a shortcut is the longest distance between 2 points

Been raining on/off all day, that kind of light rain that soaks. Cant see anything of Mt Fuji, last time I momentarily saw it was on a bullet train coming here at 200+ KPH, selected action mode on the camera, pushed the continuous rapid photo button & off it went. Managed 1 reasonable photo. We purchased a Hakone 2 day pass for transport, much cheaper than individual tickets. First port of call was the Glass Forest Museum. Its French, what a grand building. It has a wonderful inner green garden [something I cant picture in Oz these days] It takes U back to Venice & has innovative glass deigns. The grounds have glass trees with lights, what a sight. Later I heard a smash in the souvenir shop, turned around & a Japanese lady knocked over an item. Time to go I thought.
Next was the Hakone Botanical Gardens. it was established in 1976 - it was formally a rice paddy & is now a specially designed ecosystem consisting of man made hills with rockeries, streams, ponds & moors.
We then went to Samurai Art Museum, it was quite small and of marginal interest. Checked out the cable car, followed the mist up the mountain & rejoiced at the sight of rhododendrons.
Around 5 pm we decided to return to our accommodation, thats when we felt confident about the transport system & decided to be brave & take the ubiquitous short cut. WRONG, such a beast doesn't exist [unless you are Darren or Chris & know how to use a compass] We arrived home near dark, transversed the great Southern Ocean & made it home.
Now time 4 that nasty bottle of red I bought, [its red vinegar - Inge likes it!]

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