So I reached the top, and that is when I instantaneously started to feel really sick. Suddenly I wanted to vomit, my breathing had become labored, my muscles lost the majority of thier strength, my back hurt, I had a head ache and I a started to feel very cold even though it was a hot summer day. Now I wouldn't call myself a religious person, but I am a superstitious person, and the fact that one of the worst illnesses I have ever had in my entire life struck like lightning at the top of a shrine in a forest that felt a little off kind of freaked my out. Of course, it was probably the Bento, but not wanting to take any chances, I waited for the priest to come back from preforming a ritual and bought an amulet of protection from illness. I then began to walk back down the mountian, a distance of maybe a mile and a half.

There was a Soba resturaunt at the gate of the shrine, and I went in, sat down and nearly fainted from exaustion. The waiter and manager were very nice. They gave me Udon, which helped a little, and then tried to get me to take some medicine that they had. Being they only spoke Japanese, and the medice bottle was also only in Japanese, I was very hesitant to take it. However, I really felt like I couldn't feel much worse at that point, so I gave it a try. It was just graphite, and it didn't work. I went and waited for the bus. The bus ride down was like hell. I had my hat at the ready in case I needed to vomit. My headache got worse, my stomach ache got worse, all my joints and organs began to pulse and I began to have gas.

I finally got to the station, bought my ticket and got on the train. I was in so much pain on the train that I couldn't help letting out the occasional groan, and the people next to me were eating, which made me want to vomit even more. I finally got to Tokyo and took a cab to the Alkire's house. For the last 2 days I have not been able to leave my bed. My temperature got up to 102 and actually broke the Alkire's thermometer. I am feeling much better today though. My temperature has gone away, there is no more pain in my joints, my headache is gone and I am only coughing a little bit. The stomachache remains, and I have painful gas, but I think I'll be well tomorow. I definately want to be well for the Korea leg of my trip, although I get the feeling that I may not be able to eat really spicy foods when I go. But basicly, I'm fine, I lived.

I didn't know if I should include the account of me being sick in my blog or not. It's not exactly a happy story, but I figured that it is better that you all get the whole story from me so that you won't worry rather than hearing it second hand and having you imagine all kinds of terrible scenarios.

Regardless, my next post will definately be more upbeat. Take Care.