Linda and Lawrence

Ōwakudani (literally meaning the "Great Boiling Valley"), is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

To reach here, we took the Hakone Ropeway. Ōwakudani is a popular tourist site for its scenic views, volcanic activity, and especially, Kuro-tamago – a local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot springs. The boiled eggs turn black and smell slightly sulphuric; consuming the eggs is said to increase longevity. Eating one is said to add seven years to your life.

You can purchase these eggs in the orange/yellow structure to the left (where many people are gathered in the photo). And the steaming area right next to the building is where the eggs are being boiled in sulfur. (Shown above)

This is a self portrait of both of us (Linda and Lawrence). It was taken near the top of Ōwakudani. Apparently, this spot is very popular among tourists and Japanese people, so we had to do a quick snapshot before the line got too long behind us. The people must have been wondering what I was pointing at…and the answer is: Nothing. Lawrence told me to point in that direction so he can ‘look over there!’ (Shown above)

It was all for the effect of the photo. Shh…