ENCAPSULATED

I was driving up the winding road of Mount Hakkoda in Aomori, and the higher I climbed, the darker it became and before I knew it, I was encompassed by a dense fog, unable to see even a few yards ahead. I kept going very slow and when the vision finally improved, I realized I was surrounded by miles and miles of beech trees. I immediately pulled over and jumped out of the car. There I was, encapsulated in the mystic atmosphere and complete calmness. Chilled air brushing against my skin, and a drizzle of rain falling gently on my shoulders.. I stood for a long time, alone in the midst of the dense forest, but during the whole time, I felt like I was being spoken to in a very amiable tone.