First night in Japan, didn’t get much sleep. After checking into the hotel, we took a quick walking tour of Tokushima train station area. Found a 7 eleven and got a bento box for supper to eat back at hotel.
We ended up catching the 6:40 am train to the Bando station, which is the closest station to Temple 1. Arrived shortly after 7 am and it was about a 20 minute walk to the temple from the train station. Bob was able to try a selection of coffee from the vending machines. I found my Royal Milk Tea.
We were surprised to find the ohenro store next to Temple 1 open. After buying our walking sticks, stamp book and other stuff we headed to Temple 1 to start the pilgrimage. Here are a couple photos in front of the temple.
After completing the routine at Temple 1 we found a 7 eleven where we brought something for breakfast. Here are some of photos from Temple 2.
We completed up to Temple 6 where we are staying. By the time I reached Temple 6 I was exhausted. The sun was so hot and it was so warm. Felt like 35 degrees. I tried to keep the fluids in me so I wouldn’t get dehydrated. But it was so hot with the sun. As we neared Temple 6 I felt my arm hurting and my watch was so tight. My left wrist and hand were swelling and my fingers were tingling. Not sure if this is early signs of heat exhaustion. I was never so glad to see Temple 6.
Since it was shortly after 4 pm was able to check-in and relax. Met some ohenros from the Netherlands – Kelly, who was doing it the second time. I asked if she knew Elly, from the ohenro Facebook page and she said ‘yes’. What a small world. Also met Boback from USA. We became the four amigos I felt. We gathered our sweaty clothes, did a load of laundry, had a nice relaxing bath, supper followed by the evening ceremony. After the ceremony I was so exhausted I crashed. Woke up at 1 am and wrote this blog. Will attached a few more photos and then try to get more sleep, which I really need to make it thru another day.
Lots of talk about hunkering it down while the typhoon passes. We are discussing our options.
During our walk we came across a man trimming some trees into the wonderful japanese bonsai shape. I found it fascinated to watch him apply his skills to the art form. I stopped to take some photos. Afterwards one of the ladies helpers came running after us and gave us two buns as osettai, which we had for our lunch. The tradition of giving osettai to pilgrims has begun.
Thanks for reading my blog. Hopefully I won’t be too tired to do tomorrow’s blog.
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