Monday's English Conversation
Student: Mickey, how was your weekend?
Mickey: It was great! I went to Mt. Takato. I saw a beautiful view from the top.
How about you, what did you do?
This afternoon I met Shoko-san and K at Tobata Station. We had plans to go to the Wakamatsu Hydrangea (ajisai, あじさい) Festival. I had been looking forward to this trip since we planned it because hydrangeas are my favorite flower. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, but I like the large white-ish green ones the best.
I was pleasantly surprised when I found out we were taking the ferry from Tobata to Wakamatsu. I had assumed we were just going to ride a bus like we normally do. I should have known better though, because Shoko-san always has everything planned out perfectly.
We picked seats on the second level and enjoyed the ride. It was a perfect day to be on the water.
From the port we took a free shuttle bus to the top of Mt. Takato where the festival was being held.
Our drive up the mountain was stunning. There were hydrangeas everywhere! The colors were brilliant --- bright purple, pink, and blue. They looked like large pompoms. I couldn't get enough.
Maybe one day, when I'm feeling ambitious enough, I'll climb the stairway from the base to the top of Mt. Takato. I'm sure the pictures would make it well worth it. But for today, I was really happy that were riding in a bus and not walking up the stairway to heaven.
Here's how we spent our afternoon ...
View from the top of Mt. Takato
View of Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival grounds
Snack Break - soft cream & black coffee , 400 yen
View of Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival grounds
わかまつ あじさい まつり
Wakamatsu Ajisai Festival, June 2017
View of Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival grounds
みきさん、 けいこさん、 と しょこさん
View of Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival grounds
Today's Robot Spotting: Automower 330X by Husqvarna
After a full afternoon of sightseeing, we boarded the shuttle and headed back to the port to catch our ferry. I'm already looking forward to our next outing. I really love spending time with Shoko-san and K. Even though there is a language barrier, we are still able to share so many special experiences together. I laughed so hard today too --- of course, you had to be there. But I'm telling you, it was the laugh out loud, uncontrollable laughter that you can't contain. It was the best.
とても楽しかった
View from the Wakamatsu Ferry
One last thing. I couldn't resist sharing this ...
Japan's public restrooms are amazing. They're so clean and inviting. When I saw this toilet today it made me want to re-visit the TOTO Museum in Kokura. I think I'll probably go this summer.
