Things - funny and different.

One thing I really like are the toilets in Japan. They must have the cleanest bottoms in the world. There are many squat toilets but more and more fancy western loos with sprays and music and dryers. It feels so clean to have you rear washed. I would love one at home! They are fancy bidets of course but much easier than those. They also have toilet slippers. Slippers to wear into the toilet area. The changing of shoes , house slippers, toilet slippers, outdoor shoes and shoes off at the front door, so they never touch the wooden steps or inside is yet to become automatic. No wonder every one used to wear thongs and slip off shoes. We seem to be taking them off and putting them on all the time. Remembering which way they should face is also a challenge.  

Anne and I have had some great laughs together. When we were in Kyoto I visited Irene's room and came back to tell Ann ,with wonder, that they had two taps. In a dry way she said we have two taps too. Of course we had but not a drinking water tap. It seemed such a stupid thing to say that we just cracked up and fell about laughing.

It is surprising how arriving in Koyosan and its calm environment has relaxed us all. It is a soothing place where the only sounds are birds singing, frogs croaking, sometimes like kookaburras, gongs from the temples sounding and on the hour music is played for a few seconds. Total harmony. The famous rock garden.

At one of our evening dinners the boys got reminiscing about their early youth. David revealed he was a member of the Wee Willie Weeties club, and was a Tarax Top Man. Bill not to be outdone told us about his toy submarine that he'd got out of a cereal packet. He was fascinated by the going up and down which was made possible by bi - carbonate soda some how packed into the sub. David had a diver that used air. We laughed and laughed over all these old time shows and toys.  It will be a long time before we forget Wee Willie Weeties!

The Kyoto tower is a landmark we ventured up. It's height was based on the size of the population when it was built. Now there are more people they need to add extra to the spire! We wanted to have a drink but the bar had smokers and wasn't pleasant. This is something we have found here. Smoking is still more prevalent than at home and happens in restaurants.  There are often smoking rooms but they are not enforced.

So many women wear hats. Even the  girl taking the tickets to the lift at the tower was wearing a hat, The female bus driver had a hat. The ones in uniform often wear hats like boaters or foreign legionaries. 

The conductors on the train wore a hat and bowed every time they left the carriage.

The girls in school uniforms that are like sailor suits seem a little strange but girls will be girls and I had to smile at the skirts rolled up at the waist to make a ini skirt instead of the sensible knee length! 

Lots of women wear long gloves to protect their arms from the sun. They look very formal going to work!

The people seem to be genuinely happy in their work, taking pride in what they do. The train guards are very serious about their jobs and could be the assistant pilots to a jet airliner by their demeanour. It is a pleasure to see the pride in their work. It makes some Australians seem so sloppy. Bill the architect is always commenting on how things are made with both quality and aesthetics in mind, right down to a light pole.

 Cypress branches for offerings

 Door decoration sculpture

I had tried to meet up with a former rotary student who had stayed with Mum and Dad.mhiro was sixteen when he came to stay and became a much loved member of the family. Unfortunately he is very busy with work and has not been able to meet me but sent some beautiful flowers. I was very thrilled to receive them and will try again from Tokyo.

Last day in Kyoto

I am really weary from all the constant travel and I am so behind with the blog I almost feel like abandoning it. The I pad won't let me download any new photos so I have to take photos on the phone as well as the camera so I have some to post!

Despite needing a down day we decided to do a walking tour that we couldn't do on the first day here. It turned out to be excellent and so informative that we learnt a lot. Five hours though and then the day was done even with an early dinner nearby. We needed to pack and ready ourselves for the next part of the journey, getting to Koyosan.

 

we met in the lobby and trooped across to the station JRpass in hand. Three trains, a funicular and a bus later we arrived in this magic place. It is high in the mountains so the train trip was glorious and such a contrast to Kyoto. The mountains are covered in cypress furs  and bamboo and are dense and jungle like. The town is charming and looks well supported financially. There are numerous temples and shrines and a huge Kobo Daishi Gobyo ( Mausuleum of Kobo Daishi) graveyard that was about a six kilometre round walk before getting back to the main road. There is a temple to Kobo Daish which has thousands of lanterns, and three kept perpetually burning. Ann and I left a prayer each to be prayed for by the monks for twelve months before it is purified by fire.

