Four months (and counting...) and I am not over that Japan trip. I cannot forget the love I felt for that country-its perfect transportation system, pedestrian-oriented networks and everything about the ecologically-sensitive master planned cities. Ohayo gozaimasu! Nothing beats my Japan December as one of the most memorable trips I had last year. Solace in that country was the norm and I can definitely imagine flying to Japan to have a break from my crazy daily's. Our particular Kyoto trip made me realize why I enjoyed Japan very much. (1) There is the nature wonderland that is the Bamboo Forest. For a girl who loves the countryside, the Bamboo Forest lit in its majestic form is a bucketlist view for me. Who would have guessed that something culturally scary (yup, we had that monster stories related to the bamboos back at home) will be so marvelous when seen like this. Lit, green, and just wow. Walked and thought why bother? Saw it and simply can't believe we're walking away from it. I would go back every year just to see the light festival at the forest all over again. (2) The foliage texture is "nga-nga" (drop jaw) material. Adding the colorful red's and yellow's in walkways let us marvel and look at each tree when we felt too tired walking. Add the fact that there were shades that were not common in the tropics and that arboriculture is taken seriously in the country. Almost all trees were structurally sound. (3) Historic images were surreal and to prove that, I went fangirl-ing over the famous "zenibachi". I finally saw the water trickle that I was inspired to add in some of my first design plates back in the university. I didn't know how crazy my Tsukubai layout looked like then, but seeing it in the flesh in Ryoan-ji, made me realize the real essence of location in planning these water features. You have to visit Japan to understand why cultural hearths is a prime component in planning and why we should take good care of these. (4) Ramen. Nothing as true as a home cooked ramen prepared for you. I haven't tasked anything close to that taste of ramen at a family-owned restaurant we visited at Kyoto. In Japan, they value family-owned community business that I realize how essential it is to try one at Kyoto (Value= not exactly cheap food like our carinderia in Manila). When we walked towards this unit, we were too hungry to actually realize that this was the perfect stop. We paid at a family-owned vendo machine, we gave our coupons to an old man, a few minutes after we were seated, food was served. Upon seeing the meal, I know I was in tummy heaven. Best greasy meal for a very cold December. (5) and because just like the Golden Temple, every historic and relevant place in Japan is treated like gold. Visitors are culturally sensitive and locals are very welcoming. I'd post more about Japan but I guess I'd write about it more when I get that nostalgic juices going on again. Ta-ta!
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