Back from the Past Part I

Last week, Natalie and I had the opportunity to take our first vacation. It was 9 days long so we decided to head to Kyoto (Japan's ancient capital).

I have to say that we had a wonderful vacation. I'm trying to resist the urge to write down everything that we saw, observed, and enjoyed. That would just take way too long. Let's just say that we saw a lot and did a lot. I love Kyoto!

Kyoto happens to be the heart of ancient Japanese culture (and it was the epicenter of Japan for nearly 1,000 years). You don't go to Kyoto to see people dressed up as ninja cyborg cross-dressing school girl superheros...no. You don't go to Kyoto to experience parties that last until the wee hours of the night. It's not fast paced and it's not that modern. But it's rich, it's beautiful, it's extraordinary, it's Japanese...and that's why we loved it.

We started the week on a mission. It's funny because everyone has this image of Kyoto of being this ancient city where there are samurai houses at every corner. But that couldn't be further the truth. As we entered Kyoto from the train station, we noticed that Kyoto is every bit a modern city. The train station is ultra modern with every amenity that you would expect out of modern Japan. It's busy and bustling, and architecturally, it's progressive and unique. As you exit the station, the Kyoto tower looms tall and commanding over the streets. You're left wondering, "where is ancient Kyoto?"

However, as we explored, we learned that it's still rich in culture and history. The people of Kyoto are proud of it's history, maybe even snobby about it. After all, it's freakin Kyoto. One of the things that's immediately noticeable is that many people wear Yucatas (summer kimonos). Children, women, couples, men and dogs (just kidding) wear Yucatas as everyday wear. It's enjoyable to witness. In Okayama, people only wear Yucatas during festivals and other important events. Another thing that jumps out at you is that (unsurprisingly) Kyoto is bustling with tourists (mostly Japanese). It's not necessarily fun but hey, we live on Planet Earth and Planet Earth is one tiny place.

The first half of our week in Kyoto was go, go ,go! We visited Nijo castle, built by Japan's most famous shogun; Tokugawa Ieyasu. We really enjoyed this castle in that the floorboards in the castle makes creaking sounds when you step on them to alert people of intruders. The moat was also interesting. Afterwards, we stumbled onto a lively festival that was full of lanterns and laughing children and mosquitoes. It was fun to see, but terribly crowded. There was also a Jazz concert inside the ancient castle that kind of made you say "I'm watching a Jazz band in an ancient castle in Japan and that's awesome".

The second day was also fun. We headed to Fukushimi Shrine where you can walk along a mountain path lined by hundreds of incredibly beautiful red Tori gates.

This was when a bit of bad luck occurred to Natalie. She got bit by some kind of insect (we're still not sure) and her entire foot started tingling. Of course, we were worried so we spent a couple hours in the hospital. The doctor didn't know what it was and it hadn't worsened to we just kind of ignored it. Natalie is fine, by the way. After the hospital, we attempted to visit a temple but Natalie's shoe broke. Her feet were the source of many ill things in Kyoto..hehe. So we had to go buy some shoes. We also visited Gion (the place where the Geisha operate). Gion is a very confusing place. We didn't see any Geisha but there are dozens and dozens of clubs. They aren't clubs in the same vein that we know them but they're different. They are booking clubs. Booking clubs are clubs where people pay (a lot of) money to talk to host girls or guys. It's really hilarious. Each club posts people outside to attract customers to their clubs. The most interesting thing part of this is the way the hosts dress. Seriously, it's absolutely ridiculous. The guys have yellow hair and it sticks out in all sorts of directions. They also wear make-up and generally just look stupid. The girls aren't much better. They are Japanese Barbie dolls but in a very Japanese way. I will have to post a picture. So Gion is a red-light district I suppose. Apparently, it's rare to see a Geisha. After all, you can only be entertained by a Geisha if you have about $5,000 and you get invited by a Japanese. Gion was hard to understand, but fascinating nonetheless. After this whole experience, we had the best damned Ramen noodle soup we've ever had. So delicious and we had to wait about 20 minutes to sit down because it's so popular.

The third day was also fun. We visited some really nice temples. Kiyomizudera temple is Kyoto's most famous temple. It's on a mountain and it has all sorts of cool entertaining things to do. We walked into a corridor that was pitch black until we could touch a rock. If you touch it, make a wish and it will come true. There was also the 2 lover's rocks. If you can walk from one rock to the other with your eyes closed, you will find true love. Of course, I've already found it =) . The walk out of this temple was also really enjoyable. You have to walk through an ancient neighborhood lined with Samurai houses. It was really picturesque and it reminded me of why I wanted to visit Kyoto. It was beautiful. Along the way, we had green tea ice cream. Kyoto is famous for it. That night, we also had the opportunity to watch a Maiko (Geisha in training) dance. It was really interesting. Their art is so deliberate and precise. They are so immaculate in each of their movements and their outfits. They are also master entertainers. I can see why people pay so much to see them.

I'm kind of tired of writing this entry. I didn't realize I would write so much. That's what happens when you do so much. I'll try to finish up my blog about our vacation in the next entry.