anamizu;

Just got back from our short overnight Anamizu trip.
I don't really understand the entire purpose of this trip, because we
didn't really do much. Our first stop was the Eco House, which was funded
by the Japanese government.

We started learning about the Eco House in class, so it was interesting
to see it in person. I think they plan on making more houses
for families to use...we just went to the model
house which was pretty interesting!

They had this crazy wall which quickly absorbs water which was
AWESOME. A few of us stood at the wall for a bit with
spray bottles because we were so amused by the awesomeness xD

The house also had a this toilet that opens up when you enter
the room, there was an elevator, and basically everything was accessed
via remote control. I think they said each house cost approximately
10 million yen which is 1 million dollars. It makes you want to
go win the lottery and get one of these houses, because it was
just that cool!

Eco House Kitchen

Apparently in Japan, we drive on the beach.
No. Lie.

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Anamizu

Anamizu was an interesting experience. It was another one of those
forced activities the SGE students have to do, so we can interact with Japanese
students. It wasn't as awkward last time, and I managed to keep a few conversations
going, but overall, it was another awkward sauce experience.

I don't have any photos from Anamizu, since the weather was kinda crappy
and I was just too lazy to take any. But we had some awesome food
when we had our BBQ, and I had my first "public bath" experience.
Now that the first experience is over, I feel much more comfortable
going to a real Onsen now. We'll see how that goes haha~

Another memorable experience is that they woke us up via loud
classical music, and then we were forced to go to the gym to do these
odd stretch exercises. I was trying so hard not to laugh, because it was
THAT hilarious.

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Shinto Shrine

The Shinto Shrine was the only remotely interesting part of this weirdo
trip we went on. We only stayed for an hour, but the shrine was gorgeous
and we were able to take part in some traditional prayer, and fortunes.

I spent most of my time taking photos, and trying to be artistic after
having a minimal amount of sleep.