It was the longest 'domestic' travel we've done since settling down in rural Japan. 9 days of Tottori, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Koyasan did us in. The Spouse ended up puking in the wee hours on the night we got home. Funny.
It was tiring. And possibly the Spouse could truly attest to HOW tiring it was, given that he took it upon himself to be the appointed one lugging the burden we shared in the form of a green pull-luggage. At times we seemed like enthusiastic, gungho tourists; at others, we probably looked like deadbeat travellers dragging our feet everywhere we went. Nevertheless, it was a trip of varied experiences.
We braved the typhoon-like blaze of winds from the Sea of Japan to catch a 5-minute glimpse of the famous sand dunes in Tottori. Rather disappointing, but it could really be a user-problem to be going there in the zettai (absolutely) wrong season. Tottori was also where our Tottori-an friend treated us to a fabulously delicious meal of the kanis (crabs) which are now in season, and disgustingly worthwhile dinner set of fresh fish in the fish port market itself.
After a most relaxing homestay in Tottori, the cheap guesthouse we opted for in Kyoto (to save money) somewhat took me aback. Old and dim, with every creaks that could be heard throughout the entire house, and a heater that we were told to switch off when we went to bed. I nevertheless thank God that the place was warm and comfortable with hot shower. And nothing could beat the thrill of ushering in the new year in the old capital of Japan.
Nara was quaint and small, the greatest attraction being the deers that roam free in the parks and streets. They seem to hang out only in areas where there are tourists who pay 150yen for senbei (Japanese crackers) to feed them though.
My greatest learning point was in Osaka. Bustling, busy, noisy, with swift movements of the crowds on the streets and everywhere. Food and stuff were being hawkered everywhere. No worries of not finding food or places to hang out 24/7. This was the city to do people-watching and observe the oddest or most peculiar of this generation.
I disliked Osaka. Almost immediately.
The fast-moving crowds were rude and cold (no sumimasens!). The service staff of an expensive cafe we went to showed us our table with a minimal gesture (I thought I saw the whites of her eyes). Food was everywhere but quality was uniformly lacking. It was a city that reminded me of once upon a time when I was living in China. A city of dwellers striving to make a living, and hence compromising on the quality and standards of every produce. Every yaki-item tasted the same, the flavour of every dish ordered was difficult to differentiate, even the kare (curry) just smelled... salty.
God separated man with languages at the Tower of Babel. God commanded us in the bible to keep churches small and independent. The principles behind big congregations truly hit me then in Osaka. For every city that grew in population, the necessary evils follow it. People seem to just get lost in the overwhelming throngs of minds and bodies that compete for every inch of space that is available for survival. Beliefs and ideas become warped, dressing and appearances become androgynous, families and society becomes dysfunctional~
I'd rather be that small sparrow that He keeps His eye on, than the loud "roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
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