Zen & An Almost Sayonara Dinner, a Day Late

Dad used to say “people are people,” and there were many times in my life when that statement has seemed absurdly reductionist, especially considering the source. Now that our trip is nearing the end, and the creamy taste of real green tea seems to sit on my tongue, I know what my over-educated father meant. Or I think I do. Japanese people have the same emotions and feelings that we do, of course, but they also have very different customs. A tired Japanese looks just like a tired American, and a rebellious teenager: also the same. I could go on, but you get the gist. A woman pecking down the street in 4-inch heels looks as uncomfortable in Kyoto as she does in New York.

We are a tired group of travelers but also a fine group of people. It has made the trip more meaningful to interpret what's going on, share food, and discuss experiences with a varied group of teachers from Boston. Excuse me for saying this here, but teachers rock. Everyone's offering to wait, help out, loan a few bucks, give an idea. One traveler, Karen, took a couple of years of Japanese in college and has bravely helped out when our Japanese speakers haven't been around. Carolyn is our intrepid photographer, and Steve actually made a film at his school and brought it all the way here for a school in Kyoto. Those are just a few examples if the generosity we have seen. Also, the teachers bathing naked in hot Japanese bath thing is fun, as is trying out the many forms of sweets here. Green tea ice cream mixed with vanilla is delish.

This morning we visited a Buddhist temple and practiced meditation. The practice was particularly meaningful for me because I tend to be a worrier, but I also practice yoga with an astute teacher who has helped me a lot in a short amount of time. Both Agnes and I found that the second meditation seemed remarkably short. The monk said that because we practice yoga, we had already learned some of the fundamentals of Zen – emptying the mind of worries. The monk showed up at out Sayonara dinner in a t-shirt and jeans. He looked a lot different!

Sayonara dinner funny trip moments from my excellent table: Carolyn saying “oregami” to Japanese people (when she was tired one day) instead of the proper word for thank you. One of our trip leaders trying so hard to rush past the train bar as it came down that he almost lost his hat; One visitor to my room comparing my unsightly mess to my Gemma's remarkable organization; and many others.