A fantastic trip to Japan - Christina

Well we had a fantastic trip as I think Deirdre has already said.

I think the only problems if they could be described as such were caused by Deirdre being vegetarian, particularly her not eating fish.
The Japanese just don't seem to understand that she really means it so fish kept appearing.

Breakfast could be a bit tricky as non fish eaters are particularly sensitive at this time of day.
Having said that, everyone was very helpful and the whole thing was often a bit of an ice breaker.

One thing we noticed is that the Japanese, especially the women, laugh and giggle a lot amongst themselves. They responded very well to a cheerful approach. One girl said they are like mirrors, they reflect back what you give out.

I think as a westerner you have to be prepared to make a bit of an fool of yourself but then everyone likes you for at least trying.

We had about two words of Japanese but we had a lot of fun! We did have some amazing experiences. Walking the Nakasendo way with Paul Christie was very special because Paul is so knowledgeable and we really were in Japan.
The hosts at the inns where we stayed spoke no english at all but we had such a good time.

We spent one evening in a Ryokan sitting round the fire which was in a pit in the centre of the room.

The Sake was heated in the kettle hanging over the fire and our host sang us local folk songs. Truly amazing. I believe Deirdre has a picture of the event. I can only send a photo of a similar room that we saw on the trip and one of Tsumago a post town on the route.

Staying with the monks at Shojoshin-in at Koyasan was also amazing. It is avery beautiful place as the picture shows.
We also participated in some amazing ceremonies to do with Kobo Daishu's eternal meditation (we think) involving a procession of monks, tea ceremony and ikebana in the wonderful setting of the Garan.

Love Kristina in April 2006