Serenity Now in Nara

Currently sitting in Nara, Japan's first capital. It was nice to get out of Kyoto which was basically like a bigger version of Victoria which is why I was not to fond of it. Nara is also a big tourist centre but the atmosphere is a lot more calm and peaceful and smaller. There is some really old temples and shrines including some statues of Buddha's from the 8th century which are stunning. I fear though I have lost all of my four years of university when looking at the art, I know I learned all the names of the iconography but I have no idea what it is. At least I can appreciate it all??

There is the Nara Park which has a lot of deer running around and you can buy them food and feed them. Some will even bow to you before you feed them. However they are wild animals so there ended up being a lot of crying kids because the deer will bite slightly and chase you when you are hiding food from them. I had to fight off one after I had finished my lunch because it went into my purse and tried to take the plastic wrapper. So I had to fight it so it wouldnt eat the plastic.

Anyways there is also a shrine to Kasuga Taisho with 1000 stone lanterns lining the pathway up to the shrine, and then there are 1000 bronze lanterns around the shrine area. It was very peaceful as it is right along the base of the mountain and you can walk through the area and be in the protected primeval forest. Its very serene.

There is a pond in the town with turtles in it, except I feel really bad because they end up eating a lot of popcorn and waste that people throw away. There is more covered markets with all kinds of souveniers and food stalls and I may get fat really soon because the food is so good and so reasonable.

Luckily there are lots of cherry blossoms out and they are so beautiful. The weather is nice but there is a pretty cool breeze.

My back is starting to hurt from sleeping in Japanese Inn's on the floor on only cushions and from the rice filled pillows. I cannot wait to get back to the creature comforts of my own bed again. But alas I will quit my complaining.

I am looking forward to moving on to Kumamoto and being with family again. It was nice to be on my own but Mizuho tells me about the meals I have to look forward to. miss you all. lots of love.

temple temple temple shrine

So I am in my last day in Kyoto. I cannot believe it. However, I am feeling maxed out on my temple and shrine viewing. Not to mention I am sick of all the tourists!! hahaha There are so many people here its crazy. There are just like busloads of people all day long. Its like Victoria Government street infront of the Empress on Canada Day...no joke. Today I went to the area of town Gion where there are the geisha still practicing and there are so many shops and souvenier places its unbelievable. I cannot wait to get into the country again.
Tomorrow I am heading to Nara which is Japan's original capital to view yet more shrines and temples and old buildings. However this place will not have the city feel to it like Kyoto does. Then on the 30th I am traveling south to Kumamoto to visit family in the country and to visit Kagoshima where my grandfather was born.

Its currently really cold here and the cherry blossoms are slowly coming out. I hope that they will last until I can come back up this way and I will get to see them in full bloom. Well I should get my butt back outside. lots of love

Geisha and Temple/Shrine land

I am in Kyoto, loving being amongst the temples and all of the cultural aspects of Japan. There are so many arts and crafts here that its very overwhelming. I have been to numerous temples and shrines there are hundreds maybe even thousands of them here. I spend most days trying to find them all but they are brilliant and very spiritual, even with the hordes of tourists around. The gardens are so beautiful and calming. And no I have not seen any Geisha, maybe tomorrow but I doubt it.
I even managed to get to a really good hike in up Daimonjiyama from there you can see all of Kyoto pretty much (its the picture of the guy meditating). My Japanese Inn is in Sumiya which used to be the brothel area during the Edo Period none of that remains there today as the brothel was forced to moved to Gion where the geisha still are today. However the gate still remians. I got lost when I tried to find the inn for the first time in the night. However there were some nice Japanese people to help me look for it.

I went to the Kinkakuji (Golded Pavilion) today which is stunning in the sunset. Yet I only got a few snapshots in before my camera died...

I am still waiting for the cherry blossoms to come out into full bloom and I am leaving soon...It needs to stop raining i think.

Mie and Nagoya

Well I just spent the weekend with yet more of my family. It was a wonderful time with them in Mie at Chiho and Shinichiro's house. We went to the town where the biggest shrine in Japan is with thousands of other people. It was absolute madness there. The town itself is one of the oldest and has shops for you to buy all kinds of things from food to dishes to omiage (souveniers). We got to see a short Taiko (drumming) show which was pretty neat and unlike at the family reunion these guys have giant muscles and are very serious. We picked up food from different stalls along the way and then at the end sat down and ate it together before going to the shrine. the path to the shrine is long but the gardens are beautiful. There was a massive lineup to get into the shrine which would have taken forever and with two little kids at 3 and less than a year old we would not have lasted. So we turned around and walked back through the village.

