9. KAMAKURA - GREEN TEA AND BAMBOO

Saturday March 2, 2013 continued

Now it's inevitable that we see a lot of temples, stupas, shrines, and other such Babylonish vestiges wherever we go in Asia. And whilst historically interesting, there is a lot we are not particularly enamored with...

But the next little stop on our agenda has 3 or 4 things that we do like and you might too. Theres bamboo, green tea, Japanese traditional architecture and gardens.

Welcome to Hōkoku-ji or "Bamboo Temple" of Zen Buddhism.

As our Korean friend, Kwon can attest, we love bamboo forests, and this little temple has an exquisite grove of the stuff

If you put your computer to your ear you can almost hear the gentle breeze swishing through the leaves.

And smell the moss on the stone garden lantern.

 

 

Must be about 20 meters tall.

And 15 cm in diameter at the base.

Matcha, or japanese green tea.

 

 

 

 

Terra-cotta roof tiles form garden steps.

The temple itself. Unlike so many religious buildings, this one is not lathered in spooky or flamboyant decoration. The simplicity that Japanese are so famous for seems to originate in its own brand of Buddhism, Zen

 

Natural cedar wall cladding.

The raked pebble garden. Stones represent islands and the pebbles the water.

 

 

 

Rock on a rope???

We are about one month too early for cherry blossom season .... But these plum blossoms look pretty good.

Where too next?

Lloydnalex

 

8. KAMAKURA - BIG BRONZE BUDDAH

Saturday March 2, 2013

Our work assignment came to an end on Friday, around 11 pm if I remember correctly. We sure need a few days break. Happily, that is exactly what we have arranged.

The weather is perfect, it's just turned from winter to spring and though its about 5 or 6 degrees Celsius, the sun is shining and the sky is blue... Japanese are very conscious of their 4 distinct seasons.

So off we went with Maho and Shinsuke to the seaside area of Kamakura.

Not seen in the background is Mt Fuji, oh well, perhaps later in the day.

And tonight we will catch the midnight bus to to Kyoto but that's another story or 3.

Perhaps this photo explains why there are so many Japanese surfers in Australia.

To reduce traffic problems, the government provides public transport in the form this free shuttle train... Smart

Alternatively, there is the old style public transport.

Outside the first temple of the day, there is water for ritual cleaning... but according the sign its not fit for drinking. Curious...

This is the famous Kamakura Buddha, and what a big boy he is.

I doubt that little fruit bowl will satisfy him.

According to the tourist info, "The Great Buddha is a made of bronze. The art of bronze sculpture was started in 1252 but the exact date of this statue's completion is unclear. At that time, the statue was housed in a temple but the building was washed away in strong winds and a tsunami and the statue is now in its present position." We can verify that it is in its indeed in its present position.

Alexandra is off and shooting.

Definitely no MEF here (Meaningless Empty Foreground)

Or here

This is my one, looks a tad drowsy don't you think?

 

 

By coincidence, we met up with some of our brothers and sisters in the Memorial campaign

Local spice store

Sake

Lloydnalex

 

7. DINING TEAM HOSPITALITY

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Dining team are lots of fun as you can see. On our last week they invited us to dinner. How special! Masa, pictured centre, was the chief organizer behind the event.

Thank you Masa, and thank you to the whole team for your hard work and enjoyable evening. (Pictured: is Ko-Hei, A-ch, Masa and on the right, Seiji.)

The scene that greeted us as we entered the room. Twenty, eager, young Bethel brothers intently simmering, deep-frying, chopping, assembling and variously preparing a meal fit for the finest Japanese restaurant.

8pm dinner appointment . . . and as you can see we were punctual. Left to right: Seiji, Ake, Ko-Hei, Show-Hay, Rintaroo and of course me.

Ojimi got up early to make miso soup and it was delicious.

The workers: From far end: Masa, Watana, A-ch, Tomo, and Yannamoto.

The supervisors: back row - Seiji, Ake and Dii.

Tomo and Dii ready to serve.

 

 

Masa's specialty, tempura prawns, scallops, lotus, pumpkin. . .

Ojimi also made these colourful spring rolls.

Ko-hei's scrumptious sushi.

The table set and ready to feast.

It all looks so good AND it tastes oyishi!!!

Niño, Yuki and Doey.

 

Ake, Show-Hay and Rintaroo.

Johnny, arrives at 9:15 sfter having served dinner to the bindery shift workers in the Printery.

Sorry for my big head :)

As you can probably tell, working with this great team of vibrant young dining room volunteers was great, and sharing the experience with my new driend, Doreen, from Brooklyn Bethel made it all the more enjoyable. Thank you Doreen.

The whole gang!

After we (Doreen and I and our husbands) left the room and were walking away, the best sound of all, the brothers cheered and gave themselves a well earned round of applause for a job well done!!!

Wish you could all have been here with us!

Love

Lloydnalex