"You are going away. And away you go into the far."
CHAPTER 1: KYOTO
As we arrived in Kyoto, I was shocked to see how dimly lit the streets were.
"Where should we go and eat?"
For the first time I wasn't sure. An eerily creeping vibe came over me. We walked the lanterned path and made our way to a closed marketplace. We ranged the bell only for a man to greet us acknowledging that his place was a homestay. He pointed to the door next to him. Upon opening that door was a comforting ramen shop.
I was relieved.
We inserted money into the machine and got our tickets. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted with water and fresh utensils. Seated near us were locals and a coming-of-age romance. We looked outside and saw some tourist walking around with their children.
Two bowls filled with greens, sesame, bamboo, pork, thick richly creamed broth, and firm but gentle on the bite noodles.
Our meals have arrived.
The bowl was simple, deep, and quietly steaming.
Savoring the first of many unforgettable meals Kyoto would offer. One by one locals slipped in and out — a gentle rhythm of slurps and foot traffic— while our bowls emptied faster, each deepened into the magic of ride.
We finished eating and decided to take a stroll through the marketplace. We left through the entrance, opposite the lake route. You could feel the wind rushing left and right and cars zoomed by. The chirping crosswalk sound came on and we quickly crossed over. As we arrived outside our hotel I couldn't help but think, we've arrived.
Whether you are there dipping in a luxurious stay, or budgeting from a life savings, you will truly get what you are longing for, and then some.
More on that later.
Kyoto moves in two rhythms — one foot in the city, the other in nature. On one block, the golden sun spills over the streets where kimonos sway beside designer coats, where couples stroll past cafés and generational shops. The next block and the city exhales — now the golden sun reflects off of temples and shrines, nature that changes color as you turn the page on your calendars, vendors as a living organism moving in unison with the flow of the temples. As you walk so does Kyoto side by side, again in rhythm.