When we got back to Chiho and Shinichiro's house we had do-it-yourself sushi for dinner and I was so tired. I think I was getting sick that I had to go to bed early. The next morning we all packed up and said our sayonara's and poor little Himeka was so sad to see me go because she would be lonely again. Her mom had taught her how to ask me for a hug in english so she would climb on top of me the whole weekend. I have decided that I want to learn how to import Japanese toilets...Other than the beday part I love the fact that they have heated seats and some of them make the water noise so no one hears you peeing. Also when you flush you wash your hands with the new water that is being put into the tank. How green is that!?! I also want to have their shower room but thats a whole other story.

On Sunday March 22 Mizuho (my very distant cousin) took me into Nagoya where he lives and took me to the Tokugawa Museum where they have over 10,000 items from the Tokugawa Castle and it showed all their luxuries. They also have the first copy of the Illustrated Tales of Genji but you cannot see it as it is too precious to have on display. They also had their Doll festival exhibition up which was incredible. It had the Doll collection that the wives of the Tokugawas owned and all of their accessories. insane.

Then we went to a shrine and picked out good/bad luck wishes/fortunes. We both ended up with good luck! then we walked through a shopping area that was filled with all kinds of shops where you could buy kimonos and clothing from all over the world. I got to try Takoyaki (octopus balls) and yes they were delicious.

Then we drove past Nagoya castle as it was raining before going to play Pachinko! I had no idea how to play but it turns out all you do is turn a knob and watch the silver balls fall...very strange. But it was fun and since Nagoya is the birthplace of Pachinko I had to try. it was Mizuhos third time ever going. Then we went for Teppanyaki, Mizuho's favourite, and to where he used to work, he is an expert and I have told him that he needs to come to Victoria and open one there!!

well I am off to Kyoto. Sorry this is so long but it is going to have to satisfy your needs for awhile as I do not know when I will write next. I am now stuck using internet cafe's. Miss you all and I wish you all could be here with me.

Shinkansen

Well I made it out of Tokyo and took the bullet train all by myself to Nagoya where I met up with my Grandma's side of the family who were waiting for me at the station. Then we drove out to Mie Prefecture where Chiho and her family lives. We had all you can eat Shabushabu (where the boiling broth is in the middle of the table and you put the meat and veggies in and cook it yourself. So delicious.

Ueno Park

Today I took an easy day in the morning spending some time on the patio of Starbucks writing in my journal. Then went out to Ueno, I think I am getting pretty comfortable with the trains and getting used to how confusing and crazy it all is. I hit up the Ueno park and went to my first shrine. Then to the National Museum. Finally getting some of that Japanese historic culture into my bones.

Then I spent the night babysitting Maxie and helping with him. And now I am off to pack for tomorrow. Night Night.

Tokyo Land

Hello All,

Today the weather reached 23 degrees!! It was amazing yes exactly like seeing the top of Mt. Robson. It was so warm and beautiful and all the cherry blossoms are about to burst.

Yesterday I went on my own to Shinjuku and saw Van Gogh:s Sunflowers!! You know he is a master thats for sure...And some other really talented painters from Japan. There is some beautiful architecture in this area. Then I headed over to the East Side of Shinjuku, where Lost in Translation was shot. The red light district was not that scary. And the best part were the old men who were the no smoking police. I have a great photo of them patrolling.

I managed to get my Rail Pass exchanged and booked a ticket for travel to Nagoya on friday. Lucky I did it then as the whole morning was sold out. Thank goodness I bought the green car or 1st class tickets.

Shinjuku Station is the most busy in the country and is super crazy with people and confusing but I managed to make my way and find the subway to Roppongi where I made a quick visit to the Mori Tower and complex... My Le Corbusier lives on....you never have to leave the complex. you can work, go grocery shopping, shopping, and everything in one place. It even includes an art museum. As I walked along the streets I found a pet shop with lots of doggies in the window.. They were all so tiny and looked like they should not been weaned. I got to hold one which was crying out. She was so cute and it was so sad I felt good just being able to hold her for awhile.

