LEBO TLADI


MILDLY COLD ADVENTURES





OSAKA NIGHTS, KYOTO COLORS, AND TAIJI INSIGHTS
30.12.21



5 min read



Taking on Autumn's Challenges





Lately, my days have revolved around a routine of two kilometres of swimming, tank maintenance, cooking, and cycling. Although these activities keep me occupied, I must admit that they haven't brought many extraordinary experiences.


However, that changed recently as autumn arrived in full force, bringing its own set of challenges. As someone who struggles with cold temperatures, this season presents a personal battle for me. But I'm determined to face it head-on.



A Vibrant Escape from Wakayama





Recently, I visited Osaka, seeking some much-needed nighttime entertainment. While the nights in Wakayama can be rather dull, Osaka never fails to deliver an exhilarating nightlife experience. Known for its friendly and lively locals, it offers opportunities to have a blast and encounter fascinating individuals.


Accompanied by my friend, we embarked on a weekend getaway, cruising in my car to this wild city. Whenever I visit Osaka, I typically stay in the vibrant district of Shinsaibashi. After an extended absence from Osaka and Kyoto, I was overjoyed to revisit these cities. From the chilly, bustling streets to the charming beautiful women, Osaka's atmosphere and culinary delights never fail to leave me elated. It's no surprise that the region is Japan's food capital, as tantalizing aromas waft through the air everywhere you go, especially in popular districts.


After checking in and having dinner at a cosy izakaya tucked away in a back alley, my appetite for nightlife was far from satisfied. Eager to continue the excitement, I headed to Balabushka, a bar I recommend to anyone in Shinsaibashi. Ayaka, a delightful and enchanting acquaintance I met two years ago, introduced me to this hidden gem.



Kyoto's Autumn Splendor: A Bumpy Ride





The following day, our excitement led us on a journey to Kyoto, eagerly anticipating the autumn foliage. As we entered the city, a surreal scene unfolded before our eyes. Kyoto transformed into a dreamlike world adorned with hues of orange, red, brown, and yellow. Little did we know that our decision to drive to Kyoto would soon become our greatest mistake. Battling through the arduous traffic, we quickly realized the magnitude of Kyoto's popularity among tourists. Parking bays near temples were packed. In retrospect, I should have considered the logical outcome of closed borders: the Japanese people embracing the chance to savour Kyoto's beauty without the usual crowds.


Although our time in Kyoto was limited, we made the most of our visit, despite having seen only a fraction of the autumn foliage and missing out on the anticipated adventure at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Fortunately, my dear friends Kenji and Amanda awaited us at the studio they work, adding a touch of familiarity to our Kyoto escapade. With a thoughtful gesture, I prepared Wakayama omiyage (souvenirs) to share with them. After introducing Joshua to everyone and breaking the ice, I took Kenji on a thrilling drive around the city. However, the journey back to Osaka proved to be a tiresome ordeal, as we found ourselves trapped in the labyrinthine maze of congested roads. It was a moment when I couldn't fathom how anyone could relish being stuck in traffic—unless, of course, they were seeking respite from a spouse waiting at home.



Dreams of a Bigger Lifestyle





On my last night in Osaka, I headed to Umeda Links for a quick ramen dinner, drinks, and more nightlife excitement. Exhausted from a long day, I called it an early night. The next morning, after a refreshing jog and a McCafe breakfast, we sadly drove back to Wakayama. Being in that environment made me yearn for a bigger lifestyle, so I made a firm commitment to live well in Tokyo or Kobe. Farewell to Osaka's vibrant nights, and onward to new dreams and opportunities.



Exploring Taiji





Recently, an unexpected email arrived inviting me to participate in a survey in Taiji town. Usually hesitant about surveys, this time I decided to seize the opportunity. The survey targeted foreign residents in Japan, seeking their insights on how to make Taiji more appealing to tourists. As mentioned in a previous post, Taiji gained infamy through documentaries like "The Cove" and "Seaspiracy." I highly recommend watching "Seaspiracy" to gain a deeper understanding of the town's context.


During the experience, I had the privilege of staying in Taiji for a night and engaging in two days of exciting activities. I encountered familiar faces and made new connections along the way. Jay, a part organizer of the program and an American with a keen interest in whales and marine biology, kindly guided us through the town. Being a local and fluent in Japanese, Jay shielded us from any lingering disapproval caused by the protests from foreign marine biology activists that Taiji has experienced, particularly concerning whaling, dolphin hunting, and conservation.


We explored Taiji's hidden gems without feeling the weight of judgmental gazes from the locals. This extraordinary journey unveiled a side of Taiji that is often overshadowed by controversy, allowing us to appreciate the town's unique charm.



