Don’t lean on the mirror!

The day we travelled to Hakone was the best by far. Unfortunately, Mt Fuji eluded us entirely. We did not even catch a glimpse of her. Every map and brochure ensured us that the majestic volcano would loom over us as we sailed across Lake Ashino and rode the cable car up and over Mt Soun-zan. Nevertheless, we paused for a late lunch on the lakes edge and at the sulphur springs, which were at the half way point of the cable car ride (see photo above), to take in the forest and mountain views. On returning to Iyogi, we had a final dinner with Ben and Jess, which still in my mind is still the best Italian meal I have ever had.

The following day we said farewell to our extraordinarily generous hosts and packed our things. Our backpacks, I might add, were at this point so heavy that we could barely lift them. I was carrying a computer and accessories, my entire Garbage Pail Kids collection (which I had sold to a Scotsman on eBay and promised to deliver them to him in the UK), and Louise had both winter and summer wardrobe options (no amount of convincing that one good jacket unzipped was fine for warm weather and zipped-up was fine for cool weather). We lugged our bags to the airport hotel in the scroching heat where we stayed the night in anticipation of our early flight next morning. I photographed the official hotel notice in our bathroom, which read as follows:

For safety: (It is important to adhere.)

* Don’t hang towels, clothes, curtain on the light’s instruments. (There is a possibility for the fire to come out.)

* It is important to use a shower and faucet after making sure of its temperature.

* It is necessary to be mind in the unit-bath room because it is so slippery.

* Don’t lean on the mirror, and throw the thick staff to it.

If anyone can assist me in translating the last warning, I would be grateful.