Change of Plans

Nara, Japan -- I can't even remember when I last wrote and what had happened, because SO much have I seen and experienced and learned that I'm still taking it all in. And I'm really not exaggerating.

Yesterday, I had a lot of fun biking to Fushimi Inari (the place that has the million tori gates-- if you've seen Memoirs of a Geisha, it's from the scene when she's a little girl running to the temple and there are a million gates)... and walking through there, there is also a side cut that takes you through a bamboo forest. I was completely by myself and no one was near, and it was great to worship God like that. I also observed people at their own worship at the temple there (and throughout Kyoto) and it's a heavy work to watch. After biking there... oh speaking of biking... which I haven't done in some ten years, I'm sure, I learned a few things... bikes go on the left side of the road... because that's the side cars drive on. After not having biked for years, it's probably NOT a good idea to try to look all around you and appreciate the beautiful scenery. Also, small, small gated areas probably aren't a good idea either. Don't worry, I only have a little gash out of my finger, but I got a lot of laughs. I'm sure I made other people laugh too (it's really not as bad as it sounds, and no, I didn't crash and burn or forget how to ride a bike or anything... whatever, I'm shutting up now).

But, after I went to Fushimi Inari (which is 20-25 minutes away, if you take the right road) then I looked at the handy dandy map and thought, hmm... Nijo Castle comes highly recommended... it can't be THAT far away.

And I was wrong.

It took about an hour to get there on bike (and I'm glad I had the bike!) and though I didn't want to pay the entrance fee, I did and I was glad-- a very historical site, it shows a lot of the culture and ways of doing things that make the Japanese who they are today. It was very, very interesting, very beautiful, and even though I took the route backward, I still learned a lot.

Well, afterward the journey took me to Nara, about 40 minutes away by train, and I made my way to the youth hostel. It was ok, though I prefer the one in Kyoto a lot better. I kinda chilled that evening and went for a walk...Nara. Nara is like Kyoto, but smaller and stronger. I had read that you kinda just trip over the shrines and temples because they are everything. And they are. It's so much stronger here. It's also not as English friendly. But nonetheless, today I made my way around and saw everything that I needed to see in a few hours... I didn't go in any of the temples because... well... once you go in one, you kinda know what they all are gonna look like... and now having seen several temples, I wanted to see more historical stuff and learn more in that realm... and by learning from history, you can begin to understand current culture a lot better...

So, I went back to Kyoto this afternoon by train (fell asleep and when I woke up, I thought I had missed my stop) and went to a close place. I really wanted to go to the Imperial Palace, but my feet weren't in agreement, and they won.

Anyway, it's been a good experience this travelling. I've been able to think a lot, pray a lot, meet some people (like the girl I roomed with last night, who's from Tokyo, and I think we'll hang out next week!) and wait on God. And, obviously learn.

But, because I like to get the value's worth out of something, and since I don't head back to Tokyo til tomorrow evening, I decided that I'd take another free side trip on the pass that I have instead of spending the day in Nara.

So, tomorrow I'm going to Himeji, which has a castle that was completed in 1609 by Ieyasu Tokugawa and hasn't been destroyed by many earthquakes and fire. It's also built out of wood, which is pretty interesting.

But afterward, I'll feel more content that I've gotten my money's worth out of this pass that I got and will head back to Tokyo.

This weekend I'll be giving my testimony at the Brazillian church and maybe on the Sunday evening bilingual service too?? I don't know, but I'll go with the flow. Anyway, I need to find a cheap place to eat (Nara is pretty expensive) and work on my power point (pics of the fam, etc) for this weekend and get to bed, because I've gotta get out of here early tomorrow!

*Also, on the list of interesting: A kimono I saw at a shop was 399,000 Yen ($4865, roughly) and I also found a pair of $25 pair of silk socks. I've been looking for a new favorite invention, but am challenging myself to find one that doesn't have to do with heat or being warm (ex: the toilet seat warmers, the rug warmers, the seat and calf warmers on the train, which are wonderful)... and so I'm keeping an eye out for non-heat inventions. Will keep you apprised.