Yet another prefecture down,
and this time it was nearby Miyazaki. It must be something to do with the
surfer vibe of the prefecture, but even in December there is a chilled out
atmosphere that I can only compare to that of Okinawa.
Aoshima Shrine is now my
most favourite sunset location I have discovered thus far. The crashing waves
of the incoming tide juxtaposed with the serenity of the tori gate on the beach
perfectly. We couldn’t have timed our arrival better, and the pictures really
don’t do the wonderful pink and orange sky justice.
Takachiho Gorge was
absolutely stunning with all the autumnal foliage, and I’m really hoping I get
to return during sakura season. It was a shame the weather wasn’t on our side
this time, but I’m looking forward to dragging my parents on a row boat there
when they come to visit in a few months’ time.
Both locations were so
calming they gave me a much needed therapeutic break I needed to just sit,
undisturbed by my own thoughts, and watch the world go by. I had the most
delicious chai latte, azuki bun and cheese manjuu I could have wished for too,
all helping me whisk myself off and pretend I wasn’t returning to three more
weeks of school before Christmas break.
I’d like to say the entire
trip was wonderful, but the windy mountainous roads, combined with my car
sickness, were perfect factors in creating a not-so-genki Caitlin. A small
price to pay though for the wonderful places we visited. Granted, we had some
mishaps too, like getting locked in a car park after hours and having to play
the “I’m a stupid foreigner” card and bow profusely to the poor guy who came to
the rescue.
On the bright side, I
managed to find some more elusive gotochi Hello Kitty’s to add to my
collection; my map of Japan is coming along quite nicely. This was also a rare
opportunity allowing the Okinawa “awesome foursome” of Sheridan, Clare, Ellen
and I to reunite, something which is becoming increasingly difficult to
organize lately. It was also lovely to spend some time with Willem before he
headed to back home to Australia too, and we have many a candid “we look
happily in love” photo to look back on.
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