But the heat never went away... Soon I realized that this was it. I was experiencing the sweltering heat I'd been dreading ever since I'd decided to go on this trip. I was shocked. I wasn't sure how I was going to survive the next 15 days standing behind the twin engines of intercontinental sized jet engines. It blew me away that the airlines didn't make you sign some kind of waiver that stated: "Caution, the heat in Japan might kill you."
I was here and there was no turning back. I really wanted to see Japan and meet Mr. Huggins... and if it required me to grin and bear it for the next 15 days, well, so be it.
Grin? ..... Check.
Bear? ..... One sweaty stinky bear.. Check!
Grinning and Bearing in progress... and only by the will of God will I survive this grueling heat and oppressive humidity. Aunt Kathy... if this is what you live in... I had no idea how you managed and my respect for your tolerance just went up a notch or twenty.
Compounding the heat with 20 hours of travel via three planes and a 5 hour lay over in Nagoya sure didn't help me acclimate to the heat. My body radiated a stench that I'm sure was one of the most repugnant smells I've ever produced. Fortunately so were the other 12 people I was traveling with so no one was pointing any fingers. Upon our arrival our greeters (Mr. Huggins, Sam Huggins, Stephanie, Sam Green, Koji-San) had the grace enough to overlook I'm sure was one of the worst smells they'd ever had the displeasure of experiencing. We'll call it: "Stinky Traveler Au De Toilet"
That first shower was pure bliss.
Over the next few days I began to learn the "tricks" to living in the sweltering jungle heat and oppressive humidity of Japan. I began to keep with me at all times a small towel around my neck. This was a crucial tool to help keep my face less wet (I hesitate to say "dry," because as soon as you wipe your face you're sweating again). Another necessary tool is water. Unfortunately I've yet to find a way to keep cold water with me. Usually half way through the day the water is hot and near boiling... but keeping hydrated is essential. Also essential is sun screen - fortunately I knew ahead of time I'd be needing it and brought some. On the days when I forgot, Will was always there with some extra sun screen. I'd also like to give a shout-out to Jey, several times I forgot my hand towel or water and he always seemed to know this and have an extra available. God Bless you Jey.
By about day 6 or 7 or so I realized that I no longer dreaded going outside. In fact, I'd begun to start my mornings off by reading the Bible out on the porch. It's such a beautiful view for all the senses: sight, smell and sound. I'd start sweating the micro-second I stepped outside... but it seemed like I sweat less and it was not as miserable an experience.
It is now day 12, and we're leaving in a few short days. I no longer dread going outside. The heat and humidity is still swelteringly oppressive, but it doesn't scare me any more. I know how to prepare. I know what to expect. There are even times when I can almost forget about the heat... almost. There are still times when the heat is brutal and kicks my soft west-coast rear-end to the ground. Take for instance yesterday at the Monkey Mountain. I was having fun until about the time we got to the top of the Monkey Mountain. After the monkeys were fed and I'd had a chance to check a few of them out... the heat began to take it's toll. I was getting less and less interested in those stupid stinky dirty monkeys and was ready to go. Then I noticed a small little hut with what looked suspiciously like an air conditioning unit attached to it. It had large windows in the front and on the side and I could see that there was bench seating inside. It looked a lot like a waiting area... like maybe a small air conditioned island of joy.
It was.
Fifteen minutes of that and I was good to go again and ready for more exploring and picture taking. So, I still respect the heat here in Japan. In august the heat here is nothing to shake a stick at, that's for sure! But it hasn't stopped me, or the rest of us from having a great time. I know I have grown stronger for it, and I think the others have too.
For example, Will, Kate and Breana have been running in the mornings. Usually they're out the door before 8am (7:55am if Kate has any say about it). I know their runs aren't as long here as they are in the states, but they're sticking to it. They don't run every day... but more often than know they're out pounding the pavement.
As you can see in the picture below Will's endurance and strength has really increased because of his runs here in Japan.
Will's strength improves during his stay in Japan
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