Field trippin' day 2!

Instead of a day in class we spent half the day at Tsukuba mountain. We were told the story of Tsukuba mountain, aparently once a god came down to rest and Mt Fuji refused to let him sleep but Tsukuba mountain did so as repayment, he gave Tsukuba 2 peaks that are actually lovers embracing so that the mountain would never be alone, while Fuji remains alone. Aparently Tsukuba is also famous for holding some of the oldest written passages in Japan, as well as frogs that secrete magic slime that can cut through anything on a sword - all very cool!

The humidity had us sweating while we were standing still, the air was physially heavy (it started raining again this afternoon). After moving past the incredible shrines, which were also shrowded by smoke at this point, we moved into the cedar forrest. This was the wilderness I had been looking for so avidly. The trees were tall and ancient and mist was wallowing through them, the ground was covered in moss and hydrangeas were scattered everywhere. It was breathtaking. I loved it. The best bit was that it was situated in a town, and there were locals sitting around painting and drawing and my favourite bit? I went into a shop and spoke very broken Japanese to the woman, and bought myself a little gift and she threw in a free charm that I was going to buy and let me take her photo while smiling and being absolutely lovely the whole time. It was a really wonderful experience meeting her and conversing and her kindness was unmatched by anyone I've met so far.

We head back into Tsukuba for lunch. I skipped climbing the mountain because the humidity was way too much for me, and the fog had descended so the view was nearly obscured and I'll be hiking in Kamikochi so it's ok. Also, I've found hiking is a very personal experience for me and I'd rather do it on my own terms, in my own time and be alone with my thoughts in nature. But aparently they liked it, which is good! After lunch I head into Tsukuba centre to get some money, some temporary earrings and ended buying two pairs from a boho indian shop (oops!) before coming back to Uni and working hard on my presentation and assessment for the course.

I found out on the 20th of July, I will be presenting my potential thesis topic regarding the Wollemi Pine to the man who discovered it and has been pioneering it for 21 years now, as well as the members and board of the Arboretum and my future potential supervisor. Eeeeep! Work is already building up from the moment I get back - so I'm trying to get on top of it now before go travelling and want to enjoy it and remain carefree for a little bit longer. Only a week left as of tomorrow - I'm both upset and excited. I miss my friends and family more every day, not to mention cheese! Ah well, there's still plenty of adventures in the week ahead!

I was also lucky enough to skype my gorgeous nephew and see him smile and laugh, it was the first time for me to see it! He's so big and grumpy, it was a really heartwarming experience - I miss and Grace a lot!

Until tomorrow

xo Rach