1/27/06: Nara
Yesterday in one of Stephen's English classes, the kids were doing a lesson out of the book that was written (poorly) in the style of a reporter. All in Japanese, of course, the teacher asked the students if they could provide a verbal example given in the same style. One kid raised his hand and said, "Hello, this is Kitano. I am reporting from in front of the bathroom and someone is pooping."
I went to Nara, but unfortunately a bit late. In Nara, university students love to practice their English by acting as guides to visitors. Apparently, this is an awesome experience and makes Nara much more interesting. I, however, missed all of the English guides, and since everyone assumes that I'm Japanese, I couldn't snag one on the way to sights. Boo to that; I was incredibly dissappointed. Anyway, short one guide, I went 
and visited the 5 story pagoda, which was, really, just that. Stopped by the Kofukuji Temple and was not impressed in the least- it was still under construction. I was surprised by how pushy those deer were, though. First, they were everywhere. Walking all over the entrances and areas out in front of the pagodas, and all over the street. And second, they freaked out when I was getting batteries out of my bag, assuming it was food, and started butting me in the back with their heads. They're mother fucking big. I assume that this is why someone took the time to catch every buck and file down their horns. They missed a few of the little ones. I wonder if that ever ends painfully. So then, I made my way to Todaiji Temple, home to the giant Buddhas. Walking up the path, I was watching a yam vendor [photo] when I heard a motor. I saw an old Japanese man trying to make his way through the deer crowd on his motorcycle. Clearly, he hated them because when he manuvered around one deer, he kicked it as hard as he could as he went by. It was fantastic. The deer had no idea it was coming and jumped. [photo: red arrow points to where and which deer he kicked] Once in Todaiji, it was spectacular. Although rebuilt like every other shrine or temple in Japan, the temple is still incredibly huge 
(but scaled down from the original) and is the largest wooden structure in the world [photo]. There are two Buddhas, one made of copper and a smaller one made of gold [photo x2]. Pictures are allowed, and many people there pray. I was so excited about being able to take pictures that I missed the Buddha nostril they have out. The nostril is the same size as the one on copper Buddha, and people try to fit through it for scale/perspective. I'm told that David got stuck and had several people pull him out. 
I, however, completely missed it (didn't see anyone trying it). Another disappointment. After gawking at the buddhas for a while, I went to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which was beautiful. This shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Nara, and is known for its thousands of lanterns. Bright orange, Kasuga Taisha is set in a lush forest without deer (which is nice and appropriate, I think). I really wanted to see their botanical garden, but had a hell of a time trying to find it, as signs were pointing me in all sorts of directions (I hate their signs). When I finally found it, I peeked inside and immediately decided not to pay 700 yen to see it; I could only see the front of the garden, but what I saw was a long table with pots of flowers still in their buds. Not great. All in all, Nara did not take an incredibly long time (it's a fairly small city), so I went home kind of early (about 3 pm), 
stopping by Mos Burger first! Mos Burger was great. There were a group of kids from England there who were annoying has hell, although I suppose being in high school does that to people, but the burgers at Mos Burger were delicious. The Mos Cheeseburger is essentially a regular 
cheeseburger with spaghetti sauce on it. I haven't tried the Terriyaki Burger yet, but I've heard it's also good (without mayonnaise). Back at the Utano House, I got to try on a kimono [photo]. There was a woman who helped dress me in her grandmother's black summer kimono. It was beautiful, and fun to try on. I had never realized how hard walking in a kimono is; I could only take short, little steps, and it took me a while to walk down the hall. Apparently, it's fairly common to wear a casual kimono just to go out shopping, although there are also elaborate ritual kimonos for important occasions.
Picture of the Day: Lady in Kimono and her friend on the train to Nara (I don't think they knew I was taking a picture).
I went to Nara, but unfortunately a bit late. In Nara, university students love to practice their English by acting as guides to visitors. Apparently, this is an awesome experience and makes Nara much more interesting. I, however, missed all of the English guides, and since everyone assumes that I'm Japanese, I couldn't snag one on the way to sights. Boo to that; I was incredibly dissappointed. Anyway, short one guide, I went 
and visited the 5 story pagoda, which was, really, just that. Stopped by the Kofukuji Temple and was not impressed in the least- it was still under construction. I was surprised by how pushy those deer were, though. First, they were everywhere. Walking all over the entrances and areas out in front of the pagodas, and all over the street. And second, they freaked out when I was getting batteries out of my bag, assuming it was food, and started butting me in the back with their heads. They're mother fucking big. I assume that this is why someone took the time to catch every buck and file down their horns. They missed a few of the little ones. I wonder if that ever ends painfully. So then, I made my way to Todaiji Temple, home to the giant Buddhas. Walking up the path, I was watching a yam vendor [photo] when I heard a motor. I saw an old Japanese man trying to make his way through the deer crowd on his motorcycle. Clearly, he hated them because when he manuvered around one deer, he kicked it as hard as he could as he went by. It was fantastic. The deer had no idea it was coming and jumped. [photo: red arrow points to where and which deer he kicked] Once in Todaiji, it was spectacular. Although rebuilt like every other shrine or temple in Japan, the temple is still incredibly huge 
(but scaled down from the original) and is the largest wooden structure in the world [photo]. There are two Buddhas, one made of copper and a smaller one made of gold [photo x2]. Pictures are allowed, and many people there pray. I was so excited about being able to take pictures that I missed the Buddha nostril they have out. The nostril is the same size as the one on copper Buddha, and people try to fit through it for scale/perspective. I'm told that David got stuck and had several people pull him out. 
I, however, completely missed it (didn't see anyone trying it). Another disappointment. After gawking at the buddhas for a while, I went to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which was beautiful. This shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Nara, and is known for its thousands of lanterns. Bright orange, Kasuga Taisha is set in a lush forest without deer (which is nice and appropriate, I think). I really wanted to see their botanical garden, but had a hell of a time trying to find it, as signs were pointing me in all sorts of directions (I hate their signs). When I finally found it, I peeked inside and immediately decided not to pay 700 yen to see it; I could only see the front of the garden, but what I saw was a long table with pots of flowers still in their buds. Not great. All in all, Nara did not take an incredibly long time (it's a fairly small city), so I went home kind of early (about 3 pm), 
stopping by Mos Burger first! Mos Burger was great. There were a group of kids from England there who were annoying has hell, although I suppose being in high school does that to people, but the burgers at Mos Burger were delicious. The Mos Cheeseburger is essentially a regular 
cheeseburger with spaghetti sauce on it. I haven't tried the Terriyaki Burger yet, but I've heard it's also good (without mayonnaise). Back at the Utano House, I got to try on a kimono [photo]. There was a woman who helped dress me in her grandmother's black summer kimono. It was beautiful, and fun to try on. I had never realized how hard walking in a kimono is; I could only take short, little steps, and it took me a while to walk down the hall. Apparently, it's fairly common to wear a casual kimono just to go out shopping, although there are also elaborate ritual kimonos for important occasions.
Picture of the Day: Lady in Kimono and her friend on the train to Nara (I don't think they knew I was taking a picture).
posted by Kittiej4 at 10:16 AM
1 Comments:
Amazing! Makes me wish I could have gone. And then I see how cold it is and I sometimes reconsider. You've taken some reeeeally good pictures, by the way!
Post a Comment
<< Home