A Picnic on Mt. Shosha

Today Roxanna, Boris and I went for a lovely picnic with some of Roxanna's students from the adult English classes. The gentleman that organized the trip, Hidemasa, is one of my favorite community members in Japan. He is such a lively and happy man who is proud of Himeji and enjoys speaking English more than any other student.
We started our day being retrieved from the residency thinking we had a nice long hike in store for the day. So in thinking we were going to be doing some trekking, I dressed for the occasion... I felt very prepared. When we arrived at the mountain however, we came to find that we would be taking the lift to the top and not too much actual hiking would be involved, at that point I felt as though my super cool hiking shoes were a little out of place. No matter, I trekked along genki as ever feeling wonderfully prepared!  We met several more students at the lift center from Roxanna's class and as it turns out many I knew from the community lessons at Shirasagi.

With a group of about 9 community members and the vigilant guidance of Hidemasa, we began our ascent.

The day started out with loads of laughter as the community members sized me up and talked about how extremely tall I am and the rather large size of my feet.  This soon became the running joke of the day ans yes, in case you were wondering,  I was the tallest person in the bunch.  An apparent giant at 172 cm, one of the smallest men in the group took it upon himself to warn me of low rise walk ways along the path and cracked jokes at his own expense about not being able to see anything. Needless to say he had me in stitches most of the afternoon.
We spent a great deal of time wandering the mountain and at any point when we spent too long in one spot Hidemasa was quick to remind us that we were not at the picnic spot yet with goofy a "hurry up! Lets GO"
He then proceeded to crack jokes about the members being old and that it takes them too long to get up the mountain. The group was very welcoming and willing to share any and all information they had about the mountain and read signs for us along the way. We laughed the entire afternoon away and I enjoyed every minute of the walk.
When we sat down for lunch to my surprise some of the group members had actually made vegetarian friendly food ! I was so shocked and thankful. They are such amazing people! I had never even met them, but they knew a vegetarian was coming on the trip and they wanted me to be able to try the food. It really is such a wonderful and considerate culture of people. After settling in and eating a little, Hidemasa insisted we go around the group and do some self introductions, a great idea! I got to know each member just a little and watch as they laughed and joked with each other about their age and hobbies. They were so kind and it was easy to feel comfortable. I think the best part was when they got to Boris and Roxanna. They wanted to know everything about them and their relationship. It was so cute to watch Boris explain about how he met Roxanna and how the first time they met was "not romantic..."
After a short time the air started to cool and we headed off to the area where The Last Samuri was filmed. I learned a little about the buildings and as we climbed the stairs inside I was again reminded that I should probably watch out because I could hit my head.
There were a few tour groups there as well and we got to see a group writing in calligraphy. The community members explained to me that it was a very difficult tradition because they had to write 250 complicated kanji and it took time and practice to do. I dont think I could do it!
Our day wound down with a short trip to the pottery museum attached at the base of the mountain and I found out quickly that I am less than skilled in the art of spinning a Japanese top. As we left in the late afternoon it began to rain and the man whom has been warning me of low rises began to say I should get out of the rain because I will melt. He is probably one of the funniest people I have ever met. It was a wonderful day trip with a lively and happy group of Japanese people. I loved every minute of it and I hope we get to do it again soon.

Now for some pictures of the beautiful Autumn leaves on the mountain.
( I'm not good at taking photos...be warned)

This is just outside the lift area. I thought it was very pretty 

Right up until a random man came up and took a picture of me. Its so weird how often people ask to take a picture of me.

I love this little stone guy. We compared feet sizes ;) 

There are many statues on the way up the mountain and the community members tried to explain some along the way. 

Roxanna and some of the ladies 

We tried to gather for a group photo... it went  well 

Lead the way Hidemasa!!! 

I like the grumpy looking man in the red sweater.

Hidemasa explained that these are guardians and they protect the mountain and listen to our wishes. 

These stones are placed along the path. They have family names on them. Roxanna and I counted them once but I cant remember the number I think around 300 

Hidemasa explaining to Boris in Japanese. He was so pleased with Boris' ability to speak Japanese. 

WAIT FOR ME GUYS! 

SO RED! 

This is the gentleman who cracked jokes at me all day! Love him! 

Hidemasa at his best. Cheezin! 

POZU! 

HELLO! 

Cool old scooter on the side of a building 

I seeeeeeeeeee you 

Hidemasa explains our luck based on age. Mine was good but it said to not take on too much this year. I guess Ill have to listen! 

Hidemasas got the info yo! 

In the temple you can burn inscents and the smoke is supposed to be good luck. I think.... 

People write wishes on wooden blocks for the year and pray for good fortune. 

I caught you Boris! 

These small statues are placed here to remember children who died before birth. Sad but beautiful 

Lunch time! 

Boris explaining how it was "not so romantic...." 

The gang 

To our right at the picnic 

To the left 

Oh Hidemasa 

I wanted to build tiny leaf piles and jump in them 

The calligraphy 

WAIT! 

CHEESE!