One Month One World One Year Challenge 2022
I'm posting this a few days early in case anyone has never heard of it before and might like to prepare for it and begin on January 1st. Or if anyone perhaps has questions on something in the rules th...
Forum Discussion
Jan 10 - A Hike In The Bamboo Forest
https://i.postimg.cc/GmsHG80m/temple-photo-with-bridge.png
After finishing up some chores, I headed to the Senbamachi neighborhood. Today, I was going to take a hike in the bamboo forest. But the thing was, when I got there, I just wasn't sure where the hiking trails were. I saw a familiar figure walk up to me.
https://i.postimg.cc/TPRCpXSQ/senbamachi-nice-place.png
Aaron: "Hey Dylan...what'cha doing here?" @afai1261
Dylan: "Hey Aaron! I was going to take a hike in the Bamboo Forest. You live around here?"
https://i.postimg.cc/sg5NMm2f/senbamachi-meighborhood-met-aaron.png
Aaron: "Yeah, this is where I'm staying. It's a rental. I share the house with some other sims."
https://i.postimg.cc/nhxsJVjR/hey-man-whatcha-dpoing-here.png
I looked at the house and it was really nice. Two stories, and Aaron told me they had a tv, computer, and a few other luxuries that I could only dream of right now. Aaron and I chatted about the mountain and skiing and snowboarding.
Dylan: "Aaron, next time Kiyoshi and I go skiing, do you want to join us? It's way more fun going with someone..."
Aaron thought that sounded good, "Deal!" he answered.
https://i.postimg.cc/5NT3qCrH/nice-place-its-a-rental.png
While we were chatting, one of Aaron's roomies came out, and Aaron introduced us. Her name was Louise, @miss_eulenauge and she was a teen, and went to our high school, too. She had a little dog, Laika, that lived in the house. I thought that was pretty cool.
https://i.postimg.cc/cJb4rdCN/i-was-going-to-go-hiking-you-guys-wanna-come.png
Dylan: "I'm about to head off. You guys want to come along? It's a great day, and I could sure use the company."
Unfortunately, both Aaron and Louise had school projects that they had to work on this afternoon. So after Aaron pointed out where the hiking trails were, I bid them farewell and headed off alone.
https://i.postimg.cc/pXmTMhLJ/the-bamboo-forest.png
And there it was, the entrance to the Bamboo Forest. I checked the trail guide, and thought I would take a hike to the Temple. As I entered the trail, I saw these strange translucent objects just floating there. I had no idea what they were, but decided to bow respectfully. Maybe these were like forest spirits or something, and it was rather cool that I had seen them. I decided to make a wish...and...
https://i.postimg.cc/CxFwLRF2/what-are-these-things.png
...suddenly my pockets felt heavier. I dug my hand in one and holy plumbobs there was $1,000 simoleons in there. Oh yeah! Before I could thank them...they disappeared.
https://i.postimg.cc/9001mtDp/1000-simoleon-gift.png
I was in awe, and maybe I stood around longer than I should have because suddenly these bugs fell from the trees and landed on me. Gross!
https://i.postimg.cc/RZ0Bf2jC/its-those-bugs.png
I shook them off and then kind of danced around them and they scurried off. Thank goodness! I quickly left that area and continued on my hike.
https://i.postimg.cc/Tw57XJBX/skillful-shimmy-and-stepped-on-bugs.png
https://i.postimg.cc/3wSWmgLV/hiking-to-the-temple.png
It wasn't a very long hike, and I passed several scenic spots, and then entered the temple grounds.
https://i.postimg.cc/prScLgW0/taking-a-photo-of-the-wish-board.png
There was some type of board there...and I read on the guide map that this was an Ema Board, and that you could make a wish here. Alright! More wishes. I needed all the wishes I could get.
https://i.postimg.cc/NMRnHxDk/writing-a-wish.png
I wrote out a wish and then hung it on the board.
https://i.postimg.cc/50Wv656J/wishing-big-on-the-ema-board.png
I then took a nice souvenir photo of my trip there. I don't want to jinx things, but I really hope my wish does come true.
https://i.postimg.cc/Y97Gppsq/taking-a-selfie-at-the-board.png
Once the hike was over, I headed to a food stall that I saw in the neighborhood. I decided to haggle with the vendor, and she was so impressed with my haggling skills that she said she would give me a discount. Yes! Dango for a buck! You can't beat that.
