Kamakura and the giant Buddha

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Kamarura is a popular seaside resort just a train ride or two away from the capital. Today we were lucky enough to see our new friend Mako again, who took us on a wonderful tour of the area. First stop was the giant bronze Buddha which is from 1286 I think.

The best bit about the visit here wasn't the staute but all the school kids who were there for a day out. I was surprised to learn that the girls really do all wear sailor type uniforms to school! It wasn't long before their curiosity got the better of them and we were approached for some English practice. Many hadn't ever seen a westerner before as they live in the countryside so we also got to do our best poses for their photos. Naturally Glynn and I were willing to oblige and within the space of about 30 minutes, we had been approached by 4 differents groups of kids. They were all really friendly but incredibly shy so I tried to impress them with my Japanese by counting to 10. I got lots of smiles but no applause so I don't think I did too well!!

Mako took us for a traditional Japanese lunch where we got to sample proper tofu with rice, egg, seaweed and wasabi paste (a really hot green horseradish). Glynn was in food heaven but unfortunately I was in food hell. I wanted to enjoy it but the tofu texture just didn't agree with me. It was like eating a barely cooked egg so coupled with the barely cooked egg that actually came with the meal it wasn't going well for me. I managed to eat about half and hoped I didn't offend anyone in the process.

After lunch we went for a long walk to a little island that has been joined to the mainlaind by bridge. I forget the name of the place but I did manage to take a photo of the signpost which I'll add to the next gallery of photos! On the way Mako introduced me to something rather weird and wonderful to eat which more than made up for the meal - purple potato ice cream! I'm not joking either - it was an ice cream like you get from a Mr Whippy only it was lilac in colour and not as sweet as any ice cream I've ever had before. It really is made from a type of purple potato which they puree and mix in with normal ice cream and I am pleased to report that it was very delicious indeed! One happy Glynn after lunch - check; one happy Jude after dessert - check!

When we got to the island whose name I can't remember, we were greeted by a huge temple gate with an enormous, invitiing straircase. After making it to the top of the staircase, we turned a corner anticipating a beautiful temple but no, just more stairs. Up we went and around another corner we turned and what do you think we saw? Yep, more stairs! This continued for about 8 flights of stairs (none of them small either) but when we finally reached the top it was totally worth it. Stunning views across the sea and a real haven of tranquility in the temple grounds. On the down side though the temple grounds also doubled as a mosquito training base and it wasn't long before we came under attack. For some reason the mossies had a taste only for Japanese blood so we got away scott free - Mako wasn't so lucky, poor thing.

As the sun set over the bay, we made our way back over the bridge and boarded the train back to Tokyo.　The night was still young though and we were in the mood for a bit of Sake, Japanese rice wine. Mako suggested a traditional Japenese meal again and before I could say 'no more tofu, thanks', we were sitting in a wonderful restaurant　with cushions for seats and a menu we couldn't read. Mako did her best to order me something I could cope with but as the Japanese love their fish and meat, it was a tall order. Thankfully she found something with cheese in it and a radish salad (nicer than it sounds) and I could relax...

The sake was good, a bit like diluted vodka, and quicker than you can say chopstick we polished off a bottle! Then we tried something similar made from potatoes which is also a popular drink but this time mixed with fruit juices. Sweet and tasty, dangerously alcoholic and before long we were all giggling like girls, Glynn included! It was a wonderful night but when we had to say goodbye to Mako, we were very sad indeed. She may have started off as a tour guide but she ended up becoming a good friend. We will miss her a lot :'-(

Sorry about posting this blog entry out of sequence. Photos are on their way tonight hopefully!

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Comments

[Esther]

Beer Icecream exists!
Hey Sister, believe it or not, here in Munich we got bavarian beer icecream which is delicious - takes a time till you feel drunken ;-) Next year you n Glynn have to test it in Munich! So, keep us up to date what other icecream styles there exist on earth;-)!