Over the last few years all my travels have been in Asia; Myanmar, India, Nepal and Tibet have all been amazing travel destinations, with such rich culture and spirituality, but with the trappings of the developing world. Travel, bartering, negotiating and eating - the pure basics of being are always trying, confusing and time consuming and often frustrating. Here in Japan you have the richness of tradition, culture, spirituality and difference, without any of the trials and tribulations of its Asians neighbours. Here there is order amongst the millions, there's queuing, there's heated toilet seats, there's signs, pictures on menus and a quiet calm. It's amazing.
Japan has taken all the good things from the west and adapted them to their own end. As you wonder around, you're largely ignored, it's so interesting to observe that you are not actually being observed. You cannot fit in, but you do not stand out. You are left alone, but when you are welcomed in, it is overwhelming. So far we still haven't bought a single sake, every one we have drunk has been a gift. We have tried so many of dishes of our fellow diners, we have had meals brought for us and we have shared laughs and stories with so many people along the way. It has been a real eye opener into an incredible society and one that on may levels I truly admire (and that's not just for the heated toilet seats!).
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