Before leaving Kyoto though, we visited one last temple, the Sanjusangen-do or Rengeo-in Temple. There were 1001 Kannon statues lining on side of the hall, and in front of them 28 statues of different gods that were placed in front of them. Apparently if you look hard enough, it is said that you can find your own face within the 1001 statues, and I think I found one that resembled my younger brother. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take any pictures. The main building itself is over 900 years old, and seems to be standing strong. It was built on alternating layers of stone in case if earthquakes.
We then left for the Osaka hot springs and had a boxed lunch on the bus. The boxed lunch was different from what we've been having in that it was a much more creamier than what we've usually been having. It didn't really sit well with me. But I ate it nonetheless.
We arrived at the hot springs, which really was just a large public bath house. Part of me was not really feeling it because you were not allowed to wear a bathing suit, but I am here to experience the culture, and I'll say, it was definitely an experience. What i appreciate the most is that it really is figured out, they provide the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, as well as sanitized combs, brushes, cleanser, toner, and moisturizer for your face, hair dryers, and mirrors. It is definitely something you don't see much if at all in the states. Apparently there is one at Princeton. It would be interesting to see the public reaction to one opening up in a major US city. The building itself held (by the way of course men and women were separated) hot baths, cold baths, hot saunas (my favorite), mud bath, carbon dioxide baths, single bucket baths, waterfall seat, and the one that left the most impression, the fish bath for your feet. That I must say, was the most interesting sensation I have ever felt. There was a tub full of fish, I'm not quite sure what kind they were, but you put your feet in for ten minutes as the fish gravitate and begin to feed off of them. It tickled very much, and the sensation when they found their way in between and under your toes was "uncomfortable," for lack of a better word. I didn't realize it before I put my socks back on, but my feet had become very soft from the ten minute soak. Quite a giggly moment.
On the way out, Professor Glassman pointed out to me the clouds which were breathtaking and you don't see much in the states. They are called fish scale clouds, and are just incredible.
The views driving through the mountain are just stunning, the clouds really set the tone, but the rolling mountains are just a site to see, even from the highway looking at buildings, you can see the mountains in the background.
I am finally seeing the tall skyscrapers that you see a lot in big cities, they don't look too different around here, but there are some that are amazing and interesting.
Little did I know while writing the last paragraph, we were heading straight for the city for the night. The bus stopped right on the street and we were told to grab all of our things. How exciting it is to be in a bustling city once again. The juxtaposition between where we were the last few nights to where we are now is truly like night and day. We went from very traditional religious Japan, to modern Japanese pop culture.
Tonight, we are staying at the Best Western Osaka, and on top of that, we each get our own rooms. I find it pretty exciting that I get a queen size bed all to myself. And yes, I did say bed and not floor mat. It is quite different than lodging with 3 other woman. The room is quite tight, but they make it work well. There are light switches in every which direction you can think of, maximizing the amount of laziness you wish to pursue. This time the room has automatic locking doors that you enter through a key card, an you insert into the wall to turn on the lights and tell the room that you are there.
The room comes packed with toiletries and to my surprise, the same shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that the modern temple lodging had. Also the fancy toilet and slippers that you can take home with you.
There was no set place that we were going to for dinner,so we walked around for a bit until we found some place suitable.
We ended up at a tapanyaki place I believe and we ate yaki soba and assorted appetizers. I saw Changmin and Yunho (KPOP band TVXQ) on tv, and YuXin and I had a fan girl moment. The food took quite a while to get out so we didn't have as much time as we'd hoped to explore the city. I hear we have another night here towards the end of the trip so it's not too bad. While waiting for our food, I had a great conversation with Maya, whom I didn't have the chance to interact with a lot throughout this trip so far. I feel like each day, I get to know someone in the class a little more, and I find that I am surrounded by a group of very interesting, intelligent, and quirky people of whom I am starting to grow fond of.
I don't know what it is about the night scenery of Japan, but I find it captivating, and I am slowly realizing that I am easily intrigued by many little things. Our group found a main street that reminded me of time square, and even though I haven't been there before, it evokes that feeling of grandeur, liveliness, and a large feeling of shopping. If you see something on your left, you will miss something on your right. The shops were beginning to close as we first made our way through the streets, but we somehow managed to explore for two hours. Night life in Osaka is very interesting to watch as an onlooker. Looking at how the Japanese girls were dressed, I felt completely under dressed for the night. But the styling is just different. The hair is cutesy and a bit over the top, and the who night scene was just very stimulating.
I spent the bulk of my time at a book store looking for posters and Naruto paraphernalia for my brother, but to no avail. I did see a rack full of KPOP CDs, and didn't realize how much of a fan I was until this moment. This really can't be too good. ;)
I have no clue where we are going in the morning, I think it might be Koyasan, from what I hear, we are just going to a cold cold place.
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