You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Hello, lovelies. It's a drizzly Tuesday afternoon here in Kimchi land. Normally I enjoy a good rain with every ounce of my body, but since this one is the remnants of Typhoon Morakot it's not as easy to enjoy. I am shocked at the havoc that ensued in China, Taiwon and even parts of Japan. Nature does not discriminate and South Korea was lucky to flee the storm's torrential reigns.

That last line reminds me of a book that I read in one of my Philosophy courses (I can't believe that was a year ago, by the way), about how everything and anything that takes place in this world is completely arbitrary. I know a surplus of people find refuge in the idea that there's a plan, that things happen for a reason, etc. etc. I just find a hard time buying into that idea. At the moment I'm rereading Hitchens' book, "God is Not Great," and came across this quote: "Now at last you can be properly humble in the face of your maker, which turns out not to be a "who," but a process of mutation with rather more random elements than our vanity might wish." This, of course, leads to the question: Are we vane for assuming that some of us are spared for a reason while others are not? Sorry to get all epistemological on you.

Anyway, as I said, it's a drizzly Tuesday afternoon. My classes for the day are finished and now I have 3 more days left of English camp. Then 1.5 weeks of vacation and then 3 weeks of teaching until I go back home. I'm sure you've noticed a trend in all of my entries -- it's like one giant countdown blog. Yes, I'm eager to get home. ^o^

Wedding stuff is falling into place. I've adopted a slightly more, "Eh, whatever," approach to everything. I'm tired of freaking out about the color of the linens or whether or not my Dad is wearing a bright purple zoot suit as he walks me down the aisle (which he's not, after my Mother talked him out of it). I have to admit, for being overseas and financing everything out of mine and David's own pockets, things have come together quite smoothly. The tent, chairs, linens, flowers, photographers, officiant, venues, wedding party, music, cake, food, invites, etc. they're all planned and that feels really good. Two more months to go. Can you believe it? The projects I'm working on at the moment include wedding programs, menu details and favors. And all the RSVP's are starting to come in which is equally as exciting.

In other news, I have, as promised to myself, been sifting through photos and editing them in groups of "location/sights." The following batch is also from Tokyo, Japan but this time in the Asakusa district.

The sky was a soft, silvery slice of grey the day we visited the area. Asakusa is a district of Tokyo renowned for its vibrant reds, delicious foods, winding gardens and quaint shopping. Visitors from around the world are especially lured in by Sensoji Temple, the famous five storied pagoda, and also by the traditional Nakamise shopping arcade there.

All that red...!


I'm not sure why we look so ridiculous here, but my favorite part of this photo is the squatting man in the background.


This is the shopping arcade. Two solid walls running parallel to each other, chock full of trinkets, food and other goods.


This is a lucky cat shop. I purchased a few post cards here and found my lucky cat at another place for slightly cheaper (I'm always in for a bargain)!


Can you see Sensoji? The 5 story pagoda? It's peeking out!






There she is! Magnificent! By the way, Sensoji is also referred to as Asakusa Kannon Temple. It was finished in the year 645 and is Tokyo's oldest temple, probably why it's so popular.


Because this is a Buddhist temple, people bring incense (3 total) and burn them during their worship. This is a picture of people doing just that.


I love this one. :)


Konnichiwa, Buddha.




In the gardens.












I know this photo doesn't scream, "Japan," but it really represents the tranquility found in the winding gardens behind the temples.

After we explored the Asakusa grounds, we decided to venture a little ways away to an area that sold wholesale pottery and other goods. Someone recommended it to us and we had time to spare and it was completely worth it. We had lots of fun looking at all the merchandise for sale and even bought a few pieces of dishware. ^o^








That is a real aisle. I made it about 3/4 of the way down before I literally couldn't go anymore. The pivot was a frightening moment in my life. :)




I'm going to assume that because he is running a business he is, indeed, organized in some fashion. Even if it's all in his head. :) Note, though, that each piece of merchandise was individually hand labled with its own unique price.


Kitty. :) One of my favorite parts about Buddhist areas/nations is that they have a deep respect for all the Earth's creatures. That means that even strays get treated well. This one is happy, fed, and basking the shade of a bicycle wheel.

Those are all the photos from Asakusa. After our shopping adventure we went on a mad hunt for tempura, Asakusa's specialty, and found a delicious (and inexpensive) place. Perfect ending to such a lovely adventure.

Cheers,
Wendy City