Sometimes, it takes someone from the outside to make you realize what treasure you truly possess. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to host two of my American friends from Minnesota, Angela and Shanda, in our small town of Gero. They really helped me see the Hida region with brand new eyes.
First, thank you to a Japanese friend, the three of us were able to get professionally dressed in yukatas. Needless to say how excited and happy they were to have this chance. Since the big attractions of Gero-shi reside in the foot baths and onsens (hot springs), we all went to the downtown area, got our foot in the public baths and ate on-tama- soft: a delicacy of my town. On-tama-soft stands for onsen tamago (egg cooked in the hot springs) and soft ice cream. Yes, all mixed together! OISHIII! (delicious!).
Since my friends wanted to see the countryside of Japan, they really enjoyed the experience: they loved the mountains, soaked in the onsen, enjoyed kaiten sushi for the first time and of course disliked natto. I must also admit that although it has already been 10 months that I have been part of this community, it was my first time experiencing the tourist side of Gero…and I loved it. Angela and Shanda enabled me to see Gero with the dazzled eyes.
Monday, June 23, 2008
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