Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 3:51 PM
Today, we went to Aso to see the
volcano and its surroundings.
We started early; the Relay
Tsubame left at 8:15 for
Kumamoto, where we transferred to the ASO 1962; a classic train both in age as in decoration (just like they did with the
Yuufuin no Mori) where we had a blast enjoying the many views, talking with the people on the train and having our picture taken wearing a conductor's hat (male or female).
I talked to a woman who sat with us during the trip. A mother of two boys; one a couple of years old, the other a couple of months. Nice kids; very curious to what these strange looking people were about. :)
Along the way, some tell-tale signs pointed out that we actually were in a vulcanic area; ash flying around and a mountain which appeared to be perpetually on fire.
A spectacular view.
We arrived at Aso around 11:30, and after figuring out which bus to take, we went to the ropeway taking us to the Naka crater.
Quite a sight, I must say. The bottom of the crater reaches temperatures ranging between 100 and some 1000 degrees Celcius, emitting smoke continuously and erupting sometimes as well.
Ash is raining constantly in the area (albeit in small amounts, nothing like a real eruption), and depending on the wind, some areas around the crater are closed for the public because of the health hazard the sulphuric smoke poses to people.
You are also strongly discouraged (multiple times) to scale the volcano if you're suffering from asthma or bronchitis, or are having problems with your heart.
Fortunately, I only have a mild dust allergy, so I took my meds this morning and came out fine. :)
Since Aso-san doesn't offer much else, we took the ropeway down again fairly quickly (this doesn't mean that the volcano isn't worth the trip -far from it- but it's just that you can only take so many pictures of a smoking crater) and hopped on the Local back to Kumamoto, to transfer to the Relay Tsubame.
Back in Fukuoka, I decided it was time to introduce Robert and Martijn to the wonderful world of
Okonomiyaki.
A direct hit, as Robert immediately asked himself why he didn't know about this wonderful and tasty dish somewhat earlier. ;)
When you're in Japan, don't forget to try this, even if it's just once. And with
Okonomiyaki Fugetsu, you just can't go wrong.
Well, a very successful day, I must say. Tomorrow, we will embark on an incredible journey, all the way to
Kokura.
Cheers, K.