luxe hotel and futuristic shopping malls in Tokyo. I was afraid that
the kids might not appreciate the etiquette or atmosphere of the
traditional inns I had reserved for the rest of the trip. I was
concerned that the very special experience of traditional Japanese
ryokan (inns) would be lost on them and that it could even prevent us
from enjoying the experience ourselves.
Well, as it turns out, Trip has enjoyed the change of scenery,
sleeping on the floor, and trying new foods (usually). Ellie can't
get enough of everything traditional even if it means lowering her
usually high volume level. Wearing yukata, taking off shoes and
slippers at every doorway, the nightly bathing ritual... She loves it
all.
But there was one I didn't account for. On the way into Kyoto, Polk
said, "So... Are there just no Hyatts here?" In spite of the fact that
tiny Kimono-clad women lay out our bedding for us with good luck
origami cranes on our pillows, shine our shoes whenever we take them
off, serve us tea and sweets at every opportunity, and every other
imaginable amenity in between, Polk keeps referring to our
arrangements as "camping out" and "crawling around on the floor." Can
you hear the sound of the world's tiniest shamisen playing?
1 comment:
Hi Again ~
This is the 1st access I've had to a computer that would allow me to comment. Ellie - The class + I have been checking your blog EVERYday! We are thrilled to see your family enjoying/learning (about) so many new, exciting things in a country so far from home. Of course we have questions too! Did you really eat pickles for breakfast? Are there any traditional American foods available, like cereal? Are the beds like home even though they're on the floor? I am wondering - are you allowed to go barefoot when you remove your shoes, or do you have to wear slippers? Write soon! I miss you! Miss K.
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