The Gap Adventure begins and we're in Takayama

Hey all!

We actually do have internet here in Takayama, likely by some fluke of luck. I thought I'd just pop on to say a few words and say all the regular long and drawn out banter for tomorrow.

We met up with out Gap Adventure group and they're all awesome. We've got a few Brits, a Swede, a Quebecer, a pair of Denver mates, and a bunch of Canadians to spice things up. Our tour guides are wicked and we're all excited to see more of Japan.

We all went out for food yesterday and had some yummy noodles and some more Japanese beer. We just had to follow it all up with some fantastic Haagen Dazs with some of our new friends Mya and Phillipe then we headed up to the 39th floor or something for overly expensive beer and a great view with more of the Gap group. Now that we're not traveling in a small pair of two we stick out like crazy. We love it though. We're totally official tourists now.

We're in Takayama today after about 4 hours on the bullet train. Not only is the country side of Japan beautiful but it's huge! We're near mountains and water and everything. The architecture here is older including wooden gates at the JR station. It's a pretty quaint little place. I like it alot. By little I mean massive but the feeling is smaller. There are still great stores lining some streets, and sidewalks with overhead fluorescent lighting. Joanie and Mya even found some wicked matching shoes! Amazing! This is quite a feat because Japanese shoe sizes don't usually go that big. Admittedly, they're likely guys shoes but it's all good! I wish I could get a pair of the same ones.

We are now in our Ryokan at the end of the day. Our room is pretty huge! I'm guessing there's much more room around Takayama than there was in Tokyo. It's about 15 feet by 15 with Tatami mats, a safe, closet, and a tv with about 5 channels (no anime). This Ryokan is amazing! I'll photograph it tomorrow though.

We walked around the main little strip in Takayama and it's super nice. The drainage system runs around houses like moats. I have around 250 photos from today so I apologize if I don't get to posting any tonight, it'll be quite a task to sift through them. After a while of walking we went and ate at a great restaurant. Super nice and super traditional. It was basically a hot pot restaurant with wooden floors etc. We sat upstairs because of the size of our group. 14 of us, plus we sat at one table. It was great. We had Shaboushabou! That's when a boiling pot is place in the middle and you basically throw your food in (uncooked veggies and thin beef) and pull it out when it's done. Then you dip it into a soy mix sauce or sesame sauce. I love the sesame! It's like eating peanut butter! We all ate quite a bit and still the meal (including sake) only cost us about 15 bux or so a person. Just crazy!

The last thing we did was enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen. These are open air baths. It's separated by gender and you basically shower and then sit in a steamy hot bath of water nude with everyone else. It's really relaxing but I'd highly suggest having some water before going, it can dehydrate you really quickly.

And that's about what's gone on so far. It's just about time to call it a night. We've got an early morning tomorrow. Breakfast and then off to the folk town near by.

Anyway, love you all at home!

I can't stress the same message I said before again. COME TO JAPAN!