Namiyo treated me to the traditional tea service. In the family shrine room was a sub flop pit used to heat the tea kettle. I am reminded all this is a once in a lifetime experience.
With great delight Saburo challenge Namiyo and me to walk across this extremely long pedestrian bridge. I wanted to refuse; but, wouldn’t once I realize how enthusiastic Namiyo was to walk it. I clutched her hand the whole way.
Konpon Daitō, the 174 foot tall pagoda, is the symbol of Koyasan.
Okunion is a most sacred place and the largest graveyard in Japan with over 200,000 graves. Included is mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi. It is said he is here in eternal meditation.
My last onsen. I kept stepping out of the hotel’s bath only to return. Capture the moment as this will be an often recalled memory. It feels like your body is encased in hot liquid wax. The hot water encapsulate you. When this becomes too hot, lower yourself into an ice cold bath. You sense your skin being cold but the internal residual heat keeps you hot at the same time. Soon the body is numbed by the icy cold bath and you still sense the residual heat keeping you hot. It’s ecstasy.
Do lobsters feel this euphoric before they are cooked alive?
All I wanted was a simple yukata like the ones presented each night for the o-henros to wear. The shop ladies insisted this was a yukata though I showed her pictures of the comforter attire I was in search.
As beautiful as the garnet is I explained it took a dresser to put it on me and I didn’t know how to tie the sash. Her reply was, “Tie the sash in front and twist it to the back. You can learn how to tie it on YouTube.” I didn’t make the purchase but thanked them for making me so pretty.
Unbelievable, the last stamp and ink drawing in my book.
Unbelievable, the last of many reunion with o-henro Ishihara H. We initially met going to Temple #40 on March 31. Unavoidable destiny. But, hasn’t the whole journey been an unavoidable destiny?
Yesterday arriving at Temple #88, I was consumed with emotions…the difficulty of the day, having to say goodbye to my fellow o-henros, ending a life that fits in a backpack, leaving the care of each shukubō, minshuku, ryokan, and hotel.
Today I am victorious returning to Temple #1. Confident. In grasp of the true enormity of going to Shikoku 88 Temples. Thankful I have been able to do. Appreciative of all the help along the way.
One o-henro points out how his walking staff is inches shorter since the start. It’s worn away with miles. Fortunately the miles have been more gentle on our bodies.
Certification of being an official o-henro ambassador to carry on Shikoku’s culture history. During 2018, forty Americans received this official certification.
Arnold left me TWO Canadian label pins, the dearest miniature o-henro, a cat charm, and the warmest note. What a sweetheart!
Linda Scandore 