Japan

[ellenkushner]

Greetings from Tokyo, where we have landed after a blissful day & night in Nara, where the deer really do roam free & eat from your hand. We stayed in a tiny cottage with a thatched roof in a traditional ryokan right in the park, with extra deer outside our window. Why we pay extra for sleeping on the floor is beyond me, but we do and gladly. Must have something to do with the fact that elaborate meals are served on a little table in your room before they lay the bedding down. Photos to come, someday.

It is amazingly hot & humid here. I have gone native, and mop at my brow (and face and neck) with a small washcloth - mine, however, is printed with an image of "Hello Kitty" sitting cosily in the beneficent lap of the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Nara. So worth it.

deliasherman is busy telling you about the rest of the trip, so I'll go away now and let her. Actually, it's time to go sleep on the floor again. Tomorrow morning we're going to 3 hours of Kabuki - yay! It should be air conditioned. And have Snacks.

Shanah Tovah.

Comments

[chaoticgoodnik.livejournal.com]

I kick myself for not asking this before, but for some reason it failed to click in my brain until now: are you going to see any Takarazuka (http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/index.html) while you're there? (It's an all-female musical revue troupe.)

[ellen-kushner.livejournal.com]

My dear - we've been trying to get Takarazuka tix for years! Delighted to say we've finally scored, thanks to our wonderful Tokyo goddess Mari Kotani, and will be seeing the Tuesday matinee of Valencian Passion (http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/tt_stage.html). Can hardly wait. (Though tomorrow should be good, too: our trip to Studio Ghibli! At last!!)

For those who wonder what the hell we're talking about, check out the documentary Dream Girls (http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c215.shtml).

[contrarywise]

Nara is wonderful. I was there for 2 days in 2001 as part of a 10-day trip around Western Honshu. I came back with a plushie Daibutsu as my Nara souvenir, but your Hello Kitty washcloth sounds marvelous.

[ellen-kushner.livejournal.com]

I took far too many photos of Daibutsu, but it is a wonderful thing.

[waccawheels.livejournal.com]

It's lovely to hear that you are enjoying your stay in Japan. And, wow, how native you have become-- using Daibutsu Kitty hand-towel (that's how we call those washcloths in Japan, you know) on a daily basis! *g*

Oh, I'm sorry for commenting randomly-- I was one of volunteer staff at the Nippon2007, and had the pleasure of being able to talk to you in the Art Show venue (when you were there with Hicaru.)

Anyway, enjoy Kabuki-- I'm sure it's air conditioned. ;)

[ellen-kushner.livejournal.com]

How delightful to hear from you! It was a pleasure to meet you at Nippon2007. "Hand-towel" - got it! Thanks!

Kabuki was wonderful - now on to Studio Ghibli and Takarazuka! We leave on Wednesday - so much pleasure to enjoy before then!

[squidflakes.livejournal.com]

Happy (belated) Jew Year!