlSfK40hTlnaD0gF-iw7Dbw_vkEkUeivydHMxLvnuZelTsJjPbMIp7pJMuLG9_LjdVywepxeSbHp" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7CylwwkBVezYZqG-PNhD79bYJlhntcwcobv3F70s_cPeGQlpOGi1Gg71yIoLcDhoPO2FkQFNESEZIq4q0Kde6W9_cEKle8IUjW-JUbxzBekyKf5qM9L0FxY6tcXpVpktUVOfc8UaErswooMmIkCBpMVoQbSZS2y1QY2iEYrf1P9fp-9VtOOvN3skc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7CylwwkBVezYZqG-PNhD79bYJlhntcwcobv3F70s_cPeGQlpOGi1Gg71yIoLcDhoPO2FkQFNESEZIq4q0Kde6W9_cEKle8IUjW-JUbxzBekyKf5qM9L0FxY6tcXpVpktUVOfc8UaErswooMmIkCBpMVoQbSZS2y1QY2iEYrf1P9fp-9VtOOvN3skc" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you squint, you can see Miles there.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkDCDlCISuoWVhNShx8g-6rSIBpB4Mb2n-3Z9V4r2mcJlDLAZo0nLFP-LNYoiiPwq4JiBP668FMZGerRn7b1ejxIb-WQgH2HYiuHLZE9P3JjQkrni5mCQ-aShIfuduumlene5sEiFWsAkJXeQHaP-8yX2VEx7KdcyDk3IwGHANpZK3a7-raUpH-BuR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkDCDlCISuoWVhNShx8g-6rSIBpB4Mb2n-3Z9V4r2mcJlDLAZo0nLFP-LNYoiiPwq4JiBP668FMZGerRn7b1ejxIb-WQgH2HYiuHLZE9P3JjQkrni5mCQ-aShIfuduumlene5sEiFWsAkJXeQHaP-8yX2VEx7KdcyDk3IwGHANpZK3a7-raUpH-BuR" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrwqkKu8PLAIdl_gWsJDDvRg0lQqnfJxPU-0Boe4RZuMWdfPY3WOX7mFo7p2kqYZOxyXPC_xkeoR6yIBEe2w_SrSvr9XbhMtGqMsTn9-NkD742AaVQCSfPsS8Ym1POcd6Scxj40USCrFqICFp4ce8sNMIKhfJOyndvERIcUyZKY4GFR2j4ZYeDWkq6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrwqkKu8PLAIdl_gWsJDDvRg0lQqnfJxPU-0Boe4RZuMWdfPY3WOX7mFo7p2kqYZOxyXPC_xkeoR6yIBEe2w_SrSvr9XbhMtGqMsTn9-NkD742AaVQCSfPsS8Ym1POcd6Scxj40USCrFqICFp4ce8sNMIKhfJOyndvERIcUyZKY4GFR2j4ZYeDWkq6" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXtPHuyh4uH4WAa9e2Ru4yPPL6W3AVzbaoUUMSvU2QwA2R8zqBGg_n4MUSDJ424Q3TLjQAN5JOCl9M1T8ethbjJfmqww2_46pyo9DB4s1niaqmGfibZ7rqGWq2FI9XtJhs_yT-B3sNavVr3_9xu2QCtRe_1oZYyOqranGpXxkzLRLR7nToyU-J4RP8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXtPHuyh4uH4WAa9e2Ru4yPPL6W3AVzbaoUUMSvU2QwA2R8zqBGg_n4MUSDJ424Q3TLjQAN5JOCl9M1T8ethbjJfmqww2_46pyo9DB4s1niaqmGfibZ7rqGWq2FI9XtJhs_yT-B3sNavVr3_9xu2QCtRe_1oZYyOqranGpXxkzLRLR7nToyU-J4RP8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyYg8rdi6r8XuKZ20TW46qhscLIgiLy5VQwkRMI0d7OiHfEpFiVJq-nmozHuW3mY4ODkZqfcxu7Z2NpQr8l9bLfw783kagkfL3gsjNVCX05F1uUIu9ZRoDZvhXRWth0PK59gjzuw8hg2nQ-YHOhZwdYRJ0jXvcHh8VrdWNA6ANKulX61Lg6IKIJd5M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyYg8rdi6r8XuKZ20TW46qhscLIgiLy5VQwkRMI0d7OiHfEpFiVJq-nmozHuW3mY4ODkZqfcxu7Z2NpQr8l9bLfw783kagkfL3gsjNVCX05F1uUIu9ZRoDZvhXRWth0PK59gjzuw8hg2nQ-YHOhZwdYRJ0jXvcHh8VrdWNA6ANKulX61Lg6IKIJd5M" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2pQbHeWYy5FixRKiO-QWXAdcMTNXa1Kk4x2WV-DoCZnXs7Pw_xYEaryK_kQelwKda_7BykOYSQEUZ-sTyxlrPCHnGlE328JkMfpIjHUoj0Ga7bo6iox-rcJMU0fhw09Fc-QX1eMhRsrFvsTwzYGYS2iDKGDZfTyrki2BbhEYwkjhjnQviBHVjyWog" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2pQbHeWYy5FixRKiO-QWXAdcMTNXa1Kk4x2WV-DoCZnXs7Pw_xYEaryK_kQelwKda_7BykOYSQEUZ-sTyxlrPCHnGlE328JkMfpIjHUoj0Ga7bo6iox-rcJMU0fhw09Fc-QX1eMhRsrFvsTwzYGYS2iDKGDZfTyrki2BbhEYwkjhjnQviBHVjyWog" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH78cJDu6RXDGNqq9S3THF-89QBodZ5fGPGTFv-9qHi30pQaxBkzVmPuMlL0Sg840zwtKGB0pKpXCPLyr1ST9G5lTZVN6C1_gJ50pYR4RBAsrhP-OlkK2do0pc24Xx4TdC27YpokkFarVXbFG5od4dndJm2uod79gxMXYqqaOyc7-vqCIjssoxzywK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH78cJDu6RXDGNqq9S3THF-89QBodZ5fGPGTFv-9qHi30pQaxBkzVmPuMlL0Sg840zwtKGB0pKpXCPLyr1ST9G5lTZVN6C1_gJ50pYR4RBAsrhP-OlkK2do0pc24Xx4TdC27YpokkFarVXbFG5od4dndJm2uod79gxMXYqqaOyc7-vqCIjssoxzywK" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWORsEgRqc4VnDyGIqu1rKPeU9rIZgMnEWC0Dt3rFnRDMjHO8Rpara1Wf3wyUwGRd4Np_SotDPk8fhxmBRnm_TUVwA3yfR5H_IyPLy5uaxzGVNUm72VGwnMRDFtV3sR-a9ahWTMf_jfKvJWScUaQ4zTYXClCIEMrftZVgC0z1O13CZ3-7O78pwRo-n" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWORsEgRqc4VnDyGIqu1rKPeU9rIZgMnEWC0Dt3rFnRDMjHO8Rpara1Wf3wyUwGRd4Np_SotDPk8fhxmBRnm_TUVwA3yfR5H_IyPLy5uaxzGVNUm72VGwnMRDFtV3sR-a9ahWTMf_jfKvJWScUaQ4zTYXClCIEMrftZVgC0z1O13CZ3-7O78pwRo-n" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAVGcdc1dGZigjGN6ckhNRjrgt3qNyx4Z1pWYpMci1EfwxzilNWpH14TFlg9ZzKyx5MYB4wNQPnj7qnceg8MBKyzePt4ZwRr9xs9TlG4lceqjhd0tSNDbhovXoSHrd5E9SA4YiT5Pr-PjHfjFmSMBkUsD9zfcZfftYyKQFTnZRd3XZZDAVkLrXPgEe" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1114" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAVGcdc1dGZigjGN6ckhNRjrgt3qNyx4Z1pWYpMci1EfwxzilNWpH14TFlg9ZzKyx5MYB4wNQPnj7qnceg8MBKyzePt4ZwRr9xs9TlG4lceqjhd0tSNDbhovXoSHrd5E9SA4YiT5Pr-PjHfjFmSMBkUsD9zfcZfftYyKQFTnZRd3XZZDAVkLrXPgEe" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a heavily cropped picture to show the abandoned village that we didn't reach. This village is within the previous picture, which shows the final part of the path that we didn't venture onto.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyj05ZJB9-1YKH049EleMpuLgKj1-Rg_Ix_Mpx0P-TY46Q_dPAsdQOur5O95ZPut3yC-lUhnna2PtjBwzhByu0AICv7xTC2aQdf4Q2QgBX2n6cgtBuPAbPwDKs9MwZVqvlMbNI0v2Um6gcDCF2l3p0fLSPFQJCw0r9FOLWuYIJ2IX6uUDv01ogvYW9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyj05ZJB9-1YKH049EleMpuLgKj1-Rg_Ix_Mpx0P-TY46Q_dPAsdQOur5O95ZPut3yC-lUhnna2PtjBwzhByu0AICv7xTC2aQdf4Q2QgBX2n6cgtBuPAbPwDKs9MwZVqvlMbNI0v2Um6gcDCF2l3p0fLSPFQJCw0r9FOLWuYIJ2IX6uUDv01ogvYW9" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpiNUCs4q1MDDignsdag0K1qiN6s2-7fDnZwcn_lrcDs3QIjnICoII7uUPGaZMjFgzb3YDXevVWY3AuJOeRD_37cUA8nkwT7Sc-ompkF1-6MXnmVfF-RKqfY-fpHUA8iuA0_hUsNzqweCD_FznHqizv5OdKeEdR2BWbJ02Jue9ZqO73bAEJ_6LG6Vr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpiNUCs4q1MDDignsdag0K1qiN6s2-7fDnZwcn_lrcDs3QIjnICoII7uUPGaZMjFgzb3YDXevVWY3AuJOeRD_37cUA8nkwT7Sc-ompkF1-6MXnmVfF-RKqfY-fpHUA8iuA0_hUsNzqweCD_FznHqizv5OdKeEdR2BWbJ02Jue9ZqO73bAEJ_6LG6Vr" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A goat that we encountered on our return trip, back near the beginning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinohBEIpi2tPOh25vonWEUtqNiDncmNWWslkFpQvx9-Bhuc9ZBV0wFn6W1O0X8NibtEBmQe78gHekJskpxT7f3Sz4HlYLoVxK6hoB6cxybXBF5K-D3ap3ebliqufRHJVsmaxGtgNNPw7IV3_gaUm2lBZiCRbjRbHCoRKKOdZ5T1Uziprp20PgENn9m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinohBEIpi2tPOh25vonWEUtqNiDncmNWWslkFpQvx9-Bhuc9ZBV0wFn6W1O0X8NibtEBmQe78gHekJskpxT7f3Sz4HlYLoVxK6hoB6cxybXBF5K-D3ap3ebliqufRHJVsmaxGtgNNPw7IV3_gaUm2lBZiCRbjRbHCoRKKOdZ5T1Uziprp20PgENn9m" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMAFV-3ZcaZTe8-HXI3tiviURkpdIpa3IRijmT8EYHRQssHy0rIoQ4LV3ro2VfsmcGDMPsreMo4gfJxQg_sR2reDBQgK9uDfIHP9EAtokh2KPcE2AMXooGjHrzJKhdHIRz8b3ZdErwydoMiMn2aBFQyiVWSNdsZfCq44HgiWJUDSVW5SBnrzSVAair" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4883" data-original-width="6512" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMAFV-3ZcaZTe8-HXI3tiviURkpdIpa3IRijmT8EYHRQssHy0rIoQ4LV3ro2VfsmcGDMPsreMo4gfJxQg_sR2reDBQgK9uDfIHP9EAtokh2KPcE2AMXooGjHrzJKhdHIRz8b3ZdErwydoMiMn2aBFQyiVWSNdsZfCq44HgiWJUDSVW5SBnrzSVAair" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkUsRB5RSCrOkerOQ2KnCciKwj47PZQVpErEIV4dFpPeGOtY1Ak7uHRnRDXbneqyW9MVt8XubsG1X-EqTNv-0hgkeDvjEW2sqX751xq-woJT7gxcysc-8XfuC1M3jHOe3QgKzE5V8PYFBiicM2ZW5coiCAld3qaryt1cjZJAzYQ1f9sI73FVUWVHdD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkUsRB5RSCrOkerOQ2KnCciKwj47PZQVpErEIV4dFpPeGOtY1Ak7uHRnRDXbneqyW9MVt8XubsG1X-EqTNv-0hgkeDvjEW2sqX751xq-woJT7gxcysc-8XfuC1M3jHOe3QgKzE5V8PYFBiicM2ZW5coiCAld3qaryt1cjZJAzYQ1f9sI73FVUWVHdD" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-75341658451007067572023-03-13T23:46:00.002-07:002023-03-13T23:46:35.557-07:00Oman 3: Hiking Jabal Akhdar and the mud village of Misfat Al Abriyeen<p> That night, I stayed by the hotels balcony, hoping for a nice sunset. My photos didn't end up so well, so I am posting this cell phone picture instead.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI1s8Ib4lTkpgVTgttoOUwgSLFpd3yrEBODUUfhSmMICEIXzpzN-qak2FxeJCNfR7BmRA6QrG5BAdkovJmyBCA-N41Lc012ZiebT9asq7D5LFeFlXDxEFUdo68qyLDMGjvAGn2cy0BKKZaE4BcZfOVlhl3jF3mU05sSlJA6z97n4Jdlr5Qg5QNrqnH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2973" data-original-width="3964" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI1s8Ib4lTkpgVTgttoOUwgSLFpd3yrEBODUUfhSmMICEIXzpzN-qak2FxeJCNfR7BmRA6QrG5BAdkovJmyBCA-N41Lc012ZiebT9asq7D5LFeFlXDxEFUdo68qyLDMGjvAGn2cy0BKKZaE4BcZfOVlhl3jF3mU05sSlJA6z97n4Jdlr5Qg5QNrqnH" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next day we walked a short distance from our hotel to begin a hike connected three villages, Alaqr, Al Ain, and Alshuraijah. There were only a handful of impressive views, and the villages were nothing new to us by this point. We did catch a beautiful cat sitting by a pond, however.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFA0FUy_0PVrD74t-2KZTwKjcuqwfMSHSnIubfDgct0vUTmFRMHqE3YLH-lhIkBsQPvO7MbT-nIU03sHxJ1iXVa-KTrFoJkbWYVYDzD_ysYjI3Qwo8cgXcOQd2EhKflL5GsXAG2T4Wm24Rv31qp8y8fddNhKRwXs6fnBf6sw05gXUHkCzT12NX4CVT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7888" data-original-width="10517" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFA0FUy_0PVrD74t-2KZTwKjcuqwfMSHSnIubfDgct0vUTmFRMHqE3YLH-lhIkBsQPvO7MbT-nIU03sHxJ1iXVa-KTrFoJkbWYVYDzD_ysYjI3Qwo8cgXcOQd2EhKflL5GsXAG2T4Wm24Rv31qp8y8fddNhKRwXs6fnBf6sw05gXUHkCzT12NX4CVT" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjteE7v71hD3Q8DMHYt6BbKRnTq4Y2r3dop_ZMREwxqhbWfGlHKiFiuDFIXrUGzUUTc9jjAHdj9_qrkSShwp1l2v0l6SJnVMkmovxAZ_S80CojO0hq6OScPD0GWY2DJoYgqP_aamMi0ExxAd15bdPoK_abeh7DOji5823mttUHPYtO55d1KVYmoeE3K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjteE7v71hD3Q8DMHYt6BbKRnTq4Y2r3dop_ZMREwxqhbWfGlHKiFiuDFIXrUGzUUTc9jjAHdj9_qrkSShwp1l2v0l6SJnVMkmovxAZ_S80CojO0hq6OScPD0GWY2DJoYgqP_aamMi0ExxAd15bdPoK_abeh7DOji5823mttUHPYtO55d1KVYmoeE3K" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNOctPSmj2I_GfKCTkmZEoUJ-y1qteCz0w-y2fwjyQ3oUkg9PXO-pZC4ga2G4bpxEAv_AezC7CugIJ9rFCPHClE5Q7Dd7Ap9T5A7-QI4zWfEdY87sZPj6lM47DUonmFyGobdlUJ71vOnCjDJE0P6oHimyb8Y7IEu_A_zPoSwU-O7jVj2flrQGkO2Sd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNOctPSmj2I_GfKCTkmZEoUJ-y1qteCz0w-y2fwjyQ3oUkg9PXO-pZC4ga2G4bpxEAv_AezC7CugIJ9rFCPHClE5Q7Dd7Ap9T5A7-QI4zWfEdY87sZPj6lM47DUonmFyGobdlUJ71vOnCjDJE0P6oHimyb8Y7IEu_A_zPoSwU-O7jVj2flrQGkO2Sd" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached the far end of the trail, where it unceremoniously ended in front of a construction site. We somehow began down the wrong path, but realized that we were no longer seeing the Omani flag symbol, so had to retrace our way to the final village and begin our journey home again. On the way back, I decided to keep an eye out for insects. Miles was an excellent spotter of insects, and also caught sight of a lizard from a distance, allowing me to slowly approach.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF9x3h1wyQ3Q4UIc9nj7qTVIgb6flMdFbKrwmZkY06mhJEcM1C1h1Gwij_zMRvTx7lJyS_i451zWhoKfDiBpNhNduhkwGcxWsvfkmngImAM6D0bE368okwxYrWFOX6U60AwfKOZpy5UitgXnFpWVCMz8y75iqKP8lIdmibfa3AY12FvcE4XNDhdik4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5892" data-original-width="7856" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF9x3h1wyQ3Q4UIc9nj7qTVIgb6flMdFbKrwmZkY06mhJEcM1C1h1Gwij_zMRvTx7lJyS_i451zWhoKfDiBpNhNduhkwGcxWsvfkmngImAM6D0bE368okwxYrWFOX6U60AwfKOZpy5UitgXnFpWVCMz8y75iqKP8lIdmibfa3AY12FvcE4XNDhdik4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8CFRZZfWT693wUxkDk-7o5bWsYvRI2GR8F7pRaZ0OAMS4aXglv2xibXGAN8Zq25AWMV7HrC0lV0Qe99CyQ-RIFt1j2YgfIUuiwohDRnIpjsV3B4ubNBH_-15xyLLPdrIMAZkS0hQlcwWDLnac_Htalof8k0ZkgJ2QbyPavw00qweNaHUGEqDklPUq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6824" data-original-width="9099" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8CFRZZfWT693wUxkDk-7o5bWsYvRI2GR8F7pRaZ0OAMS4aXglv2xibXGAN8Zq25AWMV7HrC0lV0Qe99CyQ-RIFt1j2YgfIUuiwohDRnIpjsV3B4ubNBH_-15xyLLPdrIMAZkS0hQlcwWDLnac_Htalof8k0ZkgJ2QbyPavw00qweNaHUGEqDklPUq" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha0PBbKNPnx0SFrz7yH9SGycZAmnqy3Z_UQ40w6YyFTyAS_R-iHT6Xvc-CLqSd62UJKuUMyiYEakwDuLwZUlRyyS1Fy4CK9NCDYehLMtauK7pLqaBuTPsCO6kIFHtfJ4pZjUr1BWB28X5pa5Tso-9iR8gDbk4PRj0tXzt8GlQABnf70Cue6FWPKIAD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3485" data-original-width="4647" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha0PBbKNPnx0SFrz7yH9SGycZAmnqy3Z_UQ40w6YyFTyAS_R-iHT6Xvc-CLqSd62UJKuUMyiYEakwDuLwZUlRyyS1Fy4CK9NCDYehLMtauK7pLqaBuTPsCO6kIFHtfJ4pZjUr1BWB28X5pa5Tso-9iR8gDbk4PRj0tXzt8GlQABnf70Cue6FWPKIAD" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMN7xkpRuhyMdCxLCi88jhWIDC544zwBOLAhAqNPSs7W2RAxvDfR-cnhX3hW-5LHSbA2X847_gX_Kdbcseo2ng8HUSPBQcrSxKPGx13L7Gwpyp5c3qMiGzLNNfdelMIfjeIa-fcAlBABVFO2YuKGqNUHOAt7H2Q26RsEPbNzWAKHV0wfpvC-F-WXtu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5450" data-original-width="7267" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMN7xkpRuhyMdCxLCi88jhWIDC544zwBOLAhAqNPSs7W2RAxvDfR-cnhX3hW-5LHSbA2X847_gX_Kdbcseo2ng8HUSPBQcrSxKPGx13L7Gwpyp5c3qMiGzLNNfdelMIfjeIa-fcAlBABVFO2YuKGqNUHOAt7H2Q26RsEPbNzWAKHV0wfpvC-F-WXtu" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE31XzI3v7TCLhGZh2z-vRpQdjh-T0GLHc80y8jF_bdSnNrY-MeyRvsmFpdvEgldBDqJxllHtx3ywYiQCbW6Bd5X8EHZJBQzlEkoOpUoNxX36fXJ1RbYeuPLip2JCsD7wlm6Z9wdH7NPdeFVtV6xWuQvpI7MsTVvSeXHY21goZbfqmbFFcIQuIaK9K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE31XzI3v7TCLhGZh2z-vRpQdjh-T0GLHc80y8jF_bdSnNrY-MeyRvsmFpdvEgldBDqJxllHtx3ywYiQCbW6Bd5X8EHZJBQzlEkoOpUoNxX36fXJ1RbYeuPLip2JCsD7wlm6Z9wdH7NPdeFVtV6xWuQvpI7MsTVvSeXHY21goZbfqmbFFcIQuIaK9K" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijSUNPSj6wuvPSBDje4tjRkNuSR5qaSSQ_8-8EbQSGIyYO_6ZtEfpQHWfPB7H4R5S1XB2J7zIU_1L0y7SjRTvmtlkgcBotLbUj8Mdgz6PR-7uz9GxnDfzwfIU3hV7vorfFqYW6tvQ4gjNQOMA8t2MKhG_xSSHW5hJcv-wbUYxwN0H8ATzPobAagVYS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6711" data-original-width="8948" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijSUNPSj6wuvPSBDje4tjRkNuSR5qaSSQ_8-8EbQSGIyYO_6ZtEfpQHWfPB7H4R5S1XB2J7zIU_1L0y7SjRTvmtlkgcBotLbUj8Mdgz6PR-7uz9GxnDfzwfIU3hV7vorfFqYW6tvQ4gjNQOMA8t2MKhG_xSSHW5hJcv-wbUYxwN0H8ATzPobAagVYS" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6p_nRuaR6CErtITIw_vUCY8VLyk-4CexIGUA37h63PwyaFwgXY_H3BTjtFy0bVdp0HUyTy9sf2lQTDEl5GDoitqqcRCTaZ2y_YcaKtV7kUUSo2W7uQ3woLp_f7WUBSZMxvQ518gulpw782YS-FoEU2kHFEVghfcElYfkiVyTjx3Gxd7na5rNLwKc8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5117" data-original-width="6822" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6p_nRuaR6CErtITIw_vUCY8VLyk-4CexIGUA37h63PwyaFwgXY_H3BTjtFy0bVdp0HUyTy9sf2lQTDEl5GDoitqqcRCTaZ2y_YcaKtV7kUUSo2W7uQ3woLp_f7WUBSZMxvQ518gulpw782YS-FoEU2kHFEVghfcElYfkiVyTjx3Gxd7na5rNLwKc8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihmLAda5t7uh2sh9-Zgo54435BpnozCiBIkb2k2YWCaDU4bOrhl1uS0qH6tGV3axanJuXUCGVSZbmwo458fttQQ2uyx7qkQVp4xnmIY3JE6blJgl4YTTCJDzQSZAe8J65v-mq7LZRAFGlRr7w5ZuNmjPnci4X66Dx9E9P8I1ixP8mNieuHFvkQsclM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6866" data-original-width="9155" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihmLAda5t7uh2sh9-Zgo54435BpnozCiBIkb2k2YWCaDU4bOrhl1uS0qH6tGV3axanJuXUCGVSZbmwo458fttQQ2uyx7qkQVp4xnmIY3JE6blJgl4YTTCJDzQSZAe8J65v-mq7LZRAFGlRr7w5ZuNmjPnci4X66Dx9E9P8I1ixP8mNieuHFvkQsclM" width="320" /></a></div><br /> That night I was so busy writing the previous blog that I forgot to go out for the sunset again. Whoops!<div> The next day, we first drove to the abandoned old town of Al Hamra, on the way to our final desination of Misfat Al Abriyeen. This old town was left behind, to crumble. Some Omani decided to restore a handful of buildings and create a culture experience within. I chose to have us visit one of these, Bait Al Safah.<br /><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8wg4lRsTeV3mVeXbuJqvSb6OkVFeZ_SGEtOq_BomxDOkPsG7UVD8fiJ6JAuugdsUpt0ld3UTibH9IcracymQzSThciB6S1q5oKjKZItoB2gnmEgm9kWLvBzzy95iapJKh61qtju_ENrXTdHc3dg5RlhOm2W1ZEHKWwPWQ6r-aoSDYfAWFaY1ZhrAX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8wg4lRsTeV3mVeXbuJqvSb6OkVFeZ_SGEtOq_BomxDOkPsG7UVD8fiJ6JAuugdsUpt0ld3UTibH9IcracymQzSThciB6S1q5oKjKZItoB2gnmEgm9kWLvBzzy95iapJKh61qtju_ENrXTdHc3dg5RlhOm2W1ZEHKWwPWQ6r-aoSDYfAWFaY1ZhrAX" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-AGCdr22D2M0lE8RDD5HVBaBBU-oaAQDg4rWeGcA9YWw20K75bPst9_hhWZuTNr4vbVnLE4gjpDGeUh0onxo54QNjGHvxuekE9ScOu0KvNRM7FhFB001YIgGsp08uyMPTdRHkQn-zGlIwirW13WKeWPmNgZVizt1Vc3OlBumLNOObNRM3sjnksoOF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-AGCdr22D2M0lE8RDD5HVBaBBU-oaAQDg4rWeGcA9YWw20K75bPst9_hhWZuTNr4vbVnLE4gjpDGeUh0onxo54QNjGHvxuekE9ScOu0KvNRM7FhFB001YIgGsp08uyMPTdRHkQn-zGlIwirW13WKeWPmNgZVizt1Vc3OlBumLNOObNRM3sjnksoOF" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdCUSBiUzT9PhVX4fG-CkQ2w1wI01ZO8S7OBBCw_kkBda0KjLKbbpwGwMFgvk-YSbNt9QwecGyPRU8oycvpfHO3t6YgoOZaWCI9HVyrpjnTMPwUQW-JzVezofbYC41tDAAKUfUy42iS8zDmYzeU5lhEq-Apr2SuE_-alWdfKsOEvvmre2igh9mXPBz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8761" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdCUSBiUzT9PhVX4fG-CkQ2w1wI01ZO8S7OBBCw_kkBda0KjLKbbpwGwMFgvk-YSbNt9QwecGyPRU8oycvpfHO3t6YgoOZaWCI9HVyrpjnTMPwUQW-JzVezofbYC41tDAAKUfUy42iS8zDmYzeU5lhEq-Apr2SuE_-alWdfKsOEvvmre2igh9mXPBz" width="158" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizLX-jWo0tbpXo_tcuFUlpj7uANGifyj94By0eDWqofL-mew8DKtmjhV5TtDV-XOGzM0D7CzTN15XIllhvbFP3gtjytNHoOkqwTM6GcWLlnIQeXleNzIdI2MFcddYMf7hJs2AT8NVrwBEP_NBn3UU4UCl1IOUMdENCE20-6cQXwTYUkO2xRBh4sZF6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5750" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizLX-jWo0tbpXo_tcuFUlpj7uANGifyj94By0eDWqofL-mew8DKtmjhV5TtDV-XOGzM0D7CzTN15XIllhvbFP3gtjytNHoOkqwTM6GcWLlnIQeXleNzIdI2MFcddYMf7hJs2AT8NVrwBEP_NBn3UU4UCl1IOUMdENCE20-6cQXwTYUkO2xRBh4sZF6" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A large tour group arrived just before us, so we went along with them. After a short description of the house, we were brought into a large room where one woman demonstrated how the people of Oman used to grind coffee. The other showed us the process of creating Omani bread, and then invited a woman up to try her hand at it. I would not have wanted to eat the bread that this volunteer had made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We were all given samples of the bread just made. Miles commented that he liked it and would have had more. It was explained to us beforehand that photography of the women were allowed. Normally, I would have had to ask permission.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF-4_ALjnauPZFB0cbjOFdAkoScrdfI9KjgkmbTEiFKk8do7713xsHRo3ISnZt3UZdDRSXveYAQlmn2nv3FI9zdy-0VyhfdqH2VifZExRsCD0DkvmibsUJ_hNL33ifnH87DvH8MdVWDRDsHqnCOO8lDJo97_QUwI8Pwlr1j3FoAGUlHdajs2au4Iey" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5026" data-original-width="7481" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF-4_ALjnauPZFB0cbjOFdAkoScrdfI9KjgkmbTEiFKk8do7713xsHRo3ISnZt3UZdDRSXveYAQlmn2nv3FI9zdy-0VyhfdqH2VifZExRsCD0DkvmibsUJ_hNL33ifnH87DvH8MdVWDRDsHqnCOO8lDJo97_QUwI8Pwlr1j3FoAGUlHdajs2au4Iey" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> We were led upstairs, to a room where the guide gave some background on the traditional clothes of men and women. I asked if they always chose to go to a tailor rather than buying them premade. He said that it can go either way, and sometimes shops will have different sizes, but that being tailored was preferred. