tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74439890914844170182024-02-07T12:45:25.938+09:00Environment & SpiritualityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-22259591292952562692011-01-15T23:26:00.002+09:002011-01-15T23:28:17.598+09:00Snow at Kimino<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgcmPEwspiviA3kvimqxiuLwv_KFlFifibqGuJyTAPF0PhtFuPIh5wt0cCxV6igGpuJxw1t2IGWRcpguOnw-SwALSurD3-HR-AYxkXdIjNf6zwuaUC7pWyeMhuNgQ5ACoQloEvl5qBTo9/s1600/snow.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgcmPEwspiviA3kvimqxiuLwv_KFlFifibqGuJyTAPF0PhtFuPIh5wt0cCxV6igGpuJxw1t2IGWRcpguOnw-SwALSurD3-HR-AYxkXdIjNf6zwuaUC7pWyeMhuNgQ5ACoQloEvl5qBTo9/s320/snow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562419415258163810" /></a><br />Kimino was covered with snow as we descended from Machiko'sUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-17548150759375585862011-01-14T18:50:00.005+09:002011-01-14T19:07:25.751+09:00Jan 13-15<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKuKPfvGx_KWYl8AtjFh517-oen4fbnBoLrjxYenkTvGybrzzcNkJILIaz8b371pid_iR09lsll-fZzCOBUH7-LJElSJDDPQ0YSOB_4FWtqu8VNkimZ0Y7aSfxOPQfpKhykSkSBHfUn-4/s1600/P1110004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKuKPfvGx_KWYl8AtjFh517-oen4fbnBoLrjxYenkTvGybrzzcNkJILIaz8b371pid_iR09lsll-fZzCOBUH7-LJElSJDDPQ0YSOB_4FWtqu8VNkimZ0Y7aSfxOPQfpKhykSkSBHfUn-4/s320/P1110004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561979065661945362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4L0OZsDEKm4dqvCL5umj1OomK_xpTy8sjGbE8FwEsI_LGQuD4qZ_wJjOwolA3RBz-UiiOg77ibXrez5fDgD9bzvP186BKBFAhkDetbv18_vhxAob_h4a1crG7315lCQ1FazXRHESlFUy/s1600/P1110008.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4L0OZsDEKm4dqvCL5umj1OomK_xpTy8sjGbE8FwEsI_LGQuD4qZ_wJjOwolA3RBz-UiiOg77ibXrez5fDgD9bzvP186BKBFAhkDetbv18_vhxAob_h4a1crG7315lCQ1FazXRHESlFUy/s320/P1110008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561978940785679714" /></a><br />A fieldwork at Machiko Kuroda's Minka (farmhouse) in Kimino - working so hard, weeding, slashing vines, restoring trails and giving a good tidy up to the property. We also planted 5 chestnuts trees - so in 3 years time, we all should be back to taste the fruits of hard work! Machiko, a quilt artist, purchased this 90 year old house about 10 years ago. It was a major orchard, which had closed about 3 years before the purchase. She said her responsibility to this place was 'simply because she witnessed it' - perhaps that applies to all of us being on this planet today. Shima-san, a tea master, demonstrated tea and the significance of Inyo Gogyo (5 qualities of Ying and Yang - wood, fire, earth, metal, water), which is the base of many aspects of Japanese culture and influence harmony/balance of the world. Tea includes all 5 elements. Tea cakes, which we enjoy having tea, are to be enjoyed with all five senses, including the sound eg a sugar frosted green cake is called 'Snow on pine leaves" so we enjoy the imaginative sound of snow falling on pine trees. Shima-san explained that all these stories are becoming less known in Japan, including Go Sekku (5 seasonal dates), Jan 1, March, 3, May 5, July 7 and Sept 9 observed in Japanese life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-51036855489221408902011-01-12T21:25:00.005+09:002011-01-12T21:53:18.612+09:00Jan 12<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBq6_TNM9a_D4h3xp-wP4dUJ3bINmgqlS-ipj8fhe5mKLFriJAiBQjMDNA_MxEjiPrF1liq28SLTNoDOIW991ivwciKuqSw2Zh_trqPhGIyoFNZIdcQJrmG6s_twswpvAca-H4660nA5u/s1600/DSC_0603.