Haven’t You Always Wanted a Monkey?

Today we are going to see the “Snow Monkeys” and I am excited. Prince Charming had all of these romantic plans made for us at this super shi-shi hot springs Ryokan north of Nikko and then I found out that there were monkeys near Nagano …

You have to understand how much I love monkeys. I really love them. I would own one if I could (although I understand that they are fond of poo-throwing which I don’t think that I would like). Every trip that I have been on to Japan has been with the hope of seeing monkeys but never have. I always thought that the “Snow Monkeys” (I put them in quotes because all the web sites that talk about them use quotation marks) lived up in the northern islands (somewhere “up there”). Never did I imagine that they were a mere few hours away from Tokyo!! Oh joy! Oh bliss! The potential to see the monkeys! We were initially going to stick to the romantic plan and just add on the additional 4+ hours of driving but, being the Prince he is, Prince Charming convinced me that we could easily have monkeys AND romance at a hot springs Ryokan near the monkeys. And so, it’s off to see the monkeys, the wonderful monkeys of Yudanka (no WAY that I could find an Oz rhymer for this one – let me know if you come up with one). I will report back tomorrow!!

Last night we had another adventure in restaurant land. The food was terrific with not a rectum in site although, technically, it was on the menu. Really, there must be something big lost in translation when 3 out of 4 restaurants offer it on the menu! We ended up having some wonderful sashimi and I would love to be able to tell you the story but without big hand gestures, squishy facial movements, and a bunch of charades I think that it would be impossible. This was definitely a visual event. Use your imagination and make it funny and you are probably close.

Have a terrific day!

Ella

PS Japan is terrific for those of us watching our calories. You don’t have to worry about portion size, they don’t really do sweets unless it is some sweetened bean paste thing, and the rice that you eat usually keeps you full until the next meal so not a lot of snacking is involved. I think that my belly looks smaller. The real test will be when I go home in a few days and step on the scale.