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIYrq8UbeH5Vb2OODUk0Wwlm-DqWiSVwnwyasKGbNYw41BIYEsvEr_rooZ7HDrkacEs_VXIa0EJiVdaY_MexgZaF5rraZrt0hQ02RsEVH__U6sVhYaFJfhnCnQbZMvO0SajFDJ_whPnK-bCkGUNatYu-UJMsUB5seYnwbCGCohc2kGObW6rf_WwG6E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8640" data-original-width="5750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIYrq8UbeH5Vb2OODUk0Wwlm-DqWiSVwnwyasKGbNYw41BIYEsvEr_rooZ7HDrkacEs_VXIa0EJiVdaY_MexgZaF5rraZrt0hQ02RsEVH__U6sVhYaFJfhnCnQbZMvO0SajFDJ_whPnK-bCkGUNatYu-UJMsUB5seYnwbCGCohc2kGObW6rf_WwG6E" width="160" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiddbTFwrTRfQbAuZYhBu5NGX7WAdbN7URwZ276lWS0TKZzTcPG_FC4dvYslBvIaPcxZY3vAA0NCSXE3VoKUxZtrAhnUuUI7kSWziysFejvnDHqOn1MDHc0eoQrSEhx5Rcir55Q3zxxc3b17w0rok6llPb0wVer55XsCLF93mhEY0Zr6K785JIGNK_T" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5750" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiddbTFwrTRfQbAuZYhBu5NGX7WAdbN7URwZ276lWS0TKZzTcPG_FC4dvYslBvIaPcxZY3vAA0NCSXE3VoKUxZtrAhnUuUI7kSWziysFejvnDHqOn1MDHc0eoQrSEhx5Rcir55Q3zxxc3b17w0rok6llPb0wVer55XsCLF93mhEY0Zr6K785JIGNK_T" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The final room had us sampling Omani coffee, while sitting with the hosts. Before the bulk of the group arrived, I asked, in Arabic, if I may take a picture of them. They happily obliged.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilfXccvWTq12z9Z-OvTPeF68rLf1h2h5bEXsVdlST_vaXBSGP5Pf8mG2E1aAbTNFI2YruQdEFix3Fo4_GYxVgpPm_gNDn9-YCDibrW7zRUApBonrf_pfDN0qwSGK7NGoS1isChBWj6be5G51tZaWZqQkYtdWoV3BDL47D_JsmnsfgUGLbIl3NukpQI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5759" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilfXccvWTq12z9Z-OvTPeF68rLf1h2h5bEXsVdlST_vaXBSGP5Pf8mG2E1aAbTNFI2YruQdEFix3Fo4_GYxVgpPm_gNDn9-YCDibrW7zRUApBonrf_pfDN0qwSGK7NGoS1isChBWj6be5G51tZaWZqQkYtdWoV3BDL47D_JsmnsfgUGLbIl3NukpQI" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The coffee was very aromatic. A fragrant smell, which is exactly how it tasted. It is served in a tiny cup, without sugar or milk options. Afterwards, we wandered around the streets some more, on the way back to our car.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2H6qLjv-mn3EcU6XXOm9StqIyPHa2I8-pQCBtjI3goB4UbC41Frg7tlW7Ow3kYuAp_5LhsFaOvMdIc_R5L9OGMbNlj1TjDQAhowaVqRde3PoFsOWvBO4Rpb5GNDR6y4YGVm8u_fSDWYgKw0puOo4OLYxhIKP3tnkjZDWL45-2PGh_mf_Qc5jmfDdg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2H6qLjv-mn3EcU6XXOm9StqIyPHa2I8-pQCBtjI3goB4UbC41Frg7tlW7Ow3kYuAp_5LhsFaOvMdIc_R5L9OGMbNlj1TjDQAhowaVqRde3PoFsOWvBO4Rpb5GNDR6y4YGVm8u_fSDWYgKw0puOo4OLYxhIKP3tnkjZDWL45-2PGh_mf_Qc5jmfDdg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSgWDrTxIG8EMrY1g4hNpCIV_DG19p7U-zZ4-M1G9tvJJo5O7NGgOmRW4ZqOgST_orCSB_2rIq6-NLKF398fXWGEcmu-tWRg_cYtaXJvluCjSH-jR8dpMp9pHYPbExSiNkVdYGxUWHWBxY37FkaCxuN63xQJt4bZCznAXZ-PER7KW4bKL5mX8aRJoR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSgWDrTxIG8EMrY1g4hNpCIV_DG19p7U-zZ4-M1G9tvJJo5O7NGgOmRW4ZqOgST_orCSB_2rIq6-NLKF398fXWGEcmu-tWRg_cYtaXJvluCjSH-jR8dpMp9pHYPbExSiNkVdYGxUWHWBxY37FkaCxuN63xQJt4bZCznAXZ-PER7KW4bKL5mX8aRJoR" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Misfat Al Abriyeen was just ten minutes up the hill from Al Hamra. We parked in the small car park, just before the village. The village is traversed entirely on foot. Our hotel was near the bottom of the vlilage, so we walked down many steps with our luggage. We were warned about the distance, so we condensed our luggage some in preparation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> We passed a cafe that served ice cream, but when we returned, it was closed. We chose to go to Rogan's Cafe, a multi storied terrace cafe. I ordered a crepe, not knowing what was inside, Omani coffee, and Miles ordered waffles. What we received was unexpected, but delicious.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjDiHI1vduRDIl5Nv6Jz70Tk8cg1seCFSloulj7Jzn3n2-_5iL0L_4oiWiD2TA2P6zJnu_xdj0FV_4soyxfAIZYOAjcXHzb7n5LQfZRfhiUSEZ61QAobp5Nja5fBwyRmzk7M3SN_jkc1_iwde0Xu5UNR6Yhabne-zSpkcc0rprMpgnUw3yTHOCdjib" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjDiHI1vduRDIl5Nv6Jz70Tk8cg1seCFSloulj7Jzn3n2-_5iL0L_4oiWiD2TA2P6zJnu_xdj0FV_4soyxfAIZYOAjcXHzb7n5LQfZRfhiUSEZ61QAobp5Nja5fBwyRmzk7M3SN_jkc1_iwde0Xu5UNR6Yhabne-zSpkcc0rprMpgnUw3yTHOCdjib" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The next day, after breakfast, Miles complained of being tired, wanting to sleep, and not wanting to hike around town with me. I told him that he could take the day off, and ventured out on my own. I climbed upward, through the village, with my eye set on making my up as close as I could to Rogan Castle. Just now, as I am writing this, I see the connection between the tower name and the cafe. I hadn't noticed this earlier. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy-sK764s6HtZdWVzL0dVK8xu6xRKcRvY7epDBSwv0Pk37fcByz7qay_g0fEpluw_oNRDQUN-T325C0iCxcgJhmqJvdj8U612o08JybshIvjtuu4-Z1xx1y5vqFQJaxTpHBZ7AspupvVdu3RHGkXA9fj15p63qx-xh-gsqSXRlaEU_yT9eRq-eN7Sl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy-sK764s6HtZdWVzL0dVK8xu6xRKcRvY7epDBSwv0Pk37fcByz7qay_g0fEpluw_oNRDQUN-T325C0iCxcgJhmqJvdj8U612o08JybshIvjtuu4-Z1xx1y5vqFQJaxTpHBZ7AspupvVdu3RHGkXA9fj15p63qx-xh-gsqSXRlaEU_yT9eRq-eN7Sl" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivw7WPHWEfo2tOEUVyI4OnH-RdhKK6YxvUuLksVcx7dBr-X3D843q6hX_1kyv2JkXF_CDdIhFNfN4Kfxb5EHI2a_IxQnIn6QANoEKIdv845JRRmh_Mlst1gFoVA0hrlZoggpgpdQ1rAVkpe4O33qbR3XHMmhn_ndCCXWjiMs9GplQpbMp0GDN-jtqN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8761" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivw7WPHWEfo2tOEUVyI4OnH-RdhKK6YxvUuLksVcx7dBr-X3D843q6hX_1kyv2JkXF_CDdIhFNfN4Kfxb5EHI2a_IxQnIn6QANoEKIdv845JRRmh_Mlst1gFoVA0hrlZoggpgpdQ1rAVkpe4O33qbR3XHMmhn_ndCCXWjiMs9GplQpbMp0GDN-jtqN" width="158" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Steps brought me to the top of town, and to the roof of the highest building. From there were further rock steps that led me upward. It was fairly easy to navigate upward, until I reached a spot around the same height as the tower. There was no way to reach it though, as there were huge gaps downwards all around the tower. I had anticipated this, as the reviews online had suggested as such. There were magnificent views, and some nearby flowers caught my eyes.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5TMi8l-nQLn4Tf5K725RAJHOjEhLu5LPDawGsZRWan9nnCWT_x2KfRjh8SrFgAA-AhdT1HOzxDb1SIQ3PDxcz0hGcLYaFk2x7pFkntLexMhdZV_--33n9LjrKakGYplUWDyMVXlcIybhuOAprV6p9zM-bK_EcaN70-9CqxrpK0VspZojnnDQ4dVwh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5TMi8l-nQLn4Tf5K725RAJHOjEhLu5LPDawGsZRWan9nnCWT_x2KfRjh8SrFgAA-AhdT1HOzxDb1SIQ3PDxcz0hGcLYaFk2x7pFkntLexMhdZV_--33n9LjrKakGYplUWDyMVXlcIybhuOAprV6p9zM-bK_EcaN70-9CqxrpK0VspZojnnDQ4dVwh" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibHR9HKC02wEzT6i5xfll0Ukm33bgpJ1tQcVMexVu96B5-mqBmp7X-d_6CojBZYILjtoY-4ybl3Ews8bOUOBpaDMmYkG7i1Tcslmx0NjIlC88-Xjliqr5qmgFOV2yvwQngl3FqhM74j4qXGoTsRD0XQz6EClHuBy9csIHxs26vCJjAJJdIzSRgZ7lG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibHR9HKC02wEzT6i5xfll0Ukm33bgpJ1tQcVMexVu96B5-mqBmp7X-d_6CojBZYILjtoY-4ybl3Ews8bOUOBpaDMmYkG7i1Tcslmx0NjIlC88-Xjliqr5qmgFOV2yvwQngl3FqhM74j4qXGoTsRD0XQz6EClHuBy9csIHxs26vCJjAJJdIzSRgZ7lG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_3-MdrpwzYOKqWtEABCDDadHrixsMzeLfAC1l_Wu0fyrQXxIuZYF2OXTgJBFMeoOPbYaVghj0JEe5TPUUzdt-te0uDCIIH9M9kzKfPUkSCsgC_YWWnATczqUMu-r-lYjOFOeE4bDuWQ4i0myy9a45IbNomwKN6hNE9G2BbmFditMsG1Xu3oQIMc9f" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_3-MdrpwzYOKqWtEABCDDadHrixsMzeLfAC1l_Wu0fyrQXxIuZYF2OXTgJBFMeoOPbYaVghj0JEe5TPUUzdt-te0uDCIIH9M9kzKfPUkSCsgC_YWWnATczqUMu-r-lYjOFOeE4bDuWQ4i0myy9a45IbNomwKN6hNE9G2BbmFditMsG1Xu3oQIMc9f" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcCBGEy7F6HhDVXFWkbhVqDNUitbl3W9XXZ4eXpS2fo50_SON8E7S8kHKiaHR0jiyhLfE61R3HvFkoRgDhD8NJoE4QE_KwyXx9DG_1Mt8XWuEQ63bsCSleYxv9-bpwfduANadr5Ihk7ZtdydH-g3ygxMLVVKXNueZ1cpX3q3awmREohw9dZtOWkD-s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8180" data-original-width="10907" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcCBGEy7F6HhDVXFWkbhVqDNUitbl3W9XXZ4eXpS2fo50_SON8E7S8kHKiaHR0jiyhLfE61R3HvFkoRgDhD8NJoE4QE_KwyXx9DG_1Mt8XWuEQ63bsCSleYxv9-bpwfduANadr5Ihk7ZtdydH-g3ygxMLVVKXNueZ1cpX3q3awmREohw9dZtOWkD-s" width="320" /></a></div><br /> As I began my descent toward town, I spotted some goats, so I decided to go in their direction.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM4fr_TaNO0jZJlTbqvayrqqzcoTLa-yQ5XI8Gfclc79uj4-iWB2dF3-glphSWZd7WmoNHEZpgNKW-h4FKrMZTzted8IKe7xNtsaKe4XUDlCbwv9PsNJqE2F3He1ld1vl7V4pRKyHhBWZwNTo8pEwyBN75FmjFf14zh6oay3VRwyEkchtMTTmZw2wm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM4fr_TaNO0jZJlTbqvayrqqzcoTLa-yQ5XI8Gfclc79uj4-iWB2dF3-glphSWZd7WmoNHEZpgNKW-h4FKrMZTzted8IKe7xNtsaKe4XUDlCbwv9PsNJqE2F3He1ld1vl7V4pRKyHhBWZwNTo8pEwyBN75FmjFf14zh6oay3VRwyEkchtMTTmZw2wm" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJRu2utVzKHn6ugfZnPyikWd_9SnA8_zLMsEUUruCIAPv4Qayfx4e-HenY8KP1-LeUfg6PJuZFRhCPQCbiCENLTKrjOALOfPzJOoVRypEO5OuXGtsd1U-jWs8CMq0DCsJz-3bZpB74mhZXRoh5c-xwgLgH2Xz-QcEHhJoA6eVLducmFtSjVsr76cl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJRu2utVzKHn6ugfZnPyikWd_9SnA8_zLMsEUUruCIAPv4Qayfx4e-HenY8KP1-LeUfg6PJuZFRhCPQCbiCENLTKrjOALOfPzJOoVRypEO5OuXGtsd1U-jWs8CMq0DCsJz-3bZpB74mhZXRoh5c-xwgLgH2Xz-QcEHhJoA6eVLducmFtSjVsr76cl" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I found what I assume was a family of goats, in a slightly different direction than I had come up. No goats that I have seen in Oman are tagged, so I am unsure which are owned by others and which, if any, are free. As I watched the goats, a young man in Omani dress and sandals, nonchalantly climbed up near the goats. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7oJA5TsjBbjF3gKMXywTtgGMRAK2Qo-ry0rtCJ11WLbF-YklCAuNlIOKdZcRqcyYTwvLN0aG79au67jfH3R4y-y7FgKOVHZ-ggN5iTMy9k46W-ehXcmOqWGgVf_ZJzaUA6dJ8eOVe59g4mEQF2WDmUu5d48mwga1x1GTzbeEUD21nJzhawHnSnY8Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5653" data-original-width="7524" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7oJA5TsjBbjF3gKMXywTtgGMRAK2Qo-ry0rtCJ11WLbF-YklCAuNlIOKdZcRqcyYTwvLN0aG79au67jfH3R4y-y7FgKOVHZ-ggN5iTMy9k46W-ehXcmOqWGgVf_ZJzaUA6dJ8eOVe59g4mEQF2WDmUu5d48mwga1x1GTzbeEUD21nJzhawHnSnY8Q" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5zJeMaPFldv4KSwQmVJbpUEKQil2o7N80C-vjlv2Oz5DnLFQGUwBpmqFb4Uh4HsOyt94WcJtF-lTtZSLFxP9H3aWc4zzf1Z5V4T90AgO-2Sm9KNOIVPmp2pjRC_Jpn_d61-Mj6m08uznSv83OS7F0kDDsQbNKL2mM_IfEX0XXKy1370TZx1bzKtSy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11628" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5zJeMaPFldv4KSwQmVJbpUEKQil2o7N80C-vjlv2Oz5DnLFQGUwBpmqFb4Uh4HsOyt94WcJtF-lTtZSLFxP9H3aWc4zzf1Z5V4T90AgO-2Sm9KNOIVPmp2pjRC_Jpn_d61-Mj6m08uznSv83OS7F0kDDsQbNKL2mM_IfEX0XXKy1370TZx1bzKtSy" width="319" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSnXof5X6ehWznfOpKWUKwW7vQlzP9g4PW8AzyNrcKNNmFNfZA8dXYZ7SoN-kz1sgYThNLbJx3M5TEf51JAZJSe9Go7pszWOZPSwaL1AKDOqjNNyYaaYYzWO9I7VI4_3hDCnBOZdyi3ywkCN6l2ZtfEtM_pYHHPQh_n0PL_rUd5BT1JibM8x0n3bzQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3966" data-original-width="5279" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSnXof5X6ehWznfOpKWUKwW7vQlzP9g4PW8AzyNrcKNNmFNfZA8dXYZ7SoN-kz1sgYThNLbJx3M5TEf51JAZJSe9Go7pszWOZPSwaL1AKDOqjNNyYaaYYzWO9I7VI4_3hDCnBOZdyi3ywkCN6l2ZtfEtM_pYHHPQh_n0PL_rUd5BT1JibM8x0n3bzQ" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This insect had a strange mouth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-80736565267308863852023-03-10T06:59:00.003-08:002023-03-10T07:01:32.791-08:00Oman 2: The return hike to Muscat, The Grand mosque, and Jabal Ahkdar's first abandoned village<p> From the museum, we took a winding road up to a view of Old Muscat. We continued on to the trailhead of the Mutrah to Riyam Park, where we stopped at a coffee shop for drinks to bring with us.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1_Dza9WPUhggVRYJcOdxK0SF-B6X5lTV9nKo7DxFGVx5RsHnxTWPVPzBhWaSnnEge_JKtyIRFOHAMzYSpKSv91Uli7WJgJMrzAoFFN1o6KkhrkZ3LBnJgHUG6Tzz9gpRBdKfXBxlU142EaGS_dbzAFUP9fVuzU3ufciNYRijH19-zAIQi4ujiqq52" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8594" data-original-width="11460" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1_Dza9WPUhggVRYJcOdxK0SF-B6X5lTV9nKo7DxFGVx5RsHnxTWPVPzBhWaSnnEge_JKtyIRFOHAMzYSpKSv91Uli7WJgJMrzAoFFN1o6KkhrkZ3LBnJgHUG6Tzz9gpRBdKfXBxlU142EaGS_dbzAFUP9fVuzU3ufciNYRijH19-zAIQi4ujiqq52" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We passed two people who had just come down from the hike, but after that, we didn't see a single soul for the entirety. It was steep at first, but then flattened out, before heading downward. The views were fantastic. We ended up down by a stream. I had to pack away my camera, so I can use handholds to avoid getting my feet wet. I still ended up putting my foot into water once, but Miles avoided it. He was a bit irritated with the heat and had not gone on a hike in a while, so was getting needlessly frustrated. This was not helped, when, at the very end, we couldn't find the path that would have, in two minutes, finished the hike. We doubled back, following the Alltrails map, but the path did not exist. We returned to where we thought it should end and then I saw the final Oman flag marker for the trail. Two minutes later we had completed the hike and the road followed directly into town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimUb_qhiijBYOtpM_xF_-JofX2jTGDELFIoJPUUuFr39Ctl6yhmcHVFlOLvRchP_DBEnfj17gahyJ-oE6HCc74NduUo-RkM5_biD2kw1ImY24SQmocx_K4O2kZjHkk78FlPMyJcPKo7_KnSQP6dZuedd3pBBavdUr39fCDXfW_dPs58mUvMmMWHD_j" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimUb_qhiijBYOtpM_xF_-JofX2jTGDELFIoJPUUuFr39Ctl6yhmcHVFlOLvRchP_DBEnfj17gahyJ-oE6HCc74NduUo-RkM5_biD2kw1ImY24SQmocx_K4O2kZjHkk78FlPMyJcPKo7_KnSQP6dZuedd3pBBavdUr39fCDXfW_dPs58mUvMmMWHD_j" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje7GisQdIS77ahYmEfttCgFb5PJ1Hu_oxYi5A8TB5ycqgTvqOCuSJ2LQ7s2e72d_zqAcYWMPw0cethWyrShvy7_cUCa1SPhGjAtODk4y4ac94oIbPMjt_mmWnX8NDTNXlE5xxHDqXHvMwYj7fFPkaJr2TZ6dovBeMN9ghRsVSSBpKaYd0G0iiSW4tl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8553" data-original-width="11425" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje7GisQdIS77ahYmEfttCgFb5PJ1Hu_oxYi5A8TB5ycqgTvqOCuSJ2LQ7s2e72d_zqAcYWMPw0cethWyrShvy7_cUCa1SPhGjAtODk4y4ac94oIbPMjt_mmWnX8NDTNXlE5xxHDqXHvMwYj7fFPkaJr2TZ6dovBeMN9ghRsVSSBpKaYd0G0iiSW4tl" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWT6FYUPYn9G17k68mS2gF8XhtuUzF5lbg8E2VoIRI279iJ3YEyUDXXRNgsoNXu4Ha7vJDm_BvjjZIEiNOlsmaJbY4To3VOcTOqRPgD8I6gwcR8E9tbBn3VCaTebNVSXV6AOjXei90CY7HR6WeVhwiuqjbQ4PFDUNZ2abvDBdf7OK8UNHJqi4hllEv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWT6FYUPYn9G17k68mS2gF8XhtuUzF5lbg8E2VoIRI279iJ3YEyUDXXRNgsoNXu4Ha7vJDm_BvjjZIEiNOlsmaJbY4To3VOcTOqRPgD8I6gwcR8E9tbBn3VCaTebNVSXV6AOjXei90CY7HR6WeVhwiuqjbQ4PFDUNZ2abvDBdf7OK8UNHJqi4hllEv" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrAuRSJXL6YRCULqLdD8u4-XfhWsJgGPt-TWraYtoJ1RCbsXc6IhHIyOBGR_XJ4aewjmbfu1TVRHvxZdAB0O5-6PlN8RkmvS9ljZ0QncNGgPESoT1YvysWzW3gK0AhU_v41v0f_llMkPqkdxGq_rol812qdHonFoXrzTaXxziuqS_jIZ-Uks3jWUXa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8401" data-original-width="11202" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrAuRSJXL6YRCULqLdD8u4-XfhWsJgGPt-TWraYtoJ1RCbsXc6IhHIyOBGR_XJ4aewjmbfu1TVRHvxZdAB0O5-6PlN8RkmvS9ljZ0QncNGgPESoT1YvysWzW3gK0AhU_v41v0f_llMkPqkdxGq_rol812qdHonFoXrzTaXxziuqS_jIZ-Uks3jWUXa" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Xs449aG-OQBivXW5iNbYTH4pOktZeLj2A-7ZTWAz6iR3vOm6s0Zi6az9RRlOc9ivbK_q9kOzuOhQvGgmnviHGG_vzhNRzs2S8bfzFKZaQe61Wq5HuX9WGqdSFUEFCLvkFq5UirzsJhNFaXfEr87gzx7ONkbDUkBBr1Jlxm1kJeCtwz9xdwrvEaim" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Xs449aG-OQBivXW5iNbYTH4pOktZeLj2A-7ZTWAz6iR3vOm6s0Zi6az9RRlOc9ivbK_q9kOzuOhQvGgmnviHGG_vzhNRzs2S8bfzFKZaQe61Wq5HuX9WGqdSFUEFCLvkFq5UirzsJhNFaXfEr87gzx7ONkbDUkBBr1Jlxm1kJeCtwz9xdwrvEaim" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCFdLrHYHjOWee_squDkeQOzWXWBMY7-GHrmb-IJt5b6AQCKAi3EyyoQts6LuXRTFsihoegKH-erYH129yqDxGMM725nLwSkrDV3hBJ9tpxxiyETpxuQPDdwMzKm86qeC7n4QGvTO9jh6r-ialyUwzv3nZB724KM3CxFk-XrDxjRWIC0EteMQieHD8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8657" data-original-width="11565" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCFdLrHYHjOWee_squDkeQOzWXWBMY7-GHrmb-IJt5b6AQCKAi3EyyoQts6LuXRTFsihoegKH-erYH129yqDxGMM725nLwSkrDV3hBJ9tpxxiyETpxuQPDdwMzKm86qeC7n4QGvTO9jh6r-ialyUwzv3nZB724KM3CxFk-XrDxjRWIC0EteMQieHD8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJmRDdvzY62OFzz0z9IMlZOOVwQlGOEF95KpqkNmzBc6oU23SibZYtB6e9TmB-hR2Mc7A5shtETKg5J63l_D6u29FEeCdAZnRihzPawcgh7v7kKWjjBhfh4b8kj_94txTvL5p44JQkRMAHfSczpbpVjBSC1ssNijMgIEBZeNG95IP-OijyBIM8RhJ6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJmRDdvzY62OFzz0z9IMlZOOVwQlGOEF95KpqkNmzBc6oU23SibZYtB6e9TmB-hR2Mc7A5shtETKg5J63l_D6u29FEeCdAZnRihzPawcgh7v7kKWjjBhfh4b8kj_94txTvL5p44JQkRMAHfSczpbpVjBSC1ssNijMgIEBZeNG95IP-OijyBIM8RhJ6" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIpCBTVzhRqkg_vnO1wAqK5CtNgqIO4BvSEuUtF3z6GNna7f2xUdmQvAjWZgBBkVwROnEiwrtgbT4BsumSJK4TpwykYSABdJRW1Y-wBBK0byp2pP7F8kdTnRpaJ58MoU3_h5nzRhffTEOwBEIytKbBE4wEcNU-S34iDGvr7v0GL0XZjMnrvzZ37XNq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8650" data-original-width="11555" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIpCBTVzhRqkg_vnO1wAqK5CtNgqIO4BvSEuUtF3z6GNna7f2xUdmQvAjWZgBBkVwROnEiwrtgbT4BsumSJK4TpwykYSABdJRW1Y-wBBK0byp2pP7F8kdTnRpaJ58MoU3_h5nzRhffTEOwBEIytKbBE4wEcNU-S34iDGvr7v0GL0XZjMnrvzZ37XNq" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUBOsyxEfgg3DuK0cKowqFGhf_FgQo78ATczX1AFL-euUxrXOCttq9OOEqlo3V_IapxFxWQs14_jCI2eSMFU_waC5SuaRob8ZCXa4rITGX6AsST-CKtB69Gr84PlwpCaIHTG8S-MGxxU2mmw5rP6u0EfPvqhcyibsoIWBuNt0ENh6Yry3E11rBGeee" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUBOsyxEfgg3DuK0cKowqFGhf_FgQo78ATczX1AFL-euUxrXOCttq9OOEqlo3V_IapxFxWQs14_jCI2eSMFU_waC5SuaRob8ZCXa4rITGX6AsST-CKtB69Gr84PlwpCaIHTG8S-MGxxU2mmw5rP6u0EfPvqhcyibsoIWBuNt0ENh6Yry3E11rBGeee" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div> I outlined the path of our walking and hike of the day, with the dots where we stopped along the way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWKZXprm8ApSNvM-lLQkk2KKS7YQXm33iXHC90G8S_yKTb_H4RlGptYuFYsjwNRJbsb7JhNyJwTh_MRSI4FAiPEAksG7nqiMVASaKsCwvZ5fOQcTNDWyepFS6y72LyW0CFpbUAen98KaqiEZS-8bbYJ8hNHS3ThKR8rkeRJGENf_7ur8TGAdfy_dsd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1360" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWKZXprm8ApSNvM-lLQkk2KKS7YQXm33iXHC90G8S_yKTb_H4RlGptYuFYsjwNRJbsb7JhNyJwTh_MRSI4FAiPEAksG7nqiMVASaKsCwvZ5fOQcTNDWyepFS6y72LyW0CFpbUAen98KaqiEZS-8bbYJ8hNHS3ThKR8rkeRJGENf_7ur8TGAdfy_dsd" width="320" /></a></div><br /> That night, I was absolutely exhausted, and my stomach was bothering me. As a result, i brought Miles to the KFC two doors down and I picked up a plain sandwich at the coffee shop connected to our hotel.