Mission Missives: More Fun, Part 1

I suspect readers may be getting tired of my "travelogs." You have seen pictures of thatched roofs, lots of fall leaves, and probably way too many shrines. But humor me here. I want to remember this stuff, and possibly turn this blog into a book after our mission. So if you are tired of the above-mentioned items, just click off now.

Last December, our wonderful 79 year old Ever Ready battery, Sister Kondo, arranged an opportunity for us to see more fall leaves, visit some shrines or temples, experience some new foods, and see something that I hadn't known existed: a variety of sakura tree that blossoms in winter. (It was December 1st!) The blossoms are white, and the trees are planted among Japanese maples, which are bright red. We also went to a place where they make paper, and it is some of the most beautiful paper I've ever seen. We had another great P-day.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day:

I love the many Japanese red bridges. We are on our way to this tiny town that
was having a fall festival. It must be beautiful all year, but they must have
many tourists, all year I would think. There is also a buddhist temple here.

And we were treated to more thatched roofs.

Another cold, cold day in Japan! Do I look like I'm freezing? I was.

Beauty every direction one looks.

Miles of beautiful clean paths, with beauty on every side.

And an abundance of stairs. Great exercise, and Sister Kondo eats it up.

This is what most Japanese cemeteries look like.

This area fascinated me. As I looked at these little men, I had questions. I feel badly that I'm writing about this
five months after being there, so I hope my memory is right. Each represents a distinct individual,
and each has facial characteristics somewhat like the person who died.

Can you see the differences in these gentlemen?

Wouldn't it be interesting to know their story. There is so much history here.

He must have been sweet and kindly.

This fellow was near a temple. Maybe a place to make
offerings on the way to the temple. Not sure. It's nice that
he gets to sit on a pillow.

The scenery everywhere was just breathtaking.

Mushrooms being farmed on logs.

Here's another look at the mushroom "farm." Not too big, but
it must be adequate.

Quite the brave beauty, in freezing weather.

I saw this guy as we walked through the market. I thought he was cute.

Roasted and skewered fishies. Don't you just wish you could have some?

Sister Kondo chose this little place for our new
eating experience.

And this is what we ate. I can only remember that I liked it.

Another beauty, braving the cold.

Our next stop included more stair climbing to another lovely temple.

These fellows greeted us, and seemed to be asking for more, even if they
already looked pretty prosperous.

These are at every temple. I had always thought it was people leaving
prayers, but I need to check for sure. It seems to me it was something different.

I've written before about how people who want to pray at the temple first come to the water. They pick up a
cup in their right hand and pour water over their left hand. Then they put it in their left hand and pour water over their
right hand. They never let the water off their hands go back into the fountain. I believe they are washing away sins.
I loved this darling dragon, keeping guard on the fountain.