https://i.postimg.cc/t4QdwHND/bought-a-carrot-for-14-simoleons-and-tried-to-haggle.png
There was also a vending machine beside the stall selling cold food, and I thought I would buy two apples, and maybe use the apple seeds and plant them in my garden.
https://i.postimg.cc/dDPgfx0X/VENDING-MACHINE-COLD.png
https://i.postimg.cc/tgRBvj9w/bought-dango-for-1-simoleon.png
https://i.postimg.cc/MTDbLy2z/getting-better-with-chopsticks.png
I pulled out my chopsticks and ate that dango like a pro. I didn't want to go back home just yet, so took the mountain shuttle up to the Onsen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When I arrived at the Onsen, I got a call from Kiyoshi.
https://i.postimg.cc/85tXv8Cd/dylan-and-kaori-gf.png
Somehow, Kiyoshi had found out that Kaori and I were now dating. Word got around fast. Kiyoshi seemed fine with it, so yeah, I guess Kiyoshi and Kaori were really just friends, just like Kiyoshi had told me.
https://i.postimg.cc/QCjs8Zyp/hey-kaori-do-you-want-to-come-to-the-festival-of-snow.png
After I got that call, I started thinking about Kaori. On a whim, I called her and asked if she wanted to come to the onsen and enjoy a soak together. Kaori was happy to hear from me and told me that she would be there soon. I think I had a smile on my face after that call because I was really looking forward to seeing her again.
Kaori was there in no time at all. We changed in separate locker rooms, and when I saw her in her bathing suit...wowzers...she was a hottie. We showered before entering the onsen and sat together in the water.
https://i.postimg.cc/kGXmcZBy/relaxig.png
The water felt as warm as it had before, and we sat near a little waterfall. It was pretty romantic, and I was thinking of kissing Kaori on the lips again...but then Kado and his son, Taku, entered the water.
https://i.postimg.cc/L8dHdx7m/this-is-so-nice-kaori.png
That romantic idea got squelched real fast, as I didn't think it was appropriate to have a possible make-out session with Kaori, when my friend, Kado and his son were sitting there. It was alright...there would be other opportunities. I actually found out that Kaori and Kado knew each other, as they were neighbors. We had a nice chat and Kado asked how my rock climbing was coming along.
Kado: "Maybe one night this week, we can go to the rock climbing gym together and I can show you some different handholds..."
Dylan: "Oh, I would appreciate that. My first stint at the rock climbing gym didn't go too well..."
Kaori: "Are you planning a climb to the summit, Dylan?"
Dylan: "Well, I was thinking about it..."
Kaori: "I have never been either...if you...if you need someone to go with you...I would really like to go. I don't have a lot of rock climbing experience, but maybe we can work on that together..."
Kado: "Oh Dylan, you should not attempt that climb to the summit alone. Kaori would make a good climbing partner. She is very fit and would catch onto rock climbing in no time. I would go with you...but I have other responsibilities..." he said, ruffling Tatu's hair a bit, "Of course, Kaiori would need her grandparents' permission to go..."
I nodded my head, and smiled at Kaori then, and the trip to the summit suddenly sounded more appealing.
https://i.postimg.cc/KvvVsBQJ/making-a-move-will-it-work.png
I think that conversation gave me a bit of courage, and I slowly...very slowly went to put my arm around Kaori.
https://i.postimg.cc/q7CNTtB3/and-it-does.png
And she smiled at me when I did, and my arm just seemed to fit around her like it belonged there. Sher snuggled into me a bit, and we stayed like that for a long time, just holding each other, looking into each other's eyes, and chatting quietly. And then Kaori told me she had to go.
https://i.postimg.cc/2jv8SRfP/ill-see-you-later.png
I walked her to the locker area, and even though I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her on the lips, I politely gave Kaori a kiss good-bye on the cheek.
Dylan: "See you tomorow then..."
https://i.postimg.cc/rFD6w5Wz/saw-kenzie-at-the-onzen.png
I headed back to the shower area and saw another teen from school, Kenzie, @KateLynne heading out of the onsen. I waved at her.
https://i.postimg.cc/43x4wmqc/was-this-what-it-was-like-to-be-in-love.png
Back in the onsen, the warm water just swirled around me and all my thoughts were about Kaori.
Dylan thinking: "Was this how it felt to be in love? I just can't get Kaori out of my mind..."
