Himeji

We came back through Osaka today to Himeji. I must say here what alot of help we have been offered by locals just seeing us on our way. We dont even have to look lost to be offered assistance. Firstly at the train station where we had to make changes from train to subway to train. A young woman asked if she could help with anything as we were going down the escalator. She said she had studied in Adelaide a couple of years back and knew what it was like to be a tourist in a foreign country. I got her to help us buy the subway tickets as there is no English on the board which explains how much you need to pay. She then sat with us on the train and chatted happily for 10 mins till she got off.

Then after we got off the train in Himeji, another woman offered to help. We showed her the map of where we were trying to get to and within 3 secs she pointed it out down the road and we were all on our individual ways.

Mark was fascinated to see these guys trimming the trees in the street outside our hotel. You can see the trees down the street have been trimmed but not the closest one.
The men just climbed on ladders into the trees and clambered around around the branches cutting merrily away.
Mainly we came to Himeji as we wanted to see Himeji Castle but what a fun city it seems. We were told we would only need half a day to visit the castle and it was enough.

Quite an imposing building on the only hill in the city centre. There are other hills in the surrounding area though.



In this photo if you look closely you can see slots under the windows and on the corners, pointing towards the ground. Again Mark was fascinated to learn these were for either throwing stones at or pouring boiling oil or water on any invaders. Talk about harsh treatment!

One of the many trees in the grounds surrounding the castle. We did not explore too far from the main castle as our feet were KILLING us. We limped back to relax with an Asahi beer and seaweed wrapped rice crackers.

Our plans tonight are to go out and find some dinner and then all being well we are going to try a `cocktail bar` that was recommended by Atsuco`s father. He even rang the bar the other night when we had dinner with them to let the bar owner know we would be visiting. It could be an interesting evening!!!!!