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBq6_TNM9a_D4h3xp-wP4dUJ3bINmgqlS-ipj8fhe5mKLFriJAiBQjMDNA_MxEjiPrF1liq28SLTNoDOIW991ivwciKuqSw2Zh_trqPhGIyoFNZIdcQJrmG6s_twswpvAca-H4660nA5u/s320/DSC_0603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561281678065589938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dvg0NpUZh-5_IXEiqyXBMJBcS6QLbiqa52U34-8tCix5nc9rEyK1PIQIKnpMoRLWVyKsJ-NvgX-mbbNaAyRD0RAn3xFAKgtSWxWqNdjBlsv_j38N23tn-Zzgm-u8Vq2qIYJHoy8KmQ7o/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dvg0NpUZh-5_IXEiqyXBMJBcS6QLbiqa52U34-8tCix5nc9rEyK1PIQIKnpMoRLWVyKsJ-NvgX-mbbNaAyRD0RAn3xFAKgtSWxWqNdjBlsv_j38N23tn-Zzgm-u8Vq2qIYJHoy8KmQ7o/s320/DSC_0588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561281562049547746" /></a><br />At Wakayama Uni, we were welcomed by the students from Intercultural Communication class, who organised a small party. Salisbury group introduced their university, their major and interests. Nishida-san from the prefectural office kindly brought us ume juice. The Japanese students also brought snacks and drinks to share. After the class, we were invited to a tea ceremony, where students explained the meaning of tea and everyone had a chance to taste and make tea.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-46815430494951476222011-01-12T07:55:00.004+09:002011-01-12T21:57:28.084+09:00Jan 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiycpa0pVaTZyvfaVQF9YSrTx3pXTiShGUYODFk3gxS1xwNj6dxSCJYkE0_KYLiDIVBhjUTphL1HurpqXAwd6tjwAEJ1GI5qU5b2Rau4h8iDW24D-9zcL1mnXW0romYYRvqF-DVHJc0mf-/s1600/DSC_0274.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiycpa0pVaTZyvfaVQF9YSrTx3pXTiShGUYODFk3gxS1xwNj6dxSCJYkE0_KYLiDIVBhjUTphL1HurpqXAwd6tjwAEJ1GI5qU5b2Rau4h8iDW24D-9zcL1mnXW0romYYRvqF-DVHJc0mf-/s320/DSC_0274.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561282076530192914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNvzC_hnvssyBc0eFJCdv-EGJoDd9VNhD37l3K4s2i1-Q85NqxvbgJU2irA3DrQumgkwS6xg48yn-Vmnq8D66kZ61g2aWV95y6Bp5FpXOF_3W_3lQCsD3t7xXVTp1KvkkVtYqr1AmpCgA/s1600/DSC_0455.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNvzC_hnvssyBc0eFJCdv-EGJoDd9VNhD37l3K4s2i1-Q85NqxvbgJU2irA3DrQumgkwS6xg48yn-Vmnq8D66kZ61g2aWV95y6Bp5FpXOF_3W_3lQCsD3t7xXVTp1KvkkVtYqr1AmpCgA/s320/DSC_0455.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561281979120697634" /></a><br />The morning started with a very crisp - 10 degrees! but the day was sunny with blue sky. After a morning service at 7 and breakfast, we set out to a guided tour, lead by Yasu. Okuno-in was closed due to snow, but we were able to visit Kukai's mausoleum (Gobyo) and observed serving of meal at 10:30. The ritual is conducted everyday at 6am and 10:30am with a service that follows. Today the menus vary, even including Western style meals! It's also great to know that Buddha is concerned about the the climate change. After a free afternoon to explore the Koya more, we board bus home at 4. On the way home, we were able to stop at Nyu-tsu-hime Jinja, where Nyu-tsu-hime, the sister of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined. The remote shrine is also part of the world heritage.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-76408936348014847082011-01-12T07:39:00.004+09:002011-01-12T21:55:53.860+09:00Jan 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ta2IADHLYOmzvRN3Op-ZcBKXvLwVeUWWWkuxFJ_zSQpiBBwpwGbm0P0r6u2hiYvbhx7gfSOFBbWYilRoqT6sWGtu5XCJf3dPEEQt4YTbmlg8A9BgZZ8w8qRrV-FZQK-HIL3vuh6Qn3M/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34ta2IADHLYOmzvRN3Op-ZcBKXvLwVeUWWWkuxFJ_zSQpiBBwpwGbm0P0r6u2hiYvbhx7gfSOFBbWYilRoqT6sWGtu5XCJf3dPEEQt4YTbmlg8A9BgZZ8w8qRrV-FZQK-HIL3vuh6Qn3M/s320/DSC_0084.