Today, the group traveled about 1.5 hours by bus to the remote area of Mt. Koya. The small village is an epicenter of religous practice (Shinto and Buddhism) and is scattered with shrines, temples, and monastaries. We toured many of the most famous ones, wandered around the town, and were guided to the best and most interesting sites by a great English-speaking guide. Our lunch was a traditional feast put on by a local group of monks at their monastary/restraunt/dining hall. We sat crosslegged on pillows and ate a variety of things nobody was too sure about--all vegetarian, all interesting. Most of us thought it was pretty good. At the very least, it was filling. Following lunch, we spent a good 1.5 hours on a guided wander through a massive, forrested cemetary that dates back hundreds (thousands?) of years...lots of traditional statues, tombs, shrines, and temples along the way. It was beautiful in its own haunting, mysterious way. After that, it was another 1.5 hour bus ride back to school and then back home with the host families.
The weather here is starting to go sour. Actually, a typhoon is supposed to hit this weekend. Not to worry though, I've been told repeatedly that all we can expect here in Naga is some heavy rain and maybe a little wind. It should be a bit of an adventure...
4 comments:
You're lucky we like you. A tsunami? It's a typhoon.
:P
Oops! I did originally write "Tsunami"...I corrected it. Don't worry, no tidal waves are expected to hit anytime soon.
Unless there is an earthquake off the coast of Wakayama--where we are. Seismic activity is incredibly common out here and...well...I wouldn't be surprised. It could be exciting. :D
Well, I feel like an ass. I mention the likelihood of an earthquake and what happens two days later? Japan has itself a pretty big shake. I knew I was god, but...damn.
Post a Comment