Brett left this morning and Mina was going out to see the monkeys today, so I was on my own, maps in hand. After my success with Brett yesterday, I was feeling confident. I walked down to the station, purchased my ticket (the right one this time) and got on my bus with no problems. 8:30am is a lousy time to be on the bus. It was absolutely jammed with people. I got off at my stop and headed in the direction of the first temple of the day.
This was a far cry from the path of philosophy yesterday. The streets and temple were wall to wall people. Lots of school groups on tour. Pretty overwhelming. I went down all the tiny little quiet streets I could find and eventually found some peace away from all the people.
This place is lousy with temples! I visited probably 5 or 6 temples and shrines today and walked up thousands of stairs. Again I was awe struck by the mountains. They have trees with leaves of every shade of green and yellow. Being on my own, I took lots of rest breaks and spent lots of quiet time in the temples.
At the end of the day I met a Japanese guy (my age I'm guessing) and we sat by the river talking for awhile. He wanted to know what I liked about Japan. One of the first things that came to mind was all the bicycles. He said that when he was visiting his friend in Chicago, they needed to run out and get a wine opener. They DROVE! "What is this? I do not understand." He said that he's not particularly in to environmental issues, but just can not comprehend how someone could be so wasteful of the resources to drive for ten minutes to get a bottle opener. Good point.
I've done it again -- I'm pooped after so much walking and looking. Sensory overload. I really bonded with the frogs today as I rested in front of a little Japanese pond. The iris' are in full bloom. It is beautiful. I enjoyed my alone time, but I think new things are better when shared. Wish you were here. Three more sleeps and this will all be a dream. Crazy...
This was a far cry from the path of philosophy yesterday. The streets and temple were wall to wall people. Lots of school groups on tour. Pretty overwhelming. I went down all the tiny little quiet streets I could find and eventually found some peace away from all the people.
This place is lousy with temples! I visited probably 5 or 6 temples and shrines today and walked up thousands of stairs. Again I was awe struck by the mountains. They have trees with leaves of every shade of green and yellow. Being on my own, I took lots of rest breaks and spent lots of quiet time in the temples.
At the end of the day I met a Japanese guy (my age I'm guessing) and we sat by the river talking for awhile. He wanted to know what I liked about Japan. One of the first things that came to mind was all the bicycles. He said that when he was visiting his friend in Chicago, they needed to run out and get a wine opener. They DROVE! "What is this? I do not understand." He said that he's not particularly in to environmental issues, but just can not comprehend how someone could be so wasteful of the resources to drive for ten minutes to get a bottle opener. Good point.
I've done it again -- I'm pooped after so much walking and looking. Sensory overload. I really bonded with the frogs today as I rested in front of a little Japanese pond. The iris' are in full bloom. It is beautiful. I enjoyed my alone time, but I think new things are better when shared. Wish you were here. Three more sleeps and this will all be a dream. Crazy...
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