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561282347692142290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhEka56h3DXCivoMzInFNdWxZPdlEZLWnAmu0byiawbOJfDTQvNcCsKq_yOsHlO0SjHvZVQmWD48i6Y2ObT7-qaFw-97F8UrX51hP4bOy7ncC3m2w_FqPfeA76r_10q88UoSaFy8ADJR1/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhEka56h3DXCivoMzInFNdWxZPdlEZLWnAmu0byiawbOJfDTQvNcCsKq_yOsHlO0SjHvZVQmWD48i6Y2ObT7-qaFw-97F8UrX51hP4bOy7ncC3m2w_FqPfeA76r_10q88UoSaFy8ADJR1/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561282255824503362" /></a><br />Koyasan, the headquarter of Shingon Buddhism, is a temple town up on a 900m mountain. The trail leading up to Koya is the Cho-ishi-michi trail, starting at Jison-in Temple where Kukai's mother resided, as women were not allowed in Koya until late 19c. Jison-in is in the town of Kudoyama (lit. 9 times mountain), as it is said Kukai visited his mother 9 times a month. The Cho-ishi is a stone marker that marks the trail every 109m (cho), starting with No. 180 at Jison-in to No. 1 in Koya. So the trail is approx. 20km. Accompanied by Yasu, who works at Koyasan Tourist Information Centre, we all completed the walk up to Tate-ishi-chaya tea house, the 13km point. 5 of us walked the rest of the trail, mostly covered with snow, and the rest took bus to the temple we stayed - Yochi-in Temple. Yochi-in (lit. cherry blossom pond) is one of the higher ranked temples in Koya, which allowed to carry imperial crest, 16 petal chrysanthemum. The Sho-jin Ryori (temple vegetarian meal) was rather a feast contrary to our expectation. The deep sound of temple bell at 9 took us to a quiet sleep into the Koyasan night.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-66139276750677360142011-01-08T12:45:00.002+09:002011-01-08T12:47:42.451+09:00高野山ウォーク参加希望をいただいた高野山ウォークですが、積雪のため今回中止といたします。大変残念ですが12日にクラスでお会いしましょう。よろしくお願いします。Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-19214167818236544512011-01-08T11:06:00.004+09:002011-01-08T13:38:38.902+09:00Jan 8 & 9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPHRuABts1kwO1UsHLRGyTd6sdMoXDZFtf4BNrC3rNlqOGVNev_-fDSDBtllxblAqpBfqa6afyWU5TV9aH6RtRKIa-JDAD111hw4q03Wjy04HdW0Xb4p2Q6pZHAUsMBqQOhc2fliRATRd/s1600/gang.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPHRuABts1kwO1UsHLRGyTd6sdMoXDZFtf4BNrC3rNlqOGVNev_-fDSDBtllxblAqpBfqa6afyWU5TV9aH6RtRKIa-JDAD111hw4q03Wjy04HdW0Xb4p2Q6pZHAUsMBqQOhc2fliRATRd/s320/gang.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559669072525428354" /></a><br />A free weekend to explore places of individual interest. Some travel to Osaka, Kyoto and others explore vicinities of Wakayama or just rest and reflect.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-73263252936145482012011-01-08T10:41:00.007+09:002011-01-08T17:23:54.971+09:00Jan 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugzCvz3yhU1NBrdQb6N8vF-bcFJ5tIhIiacP49azLUOrN0QNhMYOP0XOlQtuUkvQULND4U0pgQLcRB_TB4TrZN-2yz5pRmxCu-1oDFdJARjBTmBrux4oOPAZAC388gt5ArYoQGgK4hFAO/s1600/Nachi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugzCvz3yhU1NBrdQb6N8vF-bcFJ5tIhIiacP49azLUOrN0QNhMYOP0XOlQtuUkvQULND4U0pgQLcRB_TB4TrZN-2yz5pRmxCu-1oDFdJARjBTmBrux4oOPAZAC388gt5ArYoQGgK4hFAO/s320/Nachi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559669638970677426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlowOu7vmuVbM7a0Ur8TpxzVJhsxa7vatnzkEDoODQgNT1LkQxa4fJddwJ_qi2FO3_gzIkr1qN3pZwt3GYkSi-ZDy8M7GLduNtwXrks_uts6Q5YgHEQIrBdLJbK_4gLgVkKG8id4_gYkC/s1600/Guji.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlowOu7vmuVbM7a0Ur8TpxzVJhsxa7vatnzkEDoODQgNT1LkQxa4fJddwJ_qi2FO3_gzIkr1qN3pZwt3GYkSi-ZDy8M7GLduNtwXrks_uts6Q5YgHEQIrBdLJbK_4gLgVkKG8id4_gYkC/s320/Guji.