Why I Like Talk To Strangers And You Should Too

Strolling through the art fair across from the Ferry Building in San Francisco, we stopped to check out some hand crafted bracelets. Within seconds the artist, a cheerful middle aged man, had them on our wrists ready for a sale. Looking down to his hand I noticed we had the same tattoo, which is the Om symbol.

"Hey we have the same tattoo!" I exclaimed.

"Oh ya, this was done in Bombay around 73' after we came out of an opium den." He said nonchalantly and continued fitting our wrist's with the perfect size bracelet.

The excitement filled every cell in my body and I needed to know more!

"What was this opium den like? How long were you in India? What were you doing there?" I simply could not get enough questions out as I started to feel a little embarrassed. 

After he graduated from college in Munich, he and some friends decided to go to India with no money. They chose the "hippie trail", which went through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other middle eastern countries. He stayed in India for a few years and to this day cannot believe he did that!

As we were walking away he yelled, "Go see the world!"

"She already is!" my friend yelled back.

For days I could not stop thinking about this encounter. His travel story was so exotic, exciting, and thrilling to me. For a moment I was there too, in India, smoking opium in 1973.

I do believe that every single person has a story to share. It may not take place in some far away land, as adventures do happen in our back yards, but it will transport you to another place and time. Ask, listen, be friendly, and open up yourself.

Sunday Morning Trivia-San Francisco

Sunday Morning Trivia

Can you guess where this was taken in San Francisco?

 

Gion Kyoto

One thing I really wanted to do was walk around Gion, which is the famous geisha district. Our taxi driver told us to arrive between 5:30pm and 6:30pm to catch a glimpse of a geiko (geisha) or a maiko (geiko apprentice). We strolled along the narrow streets lined with restaurants, shops, and ochaya (teahouse). We were alone down an alley when Yasu spotted one! I felt like we spotted a celebrity. He was able to take a few photos but unfortunately not of her face. It was still exhilarating. 

Kyoto Love part 2

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto

 

Rub this stone and make a wish. It will come true within a year.

 

 Arashiyama is a district located just outside of Kyoto. This area is more rural and less touristy. This great rickshaw driver gave us a ride around. He plays American style football so this is part of his training. In the immense heat he never tired. When I asked what he ate to keep up with this rigorous job he replied "not much". He was so polite, funny, and happy! 

 Kinkaku-ji is a Japanese Zen Buddhist Temple that dates back to 1397. In 1950 the villa was burned down by a 22 year old monk who attempted suicide behind the building. When this was rebuilt, gold was used to purify any negative thoughts and feelings towards death.

I Love Kyoto Part 1

Kyoto is everything you would imagine old Japan to be like. It was truly beautiful and magical. This was the only major city that was spared from the bombs of World War II. 

We took the Shinkansen bullet train, which took about 2.5 hours. This train travels around 198 miles per hour. I really couldn't tell because it was such a smooth and quiet ride.

Sanjusangendo Hall

by Zdzichooo 

Sanjusangendo is one of the most amazing temple's I've ever seen. The photos do not do it justice. As we entered the 120 meter long hall, 1,001 wooden statues stand the entire length. In front of these statues are 28 guardian deities, which are National Treasures. You will be in complete awe of this sight.

Resting from the heat

Kiyomizu Temple

Founded in 798, this temple's main hall was constructed over a cliff. Walking up the narrow road you will notice many little shops and food stores. The view from the hall is breathtaking.  There was a time during the Edo period that if you jumped off the the stage and survived the 13m jump, your wish would be granted. This is now unfortunately prohibited.

 

 

You could say it was a little warm hence the sweat rolling down.

Tokyo Day 2

Tokyo Day 2

Today Yasu spent the day with his grandparents so his mother and other grandmother gave me a tour of the city. They rented a tour taxi with an english speaking driver. The driver use to be a journalist for sports and politics who has traveled around the world. I asked which country was his favorite and he said Afghanistan before the war because of its beauty. His photographer and him were arrested there because they took some photographs they weren't suppose to. His knowledge of Japanese history helped me understand and appreciate so much of what I was seeing.

 Meiji Jungu Shrine

This Shinto shrine opened in 1920. On New Year's Eve more than 2 million people come here to usher in the new year.  The entry gate of the shrine is built of cypress more than 1,700 years old. 

We were able to witness a wedding ceremony taking place here. Mind you the weather was unbearably hot and humid. 

 

Sky Tree

The Sky Tree is a broadcasting and observation tower that is earthquake resistant. In 2010 it became the 2nd tallest structure in the world. If you wondering about that gold blob, that is the Asahi Beer Hall. The locals call it the golden turd when it's actually suppose to represent the burning heart of Asahi Beer.

Napa

When the rest of the country is sweltering, San Francisco is not.

Luckily all we have to do is cross a bridge, any bridge, to experience summer. This past Saturday I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to Napa for lunch and a tour of Silver Oak Winery. Napa is located about 49 miles north of San Francisco.

First stop was Brix for lunch. http://www.brix.com 

They provided us with a private room with a garden view. The weather was warm, sunny, and breezy. Endless glasses of wine and a delicious vegetarian lunch made this my favorite part of the day.

It's not everyday us city folks get to wear dresses and sandals.  I had to dig out my nail polish to paint my toes!

Silver Oaks Winery has been producing only Cabernet Sauvignon for 40 years. Everywhere you look the view is amazing.  http://www.silveroak.com/

Cabernet Sauvignon

After a belly full of wine and stained teeth, it was time to head back for a nap. As we reached the bridge we could see the heavy fog covering the city. It was time to put on our jackets!

This morning I'm dreaming of Japan

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