Gotemba

After a few jet lagged days in Tokyo we traded the bright lights and crowds for some time in Gotemba.

Where?

Gotemba. It's the small city somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto that Dave calls home. It could be said that it doesn't have a lot going for it as a tourist town, except for the fact that it's situated on the side of a giant inactive volcano. So, three cool things about Gotemba:

1. Fuji

Step out at the station, there's fuji. Look outside Dave's door, oh, it's Fuji. Driving to the supermarket, it's there. Wonder why there's a slight slope uphill? Oh, you're actually on Mt Fuju. This is endlessly amusing.

2. School

We went to visit the school where Dave works as an English Aid. The children were highly amused to see a giant blonde woman. One girl was so embarassed to meet me she fell over. Another asked if I was Dave's mum... hmmmm. We played Dodgeball at luchtime, as which I did very bad. I just couldn't bring myself to throw a ball as hard as possible at a pack of small children. But they seemed more relaxed about school safety - they had 3 meter high monkey bars, and kids were playing on unicycles and stilts.

3. Onsen

Athough it was sunny while we were in Gotemba, it was also rather chilly. And what better way to warm up than a trip to a traditional Japanese hot bath.

Possibly the most relaxing hour I've spent on the whole trip, sitting in the 40 degree water, thinking of nothing. Especially nice was the outdoor pool, where you could just kick back and admire the view. Of what? Fuji, of course.