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Published: November 28th 2012
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Korean Air to Seoul and a good night's rest at a transit hotel meant we arrived full of beans at 11am at Komatsu airport – ready to explore. Hide-san, our guide, met us and we headed to Kanazawa after a Sushi Train lunch along the way. It was amazing how hunger forced so many to become expert with chopsticks. Pam and the rest watched in awe as Mike wielded them like an expert!
Ian and Brian were bitterly disappointed there were no tourist souvenir shops on the first day – not even at the Gold Leaf Museum - not sure Ros and Gail agreed. The Utatsuyama Craft Workshop, a post graduate centre for 31 Japanese and international students, was Lyn's special treat for the day. They live and study there for up to 3 years with experts to foster leaders in creativity in the traditional crafts of Japanese ceramics, lacquer, dyeing, metal and glass. So she wrote:
Misty mountain workshop Craft treasure trove Gracious MEXICAN host! That night after a stunning Japanese 12 course feast, when many had difficulty sitting on the floor, most adjourned to the bath house> Helen and Gail wote
Ladies squirm squatty bare
Veiled in steam Hot pools relax Bliss subarashii! Helen B Whilst Gail thoughts ran to:
Water babies floating behind frosted screens Sleep prevails Our first full day of exploring with local volunteer guides to Kenrokuen Gardens, 21
st Century Museum and the Old samurai district caused Peter to write:
Samurai-
Great warrior
Peace and quiet at home
We had a range of prose and poetry to express these first impressions of Japan in the autumn:
"Crisp winds signal the time for dressing theautumn leaves- it is the time when the errie spirit has the desire to support and protect the beauty of the tree during the coming months" Carol Jim wrote in haiku: Winding streams Water rippling through the gardens- serenity
“
We enjoyed KANAZAWA very much. From beautiful gardens with amazing autumn colours, to the samurai district and then the night castle walk with all the perfect lights and reflections- in the crisp,cold air. It was just stunning!” Anon
“The lights at night in Kenrokuen Gardens made the most beautiful display I have ever seen. We Yakata haiku
24 Yakatas sit
all left over right all
feet cross, legs stretch: ouch! were very fortunate to be there for this special event.” Anon
In true Haiku spirit Lynn E wrote:
Water sounding clear Magical trees in the night Spirits lifting high
Fire in the sky
Water reflections Leaf returns to earth Autumn leaves golden russet Fluttering gently Seasons of life and nature
The wonder of the light show led Peter and Aileen and Jim and Mary to be almost locked in for the night – they stayed so long drinking in the atmosphere. The next day Peter declared that nothing could better that experience and was there anything we had planned that could surpass it!
Colin-san said: Ah but there is always tomorrow!
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Jen BAnnan (Carol's daughter)
non-member comment
Thanks for sharing
Hi there, great to see the wonderful photos of everyone having a great time and the gorgeous Autumnal colours and trees. Please tell mom all is well here and that baby Alice smiles and giggles a lot now. Jen