<br /> We woke up the next morning and our second checked bag was finally delivered. This day was planned to be an easy day. Around noon, we visit the Souq, which was not particularly impressive. I tried a side alley to see how expansive it was, but once we diverted down another alley, we discovered mostly abandoned passages. I had taken some pictures, but in my grogginess after a nap afterwards, I accidentally deleted them. It was so unspectacular that I didn't go back to retake the pictures.<div> On the other side of the Souq, we walked to a tailor that got good reviews for their dishdasha, the traditional male Omani clothing that I think looks fantastic. It ended up being a tailor shop where you could see a bunch of workers through the window, but there were no premade outfits to buy. I will have to try again later in the trip.</div><div> We departed again in late afternoon to visit the Mutrah Fort. It was a pleasant and easy walk, with beautiful views of the city. Afterwards, just a short distance away was a takeout restaurant with rave reviews. The place was clearly a non tourist destination, with prices merely a fraction of what we paid elsewhere. I was so uncertain about the low prices, that I ordered us both two dishes, just in case I was accidentally ordering appetizers. They were normal portions.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCe9wnadR2_T0FiEMZlvtOBMrfvDdAMEwzatq1VrlR2bYXBsLoftb1YoiQT6i8g-3Yl93vlKPzWW9B-1jsglyLPYEdiMFMZhXUlD9MDl2QAcym9v5mAIuLwqknmc8S9JnjHn23tn7DxCi9YIB441xxQOkOES2JxRuKc008AfvcSE8uwYzAZkk3_y-X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCe9wnadR2_T0FiEMZlvtOBMrfvDdAMEwzatq1VrlR2bYXBsLoftb1YoiQT6i8g-3Yl93vlKPzWW9B-1jsglyLPYEdiMFMZhXUlD9MDl2QAcym9v5mAIuLwqknmc8S9JnjHn23tn7DxCi9YIB441xxQOkOES2JxRuKc008AfvcSE8uwYzAZkk3_y-X" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDSBR11T4A5DUeSzCUCIfvahNsWWToFIHxgZ5ju-ARtnwlf_bqaAj2YxLgU_qvlfrH-s_p4iRXzy5foProvgzAAys_Y2igq34hPBlgae9mye3L6BGEyo2FoIDASfz1eTAFMjGdAQYw5WFrCwsZJBlI5JJvYBoG9waI4rxLjytoRgUDL68_k3JHvUA-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDSBR11T4A5DUeSzCUCIfvahNsWWToFIHxgZ5ju-ARtnwlf_bqaAj2YxLgU_qvlfrH-s_p4iRXzy5foProvgzAAys_Y2igq34hPBlgae9mye3L6BGEyo2FoIDASfz1eTAFMjGdAQYw5WFrCwsZJBlI5JJvYBoG9waI4rxLjytoRgUDL68_k3JHvUA-" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW97TF0GhAfcrqONw9gvvK5gk78NSBczHDmTcBy70P5ioR7JFnqJNEN1p-xfXnG0K5K9BsHdqYG4kgzPwlifTCO_aUFhsRRMTEzYIfDGyYtAB3dNUW4HavVRr9ZLqzfPQtoxjrWET9VxV8NiBSpgUUbC79uWC6MLmDkM0nAdJTaibyj5wHuwlYdAs_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW97TF0GhAfcrqONw9gvvK5gk78NSBczHDmTcBy70P5ioR7JFnqJNEN1p-xfXnG0K5K9BsHdqYG4kgzPwlifTCO_aUFhsRRMTEzYIfDGyYtAB3dNUW4HavVRr9ZLqzfPQtoxjrWET9VxV8NiBSpgUUbC79uWC6MLmDkM0nAdJTaibyj5wHuwlYdAs_" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next day, we packed up and left early, to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Masjid, as Miles finally had appropriate clothes to wear. They close at 11 AM on weekdays. I was a beautiful set of buildings. You had to take off your shoes and deposit them in cubbies before entering the two buildings. Looking up at the large chandelier in the larger building, it made me think of a city in the sky. The pictures do not do it justice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWT1BSUibNrXrQa__TNcLJbgiGuVlAPFng3WWwHNB-vxY0XNdVZgSMvHVBVzz9hGVfwibRunQ0WpdYSOPBTsrGt4dhY5bFreFOOzGiRDDQaPVSMFmCOZouWo2HpdsHZrB13jMfjz1yk7z1i9bP-djDRbtL1pzKOvFnCDkoOAlZxEhGf2zF3tDbAf_K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8694" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWT1BSUibNrXrQa__TNcLJbgiGuVlAPFng3WWwHNB-vxY0XNdVZgSMvHVBVzz9hGVfwibRunQ0WpdYSOPBTsrGt4dhY5bFreFOOzGiRDDQaPVSMFmCOZouWo2HpdsHZrB13jMfjz1yk7z1i9bP-djDRbtL1pzKOvFnCDkoOAlZxEhGf2zF3tDbAf_K" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZbCP-4uYyvNNfMOeWoilmW76lZT2lvFE9A5QUCsDHCnuUxZHxSfoMz4OpqfVpPjk_64jB9x54LjLspPBzsQR_p2WvTu-QjZtJv0UEJYLUaOWV2w_MlHuZRUQXRiEZF5LGwe5z3KpV0hZ-eUNhwtE0mSzrrhlMvG1jsEnwmupPyjkDYuw2Z52KhFmZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZbCP-4uYyvNNfMOeWoilmW76lZT2lvFE9A5QUCsDHCnuUxZHxSfoMz4OpqfVpPjk_64jB9x54LjLspPBzsQR_p2WvTu-QjZtJv0UEJYLUaOWV2w_MlHuZRUQXRiEZF5LGwe5z3KpV0hZ-eUNhwtE0mSzrrhlMvG1jsEnwmupPyjkDYuw2Z52KhFmZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5pJal4BE1E-15AjXEI4LI8UUNvzTF1NPmwjkjOykTDth7zF7_q2qK-B7o3YHBeK3Igpkf-qcJc26mIJeesegt6tPICbuGcWI9pUkS0Z2pezomhyC1iiu2ZSbC8lkkD5Z9MsgUMRob-X8J08j2h-p54Uuvg326dxBfEfv75XMvJ4RrY0SexVvBViDE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5pJal4BE1E-15AjXEI4LI8UUNvzTF1NPmwjkjOykTDth7zF7_q2qK-B7o3YHBeK3Igpkf-qcJc26mIJeesegt6tPICbuGcWI9pUkS0Z2pezomhyC1iiu2ZSbC8lkkD5Z9MsgUMRob-X8J08j2h-p54Uuvg326dxBfEfv75XMvJ4RrY0SexVvBViDE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKCA5-vS4bt1KRhzZ3oPJqvec9VPVfiYdz9K8r9BPxyQ9PflCpx0Q8PNCaBD9UX9wp8hs5PYyspm-V1slTXSmsj4TTKsOeF105boldnQnFFMaOa2x5Y-VbrAJLhXXFzxtFwAJEXReTy4MiKl8A0bOJ-WjQ1Xv2TwhHEwJmMlAHGWMcSjCYAKsFeVrO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKCA5-vS4bt1KRhzZ3oPJqvec9VPVfiYdz9K8r9BPxyQ9PflCpx0Q8PNCaBD9UX9wp8hs5PYyspm-V1slTXSmsj4TTKsOeF105boldnQnFFMaOa2x5Y-VbrAJLhXXFzxtFwAJEXReTy4MiKl8A0bOJ-WjQ1Xv2TwhHEwJmMlAHGWMcSjCYAKsFeVrO" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr4DFjWHZeCG7tPvMo1dNzZgR06X-1w7T50D3OzbFpCso0qrMCGprKiGo52Y5zY2rfytXAUMRSJsSnbDbc5hyoDHDMdGzQ0lepxFuqvTWgURPyIqdeq7mzj_4dJ1AUqCPIR-e2jjH09I9XpmatBWuyoMMRO05GNEPv8oqXAuY9eXGfgpulX8Abbek1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5750" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr4DFjWHZeCG7tPvMo1dNzZgR06X-1w7T50D3OzbFpCso0qrMCGprKiGo52Y5zY2rfytXAUMRSJsSnbDbc5hyoDHDMdGzQ0lepxFuqvTWgURPyIqdeq7mzj_4dJ1AUqCPIR-e2jjH09I9XpmatBWuyoMMRO05GNEPv8oqXAuY9eXGfgpulX8Abbek1" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City in the Sky</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkFUSjbqrtjmZx1qRWUIllQkRNSvYhuWv1Elk5fVaiS_Iru-IjxILjqkX6mJryBbJlScyyxLkZou6EVmXnD81ygC2MSqBsjmLI6V5S6Tkxft6yQpy8zlt1iYggF83_xzekM_B5lnfs-XsWEZBlXvI0PNWrrS3EBsSr2OKD8PynJTVAaCF6Pvx94-Yq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8561" data-original-width="5697" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkFUSjbqrtjmZx1qRWUIllQkRNSvYhuWv1Elk5fVaiS_Iru-IjxILjqkX6mJryBbJlScyyxLkZou6EVmXnD81ygC2MSqBsjmLI6V5S6Tkxft6yQpy8zlt1iYggF83_xzekM_B5lnfs-XsWEZBlXvI0PNWrrS3EBsSr2OKD8PynJTVAaCF6Pvx94-Yq" width="160" /></a></div><br /> From the Mosque, it was a little over a two hour drive to our next location, up a mountain to Jabal Ahkdar. To drive up, you are required to pass through a government checkpoint and must have a vehicle with four wheel drive. The process was smooth and up we went. The road is well paved and I am not quite sure I understand why a four wheel drive was necessary. They have two lanes on the way up, to allow for slower moving trucks to have their own lane. The views were blocked for large portions of time, I assumed, because people might use that second lane to stop and take pictures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx5jqh82i97zbHeNAKyh_NcIPMGThbffPTtpf3CafdQSZRiFRungIBDER9A69x15jIWaYmMkkN6yc15En0_8kK8lu3K9RvsRCYOa_DOszS1fylCuzdyjsG2MFnujY1_0oTH1M27GsYCtuLbmW2UK8_nZgqKTj_Ke_kzr70bgai1O1PSwftFFHQy_Pi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7785" data-original-width="10400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx5jqh82i97zbHeNAKyh_NcIPMGThbffPTtpf3CafdQSZRiFRungIBDER9A69x15jIWaYmMkkN6yc15En0_8kK8lu3K9RvsRCYOa_DOszS1fylCuzdyjsG2MFnujY1_0oTH1M27GsYCtuLbmW2UK8_nZgqKTj_Ke_kzr70bgai1O1PSwftFFHQy_Pi" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUTYG4HRib4E6U8XGgC1_br8OmwvB3PpV5Tmh9EKrzgEBb2qxHa_ahumOC3vSGGO3LUWRL5tO00aTu0tFPDkSVRmfphtDzmQssREX835pl4UxUX1H7qgmwXAxU6OxEY5gr034ZwCvrrnPFQ005blLHwEP0WFEpv094k9EWXaaiHMDmCDbJ0vgeT0C4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUTYG4HRib4E6U8XGgC1_br8OmwvB3PpV5Tmh9EKrzgEBb2qxHa_ahumOC3vSGGO3LUWRL5tO00aTu0tFPDkSVRmfphtDzmQssREX835pl4UxUX1H7qgmwXAxU6OxEY5gr034ZwCvrrnPFQ005blLHwEP0WFEpv094k9EWXaaiHMDmCDbJ0vgeT0C4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTGn2wPdHEVw7-wjDLxlvC5s4oN45MLz7RDzXGZtC8LNrbz7J-e2iBFzvg42Zxb0GeYGXoHDwRIZ7SSpdNBJAmGmEtI5iUrPBVVy8d5Y7QtzRCI878vwoGOmTnmnl2Fa7tUpJ2TLHooHeDit1UP3DyjRfKB3SsWDrooHDPg2tMa_dy4Ml5ycZuXOB4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6336" data-original-width="9505" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTGn2wPdHEVw7-wjDLxlvC5s4oN45MLz7RDzXGZtC8LNrbz7J-e2iBFzvg42Zxb0GeYGXoHDwRIZ7SSpdNBJAmGmEtI5iUrPBVVy8d5Y7QtzRCI878vwoGOmTnmnl2Fa7tUpJ2TLHooHeDit1UP3DyjRfKB3SsWDrooHDPg2tMa_dy4Ml5ycZuXOB4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgEzqTsLLYCufpTZILfFdv961DP18YtI0HL4b6MOO1toT8RtejxFZCMka723gIJ30RCy06iT4_H4m7v7SER2mF9L_edfk7EjpVc-XlGwAk_wCiNKCgcWxBM6ApGwBjh2MiwXaWK27NnFczSJrl_-rFFw4i28lURqW4VVCzYJG5o1DZvivodZCVFN3y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6033" data-original-width="9047" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgEzqTsLLYCufpTZILfFdv961DP18YtI0HL4b6MOO1toT8RtejxFZCMka723gIJ30RCy06iT4_H4m7v7SER2mF9L_edfk7EjpVc-XlGwAk_wCiNKCgcWxBM6ApGwBjh2MiwXaWK27NnFczSJrl_-rFFw4i28lURqW4VVCzYJG5o1DZvivodZCVFN3y" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR73stn9s0gRVBzPm7UUqgWibjLCC24Sc7nLpTEeZii9gzkLumBFe3xwMqWaf6jOG4PeUgsKDRftQUzOJqPqK04nCqCzvuqTpiTqPYFgXCRx7qN4gf2kCXKDTebaqkXi7p-Y8sHHbdB5X92vsJ8Lb_GXJ1s2Ds0OzH2NRnQSUVdo9CD0rlB-Tq9pbh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR73stn9s0gRVBzPm7UUqgWibjLCC24Sc7nLpTEeZii9gzkLumBFe3xwMqWaf6jOG4PeUgsKDRftQUzOJqPqK04nCqCzvuqTpiTqPYFgXCRx7qN4gf2kCXKDTebaqkXi7p-Y8sHHbdB5X92vsJ8Lb_GXJ1s2Ds0OzH2NRnQSUVdo9CD0rlB-Tq9pbh" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Our hotel here is magnificent, and we were upgraded to have our own chalet, with a massive living room and massive bedroom. The internet is also extremely fast, which allowed for gaming. There seem to be relatively few quests, as it is likely off season for them. After unpacking, we drove fifteen minutes away, to Wadi Bani Habib. This small hike brought us down to a small, abandoned village. I followed a guide that I found online, but we ended up missing what I believe was a side path to a second village. After exploring the first village, I took out my insect lens for a couple of lizards and some insects, who were making hives in the holes in the building walls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> To complete the hike, we continued along the dry river bed, which became more and more littered with garbage, and over infested with thorny bushes. We caught sight of a huge frog, but it escaped into the crevasse of a wall before I could photograph it. Growing weary of the bushes, we climbed a small wall into an abandoned tiered garden, and then over a bent fence to a drainage system, which led us to the stepped ascent.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzdrSpiQNO_0wknPCuqykHOIap85QouStsOxEHgPjk2zfYIojzvdLKXTZPF4n3PT1Y0yAqLjFXFSy3ljLCxMevNgWOGd66oyaYJU4nJwXWhTBaNzVAMgC8ethpvyEIjAtOHcwIlZ2HPZ0uta5Wy57Ob30s3uMphQwkgNJUZfV-JLPVN1-HxzfX0uYx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzdrSpiQNO_0wknPCuqykHOIap85QouStsOxEHgPjk2zfYIojzvdLKXTZPF4n3PT1Y0yAqLjFXFSy3ljLCxMevNgWOGd66oyaYJU4nJwXWhTBaNzVAMgC8ethpvyEIjAtOHcwIlZ2HPZ0uta5Wy57Ob30s3uMphQwkgNJUZfV-JLPVN1-HxzfX0uYx" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJYZlOK2jyIx7gxctR28_BjYhl7uWPzTvQHnYzZKV0M5zACv0k07X58idaqbliZlT7847R0QmKp8YL7jrRD4U1dP_Gc3b1H446goLTQdngRirbF-ETyiHhLJIwubY1eEJOVZtcgLwP39GaEogwJK4waoNniXmfLtxl5ALfDNYV_IxI3UGWHFAAmw5y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3771" data-original-width="5020" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJYZlOK2jyIx7gxctR28_BjYhl7uWPzTvQHnYzZKV0M5zACv0k07X58idaqbliZlT7847R0QmKp8YL7jrRD4U1dP_Gc3b1H446goLTQdngRirbF-ETyiHhLJIwubY1eEJOVZtcgLwP39GaEogwJK4waoNniXmfLtxl5ALfDNYV_IxI3UGWHFAAmw5y" width="319" /></a></div><br /> One more point of note is the bathroom situation of Oman. Two days before my trip, it popped into my head that they might not use toilet paper. The internet seemed to confirm that this was the case, and they use a hose connected to the wall, as a form of a bidet. This has not altogether been true so far. The toilets use both options. I have discovered, shockingly(to me), that I vastly prefer the hose system. When the water pressure is strong enough, it is the fastest and easiest way to clean that I have ever experienced. If I wouldn't get side glances, I would install the hose system for my bathrooms at home. Yes, seriously.<p></p></div></div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-56579449153073108232023-03-08T08:27:00.003-08:002023-03-08T08:27:43.720-08:00Oman 1: The difficult journey and some time in Muscat<p> The morning of our flights started off well enough. We drove the hour and forty minutes to the airport, left our car in long term parking, and headed over to our terminal. I wanted to arrive three hours before our flight because we were not allowed to check in the night before, I wanted to give us plenty of time in case there was an issue with the airlines accepting our visa and checking us in. There wasn't. There was no line, we checked in, and breezed through precheck. We walked to the gate, found a remote corner to sit down and take off our masks, and began the wait.</p><p> All seemed well. The plane had arrived and the flight consistently showed as "on time." However, when we were supposed to board, nothing happened. I overheard one worker explain that they were simply cleaning the plane. After further delay, they announced that a crew member was sick, and that we would be awaiting a replacement member. There was a single worker at the gate and a long line to see her, that barely moved. I stood on the line just in case. After about an hour, she announced that a new crew member had landed and would reach us in about fifteen minutes. Since I had a two hour and fifteen minute buffer for our connecting flight, I stepped out of line. It took them nearly thirty five minutes to arrive, and then another fifteen before they began boarding. Since I had stepped out of line, it was going to be impossible for me to speak to the agent. I had to decide whether we should go, knowing it would be extremely tight. There didn't seem to be any alternative flight options when I looked, so I decided we should.</p><p> It took quite a bit of time for the plane to begin to move, and then we taxied for a while on the runway. When we landed, we had twenty five minutes to cross to the other terminal and board our flight. The attendant asked people to let the people with connecting flights off first, and people surprisingly listened. I had to decide to take the bus or the auto train. Normally I would have taken the train, but the bus was right there. I asked the worker if he thought we should bolt for the train or wait there and he assured us that the bus would be fastest, though it would take nearly ten minutes for it to arrive. We crossed the space between terminals quickly, but in the new one, we had quite a distance to cover. Since I was pulling and carrying three out of our four bags, I had Miles run ahead, and I alternated between jogging with my pants falling down, and walking, all while wearing the mask. As I pulled up to the gate, the plane was three minutes from scheduled takeoff. The door was closed. They called the plane and asked them not to leave. They bumbled around with our passports and eventually opened the door for us.</p><p> The consequence of this short connection, which we would not discover until later, was that our two checked bags did not make it onto our plane. This was a seven and a half hour flight to Frankfurt, which went by quickly. We had a two hour and twenty minute layover before taking our final flight to Oman. Miles wanted to find waffles, but we decided to get to our gate first, and I am glad we did. We took a long bus ride to another terminal, walked down multiple long corridors, and then encountered a long line which culminated in another bag scan. To make matters worse, this scan required every single electronic to be removed, from laptop all the way down to charging cables, which explained why the line moved so slowly. We arrived five minutes before boarding and asked the gate agent to check to see if our bags had made the connection. Once boarded, they were kind enough to send someone over to alert us that it had not.</p><p> This flight through Oman Air was the only flight without the choice of seating. The closest that I could get us together was one row apart. A family of three, with extra leg room, ended up moving to the window, and the stewardess allowed Miles and I to take the three seats that they had vacated. This made for an extremely pleasant flight. The in flight tv gave the option to review the Quran and identified us as flying over the state of Palestine. We landed, went through passport control, put in a claim with the baggage handlers, picked up our rental car, and drove ten minutes to our airport hotel. Our flight had arrived after 7:00 pm at night, and it had been a long day.</p><p> Without our bags, I was unable to have Miles wear long sleeves, so we had to skip our planned visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Masjid. Instead, we went to the Royal Opera House of Muscat. Even Miles was impressed by its grandeur. We had a short narration by a tour guide through the handful of rooms that we were allowed into, mostly detailing where the raw materials had come from.