I closed my eyes and thought about Kaori and how I liked Mt. Komorebi. Maybe those sims who were after me wouldn't find me here. Maybe this was a safe haven and I could start my life over. Yes, start a life with Kaori. Be truly together when we're a bit older. I liked that idea a lot, because things just felt so right with her. But, could I even hope for that? I still haven't even told her who I really was...
And as Dylan thought of Kaori and other happy thoughts, he drifted off to sleep in the onsen.
https://i.postimg.cc/jj9y602z/completely-relaxed-in-the-onsen.png
https://i.postimg.cc/GmsHG80m/temple-photo-with-bridge.png
After finishing up some chores, I headed to the Senbamachi neighborhood. Today, I was going to take a hike in the bamboo forest. But the thing was, when I got there, I just wasn't sure where the hiking trails were. I saw a familiar figure walk up to me.
https://i.postimg.cc/TPRCpXSQ/senbamachi-nice-place.png
Aaron: "Hey Dylan...what'cha doing here?" @afai1261
Dylan: "Hey Aaron! I was going to take a hike in the Bamboo Forest. You live around here?"
https://i.postimg.cc/sg5NMm2f/senbamachi-meighborhood-met-aaron.png
Aaron: "Yeah, this is where I'm staying. It's a rental. I share the house with some other sims."
https://i.postimg.cc/nhxsJVjR/hey-man-whatcha-dpoing-here.png
I looked at the house and it was really nice. Two stories, and Aaron told me they had a tv, computer, and a few other luxuries that I could only dream of right now. Aaron and I chatted about the mountain and skiing and snowboarding.
Dylan: "Aaron, next time Kiyoshi and I go skiing, do you want to join us? It's way more fun going with someone..."
Aaron thought that sounded good, "Deal!" he answered.
https://i.postimg.cc/5NT3qCrH/nice-place-its-a-rental.png
While we were chatting, one of Aaron's roomies came out, and Aaron introduced us. Her name was Louise, @miss_eulenauge and she was a teen, and went to our high school, too. She had a little dog, Laika, that lived in the house. I thought that was pretty cool.
https://i.postimg.cc/cJb4rdCN/i-was-going-to-go-hiking-you-guys-wanna-come.png
Dylan: "I'm about to head off. You guys want to come along? It's a great day, and I could sure use the company."
Unfortunately, both Aaron and Louise had school projects that they had to work on this afternoon. So after Aaron pointed out where the hiking trails were, I bid them farewell and headed off alone.
https://i.postimg.cc/pXmTMhLJ/the-bamboo-forest.png
And there it was, the entrance to the Bamboo Forest. I checked the trail guide, and thought I would take a hike to the Temple. As I entered the trail, I saw these strange translucent objects just floating there. I had no idea what they were, but decided to bow respectfully. Maybe these were like forest spirits or something, and it was rather cool that I had seen them. I decided to make a wish...and...
https://i.postimg.cc/CxFwLRF2/what-are-these-things.png
...suddenly my pockets felt heavier. I dug my hand in one and holy plumbobs there was $1,000 simoleons in there. Oh yeah! Before I could thank them...they disappeared.
I was in awe, and maybe I stood around longer than I should have because suddenly these bugs fell from the trees and landed on me. Gross!
https://i.postimg.cc/RZ0Bf2jC/its-those-bugs.png
I shook them off and then kind of danced around them and they scurried off. Thank goodness! I quickly left that area and continued on my hike.
https://i.postimg.cc/3wSWmgLV/hiking-to-the-temple.png
It wasn't a very long hike, and I passed several scenic spots, and then entered the temple grounds.
https://i.postimg.cc/prScLgW0/taking-a-photo-of-the-wish-board.png
There was some type of board there...and I read on the guide map that this was an Ema Board, and that you could make a wish here. Alright! More wishes. I needed all the wishes I could get.
https://i.postimg.cc/NMRnHxDk/writing-a-wish.png
I wrote out a wish and then hung it on the board.
I then took a nice souvenir photo of my trip there. I don't want to jinx things, but I really hope my wish does come true.
https://i.postimg.cc/Y97Gppsq/taking-a-selfie-at-the-board.png
Once the hike was over, I headed to a food stall that I saw in the neighborhood. I decided to haggle with the vendor, and she was so impressed with my haggling skills that she said she would give me a discount. Yes! Dango for a buck! You can't beat that.
https://i.postimg.cc/t4QdwHND/bought-a-carrot-for-14-simoleons-and-tried-to-haggle.png
There was also a vending machine beside the stall selling cold food, and I thought I would buy two apples, and maybe use the apple seeds and plant them in my garden.
https://i.postimg.cc/MTDbLy2z/getting-better-with-chopsticks.png
I pulled out my chopsticks and ate that dango like a pro. I didn't want to go back home just yet, so took the mountain shuttle up to the Onsen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When I arrived at the Onsen, I got a call from Kiyoshi.