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559669513698546930" /></a><br />We paid visit to the other two of the Kumano Sanzan, the 3 Grand Shrines of Kumano - Hayatama and Nachi Taisha. Hayatama also has a Nagi Tree for a smooth and safe sailing (Nagi means 'stopping of the wind'). At Nachi Taisha, we were welcomed by the head priest Asahi Guji, who took us to the Main Shrine (Honden), Prayer Hall (Hai-den), Treasure Hall (Hoden) - we attended a formal prayer, where the New Year's dance was performed. Asahi Guji then gave us a talk about Shinto, specifically human-nature relationship and the meaning of 'do' - the way - the importance of expressing our gratitude by reflecting on our everyday, voicing being humble and expressing our gratitude. The walk - taking step by step to pay a respectful visit - is an ultimate way of expressing our gratitude. The talk reassured us the reason why we are taking this pilgrimage.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-55152368205545397542011-01-06T18:05:00.005+09:002011-01-08T10:41:25.456+09:00Jan 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT_o-1wnINJSPhhp6NShZk1grDyKyyjfTRmsdcyyXYkIHVBd21GdViuDTe0GkCx8J5vHTORevXQ4Qa2SDiSFNc47u2nXAZKSguw6WQrFl92n73CReuhn7XOMiu064o9ziSfQYhd2kFHHN/s1600/karasu.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT_o-1wnINJSPhhp6NShZk1grDyKyyjfTRmsdcyyXYkIHVBd21GdViuDTe0GkCx8J5vHTORevXQ4Qa2SDiSFNc47u2nXAZKSguw6WQrFl92n73CReuhn7XOMiu064o9ziSfQYhd2kFHHN/s320/karasu.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558998162069685042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yUQVD3wHZuxyypRurNHIp483tDNvXo84hJfnR_qnoNmtvqFYZMxIF6mLr4t_kaWKhWJkzcNnM95NuknVmOgWn4C-tPXT2qoSPmo6f7IgLYkA4K9t-BWe4jKyAal8EQGJXHG80dQ2iio8/s1600/tea.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yUQVD3wHZuxyypRurNHIp483tDNvXo84hJfnR_qnoNmtvqFYZMxIF6mLr4t_kaWKhWJkzcNnM95NuknVmOgWn4C-tPXT2qoSPmo6f7IgLYkA4K9t-BWe4jKyAal8EQGJXHG80dQ2iio8/s320/tea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558997740548880082" /></a><br />Starting early on a cold snowy morning of Chikatsuyu, we headed off to our destination Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. Some took the 25 hike and others started at Hosshinmon-gate after a bus ride. The hike took us through 3 mountains, cedar forests and creeks. From Hosshinmon, one of the entry ways to Hongu, gentle hills of tea plantations and village gardens welcomed us. The holy messenger of Kumano is a guardian 3-legged crow, Yatagarasu, which is also the logo of the Japan National Football Team. Some walked on to Yunomine spa, and all happily ended the day with a soak in the beautiful hot spring.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-64716818136196658752011-01-05T15:28:00.004+09:002011-01-05T15:39:12.261+09:00Jan 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYJhnZadJ1YBTILPam26QB24w9VEwcL2B7tp17gIT-LSUeuykKX2w_9un-ac55wx8fNZYDdNvHnOnl9jL9Jb5wO01aeL8CqT89efEIg_iDPiejgd1bf4jBUdpRHxMERCpImsGcGe4SUxm/s1600/Takahira.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYJhnZadJ1YBTILPam26QB24w9VEwcL2B7tp17gIT-LSUeuykKX2w_9un-ac55wx8fNZYDdNvHnOnl9jL9Jb5wO01aeL8CqT89efEIg_iDPiejgd1bf4jBUdpRHxMERCpImsGcGe4SUxm/s320/Takahira.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558586964749301826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtionFdrR-BaF7RrK29-rBLRSeJI-1H7z4FqEGnIPB_aowGSz_YhpwOcgp8wXfWOgdtIRzas5LlFhzQG_C69NXlkAGqv1kkA-HcW3ASvkPhqWTC2tbNLUr63JmUQsPlUwERCoZyUvPT2Z/s1600/P1020017.