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Published: March 30th 2008
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rusty mineral bath
The rusty color is the result of the particles left due to oxidation. Sorry guys I know the water is therapeutic but dont know why and how. I haven't been sleeping right for the past two weeks. Well yeah I'm having anxiety attacks combined with my retrospective mode, which automatically switched itself on and I can't figure a way to turn it off. I hope I am still living in America wherein I can just run to a specialist and easily claim psychological imbalance and get a prescription drug to calm my nerves. I now feel sorry for my bias on taking prescription drugs to help induce happiness or relax the mind, hehhehe.
When I turned 30 last year I didnt have time to reflect on the wee tots of my existence. We were busy preparing for our baby's birth. We were practically on our own, mixed foreign couple having a baby by ourselves in a foreign land is so tedious, pausing for reflection is a luxury not afforded to us. A month prior to my wife giving birth we hosted friends and family visits from abroad and out of town wishing us good cheers. With an 8 and a half month old pregnant wife giving a walking tour of New York and hosting a baby shower was no easy task. We were quite happy to see
friends and family though. Came the birth of our son, we were by ourselves again, my wife gave birth on a long weekend, everyone was on a vacation mode, and we receive a total of three visitors in the hospital, one happened to work there. Yup being too independent can be lonely at times.
After my baby's birth we didnt have room to breath as my travel visa to Japan requires that I get in the country in less than three months. We have to complete all paper works for baby and moi to migrate to Japan. After that comes the packing, shipping and the actual travel. Almost a day of travel from JFK to Fukuoka with a three month old baby and eight, yes 8 huge luggages that's gonna put Imelda Marcos to shame, the difference being is that Im carrying my six years life's worth of toiling my ass in the USA!
From a month stay in Fukuoka, we again shipped our belongings and traveled to settle in Osaka. Came September we traveled to the Philippines, my first time to go back home after six long years and my family's first. We made a very difficult
decision to leave our son in Manila to make it easier for us to settle in our new home. Heading back to Japan from Manila was the loneliest trip we had to endure, realizing the painful decision we might had made very hastily. Rinka was crying all throughout, from the trip to the airport, crying herself to sleep at the plane, no one spoke a word till we get to the Kansai airport. As soon as we get home we realized what a foolish decision we made.
We made decision to go back to the Philippines last December, and brought our son back to Japan. So now our son is back here with us in Japan. Great feeling but really a tough choice, this country is not really a haven for child rearing, and they're wondering why they have the lowest birth rate among the first worlds, well let's save that for another blog entry.
So anyway, my point is I had long and very hectic year and only this year that the realization of being an old person finally sets in. Anyway, I took my family and my mother, who came to help us take care of
water works
were too lazy to bring the stroller down the stairs to get a good shot of it. our baby, to Arima, the third best rated onsen (hot sping) in Japan and the oldest in the nation. Weeks before my 31st birthday I am already feeling anxious about what I have accomplished and whether I still have the time in the world to reach for the goals I have set for myself and my family. Having just finished my first contract here in Japan and still waiting in limbo for the next one, just feeds the anxiety more. To venture myself out from the path of insanity, I figured to go celebrate my birthday in a quiet hot spring retreat. It did calm my anxiety for a full 24 hours, so I'll take that.
It's my second visit to Arima Onsen, its a great place to enjoy Japan's famous hot springs. The resort we stayed in claimed that theirs came from somewhere 800 meters below land. What amazes me with these hot springs, is that how it can make your skin feel softer despite the high water temperature. My body felt so relaxed and rejuvenated. A trip to Arima, Kobe is always worthwhile. We are also glad that we stayed at the Mint Resort Inn, homey ambiance,
friendly staff and not as pricey as most resorts will charge you.
We also enjoyed taking the tourist trail up a hill showcasing Japanese crafts and delicacies. The cool and fresh mountain breeze also adds to the relaxing vibe.
So I am 31 and very anxious, but what the heck, I'm still breathing alright. Maybe the onsen have some mystical powers that can not only heal the body of certain ailments but can also attracts positive elements into one's life. Well yes that's the Asian mystique talking in me. So just keep workin', relax and enjoy life!
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like it!
hey aries I like the sleep wear! yan na lang pasalubong mo sa akin ha!... pano pumayat agad si rinka? i need help on my diet...