Japan- Memories

 Jay in Hell (seriously, the spring above is called a Hell/Jigoku) with a pretty student guide from the university that hosted us, and both of us on a guided tour of Kitsuki. It was my kimono day! This was in 2015, when we went for a conference at Beppu, a small town known for its hot springs- the onsen for bathing, and the likes of the above for sight-seeing.

 Above- A view of the Beppu harbour, and (below) a multicultural group of participants from Nepal, UK, China and Japan.

We went out sight-seeing, and spotted this guy performing live.

My Samurai Connection

I got a chance to visit a Samurai village called Kitsuki or "Little Kyoto"on a recent visit to Japan. There were students from the Asia Pacific University who came along as guides, and walked us through the preserved Samurai houses. I rented a kimono (yes, men wear these too), to get into the part, and enjoyed roaming the streets of Kitsuki. Some pics-the first has my swords :)

The Jap in Me

Yeah, that's right. There's a Jap lurking within me. I like cleanliness. I like peace. I like aesthetic surroundings. The Japanese have all these in plenty. I am waxing eloquent due to a recent trip to Japan. Went for a conference to the small town of Beppu in Oita prefecture, south of all the well-known names in Japan.

The Japanese extravaganza lasted only six days, but left a lasting impact. The conference, of course, provided academic insights and networking opportunity, but something else also seems to have left a deep impact. The propensity for hard work without complaints, the neatness, the beauty that surrounds you everywhere, and the politeness. Just the politeness would fill volumes if I sat and wrote about it. Maybe another day. I will just put out a couple of pictures for now.