Day 21: why I am doing this?

 Today I would like to answer Dieters questions first. Dieter, I have to disappoint you. I am not thinking so much during my walking hours. At least what would be worthwhile to report. And so far food has also not played a major role in my thoughts. At the beginning I was less hungry than usual, but in the meantime my appetite is back to normal. I have not had a day where thoughts about food were constantly circulating in my mind. I have read, that this is the case with quite some people, since the energy consumption is unusually high.

 I have summarized the key ressons for starting this trip in the post: „Tokushima: one day prior to start the Henro trail.“ The most important reason is to experience and learn more about the Japanese culture. Spiritual reasons do not exist.

I have always liked Japanese temple and shrines. While I have heard people saying that they look very much the same at the end, I do not agree with this statement. May be it is true for photos, which may become boring to the audience e.g. readers of this blog. 

It is also the location which makes a difference. Some temples have only very few visitors and it is very silent there. Some temple convey a mysterious atmosphere.

I have written this blog for family and friends, so that they know what I am experiencing. But since this is still a broader audience, a have abstained from noting deeper thoughts and making judgements whatsoever. The blog also serves me as a short diary for the time when I return home. Then I will write down additional things and will reflect on the trip as a whole.

Today I walked from Nakamura to Minshuku Okinohama: 27,5 km (total: 431 km). Altitude was 160 m, temperature was 24 degrees Celsius and it was sunny the whole day. Walking along the the Shimanto river in the morning was nice. Also in the afternoon I had pleasure when walking through farming areas and looking at the mountains. If there is a small and clear river stream, I can not pass by without looking into the water for fishes.

But along the 27 km, there were also busy car roads, so in total a mixed day.

Also worth to mention: today I passed a 1.6 km car tunnel, which is not fun, because of noise and car exhaust fumes. At least there was a broad enough pedestrian walk way.

A reason for making the trip: communicating with different people (even if there are language barriers).


At a isakaya restaurant

The owner likes to take photos with me

Big pieces of tuna sashimi and beer

Shimanto river and bridge

Car tunnel with a protected side walk

Farmland and mountains

Lost places

My room for tonight


Comments

  1. DieterOctober 22, 2023 at 9:32 AM

    Thanks for answering my questions. Travelling by oneself is not the worst way to be on tour. There are a lot more opportunities to meet people than being in a group or travelling with a partner. I am anxious to read about your summary at the end of the trip.

    ReplyDelete

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