You know you really have to applaud the Japanese and their government when you see children as young as kindergartners walk safely on their own to school. In Malaysia, that was probably the scene some good forty years back and it ain't baffling me at all why we can no longer emulate or maintain this culture. You're a smart one. Or you can just use Nayati's kidnapping case as an example and go "Ohhh..." You must be kidding me, no I'm not. The anxiety level of safety in our country is on the rise after that, especially when it happened at a very posh neighborhood like Mont Kiara. Don't just talk about today, let's go back when I was a a schoolgirl myself. Mom used to see my bag (and back) swallowed by the school gates before leaving. Talk about changing for the worse...
Hot, hot, hot. Sorry to disappoint you but I was talking about the sun ray beaming down on us as we strolled through the highlight of this tour--the Shirakawa Village. If there ever is a young 'hot' guy in this village, he has to be on vacation too from a faraway land. As far as I'm concerned, the men here are either fixing roofs or pruning trees. This UNESCO World Heritage site is my favorite village hands down because of the unique exterior of the houses and scenic landscape surrounding this place. While it may look a whole lot more magical in winter, dare I say I'd move in here if I can, the simplicity of life in the rural area can provide some hefty comfort. As per itinerary states, the houses bear a steep sixty degrees sloped thatched roof (in the form of hands held in prayer) to ease the removal of heavy snow. Now that's what I call smart 'architecturing'.
There're fishes in the
longkang, a snowy mountain in the backdrop, and
sakura trees providing shade; it is quite disappointing we weren't able to stay for the night. But, Ah Du is nice enough to let us spend two hours loitering about, exploring the souvenir shops and the local eateries. I was more interested in snooping about looking at bridges, stairs, dogs and
sake (rice wine). Had a good ice cream and a soft adzuki pancake. It is by noon that the sun decided to shower its love and affection as the aunties in the group began to suffer from the heat and blamed it on Ah Du. Quote, he should have warned us about the temperature! For once, I pity our local guide. If only I teach him how to do the rain dance. Hm...nah, he'll survive.
Continuing with more camera friendly spots, we headed to Takayama Jinya. Another street so rich in history that my horse really needs to come find its master before she loses it. Meanwhile, a stroll around the merchants' houses revealed more alcoholic drinks, souvenir and food. Life is just too dang good when you're in Japan.
The red bridge nearby provides fantastic color contrast against the sakura flowers for photogs like my mom. When you throw in the water element, you know it's a WIN.
Ah, another off the checklist (flavors of ice cream I have to try before I die) when I stumbled on Ramune. The shopkeeper was nice enough to give me a discount, just cos I complimented on how tasty her beef manjuus were. ktsiong, if I ever caught you laughing at that statement, I swear...
Late update is late update.
Vonnie S.
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