Hello again, dear viewers
I must apologize for the lateness of my update, but I have been very busy. Classes keep me occupied during the day and study or unwinding keeps me occupied at night. If I have any extra free time, I either prefer socializing or trying to write....so I have had less and less time for my blog. But, I'm here and ready to talk about a few more trips.
On Friday, I went to eat Shabu-Shabu, which is hot pot beef.
Essentially, at the restaurant, I sat with friends amidst a long table where a pot of hot water was set to boil. Then vegetables and beef were brought along. We'd dump the vegetables and beef into the pot, wait for it to cook, then fish it out with chopsticks and eat our fill, as it was all you can eat. For sauces, we had a sesame mixture we had to grind ourselves. It was an unbelievable experience that mere words cannot describe. I would recommend it to any travelers to Japan, as it is one culinary experience that simply cannot be replicated.
I did more karaoke after this, and earlier this week as well. No pictures because I was tired, but there really is something primal about singing your heart out, whether you're drunk, sober, or hyped up on sugar with a belly full of beef. It's an experience that usually leaves you happy, but very drained. And so I was.
Then, I went to Kyoto...again. Yes, this makes three trips in less than a month, but this time was different! I went to a bazaar...or rather, an Asian Marketplace.
There was so much to see here and I bought far more than I should...but it was impossible not to. The streets were lined with all manner of sellers, from clothes, dishes, and antiques, to toys, games, and even prints of art. Some of these pieces were moderately priced, while others ran in the hundreds, despite their obvious quality. The marketplace was a great place to find rare and exotic items...just not cheap items. Still, it was amazing. It was filled with food vendors as well and I got my first taste of a treat shaped like a fish but filled with sweet and savory beans. Another signature treat of Japan, I'd recommend it to anyone.
The rest of the day, however, was a bit more introspective, with temple visits and even a trip to the imperial palace of Kyoto...which was closed, but, hey, my traveling companions and I at least got to the outside walls. it was quite a trip...hot, sweltering, filled with far too much walking, but on the whole, I saw things in that one day I might never see again. To save you all the trouble, you can see what I saw too.
The above pictures were taken at the temple to Sugawara no Michizune, a courtier of ancient Japan who was aposthesized after his death. He was unfairly exiled and to appease him, people began praying to him after a series of disasters.
This is the stand where I got the bean cake shaped like a fish, followed by a better shot of the bazaar.
The golden pavilion and surrounding area is one breathtaking thing to behold, even though it was crowded. It was a temple unlike any other.
The imperial palace and its surrounding gardens were large and impressive, even if we couldn't see most of them. It was a pain that we couldn't see them, but it didn't matter too much. Just looking at the walls and how far they ran gave a basic idea of the scope of the royal family's power in the olden days.
The kanji for book, or the hon in Nihon, is on the mountain below, albeit very hard to read. During the Kyoto fire festival, it is lit up with torches and is truly spectacular...however, circumstances prevent me from being at the fire festival, so I thought you might at least enjoy seeing the mountain.
Below was a nice treat for my comrades and I. There was a rock path that crossed the river leading to our train, so we all decided to climb over the slippery rocks to get there. Some were shaped like turtles or stars, but just being out in the river, the beautiful scenery, and surrounded by people, was the true spectacle. It was a fun way to end a very exhausting day.
For my family, rest assured, I did get souveneirs for you all at the bazaar. You're welcome.
Finally, I think I need to take a moment and talk about the character and endurance of the world traveler. It must be absolutely staggering. I say must because, I've not traveled abroad often or for long periods...and this trip has worn on me in more ways than one. I've felt almost regressed back to the age of when I was in high school and superficiality reigned...and become tired and weak as I did so. Threw more than a few tantrums in that time too. It was disappointing to see me backslide that much. But...well, I think that's part of traveling. Different cultures not only make us look at our own homes differently, but the experience of being stranded, alone, or out of one's depth can make us really examine who we are and how we want to change. I've managed to regain my confidence and started working to improve myself because of this. And that is why I must say, the world traveler must be a being of extraordinary stamina and character. Because wherever they go, they are challenged by all they see and experience, not just culturally, but right down to their character. I've since become far less insufferable to those around me(in my own opinion at least) and I'm working to become just such a world traveler.
For those who haven't traveled much or who haven't strayed far from home, student or parent alike, let me say this. Take the plunge. It may be painful. You will doubt yourself more than once and find yourself pleading for the attention of others or desperately trying to figure out who you are and what's wrong with you...but that's a good thing. Such questioning leads us to realize who we are, who we want to be, and what we need to do to change for the better. I'm working to...well, not change who I am. I like me. But I am trying to make my appearance more...how do you say...gentle, to the public. Not quite as scary as the big man in the leather coat. We'll see if it works, but this re-examination has also given me a new appreciation for what I am good at. And for the people waiting for me back home. I miss all of you, but I hope to return better than I left. That is my hope.
Not sure if I have the character of a world traveler, as it takes many long trials in many different countries to truly be immune to doubt or comfortable with oneself, but I'm working towards that goal.
Anyway, I don't intend to rant all night. Thought that would be travelers, as well as the world weary might appreciate that though.
Lots of classes, probably some more mundane activities along the way, and me spending time with some of my new friends, coming up. In two weeks...maybe expect me to talk about Hiroshima, as that's on the horizon of my calendar.
Until next time, dear readers, let me bid you adieu.
Being away from the comforts of ones home and country does tend to teach you about life. It is having the opportunity to experience these things that builds up our character and teaches us to appreciate life in general. I am very happy that you are able to do this not only as an educational experience but also a life experience. Bravo to you my son.
ReplyDeleteso, i'm wondering if sugawara no michizune has any familial connection with our favorite 12th c. detective who lived in kyoto, akitada...? he too was exiled, in a couple of different ways, though i can't quite imagine praying to him for succor in times of trouble.
ReplyDeletethanks for the gorgeous pix of kyoto: golden temple, mmmmm, stone pathway across the river -- awesome! i can imagine you had trouble restraining yourself in the marketplace!
your reflections on what it takes to be a cultural traveler are quite apt -- keep reflecting, and thanks for sharing:-) xo, mom
Actually it's Sugiwara no Michizane, not michizune, just got that right myself. And yes, Sugawara no Michizane is a historical figure who is the ancestor of Akitada Sugawara in IJ Parker's books. Whenever he talks of his illustrious ancestors, that is usually who he refers to.
ReplyDeleteThis travelers life is very hard indeed. My only hope is that it can make me stronger for all my efforts.