There were several notable shrines one of which was for the Japanese, Australians and local Malay who had died in Nth Borneo during world war 2. We returned to our accommodation at the Nann-in for dinner at six followed by a bath. 

The staff at Nann-in speak little English but are so welcoming they didn't even ask our names when we arrived! Our rooms are traditional with tatami mats and low tables with futons for sleeping. The evening meal was a feast for the eyes and all vegetarian. Quite delicious. We had had a sandwich and coffee at lunch time which was a delicious change.

The ritual bath was an experience. Everyone had been a bit anxious about going naked, but fiddling with the modesty towel was such a nuisance we abandoned it very quickly except for Irene who maintained her dignity. The water was so hot we all looked like red lobsters within seconds and couldn't stay too long. We re-donned our Yukata and strolled back to our rooms. I was so tired that every effort to update the blog or Facebook failed as I fell asleep sitting up. I gave in and fell immediately to sleep to the sounds of frogs. I slept soundly, though it seems the mats were too hard for Irene and Bill, the donnas too hot for Kim and David and Ann just wasn't sleepy initially but the noise of the frogs then the rain kept her awake.  We were up early for the morning service in the temple followed by breakfast. Nothing western here at least with food.  It was still raining heavily so we have all opted to stay in and catch up with our diaries, Facebook etc!

We are planning a walk to the post office and coffee at 11 and the main temple.

Day 5 Osaka and Nara

Today we negotiated the local subway and despite a very unhelpful railway employee( unusual) we managed to buy tickets and get to Osaka Castle without losing anyone. A first. The castle is fantastic and now operates as a museum. It was built by the shogunate of Tokogawa. The top floor afforded a 360 degree view of the castle and Osaka. It was surrounded by a moat that was as wide as the Yarra River. We saw lots of school groups of all ages. The little ones were particularly cute. It is the end of semester and it is traditional for schools to take the children on excursions to famous places in Japan. Hence the groups f children everywhere we go!

We went looking for a famous shopping mall in Osaka thinking it would be tradional wares but instead it was one long covered area, a street width but several blocks long full of all the usual shops like h&m Zara etc. we decided after lunch not to bother with further exploration but head straight to Nara and the biggest Buddha in Japan. We managed the trains with aplomb this time - practice does make us better. By the time we got to Nara it was 5:00 pm and it was nearly closing time. Fortunately there was a bus about to leave for the temple which we hopped onto and were soon there. The temple is surrounded by parkland which has wild deer roaming free.

There are signs that warn against being bumped etc. it was essential to make a Bline for the temple and ignore the deer till later. When we approached the building we were awestruck by the size and the surroundings. Then it was deer shots, drinks and back on the bus to train and then. Kyoto arriving about 7:45pm and went to dinner at a little restaurant at the station. You could live in this station! All pretty tired and once again the diary has been left. It is midnight every night by the time we turn out the lights yet never enough time for the diary.

Kyoto day 4

Moss garden and kokedera temple

We were fussing about which bus to take at the bus stop till the bus driver told David not to get on his bus by using crossed arms!

The locals were giggling at us because  three people had told us the correct bus but the men didn't trust  them because it didn't match the notes we had. Men are so hunter gatherer sometimes.

We lost Kim David and Ann after walking in the bamboo grove. I was busting so i was a bit miffed we had waited so long for them at one spot. They were miffed with us because they missed us at the temple. It was only after I had found a loo that Bill told us that we were supposed to meet at the bus stop if we got separated! They of course were there! Why can't we get the messages correct. None of us were impressed with each other. It is like those survivor shows -all about communicating effectively.

Then we visited the moss garden  and Kokedera temple. It was scenic ride out to a charming village. Before we could see the Moss gardens we needed to attend a Buddhist ceremony which involved writing prayers ( actually copying the letters that were already printed on the paper) with a caligaraphy pen and ink for a period of time to calm our thoughts. Then we were encouraged to write a wish and it would be prayed for by the monks. On completing this task we were free to wander the gardens. I had the pleasure of the serenity almost to myself. The rest of the group went the opposite way( exit) and had to battle a few tour groups. I was so glad I had been before them all. It was so green and though there are about 120 different mosses I could only discern a few.

