Day-to-day life

Each day passes so easily, almost too easily. Quickly the moments are filled when I planned to spend the time studying or taking a walk around the little side streets of Kyoto. However, I have decided to be more aware of my time for at least this week.

Orion and I meditated yesterday morning (Sunday) at the same temple (Shokokuji) next to campus. Again it was excellent and we are still searching for a place to go to every morning.

Cathryn cooked Ayano and I lunch yesterday and then Orion took the three of us to a little kimono/yukata store to by the most loveliest yukatas at a reasonable price. (We have been all wanting to get them for the Gion matsuri on July 17.)

This week, I have most of my afternoons free and plan to prepare for a serious grammar test this Friday. As I realized that today is my two-month mark in Japan, it is clear to me that four months is simply too short a period of time. Everything is no longer so scary or so foreign; however, it is still so new. It feels fresh and exciting as at the start of a new relationship. To truly assimilate to a new place, it is not necessary to reach a place were day-to-day life feels less crisp and a little more soft and comfortable like a warm winter sweater and a cup tea? However, before that time, the happiness I feel and the beauty of this new culture is certainly enchanting.