Hmm well, how do i describe my trip to Soyo.  For starters, dont bother to try to find it on a map, even my Japanese teachers hardly knew where it is.  Its roughly located in Kumamoto prefecture (the one below Fukuoka), and to the south-east of Mt Aso, near the border of Miyazaki prefecture.  Basically its a 'town' which is in the middle of nowhere bar absolutely amazing scenary - and its fairly cold!  I left on Friday after school and rode trains for a few hours before eventually ending up at what one would envisage when they anticipate the end of the line, but thank goodness Greg was there waiting for me.  We drove a fair way to get back to his place - which often has an inside temperature lower than outside!  On Saturday we decided to venture to Mt Aso, and went up to see the crater.  It was bitterly cold - typically warming up as we left.  The crater of Nakadake is truely awesome - an almost sage/aqua/emerald green pool visible when the whiffs of steam are not hidding it. After this we travelled home - lapping up the country setting as we went. 

Sunday we started out towards Takachiho - the apparent reason for my visit.  First we veered off towards Greg's backyard gorge.. which was vast and treacherous.   I add the last comment because after we had had a picnic of snacks, we endeavoured to drive down the hillside to the bottom of the fork in the gorge.  Getting back up proved interesting - putting the car into 4wd and having to do 3 point turns round the hair-pins with no barriers against the cliff backdrop.  We made it, obviously, so my nerves could settle as we continued on towards Takachiho.  Now this place is truely spectacular.  Its famed for its waterfall which you can row under, but I thought the jagged sheer rocky ravine through which the river forged was more a sight to behold.  In honesty the whole day had been filled with gorgeous sights!!

On Monday, I had to get up early so Greg could drop me off at the nearest train station (20 mins drive away) and then he had to get back for work.  Luckily the train left straight away and after an hour and a half, i was in Kumamoto city.  I toured round the castle which was beautiful but a tad disappointing at the same time.  For example, inside the main castle, it had been adjusted to house artifacts and information rather than looking like it was way back when.  But still, a wee pearler of a day meant just not being at school was bliss. 

All in all a primo weekend.  Check the photos.