Golden Week
So this past week was Japan's Golden Week. I honestly wasn't sure what it was until I looked it up. I was just happy I didn't have work! But Golden Week is a week full of Japanese national holidays. Containing holidays such as The Emperor's Birthday, Greenery Day, Showa Day, and Children's Day. So being that there was a long weekend, what better to do then explore!
May 3
Jacob had invited me out to Kyoto and Osaka on Saturday to meet up with some of his new friends and check out a music event. I had no plans and figured it was a holiday so didn't want to be stuck in the apartment not partaking in celebrating. So Saturday afternoon, I met up Jacob and his new friends Katsu-Norie and Kana at Kyoto Station. They wanted to take us to somewhere new so we took a cab to Sanjusangen-do, a very famous hall in Kyoto. When getting to the station though I noticed it was so packed! The holiday was here and everyone was out doing something.
When getting to Sanjusangen-do, Katsu-Norie was telling us that there were many statues inside. To enter the hall we had to take off our shoes and there was no photography allowed. Sadly, I had no pictures but just take my word that it was beautiful! Inside, there were 1,000 life size statues of The Thousand Armed Kannon. Each statue didn't have a thousand arms but each had many that represented different things. Along with the perfectly lined Kannon, were 28 guardian deities which origins are traced back to Hindu mythology. The site of the long hall with crystal-eyed statues was something to awe at. Fortunately, each other the information plaques were also in English so I didn't feel so out of the loop on information here. But there was so much to read, it's hard to remember what each deity represented. Something that was also cool about this hall was that a popular archery competition use to be held on these grounds called Toshiya since the Edo period.
The hall was great and so was the new company. Before we had left there, we paid 100 yen to get a little fortune slip just for the fun of it. You are suppose to grab a random slip and open it to see what it says about your future or present. Then tie it to the stick where it's suppose to be good luck. My slip said "not so good not so bad"! I'm not even sure what that means!!
After the hall, we went back towards Kyoto Station to find something for lunch. Kana and Katsu-Norie suggested a fry-it-yourself skewer place. Jacob and I hadn't had anything like that yet so we wanted to do that. The place was awesome!! It was one flat fee for each person for 90 minutes (yes they have time slots of which you must be done by) and you pick as much things as you want, bread it at your table, and fry it yourself in the oil that is set in the middle of the table. Along with the skewers, there was self serve rice, noodles, curry and dessert table! I don't think I ever made so much "mmmm" noise while eating ever! The taste of familiar foods such as bacon and salmon were really delicious and made me think of home. After the first round, we all went back to seconds, a round of dessert and ice cream...ok the ice cream part was only me but it was all you can eat so I had to take advantage!!
Lunch was great with new friends. My belly was super happy! After we parted from Katsu-Norie and Kana, Jacob and I hoped on the JR to Osaka to spend the rest of the afternoon there. While in Osaka, Jacob and I walked around the park surrounding Osaka Castle. We got pretty close but didn't go inside just because of the crowd and entrance fee. The place was still beautiful around it. We spent the afternoon just hanging out and chatting. Jacob is originally from Canada and we had met in training. We have many things in common, including our faith, so it made it easy to get along.
That night we were in Osaka because we wanted to catch a music set at a place someone had told Jacob about. After catching a quick bite to eat, we headed to the lounge in which we found a gathering of Japanese hippies. The vibe was relaxed and the people friendly, as ambient music played in the back ground and colorful images were projected on the walls. We spent the evening there drinking, talking and even dancing a bit. The different sets ranged from djs to bands and there was even food and desserts to buy if hungry! We met a couple new people there who spoke pretty decent English. Always nice running into other creatives. They were open and friendly invited Jacob and I to check out an over night event coming in the end of May. Perhaps that will be something to look forward to!!
May 4
On Sunday, Jacob and I woke to attend mass in my town before lunch. The cool thing about the weekend for us was just things coming together. It seemed like whatever Jacob and I would talk about would suddenly come into our lives. The homily and readings on this past Sunday's mass was a direct reflection of that. It was really nice to have someone to go to mass with who understands on the same level.
After church we decided that the day was gorgeous and we should check out Nara City. I had been to Nara City before and so had Jacob but we figured this time we would go and check out different sites. Upon getting to the station, Nara was also very busy with many tourists and locals alike. One of our first stops were in the little shops by the station where I bought my first Nara phone charm! I was really excited about it cause I live in Nara and it was only appropriate that I have a little deer dangle from my phone.
For lunch we had decided that we should do a picnic! So we loaded up on snacks and sandwiches from the 711 and picked a spot on the grass for a nice afternoon-conbini (convinient store) lunch.
After lunch we didn't have a real destination so just walked around exploring different parts of the city. We would stop at little shops and random shrines when we found them. It was kind of nice though not to have a direct destination and just roam because the day was beautiful and we had the time.
