In my last post, I informed you all that I would soon have a long break. I then promised to catch up on my lack of blog posts for the first semester. Despite being on a 2 and a half month break from school, lately I feel like I have been even busier than ever.
Today, I began a 2 week sightseeing trip. I rode a high speed bullet train 400 km west and arrived in Kyoto at around 2PM. Having become accustomed to the crowds of Tokyo, I was immediately surprised to find Kyoto to be very relaxed. I was also surprised at the lack of skyscrapers. Not that I am bothered by it, but when I walk around outside I can actually look up and see mountains and hills in the distance. Although I really enjoy Tokyo, sometimes it can feel slightly claustrophobic.
From about 2:30 PM until 9 PM, I walked around. Tomorrow, one of my friends is meeting me in Kyoto, but today I was ridin' solo. All alone for nearly 7 hours, I just walked around. I never really felt lonely. For one, I am not the type of person that needs to be around people at all times. Another reason is that I am experiencing Kyoto for the first time.
Today, I began a 2 week sightseeing trip. I rode a high speed bullet train 400 km west and arrived in Kyoto at around 2PM. Having become accustomed to the crowds of Tokyo, I was immediately surprised to find Kyoto to be very relaxed. I was also surprised at the lack of skyscrapers. Not that I am bothered by it, but when I walk around outside I can actually look up and see mountains and hills in the distance. Although I really enjoy Tokyo, sometimes it can feel slightly claustrophobic.
From about 2:30 PM until 9 PM, I walked around. Tomorrow, one of my friends is meeting me in Kyoto, but today I was ridin' solo. All alone for nearly 7 hours, I just walked around. I never really felt lonely. For one, I am not the type of person that needs to be around people at all times. Another reason is that I am experiencing Kyoto for the first time.
Everything is new, everything is fresh.
I love having these types of experiences. Not knowing anyone or anything. Some may feel uncomfortable in this type of situation, and I can understand that. However, for some reason that uncomfortable feeling gives me a rush. It's like I'm living out an adventure.
I love having these types of experiences. Not knowing anyone or anything. Some may feel uncomfortable in this type of situation, and I can understand that. However, for some reason that uncomfortable feeling gives me a rush. It's like I'm living out an adventure.
A lot of times when people engage in activities, the reason it is fun is because they are with those they care about to share the experiences with. When you are alone, your only companions are your own thoughts. It might seem scary, but it really isn't. When you are by yourself, you are free from any other person's perspective. You do not have to agree or disagree about anything. You can just observe things in their pure, natural form. Your experience is then determind by your own judement.
Truthfully, it wasn't like I lacked human interaction the entire day. In fact, at a temple I visited I had a conversation with two girls from a nearby city who were also there sightseeing. Having lived in Japan for around 5 months now, I am no longer nervous when it comes to using my Japanese. I am nowhere near fluent, but I have come to accept that fact. I speak the best I can, and usually receive praise for trying my hardest to communicate. I have never had anyone give me the cold shoulder or say anything negative about my language skills.
So, here I am in Kyoto.
The first temple I visited is usually regarded as the most famous attraction in this city. It is known as Kiyomizu Temple. I am really tired so I am not going to going to spend much time on explanations, but this temple and the surrounding area really made me feel like i jumped back in time about 500 years. I will try to explain more about Kyoto when I have time, but for now here are some pictures.