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp2tyOCC6tK4sFpPVFekcBtAxsDvNhlCVWMcaTCZAP9SKLOjwOeIlUwl1HIiY-UPK0av34BE7-dIZScFyBdnCBMWeVDgeX0yDNmnvNMqagPq6TR0s-VrmPkabLi1nw29lqccKRlQUiZNAYSVkAIqUqeVdLLv0DeW0M4gn7HgJbTNvSUkYXIWZCcaJN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5654" data-original-width="8488" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp2tyOCC6tK4sFpPVFekcBtAxsDvNhlCVWMcaTCZAP9SKLOjwOeIlUwl1HIiY-UPK0av34BE7-dIZScFyBdnCBMWeVDgeX0yDNmnvNMqagPq6TR0s-VrmPkabLi1nw29lqccKRlQUiZNAYSVkAIqUqeVdLLv0DeW0M4gn7HgJbTNvSUkYXIWZCcaJN" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiCEbj8ZRBSxv4InE6yzbxSquIqgZIE7yqY1SACLWTH3jduNfgfcfpEIjv5j_SQ0RBNGalYg0RYVtveYptkpUXVN0kDkB6AuXsbDt3Log0AntankAeP6Zx1Z64RrHg_BsHyyMtFliRfwDUSp3hlLLZGtCoU9H1oJqg6y1MW2du8j24lT04nOKqBFea" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoJVZrPEDIRxAZkW0tMysPPwtJ2WwkwhODwcMEiMfYpHK6lfIvNrvpmz-4HmYfjbJmMZdbBfZDwSOr4UcDpYSN_gAmEKIG7PyDJUDMZuSFf-yvAiPUBaFUu5DQOJr8Q2tARX2oq4QuYeS2cwALIINSaYML6RI5_rQOWAFqFHKURWAT2a_8yesc_UCE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5750" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoJVZrPEDIRxAZkW0tMysPPwtJ2WwkwhODwcMEiMfYpHK6lfIvNrvpmz-4HmYfjbJmMZdbBfZDwSOr4UcDpYSN_gAmEKIG7PyDJUDMZuSFf-yvAiPUBaFUu5DQOJr8Q2tARX2oq4QuYeS2cwALIINSaYML6RI5_rQOWAFqFHKURWAT2a_8yesc_UCE" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiurOut7s0UGj2WGTNnM3u1NovPmmQtsqWRmj7udmdJMfEgiZ69UVm1uKkhQFu1Dy1e7GRk3pfglBDgkjUT06MRtd7SNzMC7iqS8mUt-X-YPoqIhQdahgcPfMhNZpquT5bHX9K1NFEUOv6b71X9di8oqR0faUxFGVE1_3OOIY4baxrQy7cNIfbMmnlW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5707" data-original-width="8576" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiurOut7s0UGj2WGTNnM3u1NovPmmQtsqWRmj7udmdJMfEgiZ69UVm1uKkhQFu1Dy1e7GRk3pfglBDgkjUT06MRtd7SNzMC7iqS8mUt-X-YPoqIhQdahgcPfMhNZpquT5bHX9K1NFEUOv6b71X9di8oqR0faUxFGVE1_3OOIY4baxrQy7cNIfbMmnlW" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Just down the road was a grocery store, where we picked up snacks as well as replacement toiletries in case it took longer than expected for our bags to arrive. Our hotel is located along the Mutrah Corniche, a seaside road with a fish market on one side, along with ships as big as a cruise liner, and vendors, a fort, and the Muscat Souq on the other. That night we kept it simple by resting and then going out for dinner. I chose the Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant because the ratings were decent, the pricing was reasonable, and it had numerous Omani dishes that I had read about online.<p></p><p> We sat across from what I believe to be a prayer area, as I saw one person make use of it this way. I ordered Pakora, a fried set of vegetable dumplings and a traditional dish called Harees Dijaj. The waiter asked me if I was sure that I wanted this, as some tourists found it to be challenging. I went ahead with it anyway. Despite its unappealing look at texture, the taste was quite decent. For dessert we had a sampler set that included halwa, qashat, mahoo, and madlouka. I enjoyed three out of the four desserts.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4jw_FfHUYIhhJaODoSD_a2qcrEF2nVpMsoz-4Vz7hWzdVjIu_8CY5LpEmQyaGYbGmLQw-IIYU5532qmyk8dGmOUTOAneXVlm8l9gjdssodZUGIIwUL594oOUZnLwWAXP2urhnZTWzp4WRQiM6yNT6Cng0y4eTp7Jo7PoktqD5V_JYEmyLfQGtvvMx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2804" data-original-width="3739" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4jw_FfHUYIhhJaODoSD_a2qcrEF2nVpMsoz-4Vz7hWzdVjIu_8CY5LpEmQyaGYbGmLQw-IIYU5532qmyk8dGmOUTOAneXVlm8l9gjdssodZUGIIwUL594oOUZnLwWAXP2urhnZTWzp4WRQiM6yNT6Cng0y4eTp7Jo7PoktqD5V_JYEmyLfQGtvvMx" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0519jUxgf-hwCICLSYIsKv5zvtoLAgD4UDt-gLcFNiZDJePi9vsSJFzASwimcyV1P7AO0HfsLZQDrSTzc24uhFrleNpikgDKPnuC_of4ZvebwXmoPsFVQi9ImEf5sKyxWAG3Tab0lrPwMiD2FvIL9twfTVlv0B4QDPYHxhW87Tu-UvPGpjS9VI7JF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2644" data-original-width="3526" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0519jUxgf-hwCICLSYIsKv5zvtoLAgD4UDt-gLcFNiZDJePi9vsSJFzASwimcyV1P7AO0HfsLZQDrSTzc24uhFrleNpikgDKPnuC_of4ZvebwXmoPsFVQi9ImEf5sKyxWAG3Tab0lrPwMiD2FvIL9twfTVlv0B4QDPYHxhW87Tu-UvPGpjS9VI7JF" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRD3FWAZyVCG-zFgWkJIOu5G_gIi2V8mO3QlAGHxxHtSVr8USJnkL-5hkph0OGVdP5yYMpvSqvoNv-Rugt1BS_sl9JQXXU2EYBs_u22u05UgEeN_0xIsWgSfeH_OjmfELEZpsT1xEohtfYsajjpnNP3txHDEK45XpQ9qcHQ-GISP32LzVllSNKNRg2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRD3FWAZyVCG-zFgWkJIOu5G_gIi2V8mO3QlAGHxxHtSVr8USJnkL-5hkph0OGVdP5yYMpvSqvoNv-Rugt1BS_sl9JQXXU2EYBs_u22u05UgEeN_0xIsWgSfeH_OjmfELEZpsT1xEohtfYsajjpnNP3txHDEK45XpQ9qcHQ-GISP32LzVllSNKNRg2" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuqJ2JWbnL-5DJB7eEWtq59SeK359HKUlxhg_9PtKeg9GirxtCpywuUnBpAotR4OzpLfW5b5Q48PaR7I3zl1y5MyC3xgf3fAIIwCBDwsxZG3Z4JOBVH-_OXRpZ-UM-hZlvRjWwlhqRoiBTjPCFUVY8fAYBw7DqXxQW9JqHz42Ccn1kzug4xOOAWEwM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2723" data-original-width="3630" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuqJ2JWbnL-5DJB7eEWtq59SeK359HKUlxhg_9PtKeg9GirxtCpywuUnBpAotR4OzpLfW5b5Q48PaR7I3zl1y5MyC3xgf3fAIIwCBDwsxZG3Z4JOBVH-_OXRpZ-UM-hZlvRjWwlhqRoiBTjPCFUVY8fAYBw7DqXxQW9JqHz42Ccn1kzug4xOOAWEwM" width="320" /></a></div><p> Our next day was to be a long one. We began by walking 3.6 kilometers, along the flat walkway along the water, towards the Muscat Gate Museum. Along the way, we passed the entrance to the Muscat Souq, and spotted sea life along the side of the path.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAkuqahCOvUqMfdsK7srezSAvniY6dEeh36o97D0qaSpSj0nT8tmj-R3wr3hHPHMS6JqYZM3UZQ-M389WWVnR-8WB1o9I9rt0z0NEBk7N_JIG2MgWX71k6-ifeFusfDlWiYftTPq2wvm6qCLOLJiszJy8K9S8yjXfXZ_qfj63qIl_fLCN5EOwhOxad" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="9247" data-original-width="6962" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAkuqahCOvUqMfdsK7srezSAvniY6dEeh36o97D0qaSpSj0nT8tmj-R3wr3hHPHMS6JqYZM3UZQ-M389WWVnR-8WB1o9I9rt0z0NEBk7N_JIG2MgWX71k6-ifeFusfDlWiYftTPq2wvm6qCLOLJiszJy8K9S8yjXfXZ_qfj63qIl_fLCN5EOwhOxad" width="181" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcUlnTnk9vxib-XVPLdbFPnDdZ_5TPWeUZDCkfvoiupzta8efx7OAuaqDwYQat2QcY2hkMpt57mbQ5WfLnB0RVyTlzPJlPH2FNYQVmKltAU0tezuM7SktR_3F1vdvQ5RRMbOoGeueC_ld0Ut0CXaa33BoFi_Lbm2Fiz8Bvh9wnuFL0Ve46fzVnd2S2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8260" data-original-width="10995" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcUlnTnk9vxib-XVPLdbFPnDdZ_5TPWeUZDCkfvoiupzta8efx7OAuaqDwYQat2QcY2hkMpt57mbQ5WfLnB0RVyTlzPJlPH2FNYQVmKltAU0tezuM7SktR_3F1vdvQ5RRMbOoGeueC_ld0Ut0CXaa33BoFi_Lbm2Fiz8Bvh9wnuFL0Ve46fzVnd2S2" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNAbkL-QeYEbcV-lCuT6dj3C9eTXRdx49MGYdFhE27JH5xElOVeiZliJfnn_QPip8zIp2wlbuU8jMEnuDRjZ-QV2NSd_075bIUoD-KSWvI55nOO8nGLjQ4algoTDVgK-ZMpFWhL1Jx-MCK0eCCyxmGPgJXYjs550tWatzlz6npd5xQpcYYJGgQDWCw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8659" data-original-width="11546" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNAbkL-QeYEbcV-lCuT6dj3C9eTXRdx49MGYdFhE27JH5xElOVeiZliJfnn_QPip8zIp2wlbuU8jMEnuDRjZ-QV2NSd_075bIUoD-KSWvI55nOO8nGLjQ4algoTDVgK-ZMpFWhL1Jx-MCK0eCCyxmGPgJXYjs550tWatzlz6npd5xQpcYYJGgQDWCw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTR8tk6TgfkfTY_I9bpNMwa3ZgsRXqZYn6RayNgJVD0yMnytLr7DR7_RJWV65uXm7WJKX5_QrxRfXCD2z5nF-3_8Ap55RQlHMJl7q-ICe73-TNCyH2Ll91rgidLbmJJaO2wS9dOXeUD8TDhK7EgVVKUhUsJjc7vwJgpufoHqX4u633QR63m0lNmH8C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8598" data-original-width="11467" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTR8tk6TgfkfTY_I9bpNMwa3ZgsRXqZYn6RayNgJVD0yMnytLr7DR7_RJWV65uXm7WJKX5_QrxRfXCD2z5nF-3_8Ap55RQlHMJl7q-ICe73-TNCyH2Ll91rgidLbmJJaO2wS9dOXeUD8TDhK7EgVVKUhUsJjc7vwJgpufoHqX4u633QR63m0lNmH8C" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIUfDebzryeN-dSaQvHrh_Yy1utbddOK9-yfEN13dT2bHpTJ0moV4WZfU2TmZ8lDDzE1G6Kbm_Kx-0THPiufdbjfO-8uD4IqITqxpAlf8is1rguZe6qxFrmRtnZ3KnShR0tbG3xiTGlEVrz6nVGUz5yQirU4J0-LImiFDXbd8uouKGLqIicJOi_eL9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3805" data-original-width="5648" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIUfDebzryeN-dSaQvHrh_Yy1utbddOK9-yfEN13dT2bHpTJ0moV4WZfU2TmZ8lDDzE1G6Kbm_Kx-0THPiufdbjfO-8uD4IqITqxpAlf8is1rguZe6qxFrmRtnZ3KnShR0tbG3xiTGlEVrz6nVGUz5yQirU4J0-LImiFDXbd8uouKGLqIicJOi_eL9" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPhecphtkuzHuxOQBTHgZZA_X7_BSd0Rk_mdksnUuC02o4-hi_3XUsFV6wMhxxsKk7gZnN_QmGXBPEV96d0CysPAZ5TyCuN4uv1ear1D7VjScpH2-TH_WDOdqIu-BDBYpwQs295yN68hC86Srl9cyG0FbjdeulQQ7FiA4toNcIZf2owvr3GiGWZZrn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPhecphtkuzHuxOQBTHgZZA_X7_BSd0Rk_mdksnUuC02o4-hi_3XUsFV6wMhxxsKk7gZnN_QmGXBPEV96d0CysPAZ5TyCuN4uv1ear1D7VjScpH2-TH_WDOdqIu-BDBYpwQs295yN68hC86Srl9cyG0FbjdeulQQ7FiA4toNcIZf2owvr3GiGWZZrn" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have been unable to identify this sea creature.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfQub3xPbN0pHKoHDj414pBiipZFwqMTDBypxC0a27HbujNfL96dk8CVFa9Oet8tnlyKgZXegZS9D9bjZhc_OWClNCEN_HpIdUlU92sF9hsxvhlQhPtbpwpr74cTegKeBCgxAg0bfwAr-KQ7x3FzW9Cbakn-4yHqDXKDLB5N-ImCqVSG4hNfLLTK8P" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2186" data-original-width="3245" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfQub3xPbN0pHKoHDj414pBiipZFwqMTDBypxC0a27HbujNfL96dk8CVFa9Oet8tnlyKgZXegZS9D9bjZhc_OWClNCEN_HpIdUlU92sF9hsxvhlQhPtbpwpr74cTegKeBCgxAg0bfwAr-KQ7x3FzW9Cbakn-4yHqDXKDLB5N-ImCqVSG4hNfLLTK8P" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw these sea creatures bouncing on the rock. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF4UHTgX5GEA6ShqHYsXb4LFvEnxk47F-CCnSAY3leLr7i7DoIgdm7hBgCZcrf6Hol8LLsf7gQb3jSDpqkuuiicyConcJf-WJX1SOBzNyNSQCyffrAHG1KAIvQz8tHE0KNk96dxoUhF5meg1bUeYYtpEIa2r8uRWe60BVIPFIF-vVJrhUy4scqbp8Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7984" data-original-width="10646" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF4UHTgX5GEA6ShqHYsXb4LFvEnxk47F-CCnSAY3leLr7i7DoIgdm7hBgCZcrf6Hol8LLsf7gQb3jSDpqkuuiicyConcJf-WJX1SOBzNyNSQCyffrAHG1KAIvQz8tHE0KNk96dxoUhF5meg1bUeYYtpEIa2r8uRWe60BVIPFIF-vVJrhUy4scqbp8Z" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipZCvF_Y-yG4knDP9zB7LEZ5hPr_JvBjASkFHTLNJ0gH341dTy6tkXrDy8gLpXsvSoKs_g9qx8h14daBsKtzhXCo9jRRQDlE_R26OfZFZKae4O_gf4LHUC-dR2c0ChBmMzu3JJEIDkgV4g-Y-QJvOcs3MkMZ--jwVkz35OEFwOENv9KjLL8sER3CYU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8392" data-original-width="11190" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipZCvF_Y-yG4knDP9zB7LEZ5hPr_JvBjASkFHTLNJ0gH341dTy6tkXrDy8gLpXsvSoKs_g9qx8h14daBsKtzhXCo9jRRQDlE_R26OfZFZKae4O_gf4LHUC-dR2c0ChBmMzu3JJEIDkgV4g-Y-QJvOcs3MkMZ--jwVkz35OEFwOENv9KjLL8sER3CYU" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gate housed a tiny museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The museum ended up being just one large room. It was free, and no one was inside. Next, we stopped at a small convenience store for drinks. Inside, I found my favorite Asian sports drink. I got two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-GWa3nZux7-zEQ-H_FS1jcgF3GUbN6CIu9VA0BS9UQ0lbKKa48yL_4whClipxXg7R34dGzAaO6d-5ol10IWM7X8IX26sQ119CUKVkgBLVq_YhoL0-xliohdPc6JdYtdXx0VzOS4203hwCw7pkWmklCIdshbwmgEGIPYKSnl3_UY2T123qFzqckaGH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="2397" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-GWa3nZux7-zEQ-H_FS1jcgF3GUbN6CIu9VA0BS9UQ0lbKKa48yL_4whClipxXg7R34dGzAaO6d-5ol10IWM7X8IX26sQ119CUKVkgBLVq_YhoL0-xliohdPc6JdYtdXx0VzOS4203hwCw7pkWmklCIdshbwmgEGIPYKSnl3_UY2T123qFzqckaGH" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Just a few minutes down the road, we passed through a car tunnel, and then went along the water to view Al-Mirani Fort and Al Jalali Fort. Al-Mirani is temporarily closed and Al Jalali is only open on Thursdays through Sundays, so we just missed it. We were also able to see the back of the Al Alam Royal Palace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiInyR16JshSNZe4cTCsPwKriseplLfuRxxKCO0Hu2FxHjKlwlVz3oW-06tBYzAolhBpB9dkNgeYZ6cbclDzYmHSdxMXe6Eei0f6jaUeAFUhS5DKLSeGShCwovrTABmbRt9ZIi36eJCEkvlzM-T6HlE9LffjHWeuzDW_nh84XxGmx0K72PryxeX7XZp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiInyR16JshSNZe4cTCsPwKriseplLfuRxxKCO0Hu2FxHjKlwlVz3oW-06tBYzAolhBpB9dkNgeYZ6cbclDzYmHSdxMXe6Eei0f6jaUeAFUhS5DKLSeGShCwovrTABmbRt9ZIi36eJCEkvlzM-T6HlE9LffjHWeuzDW_nh84XxGmx0K72PryxeX7XZp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz6u2RlGh7muYEITILHj7lSgalXhQpns_MTV2uDXcVYFPJIEkjZNa-R6CXQtUYlmB6iO6pyGoMferG-Vj3W-hRPyh50_vBPSZAdXsD_OiySI0XN-yvzq-Q0MiNvLFMbRES0CrusgW6DxzcvCa81d3JkOq82uFcFWLVTUfEGR4-l1nhM7TC2q8ESZ5d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz6u2RlGh7muYEITILHj7lSgalXhQpns_MTV2uDXcVYFPJIEkjZNa-R6CXQtUYlmB6iO6pyGoMferG-Vj3W-hRPyh50_vBPSZAdXsD_OiySI0XN-yvzq-Q0MiNvLFMbRES0CrusgW6DxzcvCa81d3JkOq82uFcFWLVTUfEGR4-l1nhM7TC2q8ESZ5d" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8EjkCHqLnFxIkCv6dWwV26CPiXYSj4vpmeJV3bjDJSBbWlTHWl3AXZhjsh_-bxlKWnVKxZ4gEs4cTKC5KTsUwMBLaYStWAYPnoTN_FuXVLFJh-jCOLL_RJ2JcACr40Q6mhkpxLPRyskHRJ10ZTZngwalUZ9RmVkIM92d780SusuJ4sNdhq0UDltCg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7920" data-original-width="10560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8EjkCHqLnFxIkCv6dWwV26CPiXYSj4vpmeJV3bjDJSBbWlTHWl3AXZhjsh_-bxlKWnVKxZ4gEs4cTKC5KTsUwMBLaYStWAYPnoTN_FuXVLFJh-jCOLL_RJ2JcACr40Q6mhkpxLPRyskHRJ10ZTZngwalUZ9RmVkIM92d780SusuJ4sNdhq0UDltCg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Continuing along the road led us to the front of the palace, and then opposite, was the small, but elegant National Museum of Oman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4R_vjC9Xi4f8Pt_2I68RdcIASQbrADTMb25euyl_MkQSvPiRpXi0ZO8zWX9LAL8iild_PqvXBYeiWNbFvAHvtD4OWZ8Gce0HTG6ujanJ0HXuXDVr9uwMXPSP8WWVUYLewWzsP428uVNjb6UqkajKWluSgY42Ag2laHLh-LIdK75DHV--4uLo7LJ7M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7844" data-original-width="10458" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4R_vjC9Xi4f8Pt_2I68RdcIASQbrADTMb25euyl_MkQSvPiRpXi0ZO8zWX9LAL8iild_PqvXBYeiWNbFvAHvtD4OWZ8Gce0HTG6ujanJ0HXuXDVr9uwMXPSP8WWVUYLewWzsP428uVNjb6UqkajKWluSgY42Ag2laHLh-LIdK75DHV--4uLo7LJ7M" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqCd3Pw_lvuoEXkURW-icvP7pBFhanKAcEjt2QHaFZHzcUR-_1JdaDPeLzvDyEGdvZ9hBysHcQdYgy53iXhkDclvhkDvm8m6hF8X27zlZGNEk8cLUefNtrE2MYU3RSQqAS9jw7rJCSrWIffXaDkvkq5zB3KeInL8KN3gcOqkauGE10ZqCAyX5Nmgdo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqCd3Pw_lvuoEXkURW-icvP7pBFhanKAcEjt2QHaFZHzcUR-_1JdaDPeLzvDyEGdvZ9hBysHcQdYgy53iXhkDclvhkDvm8m6hF8X27zlZGNEk8cLUefNtrE2MYU3RSQqAS9jw7rJCSrWIffXaDkvkq5zB3KeInL8KN3gcOqkauGE10ZqCAyX5Nmgdo" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Museum of Oman.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjopPWEeHR8-_uubhYut5LyhvlR17O7u_89CBP_KnDN9dZ8nxNY_dTK92t533iX635kp5CGLkgmmwWzZCNvOUAZ9rSCPVqBi_zIiAsW44Xs3eD59zJ6NHISjk7hemosttnLs5dULfon052eLpGO_q3kpRdLxi_7Q4FmkyqSHgHODvlQOGekDz5QB1Ee" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8606" data-original-width="11496" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjopPWEeHR8-_uubhYut5LyhvlR17O7u_89CBP_KnDN9dZ8nxNY_dTK92t533iX635kp5CGLkgmmwWzZCNvOUAZ9rSCPVqBi_zIiAsW44Xs3eD59zJ6NHISjk7hemosttnLs5dULfon052eLpGO_q3kpRdLxi_7Q4FmkyqSHgHODvlQOGekDz5QB1Ee" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqUnhTT5S4YwVjAuMKWcS6fpF93x_IEM6AjIC4mNWPCmZOrn_Wop5bHQTud9pxRs21nCPmlA1y5M6oTyI-v5c6KM9pC39j1lGnzz3VdE3-jttcYDUlaSy0wVUljLzieBamthVd4tIF7GGIpTNYUiXKRDyfhNJMRS8nqRKLsEBF639wnMIzCYjXRoq7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqUnhTT5S4YwVjAuMKWcS6fpF93x_IEM6AjIC4mNWPCmZOrn_Wop5bHQTud9pxRs21nCPmlA1y5M6oTyI-v5c6KM9pC39j1lGnzz3VdE3-jttcYDUlaSy0wVUljLzieBamthVd4tIF7GGIpTNYUiXKRDyfhNJMRS8nqRKLsEBF639wnMIzCYjXRoq7" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite piece of the museum. I have absolutely no idea why they had this Japanese display.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGQKEG-hqi6B-Uk-hcBoVh2z-KdGyIYBNqWe1ZHtyq8mGhrhP_L7o2GMtPbg6IQ7_e6ljC7OhDhgWYyBJlHUglxUOu8N7Ia-D8pm6aJwWFPTm1JS5qjkW9zHhnYjuj39BCZQWUmFa2FJBonu3cfFPjdjSLWd0fJFlrpvj6Rn2OrcS3DcEaokglStZ7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11260" data-original-width="8444" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGQKEG-hqi6B-Uk-hcBoVh2z-KdGyIYBNqWe1ZHtyq8mGhrhP_L7o2GMtPbg6IQ7_e6ljC7OhDhgWYyBJlHUglxUOu8N7Ia-D8pm6aJwWFPTm1JS5qjkW9zHhnYjuj39BCZQWUmFa2FJBonu3cfFPjdjSLWd0fJFlrpvj6Rn2OrcS3DcEaokglStZ7" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx0KDL__V4jBem4Yk__esKPBZGB3Z77t9DudMQtFc6cRN2PVz-lfoAle-hOGt-ps8e9JWPPCiyNjxyJ-255cSrpUoK7nzc-SZsMXlk3_mi1-n03b7WJm6hubx2LzF96X4RaZHZT_nxGdYjkzETNHyOxVU-HCBTpu0iIfMFYTk9R2zy_LZpWVkYRHoE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx0KDL__V4jBem4Yk__esKPBZGB3Z77t9DudMQtFc6cRN2PVz-lfoAle-hOGt-ps8e9JWPPCiyNjxyJ-255cSrpUoK7nzc-SZsMXlk3_mi1-n03b7WJm6hubx2LzF96X4RaZHZT_nxGdYjkzETNHyOxVU-HCBTpu0iIfMFYTk9R2zy_LZpWVkYRHoE" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGknCNOV5KCeB4g-SbC7RSvPfdtlgGCwDdmg676hxstO2_mkaEefTZXNeB76CF2bFFfm4qiyL-kciN0rNRSBn6hGYO6YhA_O6Veb_C3HdRpdow1QTADJ16FxtqPYoTIGcmVRdOiJdpqoFBFMNTtrSdwpg_nCvMwwbnyH8m3Z4Lwzmvg5_B3j_GMoM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11670" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGknCNOV5KCeB4g-SbC7RSvPfdtlgGCwDdmg676hxstO2_mkaEefTZXNeB76CF2bFFfm4qiyL-kciN0rNRSBn6hGYO6YhA_O6Veb_C3HdRpdow1QTADJ16FxtqPYoTIGcmVRdOiJdpqoFBFMNTtrSdwpg_nCvMwwbnyH8m3Z4Lwzmvg5_B3j_GMoM" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The previous Sultan's throne.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTHMUJfPJkPiA4S4R6uuD337mt3flnjsgBdrIoTaWfodyv6crnu3xX6r59JAr-ZTx2DD1AfNh2dAI1X6Wo6_Lnz6uBJq4wHbMCxTAyJo6ImKjbNteKfEZoVlv8XdyQqBCxttjmJqWsKxr2INrlHTXxy1gqTn3YG2Lwfq6r5hsISrFBw2jaj-uWDcbd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8555" data-original-width="11428" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTHMUJfPJkPiA4S4R6uuD337mt3flnjsgBdrIoTaWfodyv6crnu3xX6r59JAr-ZTx2DD1AfNh2dAI1X6Wo6_Lnz6uBJq4wHbMCxTAyJo6ImKjbNteKfEZoVlv8XdyQqBCxttjmJqWsKxr2INrlHTXxy1gqTn3YG2Lwfq6r5hsISrFBw2jaj-uWDcbd" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgna_BYzM6bTQaJkzx7bMNrV7wJi00zWCbnyj8PCdlcF6DNkmJ-Q5D-KwvwJQd-VsI4XW3Alu-MdhFpgsqbKQY6-JD_c-WCXcMK6jOd9xeqHqzZge3Xbg9oIHcYOpBLNRMlmGIjlt9zpMl49sDsNORPAqttc0VNjmQ0TS8bewHxcGcAuqsMQZqT78Lu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11650" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgna_BYzM6bTQaJkzx7bMNrV7wJi00zWCbnyj8PCdlcF6DNkmJ-Q5D-KwvwJQd-VsI4XW3Alu-MdhFpgsqbKQY6-JD_c-WCXcMK6jOd9xeqHqzZge3Xbg9oIHcYOpBLNRMlmGIjlt9zpMl49sDsNORPAqttc0VNjmQ0TS8bewHxcGcAuqsMQZqT78Lu" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Before beginning the walk to our hike back to the hotel, we stopped at one last museum, the Bait Al Zubair. Once outside, I asked Miles if he wanted to skip it. He said we should go, since we were already there. To be honest, it was quite boring.