Golden Week (part 2)

We stepped off the train somewhere in Kyoto's surrounding neighbourhoods.
Wandering through the winding streets, the mountain range got closer and closer until we were staring up at its lush and leafy coat. A quick stop into Family Mart and we were armed with lemon Chu-hi (an alcoholic Solo) and ice cream.

The days focus was Monkey Park, an area where wild Japan monkeys roamed freely around the hills, scratching themselves, staring at people and occasionally stealing shiney and usually expensive cameras. We weaved up the steep pathway, panting from the hot dry air and lighthead from the drinks.

A soft sounds above us prompted a quick stop perched in the tree bearly a meter away was a Monkey.

Monkey and the Tree

The futher we continued, the more of our animal cousins we saw. A small plateu off to the side offered the opportunity to see family interactions. Babies being nurtured, siblings frollicking, partners grooming.

Baby J wandered towards a smaller female for a special Kodak moment. I hear a branch break and saw a male charge towards him. He turned towards the sound and as he made eye contact with the monkey, his face drained and he stumbled backwards. Somehow, somewhere I managed to offer a "look out" through the fits of laughter. I could feel the tears running down my face and despite having my video phone on him at the time, the footage quickly turned Blair Witch as I cluchted at my sides through the glee.

Confused Monkey

The view was spectaular and refreshing ...

View from Arashiyama

View from Arashiyama 2

Monkey and the Mountain

Mental Note: Ensure Mobile Phone isnt set to Macro when trying to take pictures