Monday brought us some time for ourselves, and after a quick trip to the University to be reimbursed for the trip, we set out independently. I did a little shopping (always fun if expensive in Japan) and then we met up at Nishiki Market, which we had to marvel over once again. If only I knew half of the foods that are being sold! Once again Win enjoyed sampling pickles, and I admired but did not buy the beautiful Japanese knives. After a little rest we met the students for a last dinner party (Ushini-hone at Sanjo up from Teramachi dori). Oyama sensei was unable to attend because of his tooth infection, but we met a pediatric cardiologist from the University hospital who was very charming and interested in the emotional aspects of caring for his patients. The students had many questions for us and it was a lively if exhausting evening ending at 11, late for us.
Tuesday morning we went back to Eikando Temple, one of our favorites. It is wonderful to revisit familiar places. In the morning the monks are chanting and praying which adds to the alive sense of the place. You can read more about it from last year's blob about the" backward looking buddha."
We then met Araki-sensei and her husband (and Berg and Somdev) for lunch at a famous, 400year old restaurant Hyotei (referring to a gourd). We had a fine, traditional lunch looking out over a miniature but exquisite garden and water fall. We had a wonderful time reminiscing and felt very well taken care of as is so often the case here.
We send much love
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| Eikando Temple |
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