Back To The Museum and Kofun

 Before I get into today's adventure, and driving with David is always an adventure, let me update you on what happened yesterday.

I wrote yesterday's post, "Life Is Hard", in the morning. After writing it, I sat and had a good talk with myself; I was talking to the cats, but it was about the same thing!

I realised that every day I do the same thing. I spend ages looking for ideas for T-shirt designs; I then try to make something similar without infringing copyright; I upload the T-shirts to Etsy and hope that I can get a sale.

Yesterday I decided to move from my room to the dining room; part was that I was waiting for a package and I couldn't hear the doorbell in my room, but part of it was wanting to just change something.

Somehow, just being in a different room helped me to focus more. Also, while I was waiting for things to finish, I managed to clean the kitchen. At one point, I hit a block; I had too many ideas and couldn't figure out which direction to go in. I decided to change gears and went and did some baking. Baking helps me when I'm stressed. While I was waiting for the muffins to cook, I went back to what I was doing and managed to figure things out.

I didn't make any sales, but I feel that I can keep on going. I don't have any choice at this time, as I can't think of any other way to make money.

Still, I found that just changing my environment helped me to refocus; also, I realised that that room is underutilised. I think I might start spending more time in there!

These are the muffins I made.

Peanut butter Muffins

These were very nice, not too sweet. I don't know why, but I kept calling them pumpkin muffins!

In the evening, Hannah came to stay for a few days; she is feeling rather overwhelmed because of these different seizures. I thought she was okay, but I think the reality is starting to set in. Until she's had more tests, she won't know what this means for her. I think she just needs time to relax.

Christopher made a big nabi for dinner.

Nabi, just right for the cooler weather we've been having.

It was really nice to have everyone together, just talking and laughing. I know that these times will be few and far between; that's as it should be, but it made me so happy to have that time last night!

Today David suggested that we go back to the museum and Kofun we tried to see on Monday.

I suggested that he set Google Maps before we left, but he said that he could basically remember. So, of course, we got lost.

We ended up at the care home that my mother-in-law stayed in 6 years ago. We kept saying that the area was familiar; it wasn't until we were nearly at the facility that we realised why!

The area is rather high, and there are a lot of danchi, Japanese city housing. They must have spectacular views!

I took a video; the road was rather bumpy, so the video might seem a bit jumpy!

I was surprised at how clean the apartment complexes looked.

Some of the danchi complexes

We turned around and finally found our way to the museum and Kofun.

This was the view from where we parked.

Beautiful view.

The museum was small but very interesting.

This area has a lot of Kofun, built between the 4th and 7th centuries; there is a cluster of about 300 Kofun.

The Kofun in this area were unique, as they had stone figures of people and horses; in other areas, the statues near the Kofun were terracotta haniwa statues. Another thing for me to study!

One stone piece we found interesting was this.

UFO?

 After the museum, we walked outside to see the Kofun.

Replicas of the stone statues outside the Kofun

The first path toward the Kofun. It was such a lovely day, sunny but with a strong breeze. I loved the weather, but Hannah said it was too cold!

The right-hand side, where it slopes up, is the edge of the Kofun.

I was having a hard time with the ground; in some places it sloped down, and there were so many tree roots!

The old lady being helped down the slope.

As we walked around, we came across two shrines.

The torii gate of the first one was very large. I was trying to get a video and photos, but it was difficult.

The torii gate of the first shrine.

And David being daft.

As we walked past, we saw a second torii gate leading to another shrine; this one seemed smaller.

There was a row of these little statues; I'm sure they have a name, but there is no one here to ask. When I find out, I'll let you know!

We continued to walk around the Kofun and came upon another torii gate; David thinks this might have been one of the original gates!

Maybe the original torii gate 

The view from near the torii gate.

We finally got to the end of the Kofun. Like most Kofun from that time, it's a keyhole shape, but because of the trees and overgrowth, it's difficult to see the shape.

We crossed the road and visited the house and rice store that we saw on Monday; this time we could go in.

Rice storage, raised off the ground to protect the rice. Ignore me; I was tired at this time.

David having a look inside

Typical dwelling from that time.

We left the museum and got lost again.

We ended up in this older neighbourhood, with steep, narrow roads. 

David took a turn thinking it would take us out of the area, only to find that the road was a dead end; there was no sign saying that. We ended up in what looked like someone's yard, where we had to do a U-turn.

We got back onto the right road and went past one of the many tea plantations in this area.

We visited a couple of stores.

Both were recyle stores. In one, Hannah bought a nice skirt and top; she always does well in these stores.

The other was a recyle store that had a lot of interesting items: cards like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, manga, models, high-end clothes, bags and sunglasses. There were a few electronic items; I bought a toaster, something I've been thinking about for a few months as ours tends to smoke. The one I got today was only 1,500 yen; I hope it works!

The one thing that they were selling that I've never seen before in Japan was guns! I don't know what type they are- real guns or BB guns but there was a large selection and even a place to try them out!

This sign made me smile; I think it should be "Ladies' Casual Clothes". 

I'm exhausted; I'm sure I missed out on some things. I'll have a look through the photos and see what I missed and let you know tomorrow.

I had a great day out; it was a lot of fun with David, Christopher and Hannah.