2008年3月15日土曜日

Kyoto!!!

I'm supposed to be working on design documents right now, but I'm going to take a moment to update the world at large on what's kickin' here in Osaka. Picture, if you will: a palm tree. Past it you can see an industrial harbor, with a large smokestack puffing white clouds straight up into the air - blue water, blue sky. To my right, a hiragana/katakana chart, photos of friends and family. To my left, a Skype brainstorming session. Through the open window, you can hear music drifting up from today's motorcycle expo taking place on the outdoor patio of the Asian Trade Center.

Yesterday, we went to Kyoto. Before I ever arrived in Japan, this was the city I most wanted to visit. Turns out, it's only an hour or so by train. I intend to be there as many Sundays as possible. I can't imagine there are many places on earth that are better for going to "church." :)

(Sorry, Dad.)

Kyoto is totally different from Osaka. My Japanese history's pretty shaky, but I do know that it was the capital of Japan for a long time - Tokyo's role as capital is surprisingly recent. So many temples. So many high-quality souvenir shops. If my budget can possibly allow it, I want to rent a kimono and get all dolled up geisha/maiko style and wander around Kyoto in little wooden shoes. Which means, of course, I'll need to buy a fan... maybe some hair doo-dads.... these things are essential, you understand. Not frivolous at all.

Pictures and other team members' takes on Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo, and Kobe may (or may not) be coming soon.

Also, the weather's warming up to something like springish; life is good.