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| Higashiyama machiya |
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| Neighboring Vegetable Shop |
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| Old Street |
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| Natsumi in Gion |
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| Early Sakura |
5 April 2012
An eventful past week. We moved out of Shugakuin International House on March 28, the last day of Win's appointment. Staying on was non negotiable, so we have moved into a small renovated machiya in the heart of Higashiyama (eastern hills). We find ourselves in a very traditional little house with no chairs, a tiny kitchen, a tiny garden with a Japanese maple, and extra futons awaiting the arrival of Adam, Diana and Ella tomorrow. But all we need is here.
Just before we moved, we had a visit from Natsumi, who was on her way to a job interview in Osaka. We spent a lovely sunny afternoon being her Kyoto guides, and had a fine tempura dinner. She described the ordeal of job interviews in Japan, starting with the mandatory "uniform" of a black suit, white shirt, black bag and most certainly no red hair (which she didn't like one bit). Then there is there are the group interviews, where one might be asked something like: if you were and animal, what one would you chose...Originality may not get you too far, with "lion" being the most acceptable answer. Anyway it is clearly extremely nerve wracking. How does one stand out when standing out is frowned upon?
Sakura are a little behind because of unseasonably chilly weather, but we saw a few early trees in the botanical garden. Hanami (tree viewing) is a time of deep excitement in Japan. Instructions to visitors are pretty simple - enjoy looking at particular types of blossoms, and enjoy watching entire groups of trees. We hope to do plenty of that when A, D and E arrive.
Much love
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