being intentionally aimless...and managing to find something beautiful

I spent the last 2 days doing alot of walking. Perhaps the most I have ever done yet. I kind of re-discovered Osaka again. I walked in Dotonbori area, which is filled with equal amount of people and bright lights, and good shopping. The humidty is starting to come back again. I can remember when I first got here last August, and it seemed almost unbearable. But, I have yet to experience a full Osaka summer. And from what I have heard, it will be interesting. Up to 38 degrees or something. Nonetheless, it was good to wander the streets of this bright city again. Seeing bizarre people, interesting fashion, and street vendors yelling at you from various directions.

In the spirit of discovery, my second day off took me to Wakayama. A 1.5 hr train ride south of Osaka. Having really no idea what to expect, I took my camera, my journal and my music in my ears, and headed south on the JR. Perhaps one of the things I find most charming about this country are its train stations. Each with its own atmosphere and distinct character. Some more charming than others. While waiting in Tennoji station in Osaka, I had time to wait for my train. I had a chance to look at the windows, the platforms, the arriving trains, the surrounding cafes, the busy people, the small children. Not sure what intrigued me exactly. Everything was just in its place. And everyone had someplace to go.

The train ride to Wakayama is a journey into the country side. Lush valleys, some farm land, and hills as far as the eye can see. Once arriving in this city, many people hit the beach or visit some of the less advertized sight-seeing spots. I had a little trouble navigating myself at first, but I managed to find my way to the castle and to a mountain top temple, Kimiidera. My original plan was to hit the beach, but these other things captured me. I was struck by the more remote feeling of Wakayama. Fewer large buildings, friendlier people. One man even led me to my bus stop, and extended his arm to me.

I mostly took my time today, strolling and wandering aimlessly, studying the walls of this castle, and taking in the view from the top. It was a sunny and humid day. People play in a nearby park, and parents stroll with their kids.

Further down the road wasw Kimiidera. A temple nestled the mountainside. The temple peaks through the lush trees in the distance as I approach the base. I slowly make my way up the 230 stone steps, and look over my shoulder to keep checking the view of Wakayama. I'm greeted by various old wood structures, coloured curtains, lanterns and small pools of water. The smell of incense in the air. I'm not sure if there was anything that particularly struck me about this place, but the view behind me of the ocean made for a picturesque afternoon.

Somedays here, I love having no agenda. Not really sure of what I'm going to see. But, just to travel for the sake of traveling. Some days are truely breathtaking, and other are...well...just non-agendid (I think I just came up with this...) walks for the sake of exploring. I love that I can do that here. Sometimes, it just nice to have a train window to look out of, or to see people doing their grocery shopping or taking a stroll, or having my favorite songs playing in my ear. Maybe thats what today was about...being proactively aimless. I like that...