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifD5LnRN00CrgiG7YcE92OQV4vmRmmwCsQZH0uffeevCEVLZoQ_9orB9Tf8cp70S4zhhE076BZrJ75aJMwrI-KfKJ0z1-alaiJS7jbTmVvywuB7IO9HyDfh_j-1SmBh_4-oysxPVMdO58Fb2kcRfPGR-xkF9nuKIgaHX_d_-ZbQIJjXnqThe0jPuFl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11650" data-original-width="8736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifD5LnRN00CrgiG7YcE92OQV4vmRmmwCsQZH0uffeevCEVLZoQ_9orB9Tf8cp70S4zhhE076BZrJ75aJMwrI-KfKJ0z1-alaiJS7jbTmVvywuB7IO9HyDfh_j-1SmBh_4-oysxPVMdO58Fb2kcRfPGR-xkF9nuKIgaHX_d_-ZbQIJjXnqThe0jPuFl" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ-_zCXz6jIR2JKcoRq7w0JdtveEbiA4gJFjb7yEvtbb4HxzNd9KgnaOfns4Xrd-xJxzZF9Gv-4UPscqhxsJ3IDh4LU5wvHQcigvyvo7Kgta5pY1cQ-fnbTD_4eQqrbop_XsbexMhbYwU1T6q2PTb1hOwxIAXWJZF9qZQTFmsYPW1rX_Ygf44SYClw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ-_zCXz6jIR2JKcoRq7w0JdtveEbiA4gJFjb7yEvtbb4HxzNd9KgnaOfns4Xrd-xJxzZF9Gv-4UPscqhxsJ3IDh4LU5wvHQcigvyvo7Kgta5pY1cQ-fnbTD_4eQqrbop_XsbexMhbYwU1T6q2PTb1hOwxIAXWJZF9qZQTFmsYPW1rX_Ygf44SYClw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-NCHwZ6j7e8LqxEL9GJv4eEZGpNHouc27sylaCZVphjF3fzv5YQ9XhKDQ1K89Ve0zYoPyyPQMyhzoXTBKAlENAon2TJ7-lniG9N5p-nIlU1dRB8vschWcAyC8tdxwKX95S7wWLF5Y7b2wPa1AQ7o9LSkJ2o4LVSIEPNLeOjEEc3EqZ8DLKbeGNjBr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-NCHwZ6j7e8LqxEL9GJv4eEZGpNHouc27sylaCZVphjF3fzv5YQ9XhKDQ1K89Ve0zYoPyyPQMyhzoXTBKAlENAon2TJ7-lniG9N5p-nIlU1dRB8vschWcAyC8tdxwKX95S7wWLF5Y7b2wPa1AQ7o9LSkJ2o4LVSIEPNLeOjEEc3EqZ8DLKbeGNjBr" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaACjc6texZds4c2Ne6ekQokd_Xfqwk4JRlCBwvyAACInngGVJyKUKT7MYvCi6MptfsujJKn71LbTDMG7SuNVPO4WmWwpK-Uh9Kfw883_G65DM6B7kYhkiZdLmI44_sz1YW_CvLh8HLN4HB_9OCWwjsnk6ncPKi5TB-NXFGA2ahWChj4kySGW735oF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaACjc6texZds4c2Ne6ekQokd_Xfqwk4JRlCBwvyAACInngGVJyKUKT7MYvCi6MptfsujJKn71LbTDMG7SuNVPO4WmWwpK-Uh9Kfw883_G65DM6B7kYhkiZdLmI44_sz1YW_CvLh8HLN4HB_9OCWwjsnk6ncPKi5TB-NXFGA2ahWChj4kySGW735oF" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEcYT6jtrW6Hy_cLBolcO0MmeOFPBmfDMbgjaC16mrFWWZa24SOIO7Mn9RQZiNGM2VPdIi1sgkb5J3lsWP0TDfD8jfQ4zzkWCw7bDJZW_zp6bemmhI7O2IFaPf2aKCqsZ-jpMrVj4A5jcI-n99_bFsuVwzAiXzHyFkGuO6qwy9Jy5mFzHyse4Tmvj3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8624" data-original-width="11520" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEcYT6jtrW6Hy_cLBolcO0MmeOFPBmfDMbgjaC16mrFWWZa24SOIO7Mn9RQZiNGM2VPdIi1sgkb5J3lsWP0TDfD8jfQ4zzkWCw7bDJZW_zp6bemmhI7O2IFaPf2aKCqsZ-jpMrVj4A5jcI-n99_bFsuVwzAiXzHyFkGuO6qwy9Jy5mFzHyse4Tmvj3" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-2073936681795864722023-01-04T09:22:00.001-08:002023-01-04T09:22:25.400-08:00Japan 5.6: Mount Fuji and a New Years celebration at Zojo-ji<p> The last portion of my journey had me staying at Fujiyoshida, near the base of Mount fuji. In order to get there, I had to take subway lines to Kyoto Station and then take one Shinkansen bullet train and then 3 more trains. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl0woGy8Un4OAIrZU-W5b0yafFP9lLhEjelGoPhq-yy06_Goel7or_fgn3vGH9gZZaJRbWxDenok2juOgeLYlryB-JA1kTjeSXcRGoGj4HPA_y8TpwqmKF0zpQHzY-nPENjShQh2xH7UN5bfSsCfwUvRfOUW_BuqWwKpIw8kgKbqZE7RA1Ptc0EHVH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl0woGy8Un4OAIrZU-W5b0yafFP9lLhEjelGoPhq-yy06_Goel7or_fgn3vGH9gZZaJRbWxDenok2juOgeLYlryB-JA1kTjeSXcRGoGj4HPA_y8TpwqmKF0zpQHzY-nPENjShQh2xH7UN5bfSsCfwUvRfOUW_BuqWwKpIw8kgKbqZE7RA1Ptc0EHVH" width="180" /></a></div><br /> The journey started off with a hiccup, as the subway line right near my hotel showed up as "cancelled." Every train on that line had the same label. Luckily, a five minute walk down the street led to another line that would take me to the station. I was lucky that I had decided to build in extra time and left a bit early. The day went by pretty smoothly after that, despite having one connection with only a seven minute transfer time. The final train was a very slow moving local train. It included a section that ended at a station and had us reverse, but going in a different direction.<p></p><p> After the five and a half hours of travel, I arrived at the final station. I went to the taxi area, but there were no taxis there. Unfortunately, Uber only works in Tokyo, and the only other taxi app that worked in this area, only allowed people that lived in the country to register. I walked the fifteen minutes to the hotel. While on the train, I passed Mount Fuji on the south side. It was at this point that I realized that I had had the location of Fuji all wrong when researching the location. The lakes near Fujiyoshida are popular for views of Mount Fuji. I, for some reason, thought the mountain was north, on the opposite side of the lake from my hotel. It was actually south. I had intended to take photos with the lakes as the foreground. This could no longer be the case, unless I went on a boat.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYMbTvUb5C-jARTewPboDKbJ3ii1V_HjMcrTQRSKdGsZqeqno6hb_rfnGvBEsD_C7rdVEJAs4eD18ywL6t2sCRHWNjCa_xBQTDkqaP9At74eCm7mV2l92tQqGogTuhwkBG5MdMoX-FWuC5N15bmvrkgOKY_9SyoL45kHT_T1wgWw1X99Y8MiVIXpEI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2947" data-original-width="3929" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYMbTvUb5C-jARTewPboDKbJ3ii1V_HjMcrTQRSKdGsZqeqno6hb_rfnGvBEsD_C7rdVEJAs4eD18ywL6t2sCRHWNjCa_xBQTDkqaP9At74eCm7mV2l92tQqGogTuhwkBG5MdMoX-FWuC5N15bmvrkgOKY_9SyoL45kHT_T1wgWw1X99Y8MiVIXpEI" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I paid for a view of Fuji.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> That night, I walked to a local ramen joint, but it was not open, despite Google's insistence that it was. Just across the street was a hoto restaurant. I had never heard of this soup before, as it is a regional food from Yamanashi Prefecture. It was a huge bowl, and the broth tasted almost similar to chicken soup. The noodles were huge and wide, and did not really absorb the soup. It was filled with vegetables, including mushrooms. The only vegetable included that I did not like was kabocha squash. I also ordered my first and only tempura of the trip. Their tempura was vegetables, with a limit of only one shrimp. I had it without the shrimp.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5iTTuwwNRp1QEWc4kNM-yaVIVBBOr6xEoCaDQL_ls0JckYL5O6c370LogW3vVRIh37SpTmzlpHKW9m3SvG-f53nhIf9JpqfRxW-PbHXdht2mJbXKiw5SnB91Wd94zO6ZxUuv-4ImSrh5LqTS06Ao2zyCvgRlJtYpQlFSh4LuYZUYhIXwrhVZa6qL0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2946" data-original-width="3928" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5iTTuwwNRp1QEWc4kNM-yaVIVBBOr6xEoCaDQL_ls0JckYL5O6c370LogW3vVRIh37SpTmzlpHKW9m3SvG-f53nhIf9JpqfRxW-PbHXdht2mJbXKiw5SnB91Wd94zO6ZxUuv-4ImSrh5LqTS06Ao2zyCvgRlJtYpQlFSh4LuYZUYhIXwrhVZa6qL0" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I took the next day off, and relaxed in my hotel room, with a trip out for ramen at night. This time, I tried another restaurant, but it was also completely dark inside, despite Google's insistence otherwise. Luckily, there was another restaurant within walking distance, albeit poorly rated. I thought that it was quite decent though.<br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUeXj6vbu1bzkASBBWnU12OcYWY6hYyXLZF6cyiP_xsXTpfsgKlRfmnLj3PGHl0LOtTaWYDHZb5lpszggf0vyHTRzveWTmQuTki1no83VIa-Wc7nF7ylNIL7cN1eRfmSMkRT4E_0_4H2FQ_h_cz9HkdYXfjh4JnqHLGt-jHpSZzWkPr05L79gM3AzQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUeXj6vbu1bzkASBBWnU12OcYWY6hYyXLZF6cyiP_xsXTpfsgKlRfmnLj3PGHl0LOtTaWYDHZb5lpszggf0vyHTRzveWTmQuTki1no83VIa-Wc7nF7ylNIL7cN1eRfmSMkRT4E_0_4H2FQ_h_cz9HkdYXfjh4JnqHLGt-jHpSZzWkPr05L79gM3AzQ" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from breakfast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Paying for a room with a view of Mount Fuji was very much worth it. My room had very large windows, but it also had a huge Japanese style screen that blocked literally half of the window. The first thing that I did was remove it and put it along the wall, where it stayed until check out time.<div> Fuji tends to have clear skies in the winter, and tons of clouds in the warmer months. There were very, very few clouds for the first 3 days here. With the window view, I could open the window to take pictures whenever clouds did indeed show up.</div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigFgY8LE6wd9jD30Du-kX1RRX7D9pFl0XC4kgrw7VMEKj0F6laKh_IjQr6Fb5E63s0GcELGqU4UZCpZLna9ucWXZHribHzJUH-JfjF1PpGRx1dHRnJ7kWE3SZvpGW3ricIqC6wt_ZgPTaK-LFQcOgjDuqWTaRgt47iJPAUuiAaA8JYJbqy9MaHk-NB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5321" data-original-width="7982" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigFgY8LE6wd9jD30Du-kX1RRX7D9pFl0XC4kgrw7VMEKj0F6laKh_IjQr6Fb5E63s0GcELGqU4UZCpZLna9ucWXZHribHzJUH-JfjF1PpGRx1dHRnJ7kWE3SZvpGW3ricIqC6wt_ZgPTaK-LFQcOgjDuqWTaRgt47iJPAUuiAaA8JYJbqy9MaHk-NB" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0bvw-m9aT-BoGSwFfZ4AuWCjtMPhJ57QlQWDcNrFLYqbwJjuv-ZuisLSzWW_ynZIZpdcDn3CWAj4Z3i8B98X1CAUFqdZRKYk8M4qbKMIRtmdGtgKWQZZ-WD0RDJ1MiZLQ0U9T8pi_qxe3F5ZCAa3rpcJOG4bfjJDevDKmuth2qZTxo63kljqeWH2O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5636" data-original-width="8455" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0bvw-m9aT-BoGSwFfZ4AuWCjtMPhJ57QlQWDcNrFLYqbwJjuv-ZuisLSzWW_ynZIZpdcDn3CWAj4Z3i8B98X1CAUFqdZRKYk8M4qbKMIRtmdGtgKWQZZ-WD0RDJ1MiZLQ0U9T8pi_qxe3F5ZCAa3rpcJOG4bfjJDevDKmuth2qZTxo63kljqeWH2O" width="320" /></a></div><p>On the second day after my arrive, I decided to walk to the local ropeway, up to Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, which had views of the surrounding towns and Fuji. They sold a combo ticket with a twenty minute sightseeing boat ride. I had arrived just as the boat was taking off, so I went up the ropeway first. I closed my eyes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYr9rNrARPSBtVO_LJE6VGvXXbCjOBUeex_EknJQiaVQ3_be25LLUE3E7OPtuwC217v-LEC8rSDJ-No7RZlHbVqjSJT_sfA42mMx5KBWoVrJw2um9UnHo4fNkOEcIVO3hLbq52laSj8XPHpZwjD1woG9GWNLKaUdmTVKunrzifEXNKt62yVuTUVdo7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYr9rNrARPSBtVO_LJE6VGvXXbCjOBUeex_EknJQiaVQ3_be25LLUE3E7OPtuwC217v-LEC8rSDJ-No7RZlHbVqjSJT_sfA42mMx5KBWoVrJw2um9UnHo4fNkOEcIVO3hLbq52laSj8XPHpZwjD1woG9GWNLKaUdmTVKunrzifEXNKt62yVuTUVdo7" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div> The mountaintop had a small restaurant and up an incline, it had swings, which had a photographer that charged for pictures with the view of Fuji behind it. A little walk upward led to a metal structured viewpoint. I chose to take the five to ten minute walk to the top of the mountain. The view there was really no different.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRNviUmLBEyYPmAcIRC3avr31mLkJjoODKFDofIShoAD2z1VF_ccjNgHWNNPb8CNHBbuyS8RuAREc2RfJ_2_6YEP0klob6LCm84xbUwh3t9P7AaObnTLJly5UJCSLx2YkblshVvQofs2utwMnV_4ZVdFv2Gq9Zjgaw61py9bjexyjG9bKSTNYhnFJ9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRNviUmLBEyYPmAcIRC3avr31mLkJjoODKFDofIShoAD2z1VF_ccjNgHWNNPb8CNHBbuyS8RuAREc2RfJ_2_6YEP0klob6LCm84xbUwh3t9P7AaObnTLJly5UJCSLx2YkblshVvQofs2utwMnV_4ZVdFv2Gq9Zjgaw61py9bjexyjG9bKSTNYhnFJ9" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSTPtD6FEOxi3wsPISvofKz91b2KIIVyFjpJV7qqiCNEf11EVhz56BI_2m2CBt7JqULAp6PLl0jNHleyK6w0Kg7BpF_lze5ZXiGorTnVTnu7FKtl0oTyLkrjbwyDpkrtK9FK0A5YnI6wt7w9QzL8ltJ1ZdGXJV0rIugMXE74DgkdZs3tB5PawYG759" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4426" data-original-width="6640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSTPtD6FEOxi3wsPISvofKz91b2KIIVyFjpJV7qqiCNEf11EVhz56BI_2m2CBt7JqULAp6PLl0jNHleyK6w0Kg7BpF_lze5ZXiGorTnVTnu7FKtl0oTyLkrjbwyDpkrtK9FK0A5YnI6wt7w9QzL8ltJ1ZdGXJV0rIugMXE74DgkdZs3tB5PawYG759" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were able to clearly see Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKFipnstGXQBnHXsKxiQeUrJv32rI0pvo00Oe9ySuZWj9Kfwgvw8f-epT-KT3I4oYw5aWMi1FnIWgOIz0se_BJJmlfLAjFM7Z5KlQHmwk3pud4FGCqydLfvylh_pEGPXpz17Y4d4vdKjX_L6KjHGSQBdg2mJleuJ5DFSK42f8WYtKVhGWfVkwYxZ2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5669" data-original-width="8503" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKFipnstGXQBnHXsKxiQeUrJv32rI0pvo00Oe9ySuZWj9Kfwgvw8f-epT-KT3I4oYw5aWMi1FnIWgOIz0se_BJJmlfLAjFM7Z5KlQHmwk3pud4FGCqydLfvylh_pEGPXpz17Y4d4vdKjX_L6KjHGSQBdg2mJleuJ5DFSK42f8WYtKVhGWfVkwYxZ2" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Rather than take the ropeway down, I decided to take the hike downwards, which eventually led to a clearing with some nice views. Unfortunately, there were no clouds in the sky.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfmH44bS6BkHvSJtRxWqjQvDDCeawWqNFGg-0bJEC8zYn3HlKpeV2p71zyGPQOxc3MYd1i1vGjUqau6jhVPg8u_52hhXgeZ_snV_ySNhUoTb1x3ag3rXkqL8lz5ttFtbwQfBuEcIZJ3F7UmmKhPO0HzHQSYD8agzWbw_C26MmcfKkbZYY5P4KNxwM1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8045" data-original-width="10747" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfmH44bS6BkHvSJtRxWqjQvDDCeawWqNFGg-0bJEC8zYn3HlKpeV2p71zyGPQOxc3MYd1i1vGjUqau6jhVPg8u_52hhXgeZ_snV_ySNhUoTb1x3ag3rXkqL8lz5ttFtbwQfBuEcIZJ3F7UmmKhPO0HzHQSYD8agzWbw_C26MmcfKkbZYY5P4KNxwM1" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhs4Z9LHJ4fP8Lnm-bmLpa6cy6qIHsa1Cqmi0zYkpYf4FeYBekbRWITSl4qiW4Yj2XFuC7YSuGlnhChuu4XqNup1xEf54wafMzSZIx8n_zjbj92Xzt4icb-u6xUYGhpdc9vLEeZ9rgsdMpfk4K4ElVwc4rW7bXFh-ihV1EeBGkXK4OHXMlWwjR9sey" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8719" data-original-width="11626" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhs4Z9LHJ4fP8Lnm-bmLpa6cy6qIHsa1Cqmi0zYkpYf4FeYBekbRWITSl4qiW4Yj2XFuC7YSuGlnhChuu4XqNup1xEf54wafMzSZIx8n_zjbj92Xzt4icb-u6xUYGhpdc9vLEeZ9rgsdMpfk4K4ElVwc4rW7bXFh-ihV1EeBGkXK4OHXMlWwjR9sey" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQg0-OK8f5ZLwAfYnfHfEhvNARTN7MDuFPbswnx_6sUsAASUxfzYaukSMbT9Dxm--YqhAg-ck7c3UomH0Z8UGb6v7NSE-VQuz18tAOHXynS7tEpXe-2YHYKXQ2GeEgrGi09vtYqLQtldt4uxZ-Wu3s-XAclecgw3CLqWCMxM3Zirsc8EoOHhNIA9ck" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8566" data-original-width="11423" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQg0-OK8f5ZLwAfYnfHfEhvNARTN7MDuFPbswnx_6sUsAASUxfzYaukSMbT9Dxm--YqhAg-ck7c3UomH0Z8UGb6v7NSE-VQuz18tAOHXynS7tEpXe-2YHYKXQ2GeEgrGi09vtYqLQtldt4uxZ-Wu3s-XAclecgw3CLqWCMxM3Zirsc8EoOHhNIA9ck" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Once at the bottom, I was able to catch the final boat outing of the early evening, just in time to see the sunset.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT4XZD7zISs0K35798vtZFOiELiiL9_Oe2vzujYxba4Hz_U6rio7neYqJF83m4EODthpUOPmMd0tiNV_nhxA59Pj5ZE0NdQ8fp-6T1TuI3_IC78MUkzLsKX6ppZVQO5kAOrWY9Cgq3fJfDfEp86wrYMkPB-AN8ZiTzH8qMzg4p7YXUe_TBqHKpmC2K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7382" data-original-width="9861" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT4XZD7zISs0K35798vtZFOiELiiL9_Oe2vzujYxba4Hz_U6rio7neYqJF83m4EODthpUOPmMd0tiNV_nhxA59Pj5ZE0NdQ8fp-6T1TuI3_IC78MUkzLsKX6ppZVQO5kAOrWY9Cgq3fJfDfEp86wrYMkPB-AN8ZiTzH8qMzg4p7YXUe_TBqHKpmC2K" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpjVgz9vIKnqVye1SAvIkUmgu8Jp_A0N59nHvLt4cxqVTp3ltFKMCxnmI5mwC7eJwBAWXGJEhjH_SPZG-U_UZADigwy0eQ9JGJrv5Th8b2BPFRvA7ibSIYgIsM9tSxya7e6I5r-3peq6eLPnpxWflR6oq8cBKC2Na5wjpwito5aOmE6Li05heEsD6b" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8173" data-original-width="10899" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpjVgz9vIKnqVye1SAvIkUmgu8Jp_A0N59nHvLt4cxqVTp3ltFKMCxnmI5mwC7eJwBAWXGJEhjH_SPZG-U_UZADigwy0eQ9JGJrv5Th8b2BPFRvA7ibSIYgIsM9tSxya7e6I5r-3peq6eLPnpxWflR6oq8cBKC2Na5wjpwito5aOmE6Li05heEsD6b" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-B1kpiAwrd526ROIUgrve0yuU7diMv8shJnPEKAfKppP5Ha8C-cGUwin00SDksR7R7BaLIL-Kctkct5HqotH8bCRu2kqOFV_rNgrR18YkJfLntgSyMPDu-2nsiyRN32QAznutEw6DIIKVsl9Wx7u7_kBqbbaR8beS1PVNBREq1DeQgqXeqXtPYT3J" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11650" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-B1kpiAwrd526ROIUgrve0yuU7diMv8shJnPEKAfKppP5Ha8C-cGUwin00SDksR7R7BaLIL-Kctkct5HqotH8bCRu2kqOFV_rNgrR18YkJfLntgSyMPDu-2nsiyRN32QAznutEw6DIIKVsl9Wx7u7_kBqbbaR8beS1PVNBREq1DeQgqXeqXtPYT3J" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I took the next day off again. The following day was my final full day in town. I walked to the train station and stopped below Arakurayama Sengen Park. It was a short walk up a few hundred steps. Rather than continue up the final set of stairs, I detoured to a side area that had a few paths lined with trees and fences. The place was pretty much deserted, as everyone else walked straight up to the pagoda view. This path allowed me to walk to the side, with differing views of Fuji.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3D3GMGMPyi878FzRdeyGD9lWx03SvfvBTDQZ0nuCSxN4o355TipzVzZcjbg0R4Yps-LJTSNf5qAu7D8w8qZEtsQyjgotFZpUgvBSPbNRdwulOJIZMqo9z64un6bDK6UlcPTrlDusb1FDr6koBR_P02a0enwdW5Vp3z59ld0s9UIdVdnMi_DaHRCq7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8674" data-original-width="11587" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3D3GMGMPyi878FzRdeyGD9lWx03SvfvBTDQZ0nuCSxN4o355TipzVzZcjbg0R4Yps-LJTSNf5qAu7D8w8qZEtsQyjgotFZpUgvBSPbNRdwulOJIZMqo9z64un6bDK6UlcPTrlDusb1FDr6koBR_P02a0enwdW5Vp3z59ld0s9UIdVdnMi_DaHRCq7" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6SpZlV1V4E7inVxHKPgBJRN2nMkls4PCNT3tS8X3QBEBH06FP6woBVJ1frpz_b8bGhc80bnnzcTQWeIGDfbpJlxYrbSRrUXH30PzSGS3lLvlqFU4GdDWGNqkvu4_Ulx6d9ci2fqpgVc18d10aPFANChJ9wvLe3apCFv4baupil-CeJ943gtBeCPjj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8587" data-original-width="11451" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6SpZlV1V4E7inVxHKPgBJRN2nMkls4PCNT3tS8X3QBEBH06FP6woBVJ1frpz_b8bGhc80bnnzcTQWeIGDfbpJlxYrbSRrUXH30PzSGS3lLvlqFU4GdDWGNqkvu4_Ulx6d9ci2fqpgVc18d10aPFANChJ9wvLe3apCFv4baupil-CeJ943gtBeCPjj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7xHXCb3TgAHcPRWSqqTa8RLAmYZEJniaaUFPAnFCtn-_dj1nShaxggBbK1HkpquRPgN1i6En3zMs9JM9gtwiGdvHFOgPN1UCJTwcKXruWfm3N5CuO1SeMF7oyQaf6PrAyJ25WMtNt-1kUFWBKBO-okedax4SUpUTEXXnC8MfMbPSCoLDSxStkZp0c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5263" data-original-width="8005" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7xHXCb3TgAHcPRWSqqTa8RLAmYZEJniaaUFPAnFCtn-_dj1nShaxggBbK1HkpquRPgN1i6En3zMs9JM9gtwiGdvHFOgPN1UCJTwcKXruWfm3N5CuO1SeMF7oyQaf6PrAyJ25WMtNt-1kUFWBKBO-okedax4SUpUTEXXnC8MfMbPSCoLDSxStkZp0c" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> I walked up the side, but rather than going all the way to the pagoda, I noticed that there was a path continuing upwards. I did a quick check on the Alltrails app, and this path led all around the mountains, ending at the top of the ropeway from the other day, but it also suggested just hiking to the top of the mountain. It was only a little past 2:00, and I wanted to stay in the area until closer to sunset, so I decided to do it. It was about an hour hike, mostly upward. Unfortunately, the trees obscured the view. Once I reached the top, I turned around and walked down.