monkey see, monkey do....

One of the most gorgeous places that we went to in Japan was Iwatayama Monkey Park, right outside of Kyoto.  It was really gorgeous.  You were able to walk up into the mountains and feed the "wild" monkeys.  The monkeys are in their natural habitat and they come and go as they please, but they have become accustomed to people feeding them, so they are not totally wild.  

It was a bit scary though because the monkeys would fight with each other very loudly and it was intimidating.  There were many signs that stated, "do not look the monkeys in the eyes" or "do not bend down to the monkeys level."  

You had to feed the monkeys from inside a little house.  I was able to buy apples and peanuts and the monkeys would come and hang on the barred windows and stick their hands through to get the food.  But you could also just wander around outside with monkeys.  I love most animals so I love doing things like this.  And the view from the mountain top where the monkeys live is one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.  No wonder they love it up there! ☺

There are no words to describe the beauty we saw.  The way the clouds came down and hugged the mountain tops was jaw dropping.  I cannot express enough how every time we see a new place and get to experience more of God's beauty, how blessed and thankful we are to God.  Being able to see so much of God's creation has really made me feel so blessed.  I am seeing things and experiencing things I never dreamed of and I am truly grateful. 

Because my words are inadequate, I will leave you with pictures.  Hopefully through them you are able to see the beauty of Iwatayama. 

Relaxing by the pool

resting in a tree

cute little baby

checking out Kyoto

what a view!

Chillin'

give me some food

love these mountains and love how the monkeys rest on the poles

baby

Kyoto in the background

who's the monkey in this pic? ☺  looks like I am the one in the cage ☺

true love and contentment  ♥