The best things in life are free*
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| *Unless you are hounded by the fascist river police for daring to float an arm-stretch from shore. I do understand the dangers of the Hozu with it's rapids and strong undercurrents. There are signs warning you to be careful. But I do have common sense and would never go out so far that my feet could no longer touch the bed. Maybe I am just bummed at being forced to give up my very peaceful swim. | Sometimes I wonder if the Japanese understand how much beautiful scenery is around them. People always like to be herded to the main tourist sights, but rarely stop to take stock of the mountains, rivers, and sea. If it is not in a book, not suggested by a tourist agency, then it doesn't seem worth the bother. Which in my eyes is perfect, as I get to have a stretch of the Hozu all to myself. | For a little while we took to the water and paddled back and forth at the edge as river boats ploughed down the middle channel. Even with the sun sinking below the mountains, it was warm enough to float nestled in the calm pools between the rocks. Half of Rhod's (visible) anger at the police came from the idiotic suggestion that we go and play in a nearby stream. Thankfully. the cops didn't stop us from getting a few hours of rebellious riverbathing fun. |
