shutterbugISm

as the saying goes: "time flies when you are having fun." well, it has been an amazing trip to say the least.

We were extremely blessed that we haven't met with any mishap of any kind during our stay and we were thankful for God's protection when Typhoon No.20 disrupted some of the railway lines but not on the day that we were to use them.

We were blessed with very good weather except for the day when we moved from Kyoto to Tokyo where it rained rather heavily since morning till late in the night (kinda spoils the mood to go walking in super crowded areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Even then, we feel blessed for the day that it rained coz we learnt the comforts of a good venti sized Starbucks Caffe Mocha while people-watching behind rain-splashed windows.

Thoughts about Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo? I guess there are a lot interesting practices that I have personally observed.

One thing: it's really safe to be out late except in places like Kabukicho (for those who know the place; we just went to see-see :D) where it can get a little shady here and there and yes, there are Yakuza henchmen around although they are not that obvious until upclose. There is a certain craziness yet organised order to things everywhere in Japan... moronic description yes but it's true.

Dressing for instance.. you can see ladies decked out in all kinds of clothes but after a while, there's a certain pattern and style that is common to all. Seems that open-toed sandals are not at all worn in Autumn (99% of time, all the ladies wear covered shoes/ boots/ pumps), only 1% can't care less.

Dressing right is the order in Japan also. It's quite easy to recognise whether you are Japanese or a tourist, Tokyolites from Kyotolites... Men who worked in offices will always be decked in 2 -3 piece suits, complete with briefcase or a leather portfolio. The only craziness trait amongst them is the hairstyle and their handphones. Order in Disorderiness.

Frankly I missed Kyoto the most.. the beautiful gardens and temples are a place where you really enjoy the zen of life.. an area of peace where you escape temporarily from the chaotic pace outside. We also walked alot.. walking is really good exercise as reported in TODAY (30th Oct 2007). Unlike Taipei where there are many roadside foodstalls to tempt you with food, in Japan, food are plenty healthy and rather balanced.

Tokyo.. ha! a really different pace of life from Kyoto or Osaka. It moves like a runner's rhythm .. there's always people racing here and there.. subways are always packed, road crossings are like the starters' line in a sprint... neon lights and high floors of shopping blaze the evenings, often complimented by shouts of "Irrashai!", pachinko palours with their loud chaotic music and deafening machine sounds... where quiet corners are punctuated with loud gaffaws and the casual conversations of businessmen in small drinking dens.

well, we both kinda missed it already when we were on the train to Narita... there will be a next trip for sure :D

for now, it's pictures to savour the moment :)

Labels: Japan, Thoughts, Us

Posted by ShutterBug on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 02:41 | Permalink