MOUNT FUJI, JAPAN- DAY 11

Today would be the day when we would leave Kobuchizawa and head to Mount Fuji (The highest mountain in Japan)! Before heading out, Choco-San and Hide-San prepared an incredible breakfast of salmon, fried eggs, rice and miso soup for us. Boy, would I miss these delicious home cooked meals. Our time in Kobuchizawa was incredible. We made forever friends with this family, and many tears were shed as we said our goodbyes.The journey from Kobuchizawa to Mount Fuji took about two hours. When we arrived, we headed to the base of the mountain for some spectacular pictures. Mount Fuji is over 12-thousand feet high...it is quite a site to see in person. I was so impressed by its beauty that I cried when I saw it. Afterwards, it was off to the Hotel Kaneyamaen...which is located pretty much at the base of Mount Fuji- so as you can see from the picture below, the views of the mountain are amazing!We stayed in a typical ryokan-style room and slept on tatami mats on the floor...We also enjoyed a private bath off our ryokan with a view of Mount Fuji from the tub...how cool is that? It was hard not to stare at this amazing natural beauty all day long.There is also a large public bath which we checked out. This is a big part of the Japanese culture. Men and women have separate baths, but just know that you do go in naked! After changing into our Yukata (or Japanese comfy robes that can be worn in private or in public), we explored the beautiful grounds of the hotel...And experienced a traditional tea ceremony...Before heading to a gourmet nine-course dinner of sushi, sashimi, steak, and fish.One night here felt like an entire relaxing week-long vacation.Stay tuned for my post on my last day in Tokyo!

EAT, PRAY, LOVE MOVIE REVIEW

It came in second at the box office this weekend, but last place in my opinion. To sum it up in one word...DISAPPOINTING! Although my hopes weren't high from the start about how good the movie would actually be, I did a least think that there would be beautiful scenery shots of Italy, India and Bali that would sort of make up for the $10.50 cost of the movie. However, there were not. The only cool part to me was when Liz and her friend went to Naples for some true Italian pizza...and where did they go? None other than Da Michele...the oldest (1870) pizzeria in Naples, and best pizzeria in all of Italy in my opinion. I was there in 2008 and had their classic Margherita Pizza...

Other than that, It truly was a waste of two hours and thirteen minutes of my life. And honestly, having Julia Roberts play the role of Liz Gilbert was not the best casting choice in my opinion. The entire movie, I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that Julia was playing the part...I think the role should have gone more to a "B List" actress. In conclusion, don't waste your money or your time going to see the movie in the theatre (just wait to see it on t.v.). But, if you are so inclined to join the Eat, Pray, Love phenomenon...spend your money more wisely and buy the book. The book was WAY better!