La Limpia

My Top 10 Experiences in Japan:

1. Buddhism. 

The simple yet complex philosophies make sense to me and the practices from long ago can still be seen and felt in daily Japanese life.

2. Transportation

I traveled by bullet train, public train, subway, busses, boats, gondolas, and cable car and so did everyone else in Japan. Every experience was peaceful and quiet as it is expected that people do not create noise while in transport. No chatter. No loud cell phone conversations. Just moving from one place to another in peace. 

3. Bicycles with Baskets

Bicycles were everywhere. Bicycles with baskets were everywhere. Not only are they extremely accommodating for zig zagging between the crowds of people on city streets, they are an inexpensive and useful form of transportation of self and goods throughout Japan. Young and old alike rode bikes through city and countryside streets. When was the  last time you saw an 80 year old lady riding a bike on a cobblestone trail? They are everywhere and it's refreshing to see the elderly out and about and living life.

4. Japanese Toilets

Japanese toilets come equipped with a variety of buttons to enhance your toileting experience. From a general spray of water to your bottom or an oscillating and pulsating splash to your nether regions, there is no shortage of ways to clean yourself up after doing your thing in the toilet. Choose from a sound machine that replicates running water or a loud shhhhhhh sound to drown out any possible noises that may be coming from your stall and when you're all done, hit the deodorize button and walk out of the toilet stall feeling like a squeaky queen rock star.

5. Vending Machines

You can buy just about anything in vending machines in Japan. There are a myriad of different teas, coffee's sodas, waters, soup broths equipped with bones in them, Saki as well as beer.  Super easy and convenient when you're in the mood for just one beer. 

6. Cozy Side Streets

Whether you are in Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, or Tokyo, there are no shortage of intriguing and cozy side streets lined with Japanese lanterns. Tiny bars that fit no more than 6 people, curious eateries and other random businesses find their home on these quaint side streets. 

7. Bustling City Streets

Although I can't say being in the middle of thousands of people is my favorite thing to do, I can say that I am beyond impressed as to how fluid the sea of people moves together. There is no real rhyme or reason to the flow of human traffic yet it seems to work together as people bob in and out of one another without as much as an acknowledgement of the chaos. 

8. Japanese School Children

Everywhere you go in Japan, you will see perfectly uniformed school children either en route to or from school or on a field trip with hundreds of their classmates. As they pass you on the street, they smile and say, "Herro!"and offer up high fives and peace signs. While on field trips, there is no chaos or children getting out of line; they follow their instructors doing just as they are told, except for when they are high-fiving American tourists. Their smiles are contagious and their  well-poised little being is refreshing.

9. The Food

The food in Japan tastes like food. It's earthy, deep and complex in it's flavors It does not taste plastic and manufactured, unless of course you choose fast food as your meal. From Sushi to curry to miso soups to the Hiroshima favorite, Okonomi, every dish delights the palate. Served in small portions, Japanese food gives you just enough of what you need and to feel satisfied and happy.

10. The Simple Every Day Sights and Sounds

Winding roads, pagodas, temples, girls in Geisha outfits, guys in wild women outfits, brightly colored walkways, sweeping landscapes, high pitched women's voices shouting over the crowds to invite you into their shops, brightly lit monitors shining down on the city blasting music to the masses, bowing people in front of a temple, you name it Japan is a feast for the senses and around every corner, it's something new. 

Zen Buddhist saying: 

Ichigo Ichie

One time. One Meeting.

In other words, 

We only have this one time, this one moment, this one breath and nothing else is guaranteed.

Enjoy your moment. Don't get caught up in the past or the future.

Just be all that you are right now.

Love. 

Live. 

Laugh.

Cry. 

Be present in your moment.

Or as I say, 

"Viva la Vida."