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Published: October 5th 2007
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Toji Temple
The tallest Pagoda in Japan! This past week has been one of the longest and greatest weeks of my life. Moving to a foreign country and trying to get life started completely on my own has been quite the adventure. Originally I thought that I was going to be staying here for a longer term than is actually going to happen so there were a few tasks in the first few days that I needed to take care of: Getting my alien registration card, opening a bank account and figuring out the train system. I cannot get out of my head how much more difficult this process would be for me if I was a foreigner attempting to do the same things in the US. At least in Japan most people can speak very basic English whereas in the states you would be lucky to find anyone who could help you out.
After about three days I realized that my time in Kyoto is going to be up sooner rather than later so I have been trying to make the most of my time in this amazing city. Kyoto was the capital of Japan until 1868 and contains over 2,000 temples and shrines! Back in
My First Kids
They wanted to practice English and gave me paper cranes they had made. WWII when the US was bombing urban Japan the military intentionally avoided Kyoto to preserve its historical and cultural significance.
I began my exploration of Kyoto on foot, wandering the streets of the city. I could walk down the street of this city for hours and not lose interest as all of the houses and shops are very intriguing to me. They are all old and built so close to each other but they all have such character that I have not seen anywhere else in my limited traveling.
In my walking I managed to stumble across the Todaji Temple which contains the largest pagoda in all of Japan. Besides the pagoda there where several buildings set up with various statures and for prayer. I especially enjoyed the garden in this temple where it gave me a nice place to relax and do some serious people watching. While here I was also approached by my first set of school children who proceeded to give me paper cranes which they had made.
My next adventure was to Nara, Japan’s first real capital. I went on a day that was pouring down rain and the Washingtonian in me was
Geisha
An apprentice Geisha sighting in Gion. too stubborn to purchase an umbrella until I was soaked to the bone. Nara Koen (park) is the main attraction in Nara and is surrounded by several temples and shrines. In the park are 1200 deer which were once considered messengers of god and are now a national treasure. Let’s just say these protected deer are very well fed by the tourists. The Todaji Temple which contains the Daibutsu-den Hall (Great Buddha Hall) was by far my favorite part of my trip to Nara. The hall is the largest wooden building in the world and fittingly holds one of the largest bronze figures in the world. My trip to Nara would have been perfect except for slipping on stone steps not once, but twice and breaking the screen of my camera! Good thing I’m in Japan, I’ve seen some very good electronic stores!
I started my training on Monday and finally made a few more friends. Everyone at the branch we trained at was very optimistic about the program which is very different from the views I had been hearing from people at different branches. I was feeling like Nova might pull through until I received my eviction notice
Great Buddha Hall
The largest wood building in the world located in Nara. from my apartment. Originally I thought it was a noise complaint until I brought it in for the Japanese staff to read for me. Rumor has it that Nova did not pay September nor Octobers rent and I have to be out of my place on Halloween. It’s just all part of the continuing adventure!
Today, instead of heading to Hiroshima like originally planned, a friend gave me a tour of Kyoto on his scooter. We got off the beaten path and saw some amazing temples and sites and got kicked off of a few properties as well. We just laugh and pretend we didn't understand any Japanese talking to the guards who kick us out. When we leave we know they just shake their heads and think “stupid gaijin” (foreigners).
We also got up to several temples I had not been to yet, Eikan-do, Kiyomizu and Nanzen-in which had beautiful gardens. After these we took a jaunt on over to Nijo-jo Castle which was built to show off the sho-gun’s power. To end the day we headed to Gion where we waited for the Geisha to leave their houses and head to the tea rooms to entertain
The Great Buddha
One of the largest in the world....I couldn't get close enough to rub his belly though :) their guests. We got close to one apprentice Geisha as she was scuttling along.
Tomorrow I’m off to Osaka to visit the National Aquarium to find Nemo!
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jacknrene
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Buddha belly
Hey Jessica, it looks like you are having a great time over there. What a great experiance! The picture of you in front of The Great Budda Hall is kind of dark so I can't tell for sure, but it looks like you are faking a "Budda Belly", or is that just funky lighting? Miranda calls me Budda Belly all the time so I would fit in quite well over there. LOL - Have a great time and tell Yasahero (I am sure I spelled that wrong) I said hi and will always be eternally gratefull for him introducing me to Shiatsu.