It's Saturday. Normally I would take this day to catch up on some Zs, watch TV, or any other leisurely activity that can be acronym-ized. However, with the Korean conference coming up soon, I mentally prepared myself to spent at least half of the day working. I planned on waking up early so I could work during the morning hours. Not everything goes as planned.
Although I was a bit sluggish, the morning became productive. I did some laundry, cleaned, and took a shower. By 11am I was walking out of the door, fully prepared to spend at least 4 hours in the office. The only task I had left to do was buy eye drops at the drug store on the way to work. On that ride, thoughts began to creep into my head...thoughts about being outside in beautiful weather. Thoughts about looking at the yellow, orange, and red leaves that now pepper the landscape. Thoughts about how I crave the adventure of a spur of the moment, solo quest. In the 5 minute bike ride from the Ninomiya House to the drug store, my entire daily agenda transformed. Operation "Spirit Quest" was under way.
My close proximity to the bus station served as a catalyst for this whole undertaking. The new plan was to catch the bus to Mt. Tsukuba, get to the top, take some photos, and spend a couple hours doing work in a rotating restaurant while overlooking the scenery. Essentially, I justified this trip by convincing myself that I would still get work done.
Since I was donning my dress shoes, jeans, backpack with computer, and a nice sweater I opted to take the cable car up the mountain rather than hike. From what I could gather, today was the beginning of an autumn festival on Mt. Tsukuba. There were stages for performances, extra food vendors, and lights throughout the trees for night-time strolls. Quite frankly, I was taken aback at the number of people on the mountain. This made the treks to both peaks a more burdensome as I slithered through the crowd on the trails.
I made it home from the mountain just as the sun fell on the horizon. I really enjoyed myself today. It's amazing how liberating it feels to break out of one's self-created routine. During the trip I listened to some fantastic music and podcasts, reflected on life, and enjoyed God's creation. Perhaps I'm setting myself up for more suffering at work in the future. However, in the grand scheme of life, these rare, sobering moments have a special precedence all on their own.
-Seth
Although I was a bit sluggish, the morning became productive. I did some laundry, cleaned, and took a shower. By 11am I was walking out of the door, fully prepared to spend at least 4 hours in the office. The only task I had left to do was buy eye drops at the drug store on the way to work. On that ride, thoughts began to creep into my head...thoughts about being outside in beautiful weather. Thoughts about looking at the yellow, orange, and red leaves that now pepper the landscape. Thoughts about how I crave the adventure of a spur of the moment, solo quest. In the 5 minute bike ride from the Ninomiya House to the drug store, my entire daily agenda transformed. Operation "Spirit Quest" was under way.
My close proximity to the bus station served as a catalyst for this whole undertaking. The new plan was to catch the bus to Mt. Tsukuba, get to the top, take some photos, and spend a couple hours doing work in a rotating restaurant while overlooking the scenery. Essentially, I justified this trip by convincing myself that I would still get work done.
Since I was donning my dress shoes, jeans, backpack with computer, and a nice sweater I opted to take the cable car up the mountain rather than hike. From what I could gather, today was the beginning of an autumn festival on Mt. Tsukuba. There were stages for performances, extra food vendors, and lights throughout the trees for night-time strolls. Quite frankly, I was taken aback at the number of people on the mountain. This made the treks to both peaks a more burdensome as I slithered through the crowd on the trails.
North peak shrine. The hike to the north peak from the saddle point took about 30 minutes. This was a similar story when I headed southbound.
At the south peak. Notice my dress shoes with zero grip/support.
Southeast panorama. The view from here was worth the whole day. Click for a larger version.
Some decorative rope hanging between the trees.
I finally made it to the rotating restaurant AND, believe it or not, I actually worked for 2 hours.
After I rode the cable car back down the mountain, I stopped to take a couple more photos. It started to become magic hour, where the lighting is just right.
I decided to try this yam flavored soft serve ice cream as I waited for the bus back to Tsukuba Center. I was surprised by the magnitude of its yammy-ness. I guess I should have expected that.
I made it home from the mountain just as the sun fell on the horizon. I really enjoyed myself today. It's amazing how liberating it feels to break out of one's self-created routine. During the trip I listened to some fantastic music and podcasts, reflected on life, and enjoyed God's creation. Perhaps I'm setting myself up for more suffering at work in the future. However, in the grand scheme of life, these rare, sobering moments have a special precedence all on their own.
-Seth
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