We woke up to a beautiful morning in Tsuwano and had our breakfast at Meigetsu. The proprietor gave us a ride to the station, perhaps feeling sorry for us because of our not insubstantial luggage. When we arrived there was an older couple there who had also spent the night at Meigetsu, but presumably walked to the train station with their luggage. I didn’t sense any withering stares, although I of course played the dunce.
A local express train took us through the mountains to Shin Yamaguchi, where we changed to a local Shinkansen. The scenery was pretty and the ride very peaceful.
A word about the trains. It is the custom for the conductor to bow when he (invariably it’s a he) enters the car. He then walks to the front of the car, bows again, and then begins taking tickets. I’m not sure that I would recognize any “attitude” on a cross-cultural basis, but I am also quite sure that no conductor we have yet seen has displayed any. I’m thinking of explaining this custom to some of our favorite conductors on the Framingham line to see whether maybe they can “catch the spirit.” Fat chance that Stacey with the big hair is going to bow before she starts taking tickets!
Boy, you guys really have been way off the grid. I doubt many American visitors ever make it to most of these towns. Great descriptions, Keith, and really nice photos. Keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your travel-blog with photos. You might consider quitting your day job to do a travel book to Japan!
ReplyDeleteI am reading a book of short stories by Tanazaki given to me by Prof. Hibbett, so I am fully "in the mood" for your excellent descriptions.
As you go about your travels off the beaten path, I can't help thinking about how it is that two Americans can travel safely in a country that we defeated in war 60 years ago. Those were the days when wars ended, and even though the Japanese were fierce fighters, they could accept peace when it came. I'm not sure that will ever be true with the wars we are fighting now.