- we woke up early to a terrible rainy day, cancelled plans of seeing deer and a tight schedule of possible things to see, i felt defeated and didnt have the energy to tackle the list but hadnt quite decided to let it go yet, it was put off til later so still on my shoulders
we were up late and exhausted from all the island travel... we didnt get up in time for breakfast... do we sleep? do we cancel? do we go late
- we went.
we traveled a long 40 minute train away and a very very wet 15 minute walk to the imperial villa and gardens
- .... sharing one umbrella
we were grumpy
we took wrong turns
we got soaked in places i didnt realize were possible
we had to keep sharing this fucking umbrella
we get there
remember that its all outside
- realize we dont have the proper coins or time to put our things safely in a locker inside
and so begins the stress of continuing to drench my possessions - most importantly my sketchbook
i look around worried, realizing our tour guide is speaking japanese and we dont have translators....
we start walking
- take a big sigh... laugh a little... accept that itd just that type of day
i think im still grumpy, i dont want to be here, i should have slept more
- splash on my shoulder here, splash on my backpack there, checks backpack its soaked on the back... regret
then...
- kindness. a simple gesture. light. not through words but action and body language.
my day changed
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-
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- 10 we walk- im joyful i have my own umbrella and have one less thing on my mind
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suddenly i was present.
suddenly the tour was beautiful.
peaceful rain
the sound of footsteps on wet earth
quiet dense landscape
a view of kyoto from above
rice patty gardens with iris reflecting in the clouds of the water. i think of my mom
water through the frame of tree canopies
the drops from the tree make circles in the water
shelter under the roofs of tea rooms
a duck family floating picturesquely through the pond
a sigh of relief. im grounded
we walk
- i realize i need to return my umbrella... oh no
but then kindness - a woman speaks and vouches for me to take an umbrella from the tour. she's denied but she tried. i smiled and was simply grateful for the time i had with the umbrella.
what now. its still pouring. do we quit and go inside. do we finish our checklist?
food.
rain.
i need an umbrella - mission found.
and coffee. i need coffee.
- we're even more soaked than before if thats possible.
we couldnt see our directions bc our phone is wet
we take shelter and realize we are there
colorado coffee shop - kyoto edition.
- its warm - it feels like a homemade meal. its comforting
- train? more rain...
- long line + crowds
- music changes it
- kinku-ji
- rain walk again... where now?
- yummiest meal, sweetest lady, yum i'm happy.