Then I went to Tokyo Midtown, which just opened and is another Corbusian legacy. But this one is on a more grand scale and has a better layout. The shops are interesting and even include an interior design floor or too. I found a patisserie shop and was feeling in the mood for something sweet and to treat myself for not shopping too much so I found myself a strawberry shortcake. And I have photos that document the unwrapping of the delicacy. Which tasted wonderful...But not quite as much as Gmas of course. I waited for Andrea and Dave to meet with me up there and we went to a charity buffet at Nirvana NY a famous Indian restaurant from NYC that has moved to Tokyo. The charity was called Beers for Books and the meal was out of this world. Everything was absolutely beautiful. Authentic Chicken Masala, Butter Chicken and other creations I have no idea what they are. There was even a smoked abalone on the half shell. Dont worry I have pictures which I will post soon. YUM. Their desserts were just as scrumptious. A raspberry creme, a strawberry shortcake, a chocolate brownie...K I am getting hungry again. Got to go to bed.

Imperial Gardens and Ginza

Well yet another gorgeous day in Japan. It is absolutely beautiful and so warm out. I hear Canada is due for more snow...haha suckers, sorry I have to rub it in folks.

Yesterday March 16 I meandered around Kochijijo the area where I am staying and where Dave and Andrea live and I found my way all by myself for the first time!! And I didnt manage to get lost. I found some amazing stores including an Ikea-ish store only bigger. And Gma I found an 8 storey craft store too!! You would love it There are two floors filled with fabric! There is so much stationary its unbelievable.

March 17
This morning I went to Starbucks, yes they have loads of them here too but its at least decent coffee considering most of the stuff that other restaurants give is instant stuff. And I know I try to avoid them as much as possible back home. However, the Japan Starbucks has the greatest invention ever and I am going to go there every morning just so I can bring one back for all of you!! Its amazing and will change your lives because it has totally thrown my upside down... damn those smart asians.

Then I met up with my cousin Andrea who took me on my first train ride into the city. She taught me how to use the train and which ones to use to go between downtown Tokyo and to their place so that I do not get lost...There are so many trains and they all run in different directions and only go to certain stops I am definitely lucky to have her teach me, not to mention everything is mostly in Japanese.

We went to Central Tokyo where we parted and I went to visit the Imperial Palace and its gardens. You cannot actually go to the Imperial Palace and can only really get a tiny glimpse of it from one vantage point...Its not like Buckingham or the White House. More like 24 Sussex Drive. Yes I have seen the gates to our PMs house. There is however a garden area which is the original location of the Palace during the Tokugawa era. It is very beautiful even though not many of the trees are blossoming yet. But it was a nice stroll afterall and I got to see some massive koi fish...about the size of a 10lbs salmon at least.

Then my walking took me into Ginza, which is the very posh part of town, sort of like Fifth Avenue on steriods (Amy you would be in heaven) and multiply the people by a 1000. However, I did manage to find myself a sushi place in which I ordered some a mixed Chirashi (Sashimi on rice -Tuna (maguro), scallops, fresh crab, lobster, and a healthy portion of ikura (salmon roe)) with miso soup, chawanmushi (egg custard soup) and a salad, served with tea of course for ¥819. Not bad right Gpa considering I was in Ginza? I was tempted to take a picture because it looked about as good as it tasted and knowing that my family would love have just seen it. But I felt kinda weird hauling out my massive camera to take photo.

Lunch left me pretty full so I took it nice and easy just wandering through the area, there are lots of galleries there all free and open and small, not commercial galleries though... I saw a Chagall. I also found the Saks Fifth Avenue/Holt Renfrew of Tokyo, Matsuya Ginza, which hosted 6 floors of designer clothing, and two more on top of that which had the bridal level which was all your Japanese Kimono materials and accessories and the expensive gifts you purchase and another level which held art galleries for the rich to purchase their art.

Then I made my way back to the Tokyo Station train and managed to find my way home all by myself!! I feel pretty proud given the density of the city and its definitely not on a grid system. Its so big it makes Manhattan look like Victoria. I guess there is no turning back now considering I will be on my own completely soon.

Arrival Photos and FOOD its a mori thing

The top photo is of taco salad made with purple rice, sashimi, eating small fish with the head last and arrival with beers

In the Land of the Rising Sun

I have arrived!
My flight was pretty good, just a few Oak Bay high school students and a few moments of turbulence. But all in all it was an easy time. I was able to buy a ticket for the bus, which took 2 hours to get to Dave and Andrea's area (my cousins) but I was asleep the whole time of the bus ride because it was about 1-3am in the morning for Pacific time but only 5pm in Tokyo and I had not slept much on the plane.

Dave and Andrea greeted me with hugs, photos and a beer! Dave took me to my Ryokan (Japanese Inn) to get settled and then showed me the area before going to an Okinawa-style restaurant. Amazing food of course and I have already tried things I cannot pronounce or repeat.

Thats all for now I am just about to head off to bed as I need my rest!
lots of love
Alyssa

On my way. Sitting in yvr at the moment