An exciting day for all of us as Sugawara Sensei was bringing us to the Katori shrine. To the place where the art all began. So more than 30 of us packed into cars for a road trip that cannot be forgotten. Delegates from around the world all became tourists and were brought around by our lovely hosts. And a big thank you for all their effort.
Katori shrine was about 2 hours drive away and to get there, we had to drive in this underwater tunnel, come out onto an island and then back into another tunnel. See the wonders of transportation? Now I know why they say that tolls in Japan can cut your throat. But on this 'island' the feeling was just superb. It was windy, everyone was happy and in high moods and it just seemed like a perfect sunny afternoon! A short lunch after that and we were back on the road ...
The shrine is just like any other shrine... its true ... a pebbly path, lots of steps and almost the same kind of architecture. But its beautiful, the black wood, the gold paintings and the wonderful carvings on the walls.... so intrincally designed. But one magical property of that spot .... its wonderful ages trees. They stood so majestically, giving you the feel of a collosial imperial Japan. Superb!! Then we went a little more into the alleys to the orignal shrine and a tablet of respect ... But you need to know its history for you to really understand the wonders of the shrine. Originals are always the best. 
After waiting for the whole group to gather,(pretty long too ... thats the trouble with big groups) we made our way to another shrine ... the Kashima shrine. It was already dark when we got there. Couldn't see much but I know that it was FREEZING!! At night, in the woods with not much lighting?I thought it would be freaky, but we are in a sacred place after all. So yea ,,,, shrines may be the same everywhere but it really depends on the company you are with. Everywhere is beautiful if you know how to appreaciate it. I guess it is really me. .. I am the type that enjoy the company around me, not so much of where I go or what I do. hehe in other words, I am easily happy (but still freezing my ass off)
Back we go to Machida. And its the first day of the lunar new year. A very important day for us Chines, so we wanted to have a nice dinner!! At first, we thought it would be the few of us, but surprise surprise!!! Everyone joined us!! It was a happy big family dinner ... Went for an excellent syabu syabu dinner!! Totally satisfying .... hot pot on a cold winter day!!! I think I am falling in love with Japan!
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