Monkey Businesss

Like I said in the previous post, there are a bunch of monkeys (and a few deer) that live on the top of the small mountain/large hill in Miyajima. Monkeys are really interesting to hang out with and after spending a few hours observing/taking photos of them there is no doubt in my mind that humans have evolved from such animals...not that there was much doubt in my mind before, but it really is amazing how they act and how much their mannerisms are like those of humans or i guess i should say it is amazing how much we act like monkeys. Also they do funny things and are cute, so i enjoyed myself.


Another interesting thing is how the interact with the visitors and each other. For example, they pretty much just ignore all the other people UNLESS you look them directly in the eye (it is a sign of aggression to them...cameras do not bother them at all) or if they see an opportunity to take your bag (especially plastic bags are of interest to them). There was this one grandpa looking monkey (who i will refer to as "George" from here on out) who i was taking photos of and had stayed in the same position, in the shade, for about 15 minutes when a women threw her plastic bag on the ground about 20 feet behind the George and myself. George immediately turns around sees the bag and all of sudden is filled with energy (and curiosity) and goes strait for the plastic bag. I tried to warn the people but they didn't understand my Japanese bc they turned out to be Chinese. Anyway George successfully gets his hands on the bag and starts to look through it, taking out its contents. At this point about 4 or 5 other monkeys are looking on with immense jealousy towards George for securing this bag. Anyway, George looks through the bag and examines overtaking inside and then pulls out a fan wrapped in plastic. George tried to open the bag to get out the fan, but was unable to figure out how to pull apart the plastic bag around the fan. I was hoping he could figure out bc I was really curious to see if he was going to start fanning himself with it on the somewhat hot day!

Here is George...

And here he is trying to get to the fan while the others watch...

Just more monkey business...