We had originally thought we would head back to Kashihara before dinner but Jacob pitched the idea of staying in Nara for dinner and possibly drinks after. So we walked around in directions we hadn't gone before and found some pretty awesome shops! Taking a turn down an alley way we came across a Tex Mex place!! It was like fate because we had just mentioned Mexican food earlier in the day! We had to eat here. The place was tiny as my apartment but the decor was inviting and so was the one guy running the whole place. I had ordered a burrito, not sure of the size or if it was anything like back home but the sounds of it was familiar enough. The food was good but definitely "Japanese sized" which was small! But the company was great as well as the draft beer. A random thing that happened during dinner was a tall, black guy came into the restaurant and the table of Japanese people got so excited. It sounded like they knew him calling him by name but it was a funny sight to see, especially when they wanted to take a picture with him before he left.
Two beers and a Jack & Coke later, we decided to call it a night, more so for the reason of becoming low on cash! We headed back to Kashihara and called it a successful Sunday night.
May 3
On Monday we were still off but so was the weather. Instead of beautiful sunshine, we had rain clouds and dropping temperatures. Luckily, Jacob is an optimist with no plans just going where his feet go so we ended up checking out my near by department store and finding some really yummy pork buns! We made a lunch out of a snack and decided the rain was really light and that we should explore my town a bit. It was nice to have company because I have always wanted to walk around the city a bit but a little hesitant when alone. On our walk we found a cute little trinket shop and a really rad old Americana vintage shop. This shop had things dating back to American 1950s and 60s! If I saw this shop back home I would be impressed but the fact that it was in Japan was even more impressive! They had old toys like Pee-Wee Herman and Raggedy Ann and Andy as well as random things for sale like Trader Joe's shopping bags!!!
When we had left the little shops we headed in the direction of old Kashihara. When looking at a map it had seemed like there was a section of town that was historical and protected by the city but open to visitors. We walked around there finding really nice views of old traditionally built houses and even getting to stop in a museum. The lady at the museum was really nice but didn't speak any English nor did we understand much of what she was saying. She was kind enough to let us look around without paying being that we wouldn't be able to understand anything that was written on the plaques.
Many of the sights were cool but probably the coolest thing that happened there was randomly crossing paths with a local photographer. He invited us into his gallery space where we met his wife as well as got to look at some of his work. By the end of it, we had exchanged information in hopes of helping each other with English and Japanese. The wife was so cute inviting me to come sit with her and her friends at McDonalds just to talk with me, noting that they would pay for my 100 yen coffee. I was happy with the new connection we had made and appreciative of their invite into their space.
I am very thankful to have met Jacob in training and for having him be such an awesome friend to have in a new place. Things like this just makes me feel God really is leading my life and protecting me. Golden week was much of a success with new sights, friends, conversations, and memories. I've got to get back to the grind tomorrow but luckily this week will be a short work week!!
xx
t
May 3
Jacob had invited me out to Kyoto and Osaka on Saturday to meet up with some of his new friends and check out a music event. I had no plans and figured it was a holiday so didn't want to be stuck in the apartment not partaking in celebrating. So Saturday afternoon, I met up Jacob and his new friends Katsu-Norie and Kana at Kyoto Station. They wanted to take us to somewhere new so we took a cab to Sanjusangen-do, a very famous hall in Kyoto. When getting to the station though I noticed it was so packed! The holiday was here and everyone was out doing something.
When getting to Sanjusangen-do, Katsu-Norie was telling us that there were many statues inside. To enter the hall we had to take off our shoes and there was no photography allowed. Sadly, I had no pictures but just take my word that it was beautiful! Inside, there were 1,000 life size statues of The Thousand Armed Kannon. Each statue didn't have a thousand arms but each had many that represented different things. Along with the perfectly lined Kannon, were 28 guardian deities which origins are traced back to Hindu mythology. The site of the long hall with crystal-eyed statues was something to awe at. Fortunately, each other the information plaques were also in English so I didn't feel so out of the loop on information here. But there was so much to read, it's hard to remember what each deity represented. Something that was also cool about this hall was that a popular archery competition use to be held on these grounds called Toshiya since the Edo period.
The hall was great and so was the new company. Before we had left there, we paid 100 yen to get a little fortune slip just for the fun of it. You are suppose to grab a random slip and open it to see what it says about your future or present. Then tie it to the stick where it's suppose to be good luck. My slip said "not so good not so bad"! I'm not even sure what that means!!
After the hall, we went back towards Kyoto Station to find something for lunch. Kana and Katsu-Norie suggested a fry-it-yourself skewer place. Jacob and I hadn't had anything like that yet so we wanted to do that. The place was awesome!! It was one flat fee for each person for 90 minutes (yes they have time slots of which you must be done by) and you pick as much things as you want, bread it at your table, and fry it yourself in the oil that is set in the middle of the table. Along with the skewers, there was self serve rice, noodles, curry and dessert table! I don't think I ever made so much "mmmm" noise while eating ever! The taste of familiar foods such as bacon and salmon were really delicious and made me think of home. After the first round, we all went back to seconds, a round of dessert and ice cream...ok the ice cream part was only me but it was all you can eat so I had to take advantage!!