Back to the city, where Ann and I ventured into the station to find a pharmacy to buy cold sore cream. We actually crossed through the station and back again without getting lost. What an achievement!

Went to dinner but could not get into the place we wanted and so found an alternative. There was a mix up in the menu and we paid more than was value due to our misunderstanding what was ordered. Kim, with Bill, Irene and David received very little while Ann and I had a lot. We all ate the small tray of vegetables thinking they were appetisers but were in fact the accompanying vegetable to the others' meal.was actually Kim , David, Irene and Bill's vegetables! The staff spoke little English but were so pleasant and we have no Japanese so it was all a misunderstanding. I have now downloaded a simultaneous translater! Half the cost was the alcohol! 

We have instituted a kitty to save hassles over the bill and it is great. Bill is the kitty holder and likes to keep a close eye on the spending. He is very responsible. We have a tousle over the exchange rate because I just use the currency exchange app while he uses the specific rate he got on his card. He is more accurate of course but I just want to know roughly.

Japan day 3

Today we ventured to the Philosopher's path. It is a path that follows a canal up and around some shrines and temples. There were lots of beautiful shops and cute restaurants as well as two beautiful temples. One was small with a serene garden and an art exhibition. We chatted to the artists about their art and its meaning and execution.. There are lots of funny looking bears( we later discovered they are raccoons,a mascot of the area it seems) outside the shops and restaurants. Along the walk there were three teddy bears propped on a seat. The larger bear was fishing. We saw this amazing paper place with the most interesting paper. I couldn't think of what to use it for but I am sure I will get some before I leave.

The last temple is called the Silver Temple  Ginkaku and it had the most interesting sand sculptures, and sand gardens( raked sand). There were a lot of children and it was quite crowded but still pleasant.  The Japanese know how to keep crowds moving- no seats or resting places for contemplation.

Bicycles  are everywhere in Kyoto and ridden by all ages. They use girl type shopping bikes without helmets and no Lycra in sight! There are lots of bike lanes as well as bikes riding the pavement. No one seems to be racing anywhere and no car friction. 

The pedestrian crossing lights are right outside our hotel window and they ding dong instead of clack like at home. When pedestrians cross they tweet like birds. i feel like Kyoto ( and Japan in general? )is a fairly quiet place compared to home. We hear sirens but generally people are very courteous and quiet in their demeanour. They are mostly very helpful and cheerful. We try to restrain our voices but it is hard.

After our days walking we decided to try a restaurant recommended by the hotel staff. The Sappoura, Kyoto is famous for vegetables and tofu so we tried both in particular. What beautiful presentation of all,the dishes. So Master Chef for every morsel. It certainly is a treat for the eye as well as the stomach. We get a lot of exquisite little dishes and think we won't be full but we are. The plum wine and sake is very good food.

Today we needed to go into the Kyoto station again and this time we found our way out. Finally we have our orientation. The Bermuda Triangle didn't win! We were going up to the 10 th floor for dinner and although we did lose David we eventually connected on the 10 th floor again. There is a huge auditorium / staircase that has lights which change colours in patterns. Very novel.

With our confidence boosted we decided to try the subway to get home. It is a whole new world of shops etc.absolutely massive. There are only 1.4 million people here but numerous shops.

Japan Day 1

The Kyoto Jetstar proved an efficient carrier though even I found the seats close and small. I watched the movie Revenent and a TV series (The worst?) which was quite funny and light relief after the movie. Arrived at Narita and managed to get the required trains without too much difficulty. We were all really tired and on the Bullet train I struggled to stay awake as they kind of lull you into a state of relaxation. Kim snapped both Bill and I with mouths open fast asleep!

