Spring Break pt 1

Hello everyone!
It's been a while, and I know what you're thinking. Thank you, Captain Obvious! Well, how else was I supposed to start this post? Just ignoring the fact that I've kept you all waiting, some in eager anticipation, for my next post? I apologize. I don't even have an excuse to give you, but here is my next rambling...
Day one for spring break was a success. After dinner on Friday, I went with two other people to Kyoto Station to wait for the night bus that would take us to Tokyo, and since we got there early, we were able to walk around. The station was huge and crowded but awesome! We (Heather, Derek, and I) decided to go up 4 escalators that took us to the top of the station (which was at least seven floors high). On our way up, we spotted a Doraemon projection on the stairs on the other side of the station. Of course, that became our next destination. We took a tunnel to the other side and took a bunch of pictures of the exact same thing as if each picture got more exciting.
After that, we went outside and saw one of those light up music fountains and took videos until we had to take the night bus. It was an interesting experience because we got to go on the second level of the bus, which was really short by the way. The windows were covered in curtains so it was like sleeping in a small enclosed room with other people. I actually slept for a few hours.
Once we got to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, we had to catch a train to one destination and then transfer to another with only three minutes to buy our tickets and get on the train. We literally made it with five seconds to spare. Once we got to our final destination in Fujisan, we stuffed our stuff in coin lockers and joined a tour.
First, we went to the shrine that was the original entrance for Mt. Fuji. There was snow and ice everywhere, and it rained a lot, but I got to participate in a purification ritual. At a fountain, which contained water from Mt. Fuji, there were golden ladels that we could use to scoop up water. The first scoop was used to clean your hands by pouring half on one and half on the other. Next, you pour some water into your hand to put in your mouth so you can purify it. Then you spit into a small stream of water at your feet. Finally, you get another ladel full of water and tilt it until the water pours over the handle, thus, cleaning it for the next person. At the temple, I saw one lady give an offering and pray, and there was some sort of service going on...
Second, we went to the Mt. Fuji Visitor Center, where I spent all my time at the gift shop. Hoorah!
Third, we went to the "first" step of Mt. Fuji. Normally, we would get to go to the fifth step when it's not climbing season (July and August is climbing season), but there was snow and rain so...
Then, we went back to the station to eat lunch, and we got the local specialty, hootoo. It's this huge pot of noodles with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and there was pumpkin at the bottom too, and the broth was just miso soup. It was pretty good! Then, we went back out for the ice cave. We had to be super careful because it was slippery outside and some parts inside. This would not be the place to go if you were claustrophobic. There was a tunnel that was so small that I got on my hands and knees until I could grab the rope to help me balance as I squat walked.
Inside, there were giant manmade blocks of ice to make it look like an igloo, and it was so icy, each step was a slip. It was nice having large, sharp icycles over our heads too! Finally, we got to the part of the cave where the natural icycles were formed, and they were pretty cool!
After that, we went to a wind cave, but we had to walk in the Lava Forest for a while to get there, which would be fine, except for all the snow, ice, and slush. At one point, the slush was so deep that everyone's shoes got soaked. My socks squished with each step. Ugh... but we got to the wind cave and could only stand outside. Only those with the right equipment and permission can go in.
Since we had more time than expected, we got to go to some awesome waterfalls. The water was so clear!
Last but not least...ok maybe least...we went to Lake Motosuko, one of the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes. It would have been nicer if I wasn't so cold! And if the weather was clearer. We couldn't see Mt. Fuji because it was so rainy and hazy.
Afterwards, we went to dinner at an American styled restaurant, and I splurged on food. I have no regrets! Especially when I didn't really get to eat for the next few days. X(
Now, before I tell you all about the next part, let me just say this. When I got to Shinjuku Station, the first thing I saw were these Japanese boys on a poster with their mouths open and rays of different colors coming from their mouths, advertising a brand of gum. I bought a pack of this gum before. It had three flavors; berry, cough syrup, and then mint. Despite the cough syrup taste, it was ok.
Anyway, after we ate at the diner, we went to 7/11, and I found the picture of the guys on folders. The box said "100 yen" so I was going to buy some to bring home...and a pack of gum for breakfasts. I went up to the counter to buy them, and the guy only charged me for the gum, so I pointed to the folders. He counted them, laughed, and asked if they were a gift, and I said yes. He still didn't change the price so I got 5 awesome folders for free! XD
Oh! Something I forgot to tell you... On the way to the "first step" of Mt. Fuji, the road played a Mt. Fuji song! You know when you get too close to the side of the road and tires make that farting noise? Well, grooves in the road were strategically placed to make a song. Part of it on the way there and another part on the way back!
The second day, we got up to do something called the "Music Forest" with automated instruments. We went to a show where a bunch of dolls and instruments played on their own. It was pretty cool...and maybe a tiny bit creepy! The rest of our time was spent in the gift shop. There were so many music boxes, and I really wanted one! But instead, I bought some for friends. There were cool ones, dancing ones, automobile ones, clocks, bags, all had music (mostly Japanese). But the coolest ones were plastic fruit that played Disney songs. Yep, only in Japan!
Oh, I also forgot to mention that, on the way to the Music Forest, we crossed one of the Fuji Five Lakes, and I'm not joking, it was like walking through a wall of gnats for a whole mile.
They were on our clothes, in our hair, flying into our noses, etc. But it was worth it because, Rachel, a girl we met on the tour, thought to look behind her for Mt. Fuji. Although it was another rainy, foggy day, we could see Mt. Fuji and got some pics. I was so happy!!! On the way back, we couldn't see it anymore, so I'm glad Rachel looked for it when she did!
I was thinking about joining the running club on campus along with Heather when we got back from spring break, so we decided that, since we were in a hurry to catch our bus back to Tokyo, we would practice running. Ha! Haha...hahahahaha...hahaha...Ha! Perhaps it would have been better for me if I didn't have a bag on my back, my gifts, and loose pants while I ran. ^.^'' We only ran once but made it to our bus.
Once we got to Tokyo, we went to our hostel where we had these awesome cabin beds that had a window and a closeable door. I want one of those in my home!
After settling in, we decided to go to eat. I really wanted to go to a Hard Rock Cafe so that was our destination, but since almost all the dishes were over $20. Heather and Derek ate pizza at another restaurant while I ate garlic bread. Then, when we got to the Hard Rock Cafe, I bought three shirts and got one free. The shirts in Japan were also more expensive...I mean come on now! :'(
Then, I ordered my meal, the cheapest burger I could get, and then a milkshake...a real milkshake! It was delicious! But I'm getting ahead of myself...before we sat down, we waited in the bar area, and experienced the craziness that is Hard Rock Cafe Roppongi...first off, everything was decorated for St. Patrick's Day, one guy even wore a red beard and a green top hat. Then, "We Will Rock You" played, and everyone, I mean everyone, stood up and started clapping to the song and singing. Then, they did the "YMCA." It was crazy awesome!
Anyway, back to the food. The hamburger was so delicious and definitely worth the $17-$19. Yeah... Heather and Derek were still hungry so they splilt a hamburger and had dessert.
Little did I know that that would be my last decent meal for a while. Boohoo!
I hope to get more about spring break up soon...and then posts about more current stuff! I hope your guys' spring break...though a couple weeks ago, was great too!