RPG

Now for an expression that comes from my ultimately nerdy core. The more time I spend in rural Japan, the more I feel like a character in an RPG video game. Juxtapositions of the old and the new, so many historical sites, beautiful parks, and drastic changes of scenery from mountains to forest to beaches and parks. I'm always exploring new places, seeing new things, and meeting and talking with local people using the little Japanese that I know. Not only that but get this, the shopping street in Shingu has outdoor speakers that play light jazz. So whether one is just on a stroll, running daily errands or just doing some leisurely shopping, there's always that comforting, small-town background music running in the background of daily life. (There is even a toy weapon shop just down the street from where I live, not to mention a hand full of item shops in the area, although I have yet to find an armory). I could go on, but enough about the RPG analogy.

How many people can say they get hugs after  they've finished a shift at work... well I can. Yesterday I got up bright and early to catch the train to Shingu for for three-hour private lesson... And it was so much fun! A morning full of sailor moon, bento, and games, dancing and laughs followed by a big hug when it was time to go... days like these make me think I have the best job ever!


 
Having made the trip to Shingu to work on a Saturday, I figured I'd best spend the afternoon visiting some of the city sites I hadn't yet had the chance to visit. Fist stop was Jofuku Park. Jofuku was a Chinese explorer who came to Japan during the 3rd century BC, and is said to have brought Chinese culture to Japan. A very friendly woman who tended the park offered me an information pamphlet and some shade to sit under while I read through. These kinds of small friendly gestures of hospitality are becoming more common the more time I spend here, and its these small interactions and experiences that can really make one's day. Overall, a small park but worth-while and very pleasant visit.


Next stop was Shingu Castle Ruins. I really wasn't sure what to expect in coming here. Many of the pictures I had seen before coming certainly did not do the place justice and while I wandered the old castle grounds I found that I too was unable to capture the essence of the beautiful ruins. They offered a quiet peacefulness and a fragrant woodland smell I haven't encountered elsewhere during my time here. In fact, I was only one of two people enjoying the place! Since all of the informational monuments were written in Japanese, I wasn't able to learn much about the history and significance of the monuments that were erected there. Despite this, the ruins offered a spectacular view of the Kumano River, and I was fortunate enough to catch a close up glimpse of a pair of Japanese golden eagles flying just overhead. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera out at the time and couldn't catch a photograph. Of all the places I've visited, this is certainly one that I most enjoyed. I dunno, there was just something about the serene atmosphere that really stuck with me. I'm going to make a point to return during the fall to check out the autumn leaves.

Hayatama Taisha Shrine

The last stop for the day was Hayatama Taisha Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano.  While the structures themselves are rebuilt every 20 years in Shinto tradition, the site itself dates back to at least the 12th century. The shrine is a place of warship to the Gods who descended to earth at a nearby location centuries ago. This was my first visit to one of the Grand Shrines of Kumano and I'm looking forward to visiting the other two. My day was not complete without a tasted of some Haagen-dazs murasaki imo (purple yam) Ice cream, which yes, tasted just like a purple yam in ice cream form. I'm not sure if I'll be having it again in the future...but the flavour was unique to say the least. Next stop Nachi Taisha!