Sushi excitement
JAPAN | Wednesday, 15 June 2005 | Views [547]
Kamagaya, the town of my in-laws is famous in Japan for the huge, sweet nashi pears they grow everywhere.
The large timber framed family home is literally full of memories. Since the day I was first there over 16 years ago, every postcard, photo or drawing sent has duly been pinned to the wall somewhere ... and not taken down.
With four daughters this house must have heard some excitement, but has now growing quiet, except for the occasional party. Now with two children in tow is one of those times: the large and growing extended family gather. Beer. Sushi. Cameras. Late into the night. It is a shock and a culture shock for our two as they are passed around but not a bad introduction to the culture, language or food. They sleep in late the next morning; a rare treat.
I use the time to take a stroll to the local temple, a stroll I try to take every time I come. Every time there are fewer Nashi farms as they get built upon and concreted over, something I have never understood since Japan's population is in decline.
But the local temple remains an extraordinary haven of tranquility and peace from the world.
Tags: travel with children, temple, culture, memory, family
Add your comments
