Hot spring, one year ago, north-east of Kyoto is my memory tonight, remembering the time when my three best art-buddies sprung an amazing surprise on me...a real Japanese hot spring bath, in the open air~~!
A stop-off for grilled octopus gave me no clues as to what would follow however.
It was something I wanted to do, probably needed to do for my bones, and had read about from many stupid foreigners pansying about, but I was unaware of anything until pulling into the spa town, and Ri-chan passing me a small bag, containing a small towel.
My friends led me inside, to a huge motel-looking building, surrounded by lovely pines, which reminded me more of north America than Japan, but inside, was total-Nippon, minimalist perfection, well-ordered, spacious and clean, with sushi greeting the newcomer, spa waters could be seen steaming in the background.
I went with my male friend, Itsu and parted from the ladies side, we entered, my only instruction being, "everything off, place here, and that way to water, wash first"...which I duly did, in front of maybe 15 men, the elders showed more curiosity than the youngers, but for me, damn this, it was MY first time, it's me who holds the most curiosity, surely!! And with that thought my confidence was restored, and in I went, to the piping hot water, dipping-in with my friend, beside rocks, bamboo and a slither of water falling from a vine leaf, (yes, just as William Orbit says), I stayed in for 30 minutes, leapt out for 5, and back in for a further 30. It was hot enough to cause dizziness, but that fell below the beautiful feeling felt throughout my body, especially in the legs...such a restful, soft-electrifying feeling.
I never knew where my tiny towel went, but in the water, my black hair, mediterranean skin, nobody blinked an eye thereafter, I made no noise, displayed no fiendish foreign immorality, or worse, flashiness, (as I have sadly seen elsewhere...so bad!), but just mellowed with the Japanese all around.
I simply sunk into a true Japanese onsen, beneath a pleasant Kyoto prefecture sunset, open air all around, only bamboo for privacy, and yet, calmness was all I could feel...as I chatted with my friend, about his work dyeing kimono, and how cloudy it gets in England. Bizarre thought that one~~!
Upon leaving the onsen, a fair few minutes were needed to return to a normal temperature, in a room measured by tatami.
The loveliest memory followed, as we headed to downtown Kyoto, and called-in to a ramen-ya, (noodle bar), for the best, hottest, and cheapest noodles I've ever had.
One large bowl, the size of an English drainer, filled with noodles, seaweed, vegetables, for only 220 yen. Japan expensive? It only made me realise how damned expensive England is...because in Kyoto and Tokyo, I found nothing more expensive than it would be in the UK, more often than not, it was cheaper.
I'm longing to see my dearest friends again, and to return...I only wait for good health, and the NHS...for now. I will not be defeated by waiting, or by incapacity.
With love and affection.
私の大親友、いつも思っています
～～～
Music: Future Sound of London: Little Brother
~~~
論より証拠 Ron yori shouko
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