Sparkling Sea





On the day of our arrival, I parked my car near the temple where we would spend the night. Joined by Jay, we headed to go kayaking with dolphins in the sparkling sea. This experience ignited a passion for adventure within me. The dolphins playfully swam around us, the weather was stunning albeit cold, and to my surprise, the water felt warmer than the chilly winter air. It was a weekend characterized by a refreshing chill.


After our aquatic escapade, we headed for a tour of the town's rich history and its main industries. Our exploration even led us to board one of the rare remaining whaling ships in Japan, an opportunity kindly granted by its owners. As evening approached, we purchased snacks for later indulgence and eagerly anticipated a beautiful traditional dinner.


Given that we were staying at a temple for the night, we made a conscious effort to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Thankfully, the temple's monk proved to be exceptionally kind, understanding, and fluent in flawless English. Engaging in conversation with him was a pleasant and enlightening experience, adding an extra layer of serenity to our temple stay.



Sutras & Meditation





The following day, I rose early with anticipation, eager to witness the recitation of sutras in the temple's grand hall. Three of us had awoken to witness this sacred ritual. As the melodious chants filled the air, I felt as though I had been transported to another time and realm. The experience was nothing short of mesmerizing, exuding a profound sense of tranquillity.


Afterwards, we immersed ourselves in a session of zazen meditation, dedicating 30 minutes of introspective stillness. This serene practice was followed by a nourishing vegan breakfast, a testament to the Buddhist monks' abstention from meat. Devotional cuisine, known as shоjin ryоri (精進料理), is what I filled up on before starting the day. Personally, I recognized the challenges of relinquishing all animal products, yet couldn't help but admire those who adhered to such a lifestyle.


The day unfolded with an exploration of a nearby farm, where we engaged in picking ponkans—a citrus fruit indigenous to southern Wakayama. Learning about the journey of these fruits from soil to stomach was educational. We also visited a few more breathtaking spots, cherishing the natural beauty that surrounded us. As the weekend drew to a close, we took the time to fill out surveys, providing valuable feedback about our experience, before bidding farewell and going home.



Embracing the Chill





Amidst the cold, yet eventful days, I have come to realize that adventure waits for no one. This period has been a catalyst for inspiration, urging me to immerse myself further in the activities I hold dear and explore. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, I have embarked on numerous domestic travels, discovering the diverse landscapes and rich culture within Japan's prefectures, cities, towns, and villages. Each day brings forth new opportunities for discovery and learning, igniting a profound sense of curiosity and appreciation.



A Heartfelt Wish





In this joyous season, I extend my warmest wishes to the Ono family for a merry festive celebration ahead. Their generosity knows no bounds, as they graciously hosted me for a delightful luncheon with Byron, and later reunited with their son, Nori, who flew in from Tokyo to spend time with his beloved parents. Laughter filled the air as we indulged in good food and delectable desserts. The impact that the Ono family has made in the lives of countless individuals worldwide is truly inspiring. With a background in anaesthesia and neurology, they have served as medical missionaries for the embassy and JICA in various countries, leaving a lasting mark of compassion and healing. I often find myself captivated by Megumi's (Nori's mom) captivating blog, where she recounts their extraordinary adventures in foreign lands. Feel free to read her blog here.


As always, I express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for joining me on this journey through my blog. My utmost hope is that these posts have brought you knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of joy. May your festive season be filled with warmth, blessings, and an abundance of happiness.



IMAGE GALLERY





GOLDEN AUTUMN



HUNTER



LOOKOUT POINT, TAIJI TOWN I



LOOKOUT POINT, TAIJI TOWN II



LOOKOUT POINT, TAIJI TOWN III



LOOKOUT POINT, TAIJI TOWN IV



ARMOUR



KAYAKING WITH DOLPHINS I



KAYAKING WITH DOLPHINS II



VESSEL



TEMPLE INTERIOR I



TEMPLE INTERIOR II



LEARNING



GOODBYES



TAIJI TEMPLE



PONKANS



UPSIDE DOWN FUEL PUMPS



SHINSAIBASHI



DOTONBORI I



DOTONBORI II



DOTONBORI III



12.5.14, DESIGNER



MAGURO DON, MASAMI'S



SUSHI, KANPACHI



SEASONAL VEGGIE PIZZA, NAGI



YAKINIKU, TAKUMI



12.5.14, DESIGNER



A JAPANESE SPINY LOBSTER (伊勢海老) GIFT



TAIJI DINNER I



TAIJI DINNER I



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