English practice 36

Money Monkeys

The mountainous regions of northern Japan not only for their beauty but also for their hot springs, known as onsen. Created naturally by the same volcanic activity that formed the Japanese islands the springs are not only relaxing but believed to be therapeutic, due to the high mineral content of their waters.

[1] At many onsen, native populations of Japanese Macaques, a gray, pink-faced monkey species famed for intelligence, make a habit of dipping in them as well. [2] For the most part, the monkeys are well mannered and cause no problems for humans. [3] Tourists are always especially entertained by them, and so the monkeys are gladly tolerated by the operators of the various springs. [4] Humans are not the only creatures who enjoy bathing in the springs.

At one clever apes are causing an amusing problem. Visitors to this particular location to keep their cars locked and their wallets and purses hidden, because the monkeys are to get their money! After years of observing humans in line at the gift and snack shops, the macaques at this onsen have deduced that certain special for food. In short order, the hungry simians were sneaking into unlocked cars, grabbing money, and trotting over to the shops to purchase themselves a snack.

After all, the monkeys were waiting politely in line and paying for their purchases, just like the human customers, so there was no real reason not to accept their business. however, someone pointed out that there was no possible way a monkey could get money stealing it from a human. So now, when a cash-carrying macaque steps into line, special monkey-specific security guards are on hand to chase him this will eliminate the monkey’s motive for theft.

I suppose that makes sense, but I’m not much of a traveler, but if there was one thing that could halfway around the world, it’s the possibility of seeing a monkey with a wad of bills in his paw waiting in line to buy a bag of chips.