So finally, after being here for three months, I did something really cultural and made a trip to Nara!
One of Japan's oldest capitals, predating Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo), Nara is known for several famous attractions, including a slew of temples, the largest bronze Buddha in Japan, and the domesticated deer that wander the streets in the downtown district.
On Friday at my ISA club, after hanging out with some new friends I met, one of the guys who lives at the dorm with us invited to go to Nara with him and two friends. Apparently, ISA is receiving some new exchange students next year and wanted to set up a tour for them, so I got the chance to go test out the tour with some of the ISA members.
Ah I should probably mention, Saturday was a great day too. Got a chance to celebrate with some friends, some old and new, in the park, make PJ in mop buckets and generally eat and drink while enjoying the nice weather. It was good pregaming, then I sent them all off to the club and passed out at 8 that night!
So anyway, Nara was in short, amazing. I got to see tons of beautiful sights, as well as be attacked by deer and eat some more great traditonal japanese food, this time a tempura set which included miso soup, fried shrimp and vegetables over cooled rice, and cold sweetened clear mochi for dessert. I got to see some of the most famous temples in Japan, including Todaiji and the Daibutsu. We spent 11 hours walking the forest trails and finding the old Shinto temples that aren't overcrowded with overeager tourists, so I got to see some stuff that almost nobody who comes to Nara sees.
The rainy season is in full effect here, and is definitely affecting my exercise schedule, which I'm not thrilled about, but there's not much you can do about the weather. I just know that I'm reminded way too much of SC when I go outside and the rain is hotter than the weather. I'm hoping I can find a swimming pool sometime before I leave!
So this week is just another slow week in Japan, but we are on Thursday officially at the one month mark. It really has flown by, so I'll have to fill up the last month with as many activities as possible, while not breaking the bank!
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