So... is it really only Monday?

Had a really nice weekend that was super relaxing! After Saturday school, Chad and I headed home to make up a picnic for dinner. Then we left for Nunobiki Waterfalls to enjoy the scenery and eat! The video below isn't that great, but I can promise you it's due to my lack of talent rather than the wine I was drinking.

As for today, we woke up exhausted--Chad went to Yokohama on Sunday to see the Aussie Rules Grand Championship, and though I canceled last minute, I found lots of things that I needed to get done at home! And then today...Phew! Let's just say I'm glad it's almost over. And I'm thankful the rest of the night will be spent with Chad, which I am very pleased about after the long lonely day yesterday.

November Challenge:
1 & 2. Went for walks and to the gym over the weekend (also did the Shred!); walked today as well.
3. Drank 2 1/2 liters of water just at work.
4. No buying or eating sweets while alone.
5. I'm thankful for weekend picnics, to live so close to awesome waterfalls, for Chad (today and everyday! I love him so much!!), for health insurance (went back to the doctor because my body hates me and I've got yet another cough!), and for my sister Sarah, who's hopefully having a happy birthday today!

I was kind of grumpy, but taking the time to think about how well I'm doing on my little challenge, as well as forcing myself to realize how many things I have to be thankful for, has really made me feel better. To be honest, when I get started listing things for which I'm grateful, it's often hard to stop! Hopefully tomorrow I can keep a more positive mindset throughout the day!

Nunobiki Waterfalls

After all these months living in Kobe, we only just discovered how to get to the famous waterfalls nearby.


From Shin-Kobe station, you can start the climb up to the waterfalls, making sure to take note of the reminders not to litter:

It won't be long before you reach the lower falls:




As you continue walking up, there are several little shrines tucked into the mountain side.

I had never seen small, painted stones like this before in a shrine.

Only a few minutes more before you reach the next set of falls!

If you climb the stairs next to the falls, you can see a little shrine to your left at the top:

I was really interested in the little coiled snakes here. Not only were there some in the more focal part of the shrine, but off to the side hidden in the rocks as well--almost becoming part of the mountain. I looked up some interesting stories about snakes in traditional Japanese religion and culture (see this link, for example), but I think the one that might explain the snake coils at Nunobiki would be the ones that associate snakes with nature. Snakes are often believed to be in control of water, both granting it and denying it. They are also said to be in control of causing storms. It would make sense for the snakes to be in this little shrine, near the waterfalls. If you've heard any information in this regard, we'd love to hear about it!

The view from the top by the shrine.

On the way down, we were excited to spot a really neat temple. Here are some shots of what we saw:

I love how much was tucked into the trees or the mountain side.

We feel pretty lucky to live next to such an amazing temple and to such beautiful waterfalls. We've promised each other to make it out at least once a week throughout autumn, and we'll definitely post pictures of the changing leaves! Today we're off to hike Mt. Maya with some friends, enjoying the last day of a three-day weekend.