Wedding -- Take2

On October 6th we had our second wedding at the Hida folk village in Takayama.
We were picked up at 8am for hair, make-up, and costumes. I am not sure what happened to Daniel, after his hair was foofed, but after I was finished three well meaning Japanese women stripped me down to nothing and then spent fifteen minutes just putting traditional underwear on. If I tried to assist with anything I got a firm hand slap and an extra tug on the numerous and constricting chords tied around my middle. When all was finished I felt more like frosty the snowman than a bride. However, I was thoroughly impressed with the art involved in traditional dressing.
When we arrived at the folk village we soon became aware that we were getting much more than we bargained for. Three television crews, four newspapers, two magazines and one radio showed up to witness our contrived nuptials. These intent onlookers were accompanied by two professional wedding photographers and a host of crooning tourists who had come to see the folk village, but joined in on our party.
On the cue of a flute and vocalist I walked through a grove of trees with a “servant girl” holding a red umbrella for me. There was a short non-religious ceremony where we drank sake, after which I changed outfits (you can imagine that ordeal) from white to red and had more pictures taken. Our modeling stint turned out to be a media frenzy that promoted us quickly to local stardom. Neighbors, church community, students, and frequented cashiers all clap and exclaim over the newsie bits they had seen and read about. For pictures, check out http://ringthebells.shutterfly.com/

We left at sunrise on our honeymoon and took a bus nearly two hours to Kamakochi National Park. This same park where last winter Daniel was chased by monkeys, is also home to Yakadake, a volcano. Though it is not considered dangerous neither is it inactive. The last eruption was over thirty years ago at which time it partially filled in a lake at its base. It constantly spews sulfur and hot steam from numerous orifices and approaching it was like ascending to Mordor, with its rocky sulfurous surface and steam rising from the ground everywhere. The hike, though strenuous, was beautiful. Autumnal colors surrounded us and above the tree line provided excellent views.

Now (one month after these events) Life continues as usual, though colder. The mounains that were hidden from view for most of the summer because of the thick moist atmosphere seemed to apperate out of thin air (or rather because of thin air) and are now a constant snowy presence. We have welcomed their beauty, unfortunately we can’t see them because of the bubble wrap covering our windows to keep us warm,