N a t u r e is calling. You just have to listen.

Hugging trees at Mt. Takao

Oh nature, how I've missed you. I hugged this tree for an awkwardly long amount of time lol. My friend was like umm okay I took the picture already..

Close up leaf action.

I went on a "hike" up Takao-san. It was more like a mild uphill walk with a hundred of your closest friends. We shuffled past people decked out in outdoor gear--walking sticks and all, then women who looked like they'd just come from a night out. It was strange. とてもへんでした。

Gordon and I feasting on all things
that come on a stick. Fried chicken
and roasted mochi cakes with sauce.

On the upside of the chaotic ascend, there were tons of local mountain food stands at the top. I tried various omochi, and some yummy mushroom soup!

The gorgeous Japanese maple getting ready for winter.

Next up the Ueno Zoo! My frequent trips to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park kind of ruined me for zoos because they are like Disneyland status. However, I did see some sweet animals that have evaded me in the past. The vastness of the San Diego Zoo makes it nearly impossible to see every animal. I used to have an old ratty map that I crossed out animals I'd seen on. My goal is to see them all obviously. 

The Slow Loris is the cutest thing ever. It has unnaturally large eyes because it's nocturnal and so seems to be in a perpetual state of wonder. Think of puppy dog eyes except all the time. Also, it's really slow in everything it does and is virtually defenseless lol. 

The sweetest creature alive. A Slow Loris. If you haven't
seen the video Tickling a Slow Loris, then beware because
you will be overwhelmed by it's cuteness. 

powerful. 

Next is this awesome Polar Bear. I've seen them before at the San Diego Zoo, but  because it's so much colder here, they seemed happier. The trainer was throwing treats into the water so the bear would dive to get them and nosh on the treat disks while all the people gasped haha. A chorus of perfectly timed Oh!! Sugoi!!!!! It was pretty funny. 

Cranberry Sorbet! It was delightful. 

Lol and I gotta add this uncharacteristically
graphic Japanese warning sign.