The Story So Far (Part 2)

And two weeks later I`m back. Hopefully, my next posts will be more exciting stylistically instead of just a chronology. But for now I`m still playing catchup. Pics will also be coming soon.

Nov 3 was Ohara Matsuri. It`s a big parade where a ton of people walk down the main thoroughfare in Tenmonkan (which is the hub of Kagoshima). They all do the same dance. However, what is really exciting are the wide variety of costumes. Also, there are several half time shows (1/32 time shows, maybe?) featuring several different Taiko drum groups.

On Nov 10th I did a little sightseeing on Sakurajima which is a big mountain. It used to be an island until an explosion in 1913 connected it with the opposite side of the bay. I spent most of my time walking the Lava Trail. The trailhead is right next to the ferry terminal, so it was convenient. The trail is flat and not bumpy at all. I want to take my mom there. The green and orange of the small trees and shrubbery contrasts to the black lava shapes. The gentle sound of the waves of Kinko Bay adds a nice touch too.

I wanted to go to Kirishima on Nov 17th. Instead I got lost in my own neighborhood trying to find Ryuugamizu-station. Most people here in Yoshino don't appreciate that they live in a place with such natural beauty. Its a shame really. Still, it was frustrating to be lost for a whole day. Though I could have just turned around, I decided to get more and more lost out of my own stuborness.

I finally made it to Kirishima on Nov 24th. Yay! Kirishima is a beautiful National Park. I did a 5 and a half hour course that goes up and down several mountainsides. It was awesome! While riding the train back I saw two different schools of dolphins feeding while the sun was setting. Then on Sunday when I was walking with the missionaries from the local ward (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) I saw a large Submarine that had surfaced in Kinko Bay. The missionaries snapped a pic, so I'll have to steal it off them.