January
17, 2005 -
Off to the Countryside (Day 6)
High in the hills.
Overlooking the rooftops of Fukiya
A very old public school - still in use.
Eating ramen from a mixing bowl while tucked into the kotatsu
Laura and I are off to visit a couple Okayama “International Villas” Fukiya and Hattoji. They are basically government subsidized hotels for foreign guests that are located in remote rural areas of Okayama Prefecture.
Laura:
Diana stayed home earning the living while Tim and I sauntered off to the mountains. After three train rides, which included one three-minute transfer involving a sprint through a throng of people down a flight of stairs and up another, two hours of wandering aimlessly, and a bus ride filled with retired mothers, we arrived at Fukiya.
Tim:
The three minute transfer was a thing of beauty; I wish I could instant replay our moves for you.
We explored the town under a setting sun before returning to enjoy a blazing fire, a huge soaking tub filled with hot water and a hot bowl of ramen. While we ate, we were warmed by a "kotatsu"; a table with a quilted skirt and a heating element underneath to fend off the chill.
Laura:
It was cold.
