Japan Adventure

There's the castle - we're getting closer, but it's SOOO much higher than us!


Just up these steps, right Stan???


Look how the fence was built around the roots of this tree to protect them. Or did the roots simply grow over & around the fence???


Yikes - another set of steps with no handrail! But the "newer" steps on the right side are a little easier as long as I don't stop!


I can't believe how sharp the edges of these structures are! And these "may" have been built as early as the 15th Century when this castle was begun.


Stan attempting to climb a wall - as if we haven't climbed enough steps already!


Maybe you should have read this sign RIGHT BEHIND YOU, STAN - FIRST. . . "Danger - Do not climb on the stonewall foundation" . . . Oops


Me at the top of just "one" of the many stairways we have climbed to get to Kumamoto Castle. There must be an easier way . . . ?


And this "may" be the last flight? There's the main building! STILL no hand rails here, but the newer ones near in the middle were easier for me - again - as long as I did not stop.


I'm actually VERY proud of us for making it all the way! And we were met at the top of the stairs by this Japanese man in traditional dress who spoke perfect English to welcome us. He told us he attended school in Gadsden, AL to learn English. When we asked if there was indeed an easier way to enter the castle, he told us "yes, but the way you came is the BEST way!" Hooray! (But bet we find the "easier way" to leave!)