Enoshima Island

 I went to Enoshima Island, Kanagawa near Katasegawa bay, two days after visiting Oyama-san. I bought a round trip ticket from Shinjuku station. The travel agent, did not give me a good deal. He thought, I could save money just buying a round-trip, instead of a Kamakura-Enoshima day pass. In fact, it would be cheaper to buy the pass, since it gives you access to all the sights which anyone who visits the area would naturally want to see and have to pay for individually without the pass. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I wish Akiko and I could visit such a place together.

 There is a lighthouse tower on the island. I bought a ticket, and went to the top. There was a good opportunity to take some photos from the high position. It was a beautiful day. Again, I owe my gratitude to Akiko's Sensei, for recommending the location. According to Sensei, the pair, Enoshima and Oyama, are connected in spirit and energy. For a long time, people have traveled from Oyama-san, to the caves at Enoshima. They are believed to be connected as yin and yang. Oyama being Yin, Enoshima Yang. Power-spots are common across Japan. This is a wonderful land, and a wonderful way to observe the power of our home world. Japanese heritage and religion is enriched by a deep sense of respect and appreciation for the land in which they have lived for many ages.

 Fuji-san

The Enoshima Iwaya Caves, Connected by a walking path.

Many people were on the Island that day. Here are some, fishing and playing, with Fuji-san across the bay.

Farewell - Last Day in Brisbane

"Last day in Brisbane, for at least the next year. I expect that I will be away much longer than that. Sitting on a comfy padded seat at a table in the domestic terminal Brisbane. I thought there would be a wireless signal and that I might upload a post to my blog. There isn't.

The flight to Cairns leaves in one hour, we'll probably start boarding soon. After a three hour layover in Cairns I'll be boarding another flight to Narita, Tokyo Japan. With a one year student visa I'll enter Japan. I'll be living together with Aco, a moment I have been dreaming of for over two years. Now, after some hard work and patience I am able to. The feeling is mixed. Just having said farewell, and “see you again soon”to Mum at a coffee stand in the check in lobby. I feel good this time. Sad, but not to the point of tears as I feel that I will see her again soon, and things will be good. I only wish that she will not feel to hurt in parting with me, as we have done many times before. She assured me that this time she feels glad. Glad that I secured a permission to travel for one year. Meaning my application for an Australian resident visa wont be cancelled upon leaving the country and if worst comes to worst I can come back to Australia. Hopefully she can feel also glad about her son following his heart, as anyone should when the time is right. I look forward to our meeting again soon, in Japan."

I had written this while waiting to board my plane. That was around two weeks ago now. Now I have a moment to post it.

Mount Oyama, Kanagawa.

 Photos taken during my adventure climbing up Mount Oyama in Kanagawa. From waiting at a bus stop below Oyama-san, to reaching the top, and Shoujin Ryoori nourishment when I reached the bottom four hours later.

Oyama Cable Car takes people up the the hiking path.

Many Trees, and steps on the way up. I feel appreciation for the natural ancient mountain environment.

 Beautiful Yellow Leaves above.

I could see Fuji-san. Who's summit was covered in clouds.

 At the Top.

 Tofu-Ryoori, Shoujin-Ryoori. My favorite cuisine.

The day that I climbed up the mountain, I didn't eat anything until I returned at the bottom of the mountain. It was 17:00, I felt refreshed, and appreciation for this day, this place, and for the fine delicious considerate cuisine of Japan. Shoujin-Ryoori, Buddhist cuisine.