13/07/09 - Kyushu time!
So we arranged to meet at 8am and indeed we did. So headed out and decided on getting one castle under our belt. As we were in Nagoya, it seemed a good place to start and we knew where it was. We'd even discussed it with some Norweigian boys who were doing the same with Sumo. So headed out to get cash and to the castle. Made the castle, no cash.
We even, for once, arrived too early. The castle grounds not open yet, but found it fun watching the Sumo walk in, as we had followed some from the subway. Then whilst reading up we saw the norweigian boys, since leaving the hostel we had changed plans. So they went off to get tickets for Sumo (\2800, not the \15700 we paid) and we swapped info to get pictures!
Then around the castle we went. Where a lot of the photos were ruined as they are restoring some buildings, so the entire front is a building site. But inside is good and the castle itself is still good to look at! After trying out each floor, some being remodelled, we made our way to the top for sights and then down. Saying goodbyes we made our way to the subway and headed for the Shinkansen.
We got as far as \\\\\\ Imagawa \\\\\\ before needing to get off to change train (the main direct trains going are the Nozumi which the railpass doesn't cover) So we jumped out for lunch, asking at the information (in the shopping mall, who didn't speak english) for good near food. We were soon in a japanese restaurant, I had gone to the window to write the names of what we wanted. It seemed NEITHER were actually availiable? So we tried our luck on the menu with a few pictures. And got a whole lot.
Baby sardines on my rice (I thought they were mini eel or sea horses) about 2 cm in length, taste nice. Also had a weird mixed fish food stuff that tastes like burger?! Very odd. Karen couldn't eat it as her mouth said burger and her mind knew it was seafood! I was close! (But it was tasty) The rest was interesting but mainly normal.
Back on the train we were soon in \\\\\Fukoaka/Hakata\\\\ a place with two names, apparently as it's two cities that met and was taken over by \\\\\Fuoaka\\\\\, though the train station is still Hakata. A bit confusing for travellers! We arrived and decided today should be the day we go for a typical Japanese inn. And what a time to do it. Not only have we got the room cheaper than expected, but it was recommended by the tourist information and LP! And close! All round great. Looks fantastic. I want to be ninja, but the floors squeak too much!
So we headed straight out, seeing half naked men. Which is normal. Here. As it's festival time. Tops and attempts at sumo style pants it seems. Still we headed into the fashion capital and it lured Karen to spend, a nice top/dress. But otherwise we walked around for ages trying to find food. Inthe end I played on the fact she considers this "my" holiday and she is an observer/companion and so I headed to the on the side of the road stalls (which seemed very popular!) We had passed some english speaking people at one and the two popular ones with japanese were still full so headed back that way.
There were japanese there too now, so I felt better. Also helped as the english could help us pick what was good and so we tried the local pork dumplings (gorgeous) followed by the local ramen (pork broth), then kebabs, more beer and more kebabs (Karen going for the evil Shikate mushrooms, the one japanese thing I don't like!) still we ate well abd paid for it too (till we realised we'd had 4 beers and the local spirit "\\\\\\\ Senchu?" tasting like barley water? But potent!) and so this had taken more than half the bill!
Heading back to the hostel we got the wrong subway but were soon on track and I was off getting more snacks. Some drinks and chocolates to share at the hostel (except the french it seems). Cheap japanese rooms, with a garden, a view, a room, table and all the bits, no ensuite, but baths and free internet access. I like this place! I would staty another night if we could, ESPECIALLY as they are having a rehersal for the festival tommorrow I'm told!
