weekend in tokyo

The Takao shrine where monks stand underneath the waterfall to meditate.

It seems I came across an article about trees in Tokyo and how they are going to cut down 1.8 million cedar trees (that's sugi in Japanese), in order to cut down the hay fever that hits Tokyo residents each year. (This has been approved by Gov. Ishihara). They are, thank goodness, going to replace the trees with pine trees, so at least we will have some trees to clean the air that is so polluted in Tokyo. However, by the time the Pine trees have grown to a reasonable age, they will find that there is another problem with pine's and have to cut them back in order to stop Tokyoites suffering from Pine hay fever..! Well, either that or they need to make more desks and use the timber for government official's housing.. Check out the link and see for yourself. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20061114a3.html

These days have been beautiful, but they have also brought the cooler temperatures to Tokyo. At least it is giving us a chance to wear our Autumn coats and get ready for the on-coming cold season. Always good wrapping up warm in the apartment, with either a good book or DVD and hot cups of green tea, or sometimes cocoa..

My exam on Sunday went fairly ok, as far as not studying for it. (I was so worn out from the last exam I had on Tuesday), so pretty much just went in there with no idea what the exam will be about! A code for disaster huh. The campus itself was set out in the country (Takao) and was surrounded with beautiful trees (at least they are keeping these ones). It reminded me of a campus that would be set in the States or somewhere overseas. I was quite impressed and the buildings themselves were nice. The exam was over and done with by 1pm, and so I thought I would climb up Mt Takao, since I was in the vicinity and enjoy some fresh air. I am so glad I did, as I felt wonderful after the walk (about 2.5hours) and felt that it was just what I needed to regain myself. The view of Mt Fuji was quite empowering, although it was mainly covered by the clouds. It was still quite impressive and would have waited around for the clouds to leave Fuji san, but I was already cooling down and didn't want to make my cold any worse than it was.



Since it was in the height of "momiji" (autumn leaves viewing), there were quite a number of people (that I managed to cut out of the photo), on the top of Mt Takao. It really was a spectacular day and one that you really wanted to be out in the outdoors to appreciate. It wasn't quite half of Tokyo up there, but it sure wasn't peaceful and quiet though.
I finished up in a lovely Japanese cafe devouring some much needed energy - an aduzki bean dessert known as Oshiruko. (see photo below)

So all in all, having the exam way out in Takao, proved to be a blessing in disguise. I first thought how annoying it would be, as it would mean having to get up at 5am to make it there by 8.30.. however, I ended up checking out a hotel in Hachioji (amazing value and great service - Hachioji Plaza Hotel), and was there relaxed and refreshed. Nothing like staying away from home for a night. Also, managed to do some shopping at the local department store and had my favourite dish (tonkatsu). Obviously, as you can see now, I didn't have a chance to study at all with all this going on..

Leave those that believe in their ideas,
for it is those beliefs that they need to learn from.
(me)