The ever present temptation of travelling. Do we get out and do everything we possibly can at every opportunity? Or is it OK to call a halt and take a break?
Today I decided I really wanted to hang around and enjoy our magnificient room Komonasou Ryokan at Lake Kawaguchico.
“There’s a 16km cycle around the lake and a bike hire shop down the road – join us”
“There is a lovely walk along the lakeside wanna come”
“There is a gondola up to a lookout point where you can see Mount Fuji”
I decided to drag myself – willingly – up the gondola. Which turned out to be a whole group event – almost.
Immediately after another substantial, aesthetically presented and delicious brekky off we went.
Before leaving we organised for our pack to be transported to Kyoto, leaving us 1 smaller pack each for Kumano Kodo. An incredible service offered throughout Japan.
As we prepared to head out to the Gondola I realised I did not have my handbag – I scooted down to our dining room – no bag. Went down to reception and one of the receptionists took my back up to the room and asked. To no avail.
Now anywhere else in the world I have travelled if I did not have Passport, Money and all my belongings with me – I would be in panic mode. Here I knew it would return in one piece. (It did when we returned. Artfully and obviously propped against a wall in our room).
What lucky timing that we headed out early-ish we got straight onto a gondola no queing involved. Coming down the queue snaked down the hill and out onto the street.
A short ride up to the top and a short walk to a sudden and clear view of Fuji. It reminded me of seeing the statue of David for the first time – you have seen the photo a million times but the reality still takes your breath away.
It was also Scott’s birthday and a small cake had been secreted up the mountain and a planned group singing of “Happy Birthday” – all went to plan from the highest lookout. Joined in by a number of other tourists around us.
Back down in the town we bumped into Geoff and Gay who had gone bike riding instead on Mt Fuji-ing. They had found a little coffee shop we headed to for a real latte overlooking the lake. And it was right next to the hotel. Sat waving to most of the group as they passed by below on their way to many and varied activities.
After coffee I declined all other offers and we headed to our room where we hung out till drinks time with Geoff and Gay.
At 4.30pm a knock at the door and a tiny older Japanese woman all in white arrived to give me a Shiatsu massage. Effective and we understood each other despite a lack of common language. Her English was “Up” “Down” to tell me to turn. My Japanese was Arigato – said many times to thank her for the painful but easing massage.
Dinner – another layered feast – a two storey tray of food along with multiple courses delivered through the evening.
Finally another Onsen – after this one it became something I really looked forward to each evening.
