Nara

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January 1st 2007

Published: January 18th 2007

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td impulse

Baby deer!!!

But then - with this little guy - I love that I am able to get so close to these animals!!!

Hello, hello,

What better way to start off the new year than at a shrine with hoards of Japanese women (a few dressed up to the nines in kimonos?!?!?)

Of course, what could be better??? Deer!!! As it turns out, Deer are sacred in Nara in Japan so there are deer everywhere, roaming the temple grounds. It certainly makes for fun... and well, with all animals accustomed to humans, thus food, they can be a bit belligerent too! Luckily my bag was the only target, these big guys have been known to go full tilt after small children carrying deer crackers!

Nonetheless, the deer were a wonder, and it was a great chance to spot some traditional Japanese wear - both old fashion and the new "trendy" which can be quite amusing - you would not believe some of the outfits and styles that are sported here. These are mild examples, but some of the clubs will just make you wonder, why!??!?!

Of course, visiting the temple with the biggest budda, we had to do the traditional Japanese rituals. The first of which, make it through the small hole in a wooden column

Nara Deer!

Yeah - I think they have made an association with humans, don't you?!?!

in order to ensure "enlightenment" - of course, both Marie-Eve and I managed to get ourselves wedged enough that although it was possible to get through, we both needed a helping hand... hmmm, I wonder if there's another metaphor here! ;0)

Then we proceeded to get our fortunes to see what luck the year held for us... I was informed that there are 4 levels of bad luck and 5 levels of good luck - I am pleased to report that I managed to nab some good luck - mind you it was the lowest level (again... should I read into this???!) but good luck nonetheless!

Of course, being a typical westerner, I pocketed the fortune and happily showed it to my aunt, to her dismay, as she exclaimed "didn't you tie it to the tree?!" "you must tie it to the tree if you want it to come true!" So, we went back to another shrine, after another amazing sushi experience (and a dangerous introduction to plumb wine - much too tasty for my knowledge!) to a shrine to get another fortune. Here was a test - I was quite curious to see what the sticks

Japanese Dogs

Oh yes, they are wearing kimonos!!!

had in store for me (you shake a wooden case and a stick with a number corresponding to your fortune comes out). Interestingly enough, I received the exact same fortune (different #, but same story... it almost made me want to keep going and see how many would confirm what I was reading!!!).

So I did tie my fortune on the tree after all and even ended up at a shrine with a statue of a boar that is said to cure medical ailments if you rub it where you are ill, pay and pray, then rub yourself in the same spot - so from this start, it looks like it’ll be a good year after all!

Aside from that, the temples provided us with loads of walking, and wonderful Japanese souvenirs - recall the land of consumerism, so not only did we stock up on traditional Japanese paintings and kimonos, but a few scarfs and loads of traditional Japanese stall foods. This is the only place in Japan it is okay to eat in public unapologetically. Well, even to eat apologetically in public is rude and almost unforgivable, so it was a nice treat -

Temple food

Traditional Osakan noodles, eggs, and filler (actual cabage - one of the few japanese dishes that has vegtable)!!!

you have no idea how many mornings I grab a banana and juice to eat as I run out the door and realize I will not be able to eat them until I am in the safety of my lunch room.

Of course, our day was only complete with a traditional Japanese meal - where I managed to order the kids meal without realizing it - until I ate my way to the bottom of the plate and found snoopy and other such characters starring back at me... classic!

Cheers,

Trish xxx

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