Day 18

We were able to sleep in today and started the day with a group discussion.  Most of our group discussions are about what we have enjoyed most, how we apply what we learn, and observations about the culture.  It rained again today; good thing we all had our umbrellas from Taiwan.  The camera crew did come like they said they would and handpicked Ryan, Matt T, and I to follow for the day.  I really didn’t want to be filmed and they ended up interviewing multiple people in the group throughout the day.  It was not as bad as I thought it would be.  I am not sure what they will actually use.  I just hope they pick the good parts. 

 

After lunch, the whole group was split into two.  My group took a bus to the Buddhist alter making shop (Fujii Butsudan).  The company is over 150 years old and the owner is the 7^th generation.  We have seen multiple Temples and know how elaborate they are.  Seeing the miniature alters was very much like the big Temples, but new and more elaborate.  The details were amazing as well as all the gold that adorned them.  We were told that people purchase these type of alters when a love one has passed away.  They then place the name of the dead person, given to them by the priest, in the alter on a special piece (the piece was about $300).  Each alter is hand crafted.  The cost and sizes of these alters varied greatly.  The Zen Buddhism ones were a lot of money even though they did not have much detail.  The shop not only sells new alters, they also refurbish old ones.  Alters should be cleaned at least every 30 years.  They are also now making more modern looking alters that look like pieces of furniture when they are closed.  At the end of our tour we all made gold “plated” bowls by using “gold” leaf and lacquer.  It was not that easy to do, but mine came out good.

The two groups joined up at the Shrine near by for a little Zen Meditation (Gifu Zenko-ji Temple).  One of the monks was our guide for a short explanation of what rituals people do at Temples or Shrines.  I wish we were taught this before all of the Temple and Shrine tours.  It gave me a better understanding.  Zen meditation was not easy.  All you have to do is 1 – sit Indian stylish 2 – keep your back straight 3– half open your eyes 4 – breath in through your nose and out your mouth 5 – make and “O” with your hands and place it by your belly button 6 - think about nothing.  Ha!!  When the monk hits the gong the meditation period began.  The second gong ends the mediation.  He said we sat there for 15 minutes, but I don’t think we did since it only felt like 8 at the most.  It was hard to hold that position, do all the things you needed to and think about nothing.  If the first time was not bad enough he made us all do it again facing the walls of the Shrine for about 7 more minutes.  I will not be doing that again.  I could see how some people might use this as a way to distress, it is just not for me.  I am happy that I was on the other side of the room then the camera crew for the meditation.  The boys were filmed up close and personal during the whole thing.  I was only interviewed about the meditation after we were done.

From there we went to a traditional Japanese confectionery.  Wagashi reflects Japan’s seasonal beauty and culture using azuki bean paste, flour, and fruits.  We were given a very brief description about the history of the company and their current product offerings.  The owner is the 6^th generation to carry on the 140 year old business.  He was very skilled at his craft and his wife was extremely nice and talkative.  They both translate and teach English.  They have partnered with other Gifu companies to promote tourism to their area (experiencegifu.com).  We each were tasked with making three kinds of Wagashi.  It was not easy, but a lot of fun.  They really did not taste like a sweet.  We all tried one piece with tea, like it is made to be eaten.  I think I am just used to sweet candy and it was too healthy for me.  Plus the tea was a little bitter which did not help the taste.  The candy shop was also the only place in Japan that I had to use a squat bathroom, which I was not happy about.

We then had our last group dinner at the restaurant directly under Dr. Laurence’s old apartment.  It was all kinds of sea food.  We started out with a plate of sushi.  I tried every piece.  There was tuna, salmon, squid and octopus.  I ate more than my share of tuna and salmon cause Kelsey and a few others were not eating there’s.  I knew I didn’t like octopus, but tried it again and still do not like it.  Next they brought out some kind of fish balls which I tried but didn’t not like because they tasted a lot like fish.  Next, was fish steak (yellow tail) and it had the same result as the fish balls.  Ray at the rest of mine.  Then they brought out battered and fried whole fish (sardines).  I wasn’t going to try it but Ray was giving me a hard time so I bit the head of one and spit it back out.  It was gross.  The boys really liked them.  Next was amazing steak and the boys let me eat more since I wasn’t eating all the fishy stuff.  Then they brought out a fish and crab stew that was just ok.  We ended the meal with lichie.  For the rest of the night my group just meet to talk about our summary for our group discussion that day.