Westward to Kyushu Island

Onto a bullet train heading towards Kyushu island. We have targeted Oita for 2 nights. A midsized city with onsen. Train rides are a treat – stunning scenery – with no traffic nor navigation worries. Oita has a lovely train station – good for a quick snack & off to our hotel. Dtop bags & head to our first public bath – onsen. It is a historic building (ie really old) and not on any tourist bus route / which we love. Ok – this is my first onsen- snd the local ladies are quick to point out – my responsibilities- wash wash wash. Got it. Next bathe. OMG – the water is hot – talking boiling-yikes! Thankfully a gal speaks English & csn point me to a spot where I can run ice cold water – then dip a toe into bath. It is great. Very mineral rich – ie sulphur – my body loves it. Meanwhile Greg & Jack are having their own great onsen experiences. After an hour we meet outside. 100 feet away is the tiniest bar ever. Cute. In we go to celebrate with a beer. Only gringos- of course. Two beautiful women are at table next to us. Aya & Ayla. Both speak English- they ask us if we need help – nope – we figure out how to order beers! Now – we really have no other plans – so I go to their table & ask if they can recommend activities. They can & do & we have a wonderful conversation. Jack asks them to join us for dinner -they agree – and we have the best dinner ever. Aya is a professional cook – who recommends a restaurant & entrees. How fortunate! Ayla is a budding singer – look out Taylor! And we have new friends.