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvD_LznvLtNePIRf8YkoP0I6DzDYm0o_QKJ9abnBKVQTieE6F5JFQpOmQ7Jxk0gmFiWfC5IIKN4N0X82-RKams_vKGtgybES-I2zA1cIACXssu3yMdWqOcd0-LHU0NrUVdftPXE3RzmzOoj-rso5zr7zRlV6GikTt2UVFR_7ugozoF_nUAhyaJKESj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8371" data-original-width="11183" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvD_LznvLtNePIRf8YkoP0I6DzDYm0o_QKJ9abnBKVQTieE6F5JFQpOmQ7Jxk0gmFiWfC5IIKN4N0X82-RKams_vKGtgybES-I2zA1cIACXssu3yMdWqOcd0-LHU0NrUVdftPXE3RzmzOoj-rso5zr7zRlV6GikTt2UVFR_7ugozoF_nUAhyaJKESj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmh0Kh1GyxKBpgdl2k2ZlpW3A9FtEstl44h1_hik-u46Ey-8LTpqUH-KFwvPpOYlY6xTAM0I9xI_4M0T5oauo1s4FhlosMComPgTgrqvEl7nz-do0GJja89p0LfebkecFJ93423FQy9IZ_mUeJUDnpSVGtbXuAIJE1tLHgUhthxdSxV_a8Kle_2LxB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="10565" data-original-width="7923" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmh0Kh1GyxKBpgdl2k2ZlpW3A9FtEstl44h1_hik-u46Ey-8LTpqUH-KFwvPpOYlY6xTAM0I9xI_4M0T5oauo1s4FhlosMComPgTgrqvEl7nz-do0GJja89p0LfebkecFJ93423FQy9IZ_mUeJUDnpSVGtbXuAIJE1tLHgUhthxdSxV_a8Kle_2LxB" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGr27DgpV-GI7Bkv_55g8Roc8CF-4plQQAHLLWmfaPtim9RkcEZ7Ub72fm3sF7H78dgLYfpRaATSOYdWcqq7yjSD-nah9a2K_V7GfRVmgiC6t7gfC6zJTn9zLlZQMiK2sdG53U5RC7KB6Fq2QdLrS5de3qnIkSpoYf7wcwFNxtNa8KCMkzT1tf1dww" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="11145" data-original-width="8343" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGr27DgpV-GI7Bkv_55g8Roc8CF-4plQQAHLLWmfaPtim9RkcEZ7Ub72fm3sF7H78dgLYfpRaATSOYdWcqq7yjSD-nah9a2K_V7GfRVmgiC6t7gfC6zJTn9zLlZQMiK2sdG53U5RC7KB6Fq2QdLrS5de3qnIkSpoYf7wcwFNxtNa8KCMkzT1tf1dww" width="180" /></a></div><br /> I took photos of the pagoda and view until the sun was blocked by mountains and trees. Then I went back to the hotel room. I had eaten at the ramen restaurant every other night, so this night I decided to return to the hoto restaurant. Unfortunately, even though there were people inside, they were closed for dinner, as New Years was quickly approaching, and a lot of Japan shuts down for a few days surrounding it. I returned to the ramen restaurant.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_j4nf6p0upJf2osE7arZ219KJz5JsyeKLM-XYwsh1Wq9NscJQiXxR01dYiSdQ9ijapsHUaEJebZyE4s9vEktbMthqmMwyeFDGjRgnogmFFf0CmI1e1iIiGlHgu3FAC4YbAmznV5u41RrxcyBWrtAy7k11RydVnOcBeCPL682aULm3JT2xlgeJbZAa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8245" data-original-width="5496" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_j4nf6p0upJf2osE7arZ219KJz5JsyeKLM-XYwsh1Wq9NscJQiXxR01dYiSdQ9ijapsHUaEJebZyE4s9vEktbMthqmMwyeFDGjRgnogmFFf0CmI1e1iIiGlHgu3FAC4YbAmznV5u41RrxcyBWrtAy7k11RydVnOcBeCPL682aULm3JT2xlgeJbZAa" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWOFQCKG1BqsJuvwtQ1J-Yo2F3E-yfbrLmJC9LxAYSK-sr_rncAn4bu3LY8ExAhNWfxg-V9AnKH1Cs-JSc4-_AOJLWmlEliree0JSlkPYK1x_kWgVgGj8KXIp9oOl6iwbyf59uk6I7C08EoBrB6LhRSUfYXMxGyvExKSCu33hz64_UKXW24_fChgB1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8151" data-original-width="10868" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWOFQCKG1BqsJuvwtQ1J-Yo2F3E-yfbrLmJC9LxAYSK-sr_rncAn4bu3LY8ExAhNWfxg-V9AnKH1Cs-JSc4-_AOJLWmlEliree0JSlkPYK1x_kWgVgGj8KXIp9oOl6iwbyf59uk6I7C08EoBrB6LhRSUfYXMxGyvExKSCu33hz64_UKXW24_fChgB1" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqqNHknS6q4x-__WXDTwVLFQSbrp62JtQrAUQ7EtBbj2S-dpvM06gAPAmCxDqo0Dsty9kKHQt8k5cbCl3gWvWEotAYpwfo55ccciXZxh20khWaUPd5ci0sqNhjxwFMUfrOSE5YFF6rHZJ8RitfHTvu1PXb1oViwZZpHgvHyDELXkKXYZ-WIJufwXl5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8445" data-original-width="11281" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqqNHknS6q4x-__WXDTwVLFQSbrp62JtQrAUQ7EtBbj2S-dpvM06gAPAmCxDqo0Dsty9kKHQt8k5cbCl3gWvWEotAYpwfo55ccciXZxh20khWaUPd5ci0sqNhjxwFMUfrOSE5YFF6rHZJ8RitfHTvu1PXb1oViwZZpHgvHyDELXkKXYZ-WIJufwXl5" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGGy2Lzv21ah9cMJSTOP-8o1lqrAwuBufDWS_faynLJfO1_WNYKpd2rwa9BA6CeK3FoQhaYrBTgygZ2zL50QvAnXOIUWl3-7afVIH9VtFiXsKLZ9UF7MbD9DYpmBlfAUHNFRccTCmlrHXbSMdH2F7qPVi2ol3aXDTZNPHshNwMNPLMNbJlks4HyIyj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGGy2Lzv21ah9cMJSTOP-8o1lqrAwuBufDWS_faynLJfO1_WNYKpd2rwa9BA6CeK3FoQhaYrBTgygZ2zL50QvAnXOIUWl3-7afVIH9VtFiXsKLZ9UF7MbD9DYpmBlfAUHNFRccTCmlrHXbSMdH2F7qPVi2ol3aXDTZNPHshNwMNPLMNbJlks4HyIyj" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> It was a two and a half hour train ride, via three trains, to my hotel near Tokyo Main Station.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6obniqybm0mO3t_aGkUDc0lkx5sJRXrYitvtNTDMCK8hyy32Ln3upmi_Oru78JcZiYuH95cmZn4ONHyjM6bxUczE_AynBWYa4W3WFXAv8kX2LSspKdN-u-Vyaf6g6qD-5UGNHzDUdiIQIRQlDstVudf9XW1a4YMw_W-XRakaL0nLgVkPH4IAqR_fm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2880" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6obniqybm0mO3t_aGkUDc0lkx5sJRXrYitvtNTDMCK8hyy32Ln3upmi_Oru78JcZiYuH95cmZn4ONHyjM6bxUczE_AynBWYa4W3WFXAv8kX2LSspKdN-u-Vyaf6g6qD-5UGNHzDUdiIQIRQlDstVudf9XW1a4YMw_W-XRakaL0nLgVkPH4IAqR_fm" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was an advertisement for the Thomas the Train amusement park.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwOd3I2o0w0U-SixQ6cOKuQxJ5xEEKWSYd1Eh5_DJ7DGvSIHSmvX1mRjL3d-X5gUoe25nxHyss73bSp5G7IzWaxoW0qQ1Rld-_gGBdyH5FvSp0gCpjq4H69lZt8uL3HSrYwqgIKWA6Ub9OBAmGeeSc4SxruU5VtNggzjweTjSH-yBmP0ieLFtTZFFe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwOd3I2o0w0U-SixQ6cOKuQxJ5xEEKWSYd1Eh5_DJ7DGvSIHSmvX1mRjL3d-X5gUoe25nxHyss73bSp5G7IzWaxoW0qQ1Rld-_gGBdyH5FvSp0gCpjq4H69lZt8uL3HSrYwqgIKWA6Ub9OBAmGeeSc4SxruU5VtNggzjweTjSH-yBmP0ieLFtTZFFe" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> I hadn't eaten all day. I wanted to return to my favorite ramen restaurant of the trip, Hakodate Ramen Funamizaka. The place was closed. I looked for nearby places and tried three more shops, all closed. As a last resort, I decided to go towards Tokyo Main Station. There is a "Ramen Street" there, in the underground mall below the station. Here are some of the buildings I passed.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtV81-FlpJiwdEPSulKvxWqlLK5waD8CXdVbKGuc-YAgYYXBrev71ynW7v-lUZLBzO6Djs9XL-SL5DW3PsrlKaT_7zJ3ck-mxNVgACOA3ZPyBQ4uP_7gK-VApMC2gjw1Matn-cq7GBT0XyDa65DEYhi__FtF3lUEmef4q1242d0rkNtDPqGNhGGT35" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3843" data-original-width="2882" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtV81-FlpJiwdEPSulKvxWqlLK5waD8CXdVbKGuc-YAgYYXBrev71ynW7v-lUZLBzO6Djs9XL-SL5DW3PsrlKaT_7zJ3ck-mxNVgACOA3ZPyBQ4uP_7gK-VApMC2gjw1Matn-cq7GBT0XyDa65DEYhi__FtF3lUEmef4q1242d0rkNtDPqGNhGGT35" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQwe4oobUnsFAqPUaZhL0PFZVnxTBpr_IyHkqhgiA6bsfJ4kB1XPVv8TWyaV_Au8V_gFellYueEErPAIpWgwei4ZUNBz2tk4EMpjIhRTZifqj-al3cB1ayKkFhRx8ub9q_hUM9-wjVodcMuJDPmw2H6fYX71j8T5w9IQxGXvUdUydqLKZpHDqs7p91" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQwe4oobUnsFAqPUaZhL0PFZVnxTBpr_IyHkqhgiA6bsfJ4kB1XPVv8TWyaV_Au8V_gFellYueEErPAIpWgwei4ZUNBz2tk4EMpjIhRTZifqj-al3cB1ayKkFhRx8ub9q_hUM9-wjVodcMuJDPmw2H6fYX71j8T5w9IQxGXvUdUydqLKZpHDqs7p91" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_kWWvqIa8rmEDsVgk8yF4NMhh0nl51MXxcEFDx_Ju6Z70TsDlPOXhGoXztXmgT7VcngdfFaox3iXPnKRbDdfrqn7sDoNwmITT7SB4pMU61-NtRgJbEzxqt4Z0fXvmVOWif6kZ3Po_tmIhQX-JncVtLXcYECfoQsDHO6e-Pg5-8yVsVHpiNcA1nKvt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3800" data-original-width="2850" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_kWWvqIa8rmEDsVgk8yF4NMhh0nl51MXxcEFDx_Ju6Z70TsDlPOXhGoXztXmgT7VcngdfFaox3iXPnKRbDdfrqn7sDoNwmITT7SB4pMU61-NtRgJbEzxqt4Z0fXvmVOWif6kZ3Po_tmIhQX-JncVtLXcYECfoQsDHO6e-Pg5-8yVsVHpiNcA1nKvt" width="180" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik4tU9X-01fSJQ3TeauOXLoPPZS6eV7SIKAtZUG3o9_-qh6yKXLnVixuOrb2EkMFh79RbG5ylDNm0bhM2FNBGc59k_lnLNAKq8YsTK7LiQrNAr-c4jSrWWqy8dAo6qr2eRbiSPQL4McH-_A9U66nR2B5T2d8_MVYKF_litHhoAqw7ZFhh8tN7aLB2q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="3892" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik4tU9X-01fSJQ3TeauOXLoPPZS6eV7SIKAtZUG3o9_-qh6yKXLnVixuOrb2EkMFh79RbG5ylDNm0bhM2FNBGc59k_lnLNAKq8YsTK7LiQrNAr-c4jSrWWqy8dAo6qr2eRbiSPQL4McH-_A9U66nR2B5T2d8_MVYKF_litHhoAqw7ZFhh8tN7aLB2q" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned around and noticed this Konami building, which was a recognizable name of a game developer. Once home, I looked it up, and sure enough, this is their headquarters. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_tF-UL04ReYLyx4upmX3nRYIUIm11YRaY5MwXDXrJ6ewvHnEmFk2GBczbZEkqrdbwY0yeYY-Rj2VhjqfB20wck_CQK0o3N5gmEDYy0RtEVrabtYgNJhbFAOUzAu6gID_r1_aP5Ha50F4KliqtLJTPSJV7YR6qoMX0NnCNo2LcPPUmTKW5bortxc49" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3835" data-original-width="2876" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_tF-UL04ReYLyx4upmX3nRYIUIm11YRaY5MwXDXrJ6ewvHnEmFk2GBczbZEkqrdbwY0yeYY-Rj2VhjqfB20wck_CQK0o3N5gmEDYy0RtEVrabtYgNJhbFAOUzAu6gID_r1_aP5Ha50F4KliqtLJTPSJV7YR6qoMX0NnCNo2LcPPUmTKW5bortxc49" width="180" /></a></div><br /> Ramen Street had queues around the corner. I chose the shortest line, which coincided with the worst reviews, and ate there. By this time, I was quite hungry, and so I didn't care to be discriminating.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKVxpomB77wLLn92SSTzp_x3jptw5b2fMrBcs19cLwNmoQxRezsmIR7leX13wv3_1bcNrGnd8pf6f60Ltr3XdlKmF2BOz-EioC6LArkDjVm4w9fgw2bQSev2OhegZj3bQZEySLCfjBanWb6HxhzQbMgm6pByYWzx6v839uD-PJCmu9xKd_mdO7heLw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKVxpomB77wLLn92SSTzp_x3jptw5b2fMrBcs19cLwNmoQxRezsmIR7leX13wv3_1bcNrGnd8pf6f60Ltr3XdlKmF2BOz-EioC6LArkDjVm4w9fgw2bQSev2OhegZj3bQZEySLCfjBanWb6HxhzQbMgm6pByYWzx6v839uD-PJCmu9xKd_mdO7heLw" width="320" /></a></div><br /> For New Years, I left around 8:30 at night, to walk around town. I returned to Roppongi, where the streets were mostly barren. The previously packed street crossing at Keyakizaka Dori, had very few people walking it, but they were all kind of being silly, while also stopping for photos. One thing that I noticed, on both the streets, along with the subways, was that the amount of foreigners out and about were in much higher ratios than I had seen at any other point of the trip.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAg57IfXesqNvcsR4ORhgi6famCu2aPOW7Y66F3_mr-eeCH8ZRN_aWLo5QG8ayFdkAwMPTJINrhBJ5ge-mlTGhGqS6PkZs9QOkK4UpFz3ukG6GRVhjEiv3Xzh9gtsWZFR3RjfAhTKmkiyISvCwCWKYalgF61qbzYmX7ShaN--TJX2YJrSb9qoU0ThD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="3670" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAg57IfXesqNvcsR4ORhgi6famCu2aPOW7Y66F3_mr-eeCH8ZRN_aWLo5QG8ayFdkAwMPTJINrhBJ5ge-mlTGhGqS6PkZs9QOkK4UpFz3ukG6GRVhjEiv3Xzh9gtsWZFR3RjfAhTKmkiyISvCwCWKYalgF61qbzYmX7ShaN--TJX2YJrSb9qoU0ThD" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTHHomFF_-g-HhnPiNMF8xjOEX3EPj-cjSmPofToeULERc4yhrsQBvqWuD_jCa5Pj8sDGVpBxBnjYL-RSInuTzXTv0OExWTctH725JHWMXWPHVZQcEWBJqQkkl1kBhx7JqFrppqjE4rCCmRJp5v6kW0qqWCeiBVGE-YW_INb8WDy5thLgfFPnPysP_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2780" data-original-width="3707" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTHHomFF_-g-HhnPiNMF8xjOEX3EPj-cjSmPofToeULERc4yhrsQBvqWuD_jCa5Pj8sDGVpBxBnjYL-RSInuTzXTv0OExWTctH725JHWMXWPHVZQcEWBJqQkkl1kBhx7JqFrppqjE4rCCmRJp5v6kW0qqWCeiBVGE-YW_INb8WDy5thLgfFPnPysP_" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For the countdown to New Years, I visited the Zojo-ji temple complex, which included a view of Tokyo Tower(Where I brought Miles in 2017 to visit the One Piece Amusement Park). Below, I included a video of the countdown. I picked a temple for New Years, because online searches explained that people line up to experience the first prayer of the new year. Also, they would ring a bell 108 times, to represent the 108 worldly desires. I had erroneously expected a quick succession of ringing. I think that they actually sold tickets though, and so there was a large gap between ringings. I included a video of this below as well. The final video is of a small both where people were playing music.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr-JNHUQGzga00mi41xaQ4-2X7GIge73QK-EtTS2B_Zqyt6YN_TlGR1kVGcfWYZZZl6LmJOgTNVC33OGpSKkwH86bwa95qMx1jj76rvNpL0zTpm5eon8jF7HdF4X9RdZXpBX2AiKkoZuKdkBFcAWPp65AlhKLpuhBZdLYpNvknGs1DWShxC19qhB-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2913" data-original-width="3884" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr-JNHUQGzga00mi41xaQ4-2X7GIge73QK-EtTS2B_Zqyt6YN_TlGR1kVGcfWYZZZl6LmJOgTNVC33OGpSKkwH86bwa95qMx1jj76rvNpL0zTpm5eon8jF7HdF4X9RdZXpBX2AiKkoZuKdkBFcAWPp65AlhKLpuhBZdLYpNvknGs1DWShxC19qhB-I" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRib_OglacW39hbWAB-2kgGyMilC7HRRb9rw2XKnbTD85VV-1kmgfL7inCkxCfyfHDPop5IFonTE3Dni8tmcjs29jjwLWCOSLz_HuvpJ_2t7mZEDqrVmMWS9CPEK1fPV6-lkv5pmrJQE-hoiDUGGPkHb_tOqD9Sn6z0jDnP75vjOFLTbPhf6_Vf6I6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3323" data-original-width="2492" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRib_OglacW39hbWAB-2kgGyMilC7HRRb9rw2XKnbTD85VV-1kmgfL7inCkxCfyfHDPop5IFonTE3Dni8tmcjs29jjwLWCOSLz_HuvpJ_2t7mZEDqrVmMWS9CPEK1fPV6-lkv5pmrJQE-hoiDUGGPkHb_tOqD9Sn6z0jDnP75vjOFLTbPhf6_Vf6I6" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9fUaSqRIBi0" width="320" youtube-src-id="9fUaSqRIBi0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pgj4WFfWjOA" width="320" youtube-src-id="Pgj4WFfWjOA"></iframe><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LL68LvYrpkE" width="320" youtube-src-id="LL68LvYrpkE"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The complex was booming with excitement. There were food vendors, the beforementioned music, a large fire pit, and even people wearing boy scoutlike outfits. Unfortunately, with the last two, I couldn't really ask what they were about. While I can ask, in Japanese, what something is, I cannot understand their response.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrEQupBz7o8ePtisbH5Z7tvPt2EBEAdc06WYumHLs3KFK4IJwQXwq6661cM2lBdzePqyhIPCPUkq3XJhbauPDfvvo1v2X19fA3YTzj4TtNQCqXBS_boAXWhJFkiV4RoIe2WU_Gl86nELec0S72v9TWowFzBw9WE0jQlNT-ot7cGOj6e7FsR2KN8RA5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3647" data-original-width="2735" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrEQupBz7o8ePtisbH5Z7tvPt2EBEAdc06WYumHLs3KFK4IJwQXwq6661cM2lBdzePqyhIPCPUkq3XJhbauPDfvvo1v2X19fA3YTzj4TtNQCqXBS_boAXWhJFkiV4RoIe2WU_Gl86nELec0S72v9TWowFzBw9WE0jQlNT-ot7cGOj6e7FsR2KN8RA5" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxHCPLyZGqcri9v0as6MoijjjNjYbhfRiEh7HaG9EgcgCHjX6KcFrRiOgwcZhYBRuQyU3-93O9OVYBDKgfWCNEFnnQ0LnS6ZYo_ocyqXDbF1DQSvfUQSoWxCy7aFjkQcID45p4BQzcjQi5KUctuTnDbz3SWHM24eIot5lY_NQr6SJqNAUxc_6Mh3J6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxHCPLyZGqcri9v0as6MoijjjNjYbhfRiEh7HaG9EgcgCHjX6KcFrRiOgwcZhYBRuQyU3-93O9OVYBDKgfWCNEFnnQ0LnS6ZYo_ocyqXDbF1DQSvfUQSoWxCy7aFjkQcID45p4BQzcjQi5KUctuTnDbz3SWHM24eIot5lY_NQr6SJqNAUxc_6Mh3J6" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM9Ox69tPnjdQHO5x7wfdB0ZAwi5UZ-G7RD6PDEWThH5JvdvBrQaMlTtf4FGiPC_n5sFhAVUqglH4wogVJJGB1U0EOC0M4OWTVJwTttaf5hyA2unymlnolN6Stnti45Iy7EzL6iNXkFTp8yrVhuvfjwGm1Tm9Defq343Ezz9_ZmZ_a2enKnlyx7Pir" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM9Ox69tPnjdQHO5x7wfdB0ZAwi5UZ-G7RD6PDEWThH5JvdvBrQaMlTtf4FGiPC_n5sFhAVUqglH4wogVJJGB1U0EOC0M4OWTVJwTttaf5hyA2unymlnolN6Stnti45Iy7EzL6iNXkFTp8yrVhuvfjwGm1Tm9Defq343Ezz9_ZmZ_a2enKnlyx7Pir" width="180" /></a></div><br /> One of the two temples was open to all visitors. Once the line was opened for the main temple, all were allowed inside there as well.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpAzWuVDAy1oxnDSRJ-0pBPjMDPzQHtCvDI8_hU6EzkhNXoj4JqX8dSa9zHFU2YEN3fW5q0OCtbfbN5rAZ7er7BjgpxtFpCg8JtPJlWcKSCAqc4nW3gm4xYNnotHZNEjWgV3Jn2m8SnA9Dsg2KqBl-bHHl4qpvRe6gxC4cIHO2KBzwv7WX2iOtAcis" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpAzWuVDAy1oxnDSRJ-0pBPjMDPzQHtCvDI8_hU6EzkhNXoj4JqX8dSa9zHFU2YEN3fW5q0OCtbfbN5rAZ7er7BjgpxtFpCg8JtPJlWcKSCAqc4nW3gm4xYNnotHZNEjWgV3Jn2m8SnA9Dsg2KqBl-bHHl4qpvRe6gxC4cIHO2KBzwv7WX2iOtAcis" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2Ozm4tqdm6vQ-FTvK3XBt7Po7v78P1wzgVDsfiAFx_Yhvp5912dcUFFy0MoPSHf6ZKT5V1eWiZb8SxsWwCpsDyKBUHty50M37Kdzr0xPcmPt9cRdvird22dLK_Y4NCJ9---91RJSbiOsyY7I7a3E-88wNJcnuPNYyGWcV0KnXDCfiWp7fc8PRgyrJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2935" data-original-width="3913" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2Ozm4tqdm6vQ-FTvK3XBt7Po7v78P1wzgVDsfiAFx_Yhvp5912dcUFFy0MoPSHf6ZKT5V1eWiZb8SxsWwCpsDyKBUHty50M37Kdzr0xPcmPt9cRdvird22dLK_Y4NCJ9---91RJSbiOsyY7I7a3E-88wNJcnuPNYyGWcV0KnXDCfiWp7fc8PRgyrJ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_fEp8pEza9Dc3_kilCT2MjVfLnrcjQwfCLxNlJY07471HM0hYIqgEw0Q5leqHfQuaLPGhrJyQiiorqaqMNzhiKWLBHDCto5DbhX6rq1O-jJ4S1h8w9R3c_3eGJz7UJv-4JGsC3CvFw1hkn0vKachG2goUW20WnXKDO9yeOBpA2dTC-ZBzjj8fZZEo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_fEp8pEza9Dc3_kilCT2MjVfLnrcjQwfCLxNlJY07471HM0hYIqgEw0Q5leqHfQuaLPGhrJyQiiorqaqMNzhiKWLBHDCto5DbhX6rq1O-jJ4S1h8w9R3c_3eGJz7UJv-4JGsC3CvFw1hkn0vKachG2goUW20WnXKDO9yeOBpA2dTC-ZBzjj8fZZEo" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div> It was reported that Tokyo Tower would be lit, but it was dormant at midnight. All of a sudden, at 1:00 AM, it turned on. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcJqwb7sSsLkLcO7_JBH092KB5xZfQ2s_OZTD7sf9tSs5U-dny_HqF35zJ0_sZwDVHNOsRlvB3vSjf1Ju_lSioh24m-lnqZfLjXkNf0_PgE4C7RJdBGmlk1v33Zv7MQe6eq6JrFLQw_hgwGIBoj2oZDwzcxIvLzrhKU8MfdwDHzN1q69Y6giV4PXbx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcJqwb7sSsLkLcO7_JBH092KB5xZfQ2s_OZTD7sf9tSs5U-dny_HqF35zJ0_sZwDVHNOsRlvB3vSjf1Ju_lSioh24m-lnqZfLjXkNf0_PgE4C7RJdBGmlk1v33Zv7MQe6eq6JrFLQw_hgwGIBoj2oZDwzcxIvLzrhKU8MfdwDHzN1q69Y6giV4PXbx" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv2Xdqo5i_zxKgzxwhVac6XugQJOOvZ-dngo015vklrhzyFeK0axjoWXyJu-pfvmDMfZehRYNBBge8A2jm6ctAbPKCTslNKGA4gUF-weq4KjYJ16UjbdMm8fXbidb25GvAGAD30rg7_iJcSgVchMFmo7ZUBLv0YmcvWCOcV0uux-4y-xvVNKZJhOrM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2749" data-original-width="3665" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv2Xdqo5i_zxKgzxwhVac6XugQJOOvZ-dngo015vklrhzyFeK0axjoWXyJu-pfvmDMfZehRYNBBge8A2jm6ctAbPKCTslNKGA4gUF-weq4KjYJ16UjbdMm8fXbidb25GvAGAD30rg7_iJcSgVchMFmo7ZUBLv0YmcvWCOcV0uux-4y-xvVNKZJhOrM" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The next day was a bit of a downer, after such an exhilarating experience at night. I took the high speed Narita Express train to Narita Airport, way out East of Tokyo. There was a massive outdoor area, which allowed you to hang out and even eat outdoors. I sat there in the sun. It was warm enough that I did not need a jacket.