Matsumoto Castle and Snow Monkey

On Saint Patrick’s Day, Nyjai and I went to see the Castle first and then the Monkeys.  It was so much fun.  The Castle was from the Shogun Era.  I do not recall seeing a castle with a real moat around it. 

Not to mention the various hiding areas inside.  The Japanese men had to be small, powerful with incredible agility to live in these quarters.  The stairs were exceedingly steep and the ceilings low in the hideouts.  The castle itself was massive (6 floors).  They had the ability to see from every position.  The enemy had no chance coming out of the hills to capture this city. 

Of course, their military garb was innovative.  Now that is my perspective considering I have never actually been in the military… LOL!  It looked like it would protect them so- who am I to judge.  I am thinking mostly about the time period.

Nyjai loved it too.  We took pictures with Shogun militants who were visiting too.  Our guide said that in the 10+ years she’d done the tour, they never saw the Shogun.  This was a very rare occurrence.  I think they came out to see who this exquisitely stunning Nubian Queen was.  So I was sure to introduce myself.

Then we went to see the Snow Monkeys.  When I say that to my Japanese students, they stare at me like I am crazy.  They say it is a Monkey Onsen (hot bath).  

We had to walk about 2-3 miles up a snow covered mountain.  It was so funny.  Nyjai wanted to stop to rest every 25 steps.  You know I kept moving.  This chic needs more exercise…LOL!   When we go to the top about 30-40 minutes later, she was breathing all heavy.  I just laughed. 

The monkeys walked right up to us to say hello or feed me.  I think it is more of the latter.  We got some pretty good pictures with them.    I enjoyed seeing them, but most of all I enjoyed spending time with Nyjai.

She is really a cool kid… I do miss my other daughter too! 

Hold still... This is the last one.

Wait I found another one.

Excuse Me!  What do you mean you came to my house without a gift.

Move a little to the right, more, more... Mom!

Monkey see... Monkey do.

Nyjai: ooh this hot water makes me have to pee!
Me: stop touching it we have mile to walk.

Okay... until next time!
Smooches.

Fertility Festival

Yeap... that is what I said "Fertility Festival"

I figured I better write about the last couple weeks before we get to the Spring Break post.  March was an incredibly busy and adventurous month.

Franklin went to a Fertility Festival.  Only in Japan can you go to a festival of this sort.  I will admit when Franklin brought up going, I shed a tear.  I thought he was thinking of having another child.  Those of you who know me know that I am FINISHED! 

Don’t get me wrong.  I love my two adorable, sweet, innocent (cough-cough) and hilarious daughters.  However, I am about to be 21 and the youngest is headed to college.  I am not trying to start over…. It’s party time!

Well, that was not his purpose.  He too heard it would be an interesting festival, so we ventured out.  Let’s just say… it was all about the reproductive system.  You judge for yourself.

You crawl through this shrine to fertilize you loins.

After you put your money in this box, however...

At the Female Shrine
Can you tell what this is?

At the Male Shrine
The grounds were covered in anatomy.

Get it... 

Yeap... that is a tongue!

Parade has begun...

This is just the one carried through the streets as
everyone chants and rubs it.
They pass out sake during the parade.

This is the Male Shrine where the Japanese pray for fertility.
It is much bigger than the female shrine.

This is however a serious affair for many.  There were a number of placards with messages to the “Fertility Gods”.  Many spoke to the couples desire to have children during this barren time in their lives.  It was touching for me.  I was once there myself.

We women were very under-represented in this festival.  It was the day of the man for sure.

ooo yeah!  The cherry blossoms were spectacular...LOL!