3rd day in Kyoto. We originally wanted to go off to the museums but then realised that a lot of things were shut due to the oncoming new year celebrations. So we spontaneously made our way to Nara. I really wanted to go, because I was told by Tom that it's really beautiful. He was right! The town itself, was quite lovely too! Lots of small streets with omiyage shops. We walked up towards the park, and were confronted by a lot of deers...all over the place. They were very tame though and pretty uninterested in us, apart from the possibility of food. We happened upon this temple which looked quite chinese really. We were mesmerized by this Monk doing calligraphy for a customer. Apparently it is custom to have a book or a pad of sorts, and go to every temple to have this calligraphy prayer (?) done. It's like a reminder of every temple I suppose? It's amazing how fluid this monk was moving..the strokes were a piece of art everytime. He was writing for this older man. Halfway through the man turned to me and offered me his second pad/board thing. he said "Please, a gift". I was so honoured! So I had my own calligraphy prayer/souvenir done too. I love this country!!! We then walked through the wood to another temple, and found gorgeous strange looking trees on the way.
I really suggest Nara as a place to visit. If you like beautiful nature and "older Japan".
1 comment:
Going to sound a bit odd, but would love to see a photo of the calligraphy you had done. Was forced to do it when I was young and was never much good at it. (Do appreciate it will be in Japanese not English! lol)
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