TAKASAGO

Melissa's new home in Takasago. 

I hope you don't mind too much Mel, but I loved the light in these photos too much not to share them. Takasago, where my friend Mel lives, is near Himeji where Japan's largest castle is. It is a dizzying array of odd shaped houses, nestled up against each other. Mel showed me the sights: where she works, where to get the best ready meals. She also took me to the English conversation cub that she goes to to help out. It was a slow conversation, but it was great to interact with some of the locals in a more meaningful way than "I'll take the pasta looking meal thanks". I enjoyed my time in Takasago. It provided me with a more realistic look at life in Japan than I would have gotten staying at a hotel in a main city.