Sayonara

And so our visit to Japan draws to a close. It's only been a week but it seems longer, we've packed so much in. So here are a few random observations to leave you with.
1 Toilets are usually very modern. Some have a control panel that would tax the ingenuity of Captain Kirk. I particularly like the button with musical notes on. This plays the noise of running water, so that any bodily noises you might make cannot be heard by anyone outside the cubicle.
2 There are Shinto shrines everywhere. This is what you do. Wash hands at the water bowl. Use the scoop in your right hand to pour water on to your left and vice versa. Approach altar and remove your hat. Throw a coin into the offertory box. Ring bell to summon God into the shrine. Bow twice. Make a wish in your heart. Clap twice. Bow once more.

3 When feeding the deer in Nara park remove the paper wrapper from the crackers or the deer will eat that too.
4 Geishas have nothing to do with sex. The life, traditions, customs and behaviour of a geisha is very complicated indeed. It reminds me of the Gormenghast trilogy. Not as traditional as you might think though, only going back to the beginning of the 18th century. They sing, dance, act, entertain and make tea - primarily for the pleasure of men. Apparently sexual pleasures can be found elsewhere.