Motohakone - Part Two

The Hakone area (like, you know, all of Japan) was formed as a result of volcanic activity. Most of Hakone is covered with beautiful, lush vegetation, but there is an area in Hakone where the crust is thin, where the area's volcanic underpinnings are evident - Owakudani.

Owakudani is an area that is still active with hot springs and sulphur vents. The water comes out of the ground at around 80 Degrees - Celsius (that's over 175 Degrees Fahrenheit). Because of the sulphur vents, the waters are acidic - with sulphuric acid. The whole place is really eerie and desolate.

"Black Eggs" are a specialty here. They hard boil eggs in the sulphur ponds, turning the eggs black. Eating the black eggs is supposed to support longevity. Michael thought the idea of eating black eggs was "gross," but I decided to buy some anyway. How often do you get the chance to try eggs boiled in a volcanic pond???

The eggs came in five-packs, along with a little salt packet. They really are very black.

And guess who tried some after all? He ended up eating more than half his share! I hope that means he will live a long, long time!