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Lessons in Spring

It's almost summer vacation and I have been planning on so many things to do for the long holiday but I have to sit down and write all the experiences worth remembering in spring. 

HAKONE


I stumbled upon this blog post that suggested a walk through the old Tokaido road would be fascinating. It would also be a less stressful trip to Hakone as it is an off the beaten path. So I forced myself to walk through the old road that actually leads you to lake Ashi. It  took about two hours of both feeling scared and excited. I was feeling nauseous in my stomach. The paved road uphill gave me an adrenaline rush. It was sunny and the air was cool. It was a good day to hike. There was a warning sign of bear sightings. I don't know why but that's the least of my concerns. In fact, what scared me more is the idea of bumping into a suspicious person along the way. Aren't humans scarier than animals?

Life lesson: Travel alone. A lot.


CHICHIBU


A road trip through the mountains of Chichibu was memorable. We visited one of the most sacred shrines in Japan. Locals intentionally go there to pray. As a Christian, a place of prayer on a mountain gives me more access to God and puts me in a more meditative attitude. Jesus went to the mountain to pray. Nature absolutely reminds us how magnificent and artistic God is. The car ride took about seven hours back and forth and I felt really guilty for not knowing how to drive. I thank God for a sister-friend who's a good driver. I also prayed for her on this day. She is going through some health concerns that would require her to take a long break from work. So far, she is recovering faster than we thought. I love my oneechan! 

Life lesson: Learn how to drive.


MT. TAKAO


This is the second time I climbed up Mt. Takao. We were supposed to see the cherry blossoms but could not sort out our schedules. It was a bit gloomy on that day but thank God it didn't rain. However, we couldn't see Mt. Fuji from the peak of Mt. Takao. On the way down we took Trail 2. It was a lot of fun exploring nature with friends. The youngest in the group made the hike down appear less exhausting. I wish I were younger. But then I saw much older people who were faster than me. Their endurance was amazing. So it is more reasonable to say that it's not really about the age. 

Life lesson: Hike more. Walk more.



KOISHIKAWA BOTANICAL GARDENS


It was the first time that I saw a magnolia flower. Magnolia is a top dairy company in the Philippines and is mostly known for its ice cream products. So, I never expected how beautiful the flower of this tree is. I also learned that a variety of Magnolia tree is native to the Philippines. It is mind-blowing that I get to learn about my country from another country. It just warms my heart to see a piece of home in this place. And I just also found this tree trunk which inspired military uniforms. Nature inspires us to think creatively, to survive, and to put soul into what we do. Isn't it amazing?

Life lesson: Look to nature for inspiration. Paint again!


YONO PARK ROSE GARDEN



I love flowers. My grandma used to have a garden where she would grow potted plants and flowers. I must have developed fondness for flowers because of her. But in our culture, flowers are synonymous to femininity, gentleness, and modesty. Traits that I didn't have growing up. So back then telling everyone that I love flowers would only invite contradiction. That is why I am relieved that I receive no judgment here. While I was going around this garden, I found a rose variety with the name "Fraulein Maria". It reminded me of my grandpa's favorite song from the '60s, "Fraulein" by Bobby Helms. And I just realized that "fraulein" is a German word for "miss". I have always thought it's a girl's name and that the song was specifically dedicated to her.  


Far across the blue waters
Lives an old German's daughter
By the banks of the old river Rhine

Where I loved her and left her
But I can't forget her
I miss my pretty Fraulein


Life Lesson: Remember the past and find gladness in it.


I'm so ready for summer! This season reminds me of home although summer heat in Japan is hellish. I wish I could go to the beach or river or lake or even the pool. I JUST REALLY WANT TO SWIM. 🐟

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