Our bus drove us deep into the forest and left us at twin waterfalls at the bottom of a mountain. A steep climb, but it was cool and immensely peaceful.
We don't know when we'll be back again!! Japan - to walk the Nakasendo Way ( ten days between Kyoto and Tokyo. A couple of days in Kyoto and Tokyo then Finland - hiring a car and driving the southern coast. then ferry to Estonia - hiring a car and exploring for five days then plane to Oslo and connecting flight to Svalbard. Staying on board a big boat (200 ish people) and cruising the islands for 12 days. Meeting bears whales walruses and otters. I'll post when I can and add a few photos Got to go now, our flight is boarding Ross and Clare
Arriving early on a Sunday morning is always challenging. Train from airport to Helsinki then ... rubbish everywhere ... After Saturday night! Harbour cruise and open top boat in Summer We picked up our car and drove through so much forest...pine and silver birch...wood and paper are a major export. Everywhere we stopped there were beautiful lakes. Old preserved wooden buildings in Rauma, charming river walks in Turku and beaches at Hanko with no-one on them. Finland felt relaxed and unhurried.
We caught the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The train way amazingly quick and quiet. The exact opposite of Tokyo Train station. Luckily we had an hour to find the right entrance platform and seat. We needed it!! Kyoto is a large grey city which seems to go on for ever in both directions along the coast. Inland it quickly changes to rolling wooded hills with no buildings at all. The food is very very different. Seafood, meat and fried food abounds in the cafes, many of which are one table wide heading deep into the building. In the more traditional eating places fungi, meat, tofu, rice, tempura, miso and pickled vegetables.
Enjoying following your travels! Looks great..
ReplyDeleteThat looks very calming. Gentle green. 🙂
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