Lunch was great with new friends. My belly was super happy! After we parted from Katsu-Norie and Kana, Jacob and I hoped on the JR to Osaka to spend the rest of the afternoon there. While in Osaka, Jacob and I walked around the park surrounding Osaka Castle. We got pretty close but didn't go inside just because of the crowd and entrance fee. The place was still beautiful around it. We spent the afternoon just hanging out and chatting. Jacob is originally from Canada and we had met in training. We have many things in common, including our faith, so it made it easy to get along.
That night we were in Osaka because we wanted to catch a music set at a place someone had told Jacob about. After catching a quick bite to eat, we headed to the lounge in which we found a gathering of Japanese hippies. The vibe was relaxed and the people friendly, as ambient music played in the back ground and colorful images were projected on the walls. We spent the evening there drinking, talking and even dancing a bit. The different sets ranged from djs to bands and there was even food and desserts to buy if hungry! We met a couple new people there who spoke pretty decent English. Always nice running into other creatives. They were open and friendly invited Jacob and I to check out an over night event coming in the end of May. Perhaps that will be something to look forward to!!
May 4
On Sunday, Jacob and I woke to attend mass in my town before lunch. The cool thing about the weekend for us was just things coming together. It seemed like whatever Jacob and I would talk about would suddenly come into our lives. The homily and readings on this past Sunday's mass was a direct reflection of that. It was really nice to have someone to go to mass with who understands on the same level.
After church we decided that the day was gorgeous and we should check out Nara City. I had been to Nara City before and so had Jacob but we figured this time we would go and check out different sites. Upon getting to the station, Nara was also very busy with many tourists and locals alike. One of our first stops were in the little shops by the station where I bought my first Nara phone charm! I was really excited about it cause I live in Nara and it was only appropriate that I have a little deer dangle from my phone.
For lunch we had decided that we should do a picnic! So we loaded up on snacks and sandwiches from the 711 and picked a spot on the grass for a nice afternoon-conbini (convinient store) lunch.
After lunch we didn't have a real destination so just walked around exploring different parts of the city. We would stop at little shops and random shrines when we found them. It was kind of nice though not to have a direct destination and just roam because the day was beautiful and we had the time.
We had originally thought we would head back to Kashihara before dinner but Jacob pitched the idea of staying in Nara for dinner and possibly drinks after. So we walked around in directions we hadn't gone before and found some pretty awesome shops! Taking a turn down an alley way we came across a Tex Mex place!! It was like fate because we had just mentioned Mexican food earlier in the day! We had to eat here. The place was tiny as my apartment but the decor was inviting and so was the one guy running the whole place. I had ordered a burrito, not sure of the size or if it was anything like back home but the sounds of it was familiar enough. The food was good but definitely "Japanese sized" which was small! But the company was great as well as the draft beer. A random thing that happened during dinner was a tall, black guy came into the restaurant and the table of Japanese people got so excited. It sounded like they knew him calling him by name but it was a funny sight to see, especially when they wanted to take a picture with him before he left.
Two beers and a Jack & Coke later, we decided to call it a night, more so for the reason of becoming low on cash! We headed back to Kashihara and called it a successful Sunday night.
May 3
On Monday we were still off but so was the weather. Instead of beautiful sunshine, we had rain clouds and dropping temperatures. Luckily, Jacob is an optimist with no plans just going where his feet go so we ended up checking out my near by department store and finding some really yummy pork buns! We made a lunch out of a snack and decided the rain was really light and that we should explore my town a bit. It was nice to have company because I have always wanted to walk around the city a bit but a little hesitant when alone. On our walk we found a cute little trinket shop and a really rad old Americana vintage shop. This shop had things dating back to American 1950s and 60s! If I saw this shop back home I would be impressed but the fact that it was in Japan was even more impressive! They had old toys like Pee-Wee Herman and Raggedy Ann and Andy as well as random things for sale like Trader Joe's shopping bags!!!
When we had left the little shops we headed in the direction of old Kashihara. When looking at a map it had seemed like there was a section of town that was historical and protected by the city but open to visitors. We walked around there finding really nice views of old traditionally built houses and even getting to stop in a museum. The lady at the museum was really nice but didn't speak any English nor did we understand much of what she was saying. She was kind enough to let us look around without paying being that we wouldn't be able to understand anything that was written on the plaques.
Many of the sights were cool but probably the coolest thing that happened there was randomly crossing paths with a local photographer. He invited us into his gallery space where we met his wife as well as got to look at some of his work. By the end of it, we had exchanged information in hopes of helping each other with English and Japanese. The wife was so cute inviting me to come sit with her and her friends at McDonalds just to talk with me, noting that they would pay for my 100 yen coffee. I was happy with the new connection we had made and appreciative of their invite into their space.
I am very thankful to have met Jacob in training and for having him be such an awesome friend to have in a new place. Things like this just makes me feel God really is leading my life and protecting me. Golden week was much of a success with new sights, friends, conversations, and memories. I've got to get back to the grind tomorrow but luckily this week will be a short work week!!
xx
t
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