Goshikinuma Lakes

So I am sitting here in my room on a Sunday night, listening to the relaxing and melodious sounds of 86 kilometer an hour winds outside. Ah, the joy of Japanese winter. This morning it was snowing (I mean, really. I'm from Florida! I thought a Colombian drug plane had crashed above me) and now it is raining and so windy I can't hear my roommate in the next room. It doesn't help that my apartment is effectively made of straw, as there is NO INSULATION IN THE WALLS. This also helps explain why I have my space heater on and I can still see my breath. In my room. Under my covers. ANYWAY, lying here shivering made me long for happier times....Suntory times, Japan in the fall times, when the leaves are changing and beautiful and the weather is cool and pleasant. During this idyllic period Joanne and I made our way to "The Five Lakes," Goshikinuma. These lakes are high up in the mountains above my town, and are famous for the fact that all five are a different color. Yes, its true! One is blue, one is green, one is red, one is...well, I'm not sure about the other two, but if Japan says they are different colors, then I believe them and so should you. Unfortunately, our hike around all five lakes was cut short by an early sunset, rain*, and absolutely paralyzing darkness, but what we did see of Goshikinuma was absolutely beautiful, and I hope to go back this winter. Why, you ask? Well, Goshikinuma is also famous as a migration point for Russian swans when the harsh Soviet winter gets to be too much for them. Proving once again, and even for birds, it always sucks more somewhere else! Enjoy the lakes and the GINORMOUS carp.

*Even the fall isn't so idyllic in retrospect.



Fish Lips

This lady totally wants to eat the poor carp for dinner...

Karp Kiss