Short blurb before breakfast: most people we encounter here in Miyazaki are quite laid back, even towards foreigners.
Take the guy behind the counter at the Ticket Office for example.
When Robert and I went for tickets yesterday evening, we wanted to know what the difference in time was between traveling to Hakata over either Kagoshimachuo/Shin-Yatsushiro or Beppu. Asking something elaborate like that preferably needs to be done in English, so after the initial greeting of Konban-wa (good evening), I asked him in Japanese whether he spoke English or not. He said no, and shot back with the question whether I spoke Japanese or not. :D
We were able to figure out from each other what we meant and what we wanted, and thus getting our tickets went as smooth as always.
Very relaxed indeed.
Cheers, K.
Well, right now, I feel like a billion yen. :)
Today, I went to Sakurajima (a working volcano in Kagoshima Bay, at spitting distance from Kagoshima) to have a good soak at Furusato Onsen; a mixed onsen, only 3 meters from the bay's water, which is connected to the ocean.
It was raining cats and dogs today, but that didn't matter for one bit; the onsen was nice and hot, and it's quite relaxing to spend time in an outdoor bath, while the rain splashes down on you, and the only thing you have to worry about is not passing out in sheer bliss. I gather we spent a good 90 minutes soaking our butts off, resembling a raisin at some point. ;)
Afterwards, we had dinner at a small restaurant in Kagoshima, where Jacob and Nora got aquainted with the pleasures of a dish called Doria; a very tasty fusion of Italian and Japanese cooking.
Because of the weather, I didn't take many pictures today, but that doesn't really matter, I think.
The most important thing is that I feel quite relaxed, and all the stress and excitement of the past couple of months were left behind in that outdoor bath at Furusato Onsen, for the onsen gods to take care of. ;)
The feeling is hard to describe, but it's wholesome.
Tomorrow, we'll head to Hakata for a few days. Since I only saw the city briefly during transfer to Nagasaki, Kagoshima or Yuufuin during previous trips, I'm quite curious of what Hakata will bring.
Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to spot some sakura; perhaps Hakata will provide in that as well.
Cheers, K.