Train Pushing
I have heard about the men in white gloves that push people on the trains but it is so funny to see in person. The shoving seems so un-Japanese but they pull it off with everyone maintaining their dignity. You can watch it on Youtube. Just a hoot.
11/20/2008
I am still impressed just how friendly and helpful the Japanese are. I was trying to find a platform for in Tokyo and the attendant walks up the stairs and across the platforms to make sure that I get on the right one. Laughing and smiling all the way. It is like that most places here.
Snow Monkeys
This was great. It seems wrong to be wishing for snow but I did and then in snowed a lot (I must use my powers for good). The monkeys are everywhere. They are wild but you can tell that they are use to people. They will literally walk over your feet but I don’t think trying to touch them would be a great idea. It was so funny to watch them go in the hot springs. There facially expressions make them look like old men that are soaking their bones.
I went to a ubiquitous Karaoke Bar. I brought out my best falsetto voice and sang Sad Eyes by Robert John. It was all the passion and pathos that I could muster. I think we all can conclude that I was as adorable as you would expect.
I also stayed two nights in a ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn).
Kyoto
You can see an immediate difference with Kyoto vs. Tokyo. I think it is known as Old Japan. You need to look for its charms in the back street and alley ways. Narrow streets, wooden buildings and interesting jobs replace the mundane and non-descript facades on the main streets. I went Geisha spotting in Geon but did not see any. I think there is around 100 left in all of Japan.
There are 18 Unesco sights here and an amazing amount of shines and temples. The one I went to today is
Kiyomizu
The temple dates back to 798, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633. It takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water.
The main hall has a veranda, supported by tall pillars, that juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the city. The popular expression "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu" is the Japanese equivalent of the English expression "to take the plunge". This refers to an Edo period tradition that held that, if one were to survive a 13 m jump from the stage, one's wish would be granted. Two hundred and thirty-four jumps were recorded in the Edo period and, of those, 85.4% survived. The practice is now prohibited.
Beneath the main hall is the Otowa waterfall, where three channels of water drop into a pond. Visitors to the temple collect the water, which is believed to have therapeutic properties, from the waterfall. It is said that drinking the water of the three streams confers wisdom, health, and longevity. However, some Japanese believe that you must choose only two — if you are greedy and drink from all three, you invite misfortune upon yourself.
There was no more room at the Inn and I could not find another place to stay so now I am in Nara. Still seems to Old Japan with endless shrines and temples. Also a place where Geishas perform their art.
Hiroshima
I am amazed at the luck that I have had with the trains here. Mind you the leave all the time but I have made every connection and did not have to spend any more than 2 minutes waiting for trains and even more surprising is that I have not been loss. Testament to how helpful and organized the Japanese are.
It is currently lashing rain outside so I thought it would be a good time to update the world’s most boring blog.
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