Day 2: Himeji-jo -- Klutzes, Castles, Cellos, and Crazy Cuisine

Constitution Day began with a bang (literally!!) as I toppled down the ramp way from our hostel. (Tall I may be, but graceful I am not!) Needless to say, our first stop for the day was to the kobini for sprained ankle care. Surprisingly (or maybe not since this is Japan), we were more successful requesting an ice pack when we said "like one for a cake" versus when we said "like one for an injury." I guess its more popular here to send baked goods wrapped in ice home, rather than injured kids. Soon sporting a new ACE bandage, really snazzy stick-on menthol instant ice packs, and an ankle brace, I was ready to conquer the many stairs of Himeji-jo (i.e. Himeji Castle)

But don't let the size fool you... this castle is huge! It is considered to be one of the three most famous castles in Japan. Originally built in 1346, it is one of the few castles that wasn't destroyed in fire or war and is thus it is in its original state.

Inside it is completely made of wood and paper (thank goodness there wasn't a fire!) and had a million (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration!) steps. Any enemy that survived scaling the huge stone walls, would have definitely been defeated by the steep stairs...

...or the scary-looking occupants.One of my favorite features of the castle were the tiny hidden rooms (modeled here with Helen-Marie sans doors) that could work both as a closet and a hide out complete with shooting windows. Can you just imagine being shot at from what you thought was a futon?

That evening we visited Mt. Rokko via a cable car to see the Osaka harbor at night (A.K.A. the Million Dollar View) An unexpected treat was to also see a mountain hog enjoying his supper. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera ready to capture the bovines' buffet.

While enjoying the view, I also had the chance to overhear a man brag (in English) that he invented the cello. Since he didn't look like he was 500 years old I suspected it was a pick-up line. I wasn't impressed...Dinner that night consisted of takoyaki (octopus balls) for which Osaka is famous. Although its favorite of many Japanese young people, I personally wasn't impressed. I mean, what is delicious about a fried gooey ball of octopus covered in mayonnaise and dry roasted tuna skin????? Plus, the octopus suckers stuck to my tongue :-( It took all my effort to keep from gagging and keep the slippery globs from following off my chopsticks. The whole scene, though, was quite amusing for some old men who were bystanders. Oh well, at least someone enjoyed the gastronomical experience!

Next Stop: Pancakes and Peace