Once there we decided to grab a quick lunch so we headed across the street to a curry shop. We walked in and I noticed that it was a bit different from everywhere else we'd eaten so far. It seems there are restaurants where you walk in, buy a ticket, give it to the waitress, and then get what you paid for.
Kinda like the old automats (for you old timers out there).
I'd heard about them from some of the Japanese students at the dojo. This was my first time seeing one.
After lunch we planned on going to the Hida Folk village and the Tea ceremony museum. Long story short, we only made the Folk village. We ended up spending about 3 hours there and I think we could have easily spent all day.
Hida village is a cluster of 12 farmhouses from the Hida region. All of them were brought here to save the cultural value of the properties. It seems that once electricity became common, lots of folks left for the cities. At the same time, entire villages where being submerged under reservoirs. So, in an effort to preserve the fast vanishing houses, the village was formed. About 35 buildings where moved here from various areas. The oldest ones are from the 1600's.
When I come back I think I'll be spending a lot more time here :)
I think it's time for a bit of a personal update. Everyone is doing well. Other than missing fresh veggies that is. Both Mark and I are nursing injuries from the Butokusai. Somehow I ended up with 2 high ankle sprains and both knees where tortured on the first day because I forgot my kneepads (hardwood floors everywhere). All the walking and moving around really slowed down the healing process. But the swelling has resided and both Mark and I are moving easier.
Oh, before I forget. Becky wasn't with us today. She was out playing with her cousins :)
Thats it for now. tomorrow - Kanazawa.
P.S. Looks like rain tomorrow. Maybe Mark can fulfill his karma from the last trip :)
P.P.S. I've started to add photos to the old posts. Check them out :)
