they ARE the best of times!
if i had written this post a few days ago, i may have had another story. we’ve been yelled at forcefully twice, scowled at on the train many times, and treated like lepers at the onsen… but we’ll just call these moments of “being lost in translation” … cultural differences, yeah, that’s it!
for every negative creep, we meet a kind spirit willing to help us along our way. for every scowl, we return a smile… and for that, we are able to stay sane in this very traditional and foreign country.
let’s face it, we are anything but traditional people. we do not even follow the social norms of our own country, let alone those of japan. and though we believe that treating people the way we want to be treated should apply anywhere in the world, not everyone treats themselves as kindly as we do.
there are many things here causing the pollution of these otherwise kind spirits (here or anywhere else on the planet.) i blame the food people eat, the stimulants they allow themselves to be subjected to as well as the general belief that what is different is bad; and since a lot of these things are difficult to escape, the blame goes nowhere, to no one. if there is any thing to point a scowling finger at… i blame the corporations. from those producing cigarettes to pachinko machines, cars and nuclear power plants, addicting foods and convenience.
i could go on and on but i won’t. this post is about the best of times. like i wrote before, for every negative, there is a positive.
the warmth and kindness we feel when entering an ancient shrine is like nothing else we have ever experienced. the gentleness and care put into every stone and piece of wood is almost too beautiful to describe. the ritual of sweeping, and cleansing the earth with water every morning is a breath of fresh air. these are the traditions that we have grown to love and plan to take back with us to the states.
the simplicity of things here is more than inspiring! our small room with nothing but tatami mats, futon, blanket and pillow have allowed for the most restful sleep we have ever had. the long walks through immaculate gardens contrast the chaos of a natural forest, yet complement it perfectly. there is order in chaos and chaos in order and somewhere within, we will find our own balance.
certainly evolving quicker here due to the short nature of our trip and the huge impact everyday has on us. we have found the most wonderful vegetarian restaurants that fill us with love every time we visit them. there is an obvious difference in the “vegan options” of a steak house and the exquisite flavors of foods cooked with love in an organic veggie kitchen.
today we are off to see more sights. visit more temples, observe more shrines and certainly encounter millions more sakura (cherry blossoms). we have even been promised a specially made batch of vegan sakura ice cream as well from one of our favorite kyoto restaurants!! these are the little things that make life so very enjoyable.
everyday is a good day.