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC8QPWkNc1qeRDmNreVhi9SHhRSTg92P-4I5sIjxp2brri2BNjiV7EFt0DtNYjOUGxJ4fOFI8czUY-YqZVG6vPaxRJkjg1JSjahdrmQqYCrGt_Z2hhIFo0b9KSbspYHl46qvMaI5Vv7oY59NBD4Kbstr-N03wJNDqVT4xIcU_CWm_RJoy8OEVW5kED" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2573" data-original-width="3430" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC8QPWkNc1qeRDmNreVhi9SHhRSTg92P-4I5sIjxp2brri2BNjiV7EFt0DtNYjOUGxJ4fOFI8czUY-YqZVG6vPaxRJkjg1JSjahdrmQqYCrGt_Z2hhIFo0b9KSbspYHl46qvMaI5Vv7oY59NBD4Kbstr-N03wJNDqVT4xIcU_CWm_RJoy8OEVW5kED" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The trip had a very different feel than any of my previous trips, to Japan or elsewhere. I rarely stay in a location for an entire week, and so the pacing was different. I also began to really become comfortable with navigating the cities and navigational systems in each. I also gave some thought as to what it would be like to stay in Japan for a much more extended period of time. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> While I absolutely love staying in remote locations and smaller towns, even Fujiyoshida, which was fairly big, was just too isolating to me. Throughout the trip, I was able to participate in a travel chat group. It allowed me to meet Jimmy, ask questions to other people, as well as feeling like part of a community. Almost all of the activity took place in Tokyo. So, it seems, that if I wanted to take part in an expat community, Tokyo would be the place to be. I would take lessons and try to immerse myself in the Japanese language if I were to take an extended stay in Japan. That being said, having at least a handful of English speaking people to interact with, would definitely help, at least in the beginning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Kyoto will always be a special place to me, as it is a nice mix of small town and city life, with access to tons of hiking, and mass transit to varied locales. The negatives are that the transportation inside the town itself is much more sparse. This was my first time in Osaka, and I didn't get to experience much, but the crowds, both inside the main station, as well as on the streets, seemed much denser and overwhelming than Tokyo. This might have had to do with the fact that I chose to go to Christmas lighting events though. I ended up really loving Tokyo, despite it being a concrete megacity. Everything is easily reached via an abundant and efficient transportation system. The subways are also extremely economical. Yet, despite the population, you can find a seemingly endless amount of hole in the wall restaurants and I assume, bars, that have jus ta handful of seats. It is nice to be able to get away from the bustle and have more intimate gathering places.</div>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615533911705361357.post-3392218881836608232022-12-29T03:18:00.004-08:002022-12-29T03:23:37.909-08:00Japan 5.5: Xmas lights in Osaka and the Reptiloid Kappa<p> The next day was a hotel transfer, though I remained in Kyoto. I wanted to stay at my first hotel for an entire week, but they only had two days. Therefore, I decided to take the five days and book two days for elsewhere. The second hotel was right in the geisha district near Hanimakoji. The Japanese are strict with the 3:00 check in, so I dropped off my luggage and planned for a day in Arishayama. </p><p> A short walk from the station, I stopped at the tiny Tenryu-ji Temple. I thought that this would be an entire complex, but instead, it was a corded off tiny shrine. I used google translate to translate the sign, then took a screenshot of it, and then rotated it. I had to rotate it because Japanese writing is vertical, and Google Translate wrote it out sideways. In any case, it is a shrine to electric and radio waves.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXeFmQtSubivA__mlPcBFs3-3qZ_rTbrmFAiiSSqsGtlLRrSNP1uLN0lozh-2PQngorWzrHv0yw2T-kbFIZ70S4ZOQGIA5b9gyj5mpmJ8CnIMX8S1K3w1W1uXAWotig8h2_ycUUI13klmCpnRMDlr2n6hIIQ59mWrxCvsJ53OY-hKjW9fbJvZbq0ox" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXeFmQtSubivA__mlPcBFs3-3qZ_rTbrmFAiiSSqsGtlLRrSNP1uLN0lozh-2PQngorWzrHv0yw2T-kbFIZ70S4ZOQGIA5b9gyj5mpmJ8CnIMX8S1K3w1W1uXAWotig8h2_ycUUI13klmCpnRMDlr2n6hIIQ59mWrxCvsJ53OY-hKjW9fbJvZbq0ox" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKbmcyX3c9AuqvRQLrb5YAb6Uc-9rn2YOY_zaPKEGxPwtZu8RrWFXf5Ba0iNaxHH0dZ9mBAPXRvBpcEHITo_-ILFJXSEmsl8ny7mwSjMF57DGYOL29Ar0gbayXAQNnwGvp1ThqwSUkPGYAmdtz_VH_6ua8byqyqCQbT1PbLW74FfENAN65_v-bXBRR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1872" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKbmcyX3c9AuqvRQLrb5YAb6Uc-9rn2YOY_zaPKEGxPwtZu8RrWFXf5Ba0iNaxHH0dZ9mBAPXRvBpcEHITo_-ILFJXSEmsl8ny7mwSjMF57DGYOL29Ar0gbayXAQNnwGvp1ThqwSUkPGYAmdtz_VH_6ua8byqyqCQbT1PbLW74FfENAN65_v-bXBRR" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was drizzling, and as I approached town, there was a rainbow overhead. I visited this region in 2017, to see the bamboo forest and monkeys on the mountain. I planned to potentially visit them again, but with the weather uncertain, I decided to first visit the main reason I returned here.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbLhF4xA7FdEejh6Rc5UC5sUeirt7uwiI0dAou27DRAwDYePj5AYHxxsdPWkZ1f_URCHUG1n9kofLayNyLMDHL0n-rO1dTc7kKn30RK3IntvULIYR1MQN7p77PcAveKa4KL1zeLEiB2G2ihcDm9aC2--GzhRS1GYe5haD9nu8IIW2dvQ4bZfcZGVO6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8736" data-original-width="11649" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbLhF4xA7FdEejh6Rc5UC5sUeirt7uwiI0dAou27DRAwDYePj5AYHxxsdPWkZ1f_URCHUG1n9kofLayNyLMDHL0n-rO1dTc7kKn30RK3IntvULIYR1MQN7p77PcAveKa4KL1zeLEiB2G2ihcDm9aC2--GzhRS1GYe5haD9nu8IIW2dvQ4bZfcZGVO6" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Mayumura is a shop that specializes in creating small figures out of silk cocoons. It is found by walking down a narrow alleyway. Most of the figures were of animals, such as turtles, cats, dogs, and dragons. However, in one corner was a type that i could not identify. I went up to the shopkeeper, and asked, in Japanese, what it was. She responded with a term I was unfamiliar with. Not sure if I had to translate it or not, I asked for her to write it down for me. I used the translator app with her writing, and it matched what she said. "Kappa." According to Wikipedia, a Kappa is a reptiloid kami with similarities to yokai in Japanese folklore. I learned something new.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKrIxnUlsKXx1mondKTgHjqQclf2_-Z0ypR2kbOgSf46iPC6IJs6R5qNGxue7jwrKbcY9CsCnTx9yuH7xKuvlN4rv0BzCSzTXr1z1kXyvVroi1WhaT6u_OA-txmCsUijoy_GkETBwisZVpwBkmOzO3zzIVI6jOjkIS8e1__Kt2TsIReLPS662nt9xT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKrIxnUlsKXx1mondKTgHjqQclf2_-Z0ypR2kbOgSf46iPC6IJs6R5qNGxue7jwrKbcY9CsCnTx9yuH7xKuvlN4rv0BzCSzTXr1z1kXyvVroi1WhaT6u_OA-txmCsUijoy_GkETBwisZVpwBkmOzO3zzIVI6jOjkIS8e1__Kt2TsIReLPS662nt9xT" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPwPDUZwbdYE-A3YW3HpNxXVivD-ccKPfSYCGrBz9DkoGM2lv4yvju6SRWKMzInywreiEOVuMyQT0Mw4jwK4Ix5HKLoPrwGbFQuGOfdjVsJevQT2eXzxfrWTx1KBg6tA8bZ7Bpw70nbiRbfwMisveN4edaOMJ1FgA3y5OOU5KrlGtjuo6HQ_rMESyc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPwPDUZwbdYE-A3YW3HpNxXVivD-ccKPfSYCGrBz9DkoGM2lv4yvju6SRWKMzInywreiEOVuMyQT0Mw4jwK4Ix5HKLoPrwGbFQuGOfdjVsJevQT2eXzxfrWTx1KBg6tA8bZ7Bpw70nbiRbfwMisveN4edaOMJ1FgA3y5OOU5KrlGtjuo6HQ_rMESyc" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It began to pour outside, so I decided to simply return to my hotel room. The new hotel room did not have a desk, so like what I had to do at the first Kyoto hotel, I created a makeshift desk with the laptop elevated to eye level. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiev5jZ2zyTdjNDNzm_jzZbHsJtSFEzwI100Z7TF6mVF0fB_h3lHJh9NYmhQnoEX5yJlS1XNBX-074yWM2EPloUgRbbDDakFq_Kh8il__5RmOnSeQLfD3UR-jeJIxaODjAvolJUshITR9ZhqWGG7mnKg2ZshPKUnVXyiSrZELxdnvQjku-89XHE-VR-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiev5jZ2zyTdjNDNzm_jzZbHsJtSFEzwI100Z7TF6mVF0fB_h3lHJh9NYmhQnoEX5yJlS1XNBX-074yWM2EPloUgRbbDDakFq_Kh8il__5RmOnSeQLfD3UR-jeJIxaODjAvolJUshITR9ZhqWGG7mnKg2ZshPKUnVXyiSrZELxdnvQjku-89XHE-VR-" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbU--589brAHX1lk-U-vExMrwn3GrtyNjhL5X84WFo5u3Hsaux9LMXyn8wncuLCptXYoveVXHtkk8MbXkJK3GhiMDwbKg7repheU_IWVneMd2ei8JmtnNYdBWkY0csIIanVBKVc6_8Ft8nDjO38HpPldLE4qkCYxgvjaFGfXYd8w4vEcngmHrHUJuF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbU--589brAHX1lk-U-vExMrwn3GrtyNjhL5X84WFo5u3Hsaux9LMXyn8wncuLCptXYoveVXHtkk8MbXkJK3GhiMDwbKg7repheU_IWVneMd2ei8JmtnNYdBWkY0csIIanVBKVc6_8Ft8nDjO38HpPldLE4qkCYxgvjaFGfXYd8w4vEcngmHrHUJuF" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bed was the width of the room.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> That night I decided to head out to Osaka to view Christmas Lights. I decided on visiting Osaka City Central Public Hall, as online resources showed that it would be lit. Osaka Castle was on my radar, but as I was leaving late, I did not believe that I would also be able to reach Osaka Castle in time to see their illumination display.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR4LT0W_NmaYk0K57EvldA5ilyFU-VMUBqfx0RompiiXvyYkuD_umD4X6eM2hAzEMGIhQC9J3YeQ6rlNi0z2QKTUJsoszCNzlyu_9Yc6HO6vJ4cap7w5YTzqGgiLgaBSEK9ZvzX0TLapOMkuvFz1hS2z-iUru6rbKbCjkPEdekL28PISW2UNSlN12d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3090" data-original-width="2317" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR4LT0W_NmaYk0K57EvldA5ilyFU-VMUBqfx0RompiiXvyYkuD_umD4X6eM2hAzEMGIhQC9J3YeQ6rlNi0z2QKTUJsoszCNzlyu_9Yc6HO6vJ4cap7w5YTzqGgiLgaBSEK9ZvzX0TLapOMkuvFz1hS2z-iUru6rbKbCjkPEdekL28PISW2UNSlN12d" width="180" /></a></div><br /> I took the train into Osaka-Umeda Station. The nearby alleys and shopping malls were interesting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI3E88eAF3JyFSo5FUm_r7ylY4m2mHncIqQVhwDCjVRIFSMQBE8pVH_zqMstbqhTu4wNv3GZrMw7wNyOfNWfb6p0Z043CBGkqucpUZqo3KA90vGrUGQDghVh9Y7SzJWGDCcOP5HBUq_eXkaYprHM1rK4GyCoTMKnbdeMuQk3P4b75FrlNKWaNVHl35" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5657" data-original-width="8486" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI3E88eAF3JyFSo5FUm_r7ylY4m2mHncIqQVhwDCjVRIFSMQBE8pVH_zqMstbqhTu4wNv3GZrMw7wNyOfNWfb6p0Z043CBGkqucpUZqo3KA90vGrUGQDghVh9Y7SzJWGDCcOP5HBUq_eXkaYprHM1rK4GyCoTMKnbdeMuQk3P4b75FrlNKWaNVHl35" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBmFjH65S3lyol0gLt9xjx0hbnTu8dyETStwxWmmz_H5F-3PyPLMNBxgPifUeKCXTGprn_FwcfzhBT27HZTawO1WID6mOcJD3RxW2HPODryM7k12TEDQ3CMA0UvYDyTTePnMh5WbwtRhRP0TA1qY_9FDletQu3-dKbf9uy9qc_w62S-rIFTVU8IXK4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8159" data-original-width="5439" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBmFjH65S3lyol0gLt9xjx0hbnTu8dyETStwxWmmz_H5F-3PyPLMNBxgPifUeKCXTGprn_FwcfzhBT27HZTawO1WID6mOcJD3RxW2HPODryM7k12TEDQ3CMA0UvYDyTTePnMh5WbwtRhRP0TA1qY_9FDletQu3-dKbf9uy9qc_w62S-rIFTVU8IXK4" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDC_oOiZdjaw8BPcO_1IoPW1SyDv95V5z_AE2q4EjdeAsqrzWiUp7D_VvRNJnzRgfWNT-OCr27KF7vWQo5i2cp4UhNnccJz7CJePQurfv1PWKn324dNa2d7rdcSZJ-O4VoKDFsInELKQA66L_alCG8IljYon1iGR-JS81nWvvpXJdS5Xntr2y8l1_L" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDC_oOiZdjaw8BPcO_1IoPW1SyDv95V5z_AE2q4EjdeAsqrzWiUp7D_VvRNJnzRgfWNT-OCr27KF7vWQo5i2cp4UhNnccJz7CJePQurfv1PWKn324dNa2d7rdcSZJ-O4VoKDFsInELKQA66L_alCG8IljYon1iGR-JS81nWvvpXJdS5Xntr2y8l1_L" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFSk5uRkrXrzorP_KBHWg7EeEaupJiUuz7YUn2ndyc6r9Y968-0JOdX-cSOd2JMaMdu3N5gkRUCI--Oja6D-c2VXeCo8FAyMUo8hA11Qcf6MGIu8Td_cLHVlbdpAUqhMSvdsCTV1H6_KBNBID7vtQ2oYmnJ0QeLW-He9Mr7522U1nW4Akq6INGA3XT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3670" data-original-width="2447" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFSk5uRkrXrzorP_KBHWg7EeEaupJiUuz7YUn2ndyc6r9Y968-0JOdX-cSOd2JMaMdu3N5gkRUCI--Oja6D-c2VXeCo8FAyMUo8hA11Qcf6MGIu8Td_cLHVlbdpAUqhMSvdsCTV1H6_KBNBID7vtQ2oYmnJ0QeLW-He9Mr7522U1nW4Akq6INGA3XT" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I crossed the Oebashi Bridge, to Osaka City Hall. The path just beyond it was lit with blue lights, leading to the Central Public Hall. Even though the official Osaka Christmas Market was cancelled, there were tons of market stalls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOb5TybdN0N4DlAo5vTb3PSuWI2AqSUMpNz2QVKvBOhw_750b-KBCVEMXl0eyaYL5jgJrXHkBawuTwrmKOq5P7Cg7Q4rxkodKTBfCh7OkVbsdzKnoMtGMiu3tmhaWk6i3FgtLJsiVPsVOBYRPI6FW1_1z9LbRU1wSLk6D6AIyvPDRF9kK8fBVyMnp3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5538" data-original-width="8307" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOb5TybdN0N4DlAo5vTb3PSuWI2AqSUMpNz2QVKvBOhw_750b-KBCVEMXl0eyaYL5jgJrXHkBawuTwrmKOq5P7Cg7Q4rxkodKTBfCh7OkVbsdzKnoMtGMiu3tmhaWk6i3FgtLJsiVPsVOBYRPI6FW1_1z9LbRU1wSLk6D6AIyvPDRF9kK8fBVyMnp3" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj17iaAKGXhGwd17hAawMdsjhL3DFddrM2p3B3PmQIrXocgMCBSX_jbdCiczNbnNsNRlErjEdhnJkGaVAj7EVmcyYK3eYD3RWW6it0fDVzoux7VTEKThxh1Lmp9-QX-n2uKi859XmIVshLLw33iPjojEmlio-fM7ReBtVu4NAd4FSJ4BPu1ahMQRUnk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8501" data-original-width="5667" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj17iaAKGXhGwd17hAawMdsjhL3DFddrM2p3B3PmQIrXocgMCBSX_jbdCiczNbnNsNRlErjEdhnJkGaVAj7EVmcyYK3eYD3RWW6it0fDVzoux7VTEKThxh1Lmp9-QX-n2uKi859XmIVshLLw33iPjojEmlio-fM7ReBtVu4NAd4FSJ4BPu1ahMQRUnk" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlHpUZ84l6K0Xj2nQqsNgwLYO--0lSSdhqR0omCQIFVOwyoYnQHZlLGqiiTTSj3s0toDak4BJvGihfZd26zmolVJAXa_JwP3gYqLa6XIyuow3AzSAWLO0GeHejctupiUcZg-51CTlpZr2eQG-diXjaqIs0Jse4b5BAz5xYfX-m4o-f1imJfmUE971l" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4511" data-original-width="6767" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlHpUZ84l6K0Xj2nQqsNgwLYO--0lSSdhqR0omCQIFVOwyoYnQHZlLGqiiTTSj3s0toDak4BJvGihfZd26zmolVJAXa_JwP3gYqLa6XIyuow3AzSAWLO0GeHejctupiUcZg-51CTlpZr2eQG-diXjaqIs0Jse4b5BAz5xYfX-m4o-f1imJfmUE971l" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAOYPUzQQQ-0ZPm7TsWjWd2OaVateyfTLbl0PeOh_dgwMJTFUrFhBr4ZOW15X9L64BkEASZguQMqmSymaHyuxbP9cucbeKUIYJZkwE8YC-uJnYaynPgkIGpUOHMdwXgoJeGRCLjFFCorJiTc5VA6hOX_lQRl0xRcMIDz5KRxjKzbYGwrbDIT1GEZkS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAOYPUzQQQ-0ZPm7TsWjWd2OaVateyfTLbl0PeOh_dgwMJTFUrFhBr4ZOW15X9L64BkEASZguQMqmSymaHyuxbP9cucbeKUIYJZkwE8YC-uJnYaynPgkIGpUOHMdwXgoJeGRCLjFFCorJiTc5VA6hOX_lQRl0xRcMIDz5KRxjKzbYGwrbDIT1GEZkS" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you could see the public city hall. Rather than being lit up, like the pictures online suggested, patterns were projected onto its front.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhAHsYXYj96BJA9dvd6MTULcrVqPMJaY-Uhq7KBxVKCwLrlmW6LSHJUfb-LmkNyIG-oMintqZ-iNlzGU09_PkQtMfx1AFWT4IB2pO0J-gGcnxODGUbCCYFnrGwK-3DJVFpRQwXHbVIZyLzPxqvLoGvgN5DpIOOtCYcmJ4jgmehRKEcucHGB7JteV1f" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7703" data-original-width="5135" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhAHsYXYj96BJA9dvd6MTULcrVqPMJaY-Uhq7KBxVKCwLrlmW6LSHJUfb-LmkNyIG-oMintqZ-iNlzGU09_PkQtMfx1AFWT4IB2pO0J-gGcnxODGUbCCYFnrGwK-3DJVFpRQwXHbVIZyLzPxqvLoGvgN5DpIOOtCYcmJ4jgmehRKEcucHGB7JteV1f" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was this strange person, pushing a Christmas tree on wheels, with their two dogs on board.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsIZ2uGVij3swjL6RIq_-jlPZVhic4guKWvvkA9TnTMdZjF-GzaKNmkcaPVpNE3sbn_rovyfMlsm1JarmSEKSr3zzG6qQrYFR1pu0xd4c9qj5vQYFvKJfQwF2eMck2rD2xphrYYnbNaPmFIxmOBJ-wmWoXQjuqBDe7vAyb-t6sxUR-8L4Uu0GEkjFf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8409" data-original-width="5606" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsIZ2uGVij3swjL6RIq_-jlPZVhic4guKWvvkA9TnTMdZjF-GzaKNmkcaPVpNE3sbn_rovyfMlsm1JarmSEKSr3zzG6qQrYFR1pu0xd4c9qj5vQYFvKJfQwF2eMck2rD2xphrYYnbNaPmFIxmOBJ-wmWoXQjuqBDe7vAyb-t6sxUR-8L4Uu0GEkjFf" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The path continued, with odd items lit up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-gUM2MTxFBcl6QXkr8hk3Sh9f0WZ9u2R2StVemaG7sLS__Q5nu0gFjFzt6nmxbpiPoIn8TELxpIHn8uX6cH-bJSwEVbrGADCWdxUK5ea73kiRzavjxP8xuyQwAyzaV8kaJkasxVkE46mLkPdGfqv8pZcRITz4DEiFvepiU1zxjlId06La1yCvBVtd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5587" data-original-width="8381" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-gUM2MTxFBcl6QXkr8hk3Sh9f0WZ9u2R2StVemaG7sLS__Q5nu0gFjFzt6nmxbpiPoIn8TELxpIHn8uX6cH-bJSwEVbrGADCWdxUK5ea73kiRzavjxP8xuyQwAyzaV8kaJkasxVkE46mLkPdGfqv8pZcRITz4DEiFvepiU1zxjlId06La1yCvBVtd" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1WhB4uzQzo5nALk03iJK2UI7Pc2ojMuiwt-bn5RIydraM22gbqdAYDySCzbQIySf43GqTived8v_DjxHCHghznGuVAAr3pqmDE0b2nmQmzG94mHFRqg4ppOlZu2_vqrCcTYtBoPHBZTDa4fbLBh9d2fI378OEZMZAlwcgvE-pLpPgaX31np9VeRzN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5339" data-original-width="8009" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1WhB4uzQzo5nALk03iJK2UI7Pc2ojMuiwt-bn5RIydraM22gbqdAYDySCzbQIySf43GqTived8v_DjxHCHghznGuVAAr3pqmDE0b2nmQmzG94mHFRqg4ppOlZu2_vqrCcTYtBoPHBZTDa4fbLBh9d2fI378OEZMZAlwcgvE-pLpPgaX31np9VeRzN" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjddS6OLdqSQPboh9pfgVvkXJUU9RMlzSAr0anVzX4ov2LFGnQmcrQr09T1Y_BEVUp--PNX39FfY1HeKdODQpTJNvKzCRftDhxwh3jozNwX5ven9CsSFdQpZiwWYXu3axTANHeTeuSEmATLpFSGJmNxqrQSEJCLJPBWmvBHej3LC5GP90ZKnEFSt_o2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5253" data-original-width="7879" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjddS6OLdqSQPboh9pfgVvkXJUU9RMlzSAr0anVzX4ov2LFGnQmcrQr09T1Y_BEVUp--PNX39FfY1HeKdODQpTJNvKzCRftDhxwh3jozNwX5ven9CsSFdQpZiwWYXu3axTANHeTeuSEmATLpFSGJmNxqrQSEJCLJPBWmvBHej3LC5GP90ZKnEFSt_o2" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The lights ended near this spiral, which I walked up, on my way to the train station. The next day was Christmas itself, and Christmas tradition demanded that I head to Kyoto Station and map out my travel path to Fujiyoshida, which I would be making the following day. The transfer would involve 4 trains, after I took the subway from my hotel to Kyoto Station. I also made reservations for my trip to Tokyo afterwards, and then the train to the airport. I also made sure to trace the path from the subway's entrance to the bullet train, via a path that would allow for elevators for my luggage.<p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkCjv5OIYXSgIsGk1tQ1AP1i-QIIGAzlxoZkHR3W0K9jGXR5d9Cafoh9n4F-a91uDTGx5Whilm1Rr1--0_DrDUGGYh-LjrQqX7vLqcYjtd2GiFoIaaVqmnOSY5k5-bRcLPe06-aSxxTuu-4RXQfWzy3i51SOSh6AKxq1R1Oim8ZzHWxa_lky-j1L0U" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8641" data-original-width="5760" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkCjv5OIYXSgIsGk1tQ1AP1i-QIIGAzlxoZkHR3W0K9jGXR5d9Cafoh9n4F-a91uDTGx5Whilm1Rr1--0_DrDUGGYh-LjrQqX7vLqcYjtd2GiFoIaaVqmnOSY5k5-bRcLPe06-aSxxTuu-4RXQfWzy3i51SOSh6AKxq1R1Oim8ZzHWxa_lky-j1L0U" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from outside the ticket office where I made my reservations.