I am often heard to say that its a waste of money staying in a posh hotel.... but there are always exceptions. :)
A beautiful young women in kimono helped me with my bags on a trolley right out to
Hennie and hovered around to make sure that I was well and truly on my
way… she bowed and smiled and waved me
goodbye… I eventually got onto the right
road and puffed my way up to the Shinto Shrine…. Slight delay when got a puncture on rear tube - out in the blazing sun! But eventually
got it changed and on our way again.
Didn't realise that the shrine would be such a tourist place - --- anyways, after the guard advised me to park
Hennie by the gate and gave me a map, I joined the throngs of Japanese and a
good smattering of western people, we dutifully followed the arrows up along
the path that eventually took us up to a temple, where people were dutifully
offering their prayers. I do struggle a
bit with these totally commercial set ups…
yes beautiful gardens and beautiful buildings (but for some reason it
all feels a little contrived…. Sorry!!)
Anyways,
also joined the throng along the shopping strip and there were so many
interesting shops, but not enough time to really browse, but I did find some
gifts including a wind bell for myself…
Then off
to find my Warmshowers host…
managed to get onto the right track, but couldn't find the temple and
therefore ended up in Taki with not a clue where to go next… so I bravely asked a lady working in her
garden to give Setsuko a call and they came and rescued me in a little
truck and took me back to their village which I had passed about
2km and a hill back!!
I was
shown to the guest suite and wow! Its
really authentic Japanese… I had a most
welcome shower and a quick snack and early to bed. My first impressions of both Setsuko and her family was a friendly warmth.. I sleep so well
on futon… I woke up and it was already
6am!
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| another view of a luxury Japanese style room |
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| place to shower and a place to soak |
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| joining the throng to visit the Shinto Shrine - Jingu |
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| why? |
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| new version of wrapped trees |
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| Jingu Shrine - a new one is built every 20 years in a different location nearby |
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| bit of bling |
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| Taki, Mie prefecture |
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