Every thing is so efficient. It was pretty easy till we arrived at Kyoto station. This was hysterical because  we couldn't find the way out. There was no clear exit. This station is huge with 9 levels and two separate buildings. It has department stores and restaurants, supermarkets, speciality shops and a hotel, but how to get out was a mystery and despite the map given to us by the travel agent, we weren't even sure which side we needed to go to! The tension among the six of us started to rise as we all gave our opinions. We went up,and down escalators, ended up in dead ends and finally asked someone who understood our request and directed us to an exit whereupon we started to walk to our hotel. It was just across the road! We were so glad to finally escape the station.

After checking in we went off to find dinner as we had not eaten since 7:00 am and it was now about 6:00 pm. We came across a curry restaurant and that seemed to answer the call for a substantial meal that we were all agreed upon. The lady was very helpful and with a menu that assisted us to point out our preferences we enjoyed a delicious meal at a reasonable price. After a stroll around the block we returned to the hotel. I slept like the dead. Anne and I are sharing and we  are having fun. The Japanese bathrooms and toilets are an adventure with all their extras such as heated seats( David said he was nearly expiring he was so hot!), the spray front and rear, the air dryer, music or running water sound effects and then the bathroom itself is a module that you step up into. Good shower and small but deep baths though not much more than a metre square.

The Kyoto station- like Alice in wonderland we went in and got lost and almost never came out. When we did we were still on the same side we entered.

Living life to the full as usual

I have had the most jam packed period. I have been engaged with the ALIA organisation accreditation panel again and it has meant I have missed the last four book clubs! Mum went in to hospital for a chest infection and has been discharged five days later but just before I go to Japan. Of course I feel guilty that I am not up there looking after her. I feel like I always let her down because I am not near. My brothers are watching over her but when she burst into tears talking to my elder brother Peter I felt doubly bad. She is alright just felt overwhelmed. She wants me to go to Japan and I don't think I can get insurance if I cancel anyway now. 

Two of my travel companions are also nursing injuries so I feel like it is not auspicious. Silly thought really. 

Added to that there have been a couple of weekends away visiting Rob at Reedy Flat I have driven all the way in one go now and feel very pleased with myself. I love the calm of the drive. I am keeping a too busy schedule again it seems.  Those quiet weekends are very restorative. 

I have been to two operas over the last fortnight. La Boheme and the Pearl Fishers. Umm! I am yet to fall in love with this type of music and I will persist. I think you need to see them several times and become really familiar with the music to appreciate them. I am more a blues girl!

Then this weekend past I went to Blairgowrie for Tim Sabo's 60 th birthday party( that is down the peninsular beach area, about an hour on the freeway). I had baked desserts for lunch and dinner as my contribution. It was low key but a gathering of old friends who just seem to spark off each other so that we laughed and laughed all day and night. 

I felt a shadow for the lack of Peter and our hostesses husband Russel. They always enjoyed these gatherings so much. Tim's wife kept saying he can now speak confidently that you still have sex at 60! They are a hoot. He was feeling such dread about this birthday that his wife has made it so special with several restaurant meals and trips to wineries and then this weekend so I think his dread was really overcome.

We all feel the years gathering pace and our mortality seems to be just around the corner. Very dramatic I know but George one of the husbands has had three heart attacks and a stoke just recently. Of course he  is very ill in reality. His brain hasn't been affected fortunately , his wit is razor sharp and humorous yet the cloud hangs low around him. Tim has a pacemaker and some heart issues that are controlled, Paul the remaining male has only a bit of high blood pressure and his wife has recently achieved the five year clear from  breast cancer.  I am extremely grateful for my good health. All these elements drive me subconsciously to squeeze everything in. 

After Blairgowrie I drove across to Ballarat ( opposite side of the state) on the Sunday with Janine  for a day and a bit together as we are going in separate directions for several weeks and won't catch up otherwise. 

I returned to Melbourne for a couple of appointments and minding Ziggy before flying to Japan tomorrow.  I have a few bills to pay as you do and need to tidy things while I am away. Life is so full. 

I am finding keeping the blog going rather difficult. I don't leave enough time for it, or my other creative pursuits. My choices yet I am frustrated with myself.  After Japan I will be more selective with my time.