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtionFdrR-BaF7RrK29-rBLRSeJI-1H7z4FqEGnIPB_aowGSz_YhpwOcgp8wXfWOgdtIRzas5LlFhzQG_C69NXlkAGqv1kkA-HcW3ASvkPhqWTC2tbNLUr63JmUQsPlUwERCoZyUvPT2Z/s320/P1020017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558586659629917922" /></a><br />Leaving the heavenly Takahara, we set off our 9.3km hike mostly on the ridge to Chikatsuyu. Today's trail was a lot gentler than yesterday, some undulations but kind ones. Gentle sunshine warmed our trail with soft pine needles. Gyuba-doji, a statue of young emperor riding horse and cow, is the face of Nakaheji Trail just above Chikatsuyu village. Tomorrow we'll take a challenge of 24km to the Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and then onto the Yunomine Onsen, the oldest hot spring spa in Japan. It also include Tsubo-yu, the only world heritage listed hot spring.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-54464966861188683542011-01-04T15:46:00.006+09:002011-01-04T18:09:53.917+09:00Jan 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HgOBD4tkAGp0dsn5Cn_W0TGiDZT7-H9IQpHEmcgoiwI23TUxBDwnGXPlVN7wsjkW1ui7kYz_beGYTpuXd4yKoQVq4bLVIkDCCIJBjYc6k9Cjrzpcmkm1-Eld08Jj-qooYZwz6KZb3Oy2/s1600/takijiri.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HgOBD4tkAGp0dsn5Cn_W0TGiDZT7-H9IQpHEmcgoiwI23TUxBDwnGXPlVN7wsjkW1ui7kYz_beGYTpuXd4yKoQVq4bLVIkDCCIJBjYc6k9Cjrzpcmkm1-Eld08Jj-qooYZwz6KZb3Oy2/s320/takijiri.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558218926440812562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOAYBvdsrCLyElinLbkjqB46sh5yRJAaP5qeoE6iJjZEpCa3pNI-UHbz_X1MVrdqCKCPY58-htXBZLQpxOgnKTvuvC3aaG4dlCkj2uV0qOZWnmncbCTRoL8OGusimJn7tWXZ8V9jugZ_j/s1600/P1010002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOAYBvdsrCLyElinLbkjqB46sh5yRJAaP5qeoE6iJjZEpCa3pNI-UHbz_X1MVrdqCKCPY58-htXBZLQpxOgnKTvuvC3aaG4dlCkj2uV0qOZWnmncbCTRoL8OGusimJn7tWXZ8V9jugZ_j/s320/P1010002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558218698227658946" /></a>At Takijiri, the start of Nakaheji Trail, a poetic introduction to the Kumano-kodo was given to us by Yoshi, a smiling 61 year old who has lived at Takijiri all his life. From here our pilgrimage began. The ‘steep’ uphill was seriously steep but at the end of the day, at Takahara (High Plain) we were rewarded with an amazing sweeping view of Hatenashi (never-ending) Mountain Range on the border of Nara Prefecture. Takahara Shrine (blt 1391) is the oldest on this trail.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-28009666243158362562011-01-03T14:38:00.007+09:002011-01-03T22:02:12.431+09:00Jan 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AFB2M_opxeA2NPUxtlx2Vwtlakpmxoay4jg9-9yor2v1sKfuhB4XTXgOT_MVkb-E3MBjeik-UiSsVHdD-nYF2xuy0xR5suV0aDwGK0ITpdXE2YlLbWKn73C0u15tJun1XzxC90cUYFE/s1600/PC310004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AFB2M_opxeA2NPUxtlx2Vwtlakpmxoay4jg9-9yor2v1sKfuhB4XTXgOT_MVkb-E3MBjeik-UiSsVHdD-nYF2xuy0xR5suV0aDwGK0ITpdXE2YlLbWKn73C0u15tJun1XzxC90cUYFE/s320/PC310004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557830113014724610" /></a> An orientation session after a good night's sleep at Wakayama University City Campus. Director and officials from the Wakayama Prefectural Office (Cultural & International Affairs) were there to welcome us. After a relaxing afternoon, we'll be ready for a 4-day walk across Kumano-kodo - like Basho, who read the country with his haiku as Prof Hatley described to us, like indigenous Australians who draw 'songlines' of their country, we'll be singing, reading and feeling the landscape of Kii mountains from tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-86728993465469722842011-01-02T20:24:00.005+09:002011-01-02T20:34:22.320+09:00Jan 