Test of Outgoing Ability

Last weekend was a test of my outgoing ability. As you may have seen from the recent photos, I had a really good time. Interestingly enough, I found the group on the internet. I mailed the organizer a couple of times with some questions, but other than that, I did not know what I was getting myself into. The kigouya website had everything I needed to know about the trip: where to meet, when to leave, what to bring, and even an itinerary as to when and where we would be spending our time. Later on I learned that this is just a group of people that enjoys the outdoors and welcome anyone that has the desire to join in. For what I got out of the trip (other than a really great time), I think that what I paid was reasonable ($150). Considering I didn't have to drive, cook, provide camping gear, or think about the next destination, it was a great deal. kigouya wasn't about having membership or paying member fees either. I say that because I found an international group in the area, but it's not that great because you have to be a member to go on certain trips. It is much more exclusive than kigouya.

Friday night, I was supposed to meet at the West exit at Otori Station in the South of Osaka at 10PM at night. The departure time made sense because of there being less traffic, but since I was by myself, I could only think of what I would do in case I got stranded in the middle of the mountains no where near a train station. After seeing the people that were going on the trip-a mixture of guys and girls and foreigners and Japanese-I felt a little more at ease. From 10PM to about 2AM, we chatted amongst ourselves and got to learn a little about everyone.

We arrived at the site and proceeded to set up camp. There was a riverside pool area that only 3 of us got in at such an early hour during the morning. It was still cold 5 hours later. :-)

The remainder of the weekend was eat, go swimming, eat, hike a little, eat, and then hang out. A couple of times during the trip, I felt like I was on Survivor. Maybe it was being around 12 strangers, jumping into a river from 20ft above, or hiking to a waterfall so I could swing on a vine!

Saturday night, there was a bonfire; it was my first bonfire in Japan. Sunday we went to Shirahama Beach. It is the beach I mentioned earlier about how the sand was brought in from Australia because it had been washed away. From there, we headed home and avoided a 20 km traffic jam. I was home by 11:30 PM Sunday night.

Overall, this was a awesome experience because I met some great people and two of them even live nearby. I hope to hang out with them during my last 3 months here. I am stil amazed at how, when a group of strangers meet and spend a weekend together got along. At first, I thought I was going to be there alone, but instead, I was in an environment that felt more like friends. I am not sure if I would have done this same thing back in the US. I definitely learned something this weekend about myself.

A 48 hr trip to the woods and water was just what the doctor ordered...

posted by Lynn @ 08:56

back