![](https://derpicdn.net/avatars/2015/10/04/19_16_09_515_applejack.jpeg)
Each genie has their own unique way of massaging. For me, I magically warp small sections of the outer covering of the pony or other creature being massaged into twisted manifolds, as I have a love for topology and knot theory. The process is just like kneading dough - the covering is folded upon and intersects itself, becoming soft and comfortable.
When I was released very early in the morning, I thus had the opportunity to massage myself before going out to Shirakawa (白川), the place I had mentioned in the prelude to my Japan trip. Spindle held my bottle while I did this, as I can’t feel my mistified lower body.
Spindle: The road to Shirakawa darts through the mountains from Takayama, involving a few bridges that offer spectacular vantage points and many more cleverly drilled tunnels. Snow had been plowed to the sides, with much more of it lying at our destination; under the radiant sun individual crystals were sparkling in their brightest colours before melting. I saw pools of water everywhere that were growing due to “rainfall” from the trees and roofs.
But forget about the minor details! Together with the neighbouring Gokayama, this place is a World Heritage Site for its historic houses. The roofs are thatched, very thick and quite steep, like a pony clapping their hooves above their head. During summer this thatching provides nice and natural insulation, while snowfall gets broken up on its surface during winter - I found the latter fact out when I generated my own snow on the roof.
Parcly: All that stood under the sky was beautiful, even the narrow bridge leading to the village and the rock-lined river below. The cracking ice and snow under my hooves formed a rhythm set against the shifting winds. For a while I felt like being in Applejack’s dream… until I went up to the lookout point. There isn’t any plain-
Rarity: What do you say, a venue fit for darling Applejack? I adore your description of Shirakawa so far. I’d love to stay there and walk among those rustic buildings!
…on second thought, I’d rather remain in my boutique because I can’t stand the farming they do here.
Parcly: That’s OK. At least you can dine in one of the distinctive houses, which is what we did for lunch. We even received a free biscuit at the end of it.
Rarity: Delightful. Is there anything else worth mentioning?
Spindle: Not much, and Parcly was so awestruck at the sights that her bottle suddenly slurped her in as we crossed the narrow bridge back. I felt nothing beneath the glass where there should be a steady current, indicating that she had fainted, and I had to bring her to an onsen for revival.
Parcly: Certain onsen present themselves as cure-alls, though the exact maladies cured are a matter of debate. It did cure my dizziness at Shirakawa, and soon we were off to eat more Hida beef for dinner - a fitting way to close our last full day in Takayama.