Somehow, Kiyoshi had found out that Kaori and I were now dating. Word got around fast. Kiyoshi seemed fine with it, so yeah, I guess Kiyoshi and Kaori were really just friends, just like Kiyoshi had told me.
https://i.postimg.cc/QCjs8Zyp/hey-kaori-do-you-want-to-come-to-the-festival-of-snow.png
After I got that call, I started thinking about Kaori. On a whim, I called her and asked if she wanted to come to the onsen and enjoy a soak together. Kaori was happy to hear from me and told me that she would be there soon. I think I had a smile on my face after that call because I was really looking forward to seeing her again.
Kaori was there in no time at all. We changed in separate locker rooms, and when I saw her in her bathing suit...wowzers...she was a hottie. We showered before entering the onsen and sat together in the water.
https://i.postimg.cc/kGXmcZBy/relaxig.png
The water felt as warm as it had before, and we sat near a little waterfall. It was pretty romantic, and I was thinking of kissing Kaori on the lips again...but then Kado and his son, Taku, entered the water.
https://i.postimg.cc/L8dHdx7m/this-is-so-nice-kaori.png
That romantic idea got squelched real fast, as I didn't think it was appropriate to have a possible make-out session with Kaori, when my friend, Kado and his son were sitting there. It was alright...there would be other opportunities. I actually found out that Kaori and Kado knew each other, as they were neighbors. We had a nice chat and Kado asked how my rock climbing was coming along.
Kado: "Maybe one night this week, we can go to the rock climbing gym together and I can show you some different handholds..."
Dylan: "Oh, I would appreciate that. My first stint at the rock climbing gym didn't go too well..."
Kaori: "Are you planning a climb to the summit, Dylan?"
Dylan: "Well, I was thinking about it..."
Kaori: "I have never been either...if you...if you need someone to go with you...I would really like to go. I don't have a lot of rock climbing experience, but maybe we can work on that together..."
Kado: "Oh Dylan, you should not attempt that climb to the summit alone. Kaori would make a good climbing partner. She is very fit and would catch onto rock climbing in no time. I would go with you...but I have other responsibilities..." he said, ruffling Tatu's hair a bit, "Of course, Kaiori would need her grandparents' permission to go..."
I nodded my head, and smiled at Kaori then, and the trip to the summit suddenly sounded more appealing.
https://i.postimg.cc/KvvVsBQJ/making-a-move-will-it-work.png
I think that conversation gave me a bit of courage, and I slowly...very slowly went to put my arm around Kaori.
https://i.postimg.cc/q7CNTtB3/and-it-does.png
And she smiled at me when I did, and my arm just seemed to fit around her like it belonged there. Sher snuggled into me a bit, and we stayed like that for a long time, just holding each other, looking into each other's eyes, and chatting quietly. And then Kaori told me she had to go.
https://i.postimg.cc/2jv8SRfP/ill-see-you-later.png
I walked her to the locker area, and even though I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her on the lips, I politely gave Kaori a kiss good-bye on the cheek.
Dylan: "See you tomorow then..."
https://i.postimg.cc/rFD6w5Wz/saw-kenzie-at-the-onzen.png
I headed back to the shower area and saw another teen from school, Kenzie, @KateLynne heading out of the onsen. I waved at her.
https://i.postimg.cc/43x4wmqc/was-this-what-it-was-like-to-be-in-love.png
Back in the onsen, the warm water just swirled around me and all my thoughts were about Kaori.
Dylan thinking: "Was this how it felt to be in love? I just can't get Kaori out of my mind..."
I closed my eyes and thought about Kaori and how I liked Mt. Komorebi. Maybe those sims who were after me wouldn't find me here. Maybe this was a safe haven and I could start my life over. Yes, start a life with Kaori. Be truly together when we're a bit older. I liked that idea a lot, because things just felt so right with her. But, could I even hope for that? I still haven't even told her who I really was...
And as Dylan thought of Kaori and other happy thoughts, he drifted off to sleep in the onsen.