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WQBsZflou_gPx4wTUh02ryG6FOea-xJc39hp7piuZnrYgOsa-39BDf4-v262umMcr__6GjZV9Pv4HvCvEXr_HpJY0bD9_HORIJ54IbFHYd4yMU0hBOc_RRsGEZ1B3SQdPN1Cnq1ri77q/s1600/PC300003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WQBsZflou_gPx4wTUh02ryG6FOea-xJc39hp7piuZnrYgOsa-39BDf4-v262umMcr__6GjZV9Pv4HvCvEXr_HpJY0bD9_HORIJ54IbFHYd4yMU0hBOc_RRsGEZ1B3SQdPN1Cnq1ri77q/s320/PC300003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557548823484640546" /></a>The pilgrims have arrived! all safe and happy and ready to explore the new place, landscape, people and culture. Welcome to Japan! we are so honoured to have you in Wakayama on your first trip to Japan!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-20350165285909704102011-01-01T22:25:00.006+09:002011-02-04T16:49:06.618+09:00Jan 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ncP5dEPtE9BYhdDGVyiaGFSl9Z9jp_a5oqINT_rmLAz0qt7z5XEIh6nU4w1MIGvJ6N-zTv2cEYiQNfmHwJqXoeGxTikK3OzY3qVnWypwZSnkrJ02y7UidqsG60HYnLmUHzEUenHZVIrd/s1600/%25E3%2581%2586%25E3%2581%2595%25E3%2581%258E.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ncP5dEPtE9BYhdDGVyiaGFSl9Z9jp_a5oqINT_rmLAz0qt7z5XEIh6nU4w1MIGvJ6N-zTv2cEYiQNfmHwJqXoeGxTikK3OzY3qVnWypwZSnkrJ02y7UidqsG60HYnLmUHzEUenHZVIrd/s320/%25E3%2581%2586%25E3%2581%2595%25E3%2581%258E.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557208033572386738" /></a>A very Happy New Year to you all – I hope this year will bring you all a great leap forward in the Year of Rabbit! Rabbit is the 4th in the 12 animals according to the Chinese Earthly Branches (十二支), which Japan also follows. Rabbit or usagi in Japanese is seen as a quiet (!) gentle animal popular in school farms and private pets. Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter) may be one of the most famous rabbits in Japan, but everyone knows the Moon Rabbit, who lives on the moon, seen to be pounding rice cake on the full moon night. The folktale is based on Buddhist Tale Śaśajâtaka (Jataka Tale 316), which also told in the Japanese tale, Konjaku Monogatari (今昔物語, in late Heian Period, 794~1185). In this story, the rabbit is depicted to be a compassionate soul, who offered its own body as food for a hungry old man – the rabbit had only grass to offer, while other animals had various food such as fish, meat and milk. The old man, who was actually a deity Śakra raised the rabbit to the moon to honour its virtue. It is good to remind ourselves at the beginning of the year, that compassion, kindness and love is something we can all offer to each other, and also to the more than human world (Picture: Usagi, Yasuda Yukihiko, 1884-1978)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443989091484417018.post-30831424771164712482010-12-11T16:48:00.004+09:002010-12-11T17:24:21.181+09:00Welcome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyclisNQzgBtDStdNGZJgRofuTT_uFVgtuAXT6AGheu3f0dPHURmjKcI45NfpIr-e08B97MmhUeQKI9CkEVXz55q2u7VXiNK1-7Kt5BMvstF7GI3vbkvvnI_JrhZfBPFV9v8nKa8Gdti5Q/s1600/DSC_1123.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyclisNQzgBtDStdNGZJgRofuTT_uFVgtuAXT6AGheu3f0dPHURmjKcI45NfpIr-e08B97MmhUeQKI9CkEVXz55q2u7VXiNK1-7Kt5BMvstF7GI3vbkvvnI_JrhZfBPFV9v8nKa8Gdti5Q/s320/DSC_1123.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549329418045637186" /></a><br />Greetings from Japan and congratulations to you all for deciding to take on this challenge. I'm sure it will be a trip of lifetime for all of us and we all so look forward to welcoming you all to Wakayama. Once the program gets going, this site will become a daily summary & notice board for your friends and family to follow your trip, and also for us to reflect on the trip later.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0