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6-BUupUz60bjntLFgZwrzIJ5aWD5hLBSdzZWv3tDUgykLktDadj4LVDwth0A9ICTIQLlotwP2FJIvraph_qFpq-GMx_pKYQkevVRJVsSRWNSon_LDHzxd1Egr3aOBp4R-KwtrnSjQ8-3UpimAk6GYbsnTp6B6chWXCxQj93ejW0Ld0Icc30ehrirz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="8479" data-original-width="5652" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6-BUupUz60bjntLFgZwrzIJ5aWD5hLBSdzZWv3tDUgykLktDadj4LVDwth0A9ICTIQLlotwP2FJIvraph_qFpq-GMx_pKYQkevVRJVsSRWNSon_LDHzxd1Egr3aOBp4R-KwtrnSjQ8-3UpimAk6GYbsnTp6B6chWXCxQj93ejW0Ld0Icc30ehrirz" width="160" /></a></div><br /> A short walk from Kyoto Station is Higashi Hongan-ji Temple complex. This was am assive and free place to explore. I had to take off my shoes and place them in a plastic bag in order to enter the insides. I took a picture of the first shrine inside before a guard stopped me, instructing me not to take photos. To be fair, I saw no sign restricting it. Since my camera is silent, he assumed I had not been able to take any pictures. He assumed wrong.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi43TQWN0luUHOQqMGlsYHY6GpkDtcHecXp3Y3m_yXZo19au0Z2sLdQAUk7kBgBLJI0yyJy55UIQl-0CQYzF4aSWOAyTjGGnM96apP6qvoDvdVTHm0saUXMyj-lBIYapJvhNWPdAUPQMMfnWLAXPKCsTexR516pE_NZYF1nqzQXvBQ3_keRpLj0SSku" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi43TQWN0luUHOQqMGlsYHY6GpkDtcHecXp3Y3m_yXZo19au0Z2sLdQAUk7kBgBLJI0yyJy55UIQl-0CQYzF4aSWOAyTjGGnM96apP6qvoDvdVTHm0saUXMyj-lBIYapJvhNWPdAUPQMMfnWLAXPKCsTexR516pE_NZYF1nqzQXvBQ3_keRpLj0SSku" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis1yYT2XC44NIRvpkogi7_2djMLvDzmIP-aZKh96ldZSsVd479tkVizVCetJ84aDmhWCYIcp8526v14sGV3MmcIGnz5VE2M0dTeYT4rXBqvPFBnx_MGGxu7orgNYCOQORudpTuLjnrKh7C57PP9BsRnwjCZ5ip9ZC_7LR4DW7s3vWslydhDwlg1a5W" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5663" data-original-width="8614" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis1yYT2XC44NIRvpkogi7_2djMLvDzmIP-aZKh96ldZSsVd479tkVizVCetJ84aDmhWCYIcp8526v14sGV3MmcIGnz5VE2M0dTeYT4rXBqvPFBnx_MGGxu7orgNYCOQORudpTuLjnrKh7C57PP9BsRnwjCZ5ip9ZC_7LR4DW7s3vWslydhDwlg1a5W" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdOOu-9oOFFvG6Z4cZQojYksDWWBFEar6E1hsfZjmOHu9flfpsmkprfE2LYmWCqFVqaAmU2mukK7yn-vgy1NNo1F6Fj8btOn5MQAiIL_4LiNZvuseVPCGgGEvyCFXHIpeXSfp5mhtUUk9Ojt19Jd2qyYPQoi0D_VTyMs_7Oyom6pnz_q1HF-PI7NRu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdOOu-9oOFFvG6Z4cZQojYksDWWBFEar6E1hsfZjmOHu9flfpsmkprfE2LYmWCqFVqaAmU2mukK7yn-vgy1NNo1F6Fj8btOn5MQAiIL_4LiNZvuseVPCGgGEvyCFXHIpeXSfp5mhtUUk9Ojt19Jd2qyYPQoi0D_VTyMs_7Oyom6pnz_q1HF-PI7NRu" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR3NmAlAVyePFIaEKPInBfZVLJkK1JJzR1GNCcjIujzIQaTBuAZZxX_Lzr8VlbYGJOtAUqa-pH0od9LN-i6QmFCYC_hgNGEHNICO2pqCT13a3hzrT26hj2Kqb0Zxz7fkwUUWvq_NSdfzwd-aLYgCr2SETnlRQN4iVZwZJASgHHN70qIV3BIv3tmfF8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR3NmAlAVyePFIaEKPInBfZVLJkK1JJzR1GNCcjIujzIQaTBuAZZxX_Lzr8VlbYGJOtAUqa-pH0od9LN-i6QmFCYC_hgNGEHNICO2pqCT13a3hzrT26hj2Kqb0Zxz7fkwUUWvq_NSdfzwd-aLYgCr2SETnlRQN4iVZwZJASgHHN70qIV3BIv3tmfF8" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjSAGxAc4Ce78QPk_Kaoy-8UTwG2tI5c1DQBH6oeqlWhqqYpapDKCzKCnN9tafD21BZSmc2tIDi8PbkxVTgpT7I2rrccTYKRNMAJ0VI50fAkinqaDq5_nM5q46ecOshhymvaLatIfylm1C3OHsCHBC7ljq48BA9-5pMhYQSdHEy6kvpmt2L2P9wsbq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5739" data-original-width="8610" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjSAGxAc4Ce78QPk_Kaoy-8UTwG2tI5c1DQBH6oeqlWhqqYpapDKCzKCnN9tafD21BZSmc2tIDi8PbkxVTgpT7I2rrccTYKRNMAJ0VI50fAkinqaDq5_nM5q46ecOshhymvaLatIfylm1C3OHsCHBC7ljq48BA9-5pMhYQSdHEy6kvpmt2L2P9wsbq" width="320" /></a></div><br /> My plan was to go next to a handicraft shop, named Isuke, but I planned poorly, as it was shown as closed that day. I decided to walk back to my hotel, stopping at the gardens with the Boka-kaku Pavillion.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgAb36DCob-kxBd68oMuWpPz8RHHWKX5l1TTfrzQJoTjbPjShneNoNrh6e8HWwBgX7SzPJh-M4sLaU_S_8xxwWXr27l1FuEQYcX3mBpVTsGEud0Mw65dPn-VSOEI5S2tOt-BBl9hC9y_bW__fJroNilU3O5xt1WSmRz3_886EkbfOUaCkb7InQUnsB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3898" data-original-width="2924" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgAb36DCob-kxBd68oMuWpPz8RHHWKX5l1TTfrzQJoTjbPjShneNoNrh6e8HWwBgX7SzPJh-M4sLaU_S_8xxwWXr27l1FuEQYcX3mBpVTsGEud0Mw65dPn-VSOEI5S2tOt-BBl9hC9y_bW__fJroNilU3O5xt1WSmRz3_886EkbfOUaCkb7InQUnsB" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random building along the way.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkKXuGv08jX31pG_ZL2iu0YWvpWA_6jj9ISHLFI9uBXsfRUaMi86wiC8UyGKjAoHkYFfBazvLuP6seAlYoQMfJT-Sv0SufO0u6ag8m6ZkNyIvXzUiz0AaGDLBUpy2q85rsYBXL7Ts4mq5CDB73cmu1UmBlSd7vMq2q2-8tTuVp0pGu67JxZKnaKNGz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5614" data-original-width="8422" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkKXuGv08jX31pG_ZL2iu0YWvpWA_6jj9ISHLFI9uBXsfRUaMi86wiC8UyGKjAoHkYFfBazvLuP6seAlYoQMfJT-Sv0SufO0u6ag8m6ZkNyIvXzUiz0AaGDLBUpy2q85rsYBXL7Ts4mq5CDB73cmu1UmBlSd7vMq2q2-8tTuVp0pGu67JxZKnaKNGz" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYy3wr6Vm1QXCOj1s0AStHUgmlleK9d2ocVK2i-_Rdpd7FXH_nZX14G2ieBYsf5EkCRjOWHH6z0UNwXjOLf8a3ROOyO9olIniKSREUQk7fdGKmczYOuE4srR4egLs45dQ_u1KSBFHsfq59jcntZd3aI3xvIe2pSUjTKiaiYs6HlTXpXkNCrnlsH7jw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5727" data-original-width="8711" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYy3wr6Vm1QXCOj1s0AStHUgmlleK9d2ocVK2i-_Rdpd7FXH_nZX14G2ieBYsf5EkCRjOWHH6z0UNwXjOLf8a3ROOyO9olIniKSREUQk7fdGKmczYOuE4srR4egLs45dQ_u1KSBFHsfq59jcntZd3aI3xvIe2pSUjTKiaiYs6HlTXpXkNCrnlsH7jw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1aagTDfcn9O0dXK9wOIVtAsu0dGevg1n-m5aCLKsRxLYvdaZWGe2EUG_s1vGp2fBij9sijrdbu8cXn2aepFT7xqc2LwF7lU7eG-DOSQI3M8OIYkx73H1laO2ft5Z1Ru5-r-blGCXVG9NzQlhojhEpB2T7RKoYz-VLM74tJvxBCkN0trVmlOdx3wYi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1aagTDfcn9O0dXK9wOIVtAsu0dGevg1n-m5aCLKsRxLYvdaZWGe2EUG_s1vGp2fBij9sijrdbu8cXn2aepFT7xqc2LwF7lU7eG-DOSQI3M8OIYkx73H1laO2ft5Z1Ru5-r-blGCXVG9NzQlhojhEpB2T7RKoYz-VLM74tJvxBCkN0trVmlOdx3wYi" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQK5sO9MFmWXiCguusZ4Q2CW28R5puU-757i9zwVvYi-UG6v9oCIKcgWCn6to2OVht8Uw2c8FVerhzxRqVN2bVdjYAW9k3KMom9ldcpCr5yH4-jrCS68CRcoLy7ytvg0hLhYwmAuIev2lgtaeMW4seVdUkJlqelP_rU_ElDq5BwXYUy4zAom5GBHtf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5627" data-original-width="8559" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQK5sO9MFmWXiCguusZ4Q2CW28R5puU-757i9zwVvYi-UG6v9oCIKcgWCn6to2OVht8Uw2c8FVerhzxRqVN2bVdjYAW9k3KMom9ldcpCr5yH4-jrCS68CRcoLy7ytvg0hLhYwmAuIev2lgtaeMW4seVdUkJlqelP_rU_ElDq5BwXYUy4zAom5GBHtf" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2PZqBh8NRFoYvMSaSEYBRGlVc1U5qNlWSBKVcVm4koM8ERtK1BmxyzQWSAeLy61ZswyN33pfYlTIGdg5jArvefV8f-Atqvn6ChexIHlGnCFTLkE4hiI6M1adro4E949JW2y5dyGlz_jKGF27gddeCxARRO0cj7W9U_petG0m0F1xP4Xv2nHal9VGl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8761" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2PZqBh8NRFoYvMSaSEYBRGlVc1U5qNlWSBKVcVm4koM8ERtK1BmxyzQWSAeLy61ZswyN33pfYlTIGdg5jArvefV8f-Atqvn6ChexIHlGnCFTLkE4hiI6M1adro4E949JW2y5dyGlz_jKGF27gddeCxARRO0cj7W9U_petG0m0F1xP4Xv2nHal9VGl" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random street north of the gardens.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiT3CSzLlyfIAWbbrO8bFnu389D3kZAk_VJCTmE0oC5Yi0aqlfjj0cKh6BP2JvRUSXASlkf4VHLEVrLvuKRzAAS6qezcOgideWtVFck1-vHf07bVTpzx1jFEOqJSUGZwoE_B4tYl1O7gy3tTe2hZFt0MJHMCI9VHkKB_cYeSu0YoZ607T6JBmCqUXp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8641" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiT3CSzLlyfIAWbbrO8bFnu389D3kZAk_VJCTmE0oC5Yi0aqlfjj0cKh6BP2JvRUSXASlkf4VHLEVrLvuKRzAAS6qezcOgideWtVFck1-vHf07bVTpzx1jFEOqJSUGZwoE_B4tYl1O7gy3tTe2hZFt0MJHMCI9VHkKB_cYeSu0YoZ607T6JBmCqUXp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc79t9KEIKNGDyZLfcvp7EojpfgoEETvdrTUt9Vgq4K5VWaPGcu50pQN9ocZbkV2zPChOri2X6CHOxqq3BRJRxVxjBc5Ry_P3UebGNr9eQV-D94S7pWC87ERqTNepQvyQZXMBtbJPVV0e_tWsfJ6Qq3P-H_fxMmKPXwwnOCohqRQW1xhwoB7Vj5GYn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5733" data-original-width="8618" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc79t9KEIKNGDyZLfcvp7EojpfgoEETvdrTUt9Vgq4K5VWaPGcu50pQN9ocZbkV2zPChOri2X6CHOxqq3BRJRxVxjBc5Ry_P3UebGNr9eQV-D94S7pWC87ERqTNepQvyQZXMBtbJPVV0e_tWsfJ6Qq3P-H_fxMmKPXwwnOCohqRQW1xhwoB7Vj5GYn" width="320" /></a></div><br /> With encouragement from home, I decided to head out that night to Osaka Castle. I paid for the Illumination event ahead of time, for speedy access. Unfortunately, the Illumination was absolutely tiny and uninteresting. I was also under the impression that it directly involved the castle, but it did not. The display took place in the gardens of the moat enclosed castle complex. Luckily, I was still able to visit the outside of the castle, which was lit nicely, albeit not in a holiday style. Osaka Castle was destroyed by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 1500s. This replacement castle was built around 1930.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIxeXPf7MS6zfIXoXPjdNJbQAk-iZTLT_OR2OPPK12BQ84rQVHQR7IHqxA0IVf5kWq9ecZ6-askFXXMNMEZfN14i8GXYNSY73EIlAZ7nh5JG2UtRfzEPW2t4I0Po84tXlvoNlgPf2bRDNEynJaiKJ1Hrp030AJ7pWyQNeg-OxR4VdbKcxbTFOpwCau" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIxeXPf7MS6zfIXoXPjdNJbQAk-iZTLT_OR2OPPK12BQ84rQVHQR7IHqxA0IVf5kWq9ecZ6-askFXXMNMEZfN14i8GXYNSY73EIlAZ7nh5JG2UtRfzEPW2t4I0Po84tXlvoNlgPf2bRDNEynJaiKJ1Hrp030AJ7pWyQNeg-OxR4VdbKcxbTFOpwCau" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr6MQWRUlzEjlzSBFftNWvWAwhEps-dpYwrraOhs39EfeH0ePZ0r_bJIK1vTpIzrmJ34IRrMMFtIfs8P2k3VHktKTqSt2cwhrR57WAo4p0aZ-_8338N0Q54RPYyHdQZAUA606lECyDJxpzegf_LSUT7E8uFy0kTPcDWzyAcBDzmBrrnPj8-1MVJk5V" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5680" data-original-width="8520" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr6MQWRUlzEjlzSBFftNWvWAwhEps-dpYwrraOhs39EfeH0ePZ0r_bJIK1vTpIzrmJ34IRrMMFtIfs8P2k3VHktKTqSt2cwhrR57WAo4p0aZ-_8338N0Q54RPYyHdQZAUA606lECyDJxpzegf_LSUT7E8uFy0kTPcDWzyAcBDzmBrrnPj8-1MVJk5V" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik4STPHVxh_TmXGBAsHtJ-0FO0aQmXnJHD0nTHNN4Pd7W0czXatj2WOFmNDxUm_YbJD1565kFTJzc_wGLvavURdGbj7JtU9PdHLRc61K1OSYfwZ-qqOJ7dL4a1--WvjxPrpa89ndEZJHu3bn2jcDMLc1B4DCYkR_Hzo_U8iOAgbHBsImF54YS8Nagj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik4STPHVxh_TmXGBAsHtJ-0FO0aQmXnJHD0nTHNN4Pd7W0czXatj2WOFmNDxUm_YbJD1565kFTJzc_wGLvavURdGbj7JtU9PdHLRc61K1OSYfwZ-qqOJ7dL4a1--WvjxPrpa89ndEZJHu3bn2jcDMLc1B4DCYkR_Hzo_U8iOAgbHBsImF54YS8Nagj" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxPBTqNXa3OsR6CgdpBZJuuU_zJTHXmxX3xTppGD9Wf9k0F629VKjRZZdEDRPX-_oNGHP6Xm0ce7h8rHDS9dB9ugrneZk9HJrD8vClUKmCJRSTzU9xLzNGe018vBFbbEbvBlsGrBwTk3s5UB56MMFl4_EeFf8z8rvuHs9fAdA1p8Oid3Je6_ZvT6K7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5719" data-original-width="8578" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxPBTqNXa3OsR6CgdpBZJuuU_zJTHXmxX3xTppGD9Wf9k0F629VKjRZZdEDRPX-_oNGHP6Xm0ce7h8rHDS9dB9ugrneZk9HJrD8vClUKmCJRSTzU9xLzNGe018vBFbbEbvBlsGrBwTk3s5UB56MMFl4_EeFf8z8rvuHs9fAdA1p8Oid3Je6_ZvT6K7" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIjORI8bPpjYnWplDcVmW2QGvbrC_p30x-gLVHNtMppxCMFV6VDqEScs6gz5CXm-5hauQERCXg5e0ih_uS76C--k-8IoQ8bW2FU8ONTudr59cU7mTHwWH_I-SkakEFq30ynutothhG0SPxsmHNl39E2ACaYpd6uFzbfHSxBNGnSnZx59yp9mpPpAkc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4879" data-original-width="7319" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIjORI8bPpjYnWplDcVmW2QGvbrC_p30x-gLVHNtMppxCMFV6VDqEScs6gz5CXm-5hauQERCXg5e0ih_uS76C--k-8IoQ8bW2FU8ONTudr59cU7mTHwWH_I-SkakEFq30ynutothhG0SPxsmHNl39E2ACaYpd6uFzbfHSxBNGnSnZx59yp9mpPpAkc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirtrbjqkSKsb-kKEgZ9wYnyQgBHfIwkX1R6_G-iCIZ1OXjToP4FgnWl-7L6Xxah0mIaehRuoZBSrfkOe-ZZyxsIirueMTYTfpv08aR79rugk__US79PcO6u7hCK3XLh56EJyWPbLFbP0fi0L3NscPTezXKEXHv5csA6luEJs2QqGM5yKOXSuiIqe4P" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5543" data-original-width="8314" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirtrbjqkSKsb-kKEgZ9wYnyQgBHfIwkX1R6_G-iCIZ1OXjToP4FgnWl-7L6Xxah0mIaehRuoZBSrfkOe-ZZyxsIirueMTYTfpv08aR79rugk__US79PcO6u7hCK3XLh56EJyWPbLFbP0fi0L3NscPTezXKEXHv5csA6luEJs2QqGM5yKOXSuiIqe4P" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Just outside Osaka Castle had an odd building just next to it. It looked like a hotel. I looked it up afterwards, and it is described as a shopping mall in a "chic complex...featuring restaurants, bars, and samurai and ninja themed stores." I imagine that this is exactly what the original architects of Osaka Castle had eventually intended to add.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilAUEp1QFuhp6iZKoHQULjBjRCyL8EHiTi99CxSEWWvpisUvMCnOf7RWigEgTMCczjYi1_pwVlzrPEuW6xifmuJMw8VdKUxiWBgwWqE8ilKCyYcVCrXsUVVO3ji6gH0kqoqUW1F1D0AxWgneldcX5KIhZoVO246JiRA0XY8VssxWfYH0FkG2FgHP7R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5067" data-original-width="7600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilAUEp1QFuhp6iZKoHQULjBjRCyL8EHiTi99CxSEWWvpisUvMCnOf7RWigEgTMCczjYi1_pwVlzrPEuW6xifmuJMw8VdKUxiWBgwWqE8ilKCyYcVCrXsUVVO3ji6gH0kqoqUW1F1D0AxWgneldcX5KIhZoVO246JiRA0XY8VssxWfYH0FkG2FgHP7R" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj3wK6YkICMMVaVtrfkX6YFJ79480fPZwUmomaCRAUM4F9DeKOAlokipK1Nzeg_lA7gi_jaBZaLAl2wOHxOdLZUF_XYR9bTRNYHuxXiZYWoToUy5RRJM6t-ZE_ijmvUtYck1Sf2MC_r5-GtNIrl5ZWTcRZpVgIQBMQ4UBsh9tAuAWdL2PbK2ZTFAUZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5243" data-original-width="7865" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj3wK6YkICMMVaVtrfkX6YFJ79480fPZwUmomaCRAUM4F9DeKOAlokipK1Nzeg_lA7gi_jaBZaLAl2wOHxOdLZUF_XYR9bTRNYHuxXiZYWoToUy5RRJM6t-ZE_ijmvUtYck1Sf2MC_r5-GtNIrl5ZWTcRZpVgIQBMQ4UBsh9tAuAWdL2PbK2ZTFAUZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXgcx-UG0hsNu7E02RtyW7C7jwKRw1ZVtEbBBwyF75J9Qvfh6H7ka5ZGr3sEP_Rg2f_oUhVv8Y9ML5XUQe6spWE0sIBPHseQzx4IQTL4rRM6HmSeonKyLtGAi8MbqQTfVq_r5NBWECGkZAOXthpTRynQ0HOLqOekRcl2qBiyRqytVqrj_r00PnMxeH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5108" data-original-width="7662" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXgcx-UG0hsNu7E02RtyW7C7jwKRw1ZVtEbBBwyF75J9Qvfh6H7ka5ZGr3sEP_Rg2f_oUhVv8Y9ML5XUQe6spWE0sIBPHseQzx4IQTL4rRM6HmSeonKyLtGAi8MbqQTfVq_r5NBWECGkZAOXthpTRynQ0HOLqOekRcl2qBiyRqytVqrj_r00PnMxeH" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipmclYkvX07SIxTerw5ugcQHF0NIuvamhV8tkw4HPmQyy5ITR6dDplNRxxXs3LQEZeWLGOYXS8yadiIgHcuIDViHKcUPywu13AmvNkxase9mQnVIWeBitgIerCZ8ztrb_xYSeu7G2KF3c4RisQl7mrG3IwPHnHwSZ9cQhkK2_ui8hH3dBb7b6iyO2K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipmclYkvX07SIxTerw5ugcQHF0NIuvamhV8tkw4HPmQyy5ITR6dDplNRxxXs3LQEZeWLGOYXS8yadiIgHcuIDViHKcUPywu13AmvNkxase9mQnVIWeBitgIerCZ8ztrb_xYSeu7G2KF3c4RisQl7mrG3IwPHnHwSZ9cQhkK2_ui8hH3dBb7b6iyO2K" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I read about a Harry Potter display at the Grand Front Osaka shopping mall. Despite not having an interest in Harry Potter, it sounded weird enough that it would be worth checking out. After walking to the nearest train station, it was a quick three stop trip back to Osaka-Umeda station, to see this. Every twenty minutes a little light show took place. After waiting for it, I was thoroughly unimpressed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZnCitIR5NLXbUL_Bl7FuU_UCaSSg2Yss5CZi_lwwP7uKzOggbs5P9xPATWw-wpApM4ECx8QonN0fiu6nHZ-FpsaGdDQ6Vve5pZhqSJ7ZNxYsQLj45S33qEw4Dzyz4DqBn4djrLunAE0GE6rXHGDdq4onHHXU3xIRhQBSeVvoFcnF5Tpgyh842aK2Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5319" data-original-width="7978" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZnCitIR5NLXbUL_Bl7FuU_UCaSSg2Yss5CZi_lwwP7uKzOggbs5P9xPATWw-wpApM4ECx8QonN0fiu6nHZ-FpsaGdDQ6Vve5pZhqSJ7ZNxYsQLj45S33qEw4Dzyz4DqBn4djrLunAE0GE6rXHGDdq4onHHXU3xIRhQBSeVvoFcnF5Tpgyh842aK2Q" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I was hungry, and so walked over to a nearby popular ramen chain, Ichiran. Unfortunately, the line was out the door and around the corner. I said, "Nope." to that, and took the train back to Kyoto. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY5svohqVbI34jODIMh1cox34V-nMWoV_DDLWDPhYIQSPENLsnpUIdpsYyB9yxk-ms7uWztD8wOFmmOYKtk3DMCNM0rG1apwK2qlaV_ccVUDCazaOXyU4h8P3JIYC6jSE5lp3N_qLFSI6VyoBstgh2MlS_BCTLWsdvXociKQG7SZrH1GrKUd4TE9SL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5281" data-original-width="7922" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY5svohqVbI34jODIMh1cox34V-nMWoV_DDLWDPhYIQSPENLsnpUIdpsYyB9yxk-ms7uWztD8wOFmmOYKtk3DMCNM0rG1apwK2qlaV_ccVUDCazaOXyU4h8P3JIYC6jSE5lp3N_qLFSI6VyoBstgh2MlS_BCTLWsdvXociKQG7SZrH1GrKUd4TE9SL" width="320" /></a></div><p> Just near the train exit, I decided to check out a very small, local curry shop, named Pontocho Yakuzen Curry. It was actually very difficult to find. Google Maps showed the wrong location, and I had to follow clues from reviews, as well as pictures people had taken, in order to find it. When I walked in, a woman was eating, but shortly after, I had the entire place to myself. I order chicken curry, but decided that I wanted to have a second curry, this time vegetable. The owner tried to explain that there wasn't more rice. He eventually used a translator device to explain that he would have to make more and asked if I was ok with waiting. I was.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqNVznUlAZ3-2lktRZNrW_Lf78xzcw2RKBGQLbrXKi2j6jMeFPFuJ7ds-QfVmW0rQsRkvJJ7BDG3pdXaie0T9Odr6kgzpJOieae0k4tKE73CQ7P-kOg6LYOvPefkGkenWx21bAMlDImgEVwc5JFaUlm4DXGaYhodqNlUV10u40HNYT6cSFVL8KZzLz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3893" data-original-width="2920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqNVznUlAZ3-2lktRZNrW_Lf78xzcw2RKBGQLbrXKi2j6jMeFPFuJ7ds-QfVmW0rQsRkvJJ7BDG3pdXaie0T9Odr6kgzpJOieae0k4tKE73CQ7P-kOg6LYOvPefkGkenWx21bAMlDImgEVwc5JFaUlm4DXGaYhodqNlUV10u40HNYT6cSFVL8KZzLz" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghh-KYE_IMc3FXylIt0bvLDeDFR8gv9IvOWZKH4SsxygriJYROEPyVq2QVbfOShtQ9v6HBlz4lZSuHk5eqxY2lq19itNrLfZfNNCX-T7fZ5R-40vHjlOGBdrkb3wQ3FFrcvPXd35VjWM3oTJbm4SRxHW9rz0YMQQu7-2AGaccpGou5I5bHAYuckIzy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3906" data-original-width="2930" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghh-KYE_IMc3FXylIt0bvLDeDFR8gv9IvOWZKH4SsxygriJYROEPyVq2QVbfOShtQ9v6HBlz4lZSuHk5eqxY2lq19itNrLfZfNNCX-T7fZ5R-40vHjlOGBdrkb3wQ3FFrcvPXd35VjWM3oTJbm4SRxHW9rz0YMQQu7-2AGaccpGou5I5bHAYuckIzy" width="180" /></a></div><p></p>UADarthmaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750999558496672962noreply@blogger.com0