I drew the Three of Wands on the train to Takayama in Japan yesterday. Three of Wands sometimes depict travels over a body of water. So I guess it’s pretty on point because though we were taking the train, it’s passing through Japanese rivers.
This morning, I woke up to the sunlight coming from a square-shaped window with no curtain, right above the futons where I lay down. From its shape and the light’s angle, even half asleep, I knew I was in Japan.
Still lying on the futon, I am writing to you from a ryokan in the traditional tatami room of Takayama onsen-hotel. It’s not even 6 AM yet, but I am kinda an early riser in Japan. This a good habit I have cultivated easily over the week. Yet another reason for me to move to Japan.
Back to the window, I can’t see anything but thick clouds from where I lay down. But I know I will see the beautiful Takayama if I stand up and peek out of it. The town, with its houses, streets, people and blossoming Sakura, greets me Ohayōgozaimasu.
Others must be awake, lying on their futons, and looking at the same clouds I am. It makes me feel like I am partaking in a tiny fraction of Japanese culture. For a few seconds, looking up to the window from where I lay down, I am living the local life.
I am in utter bliss now, thanks to Takayama’s vibes.
I wouldn’t have thought a combination of sleeping on the futon with a fat blanket, the morning silence in an almost empty tatami-floored room, and a 90° angle window with a cloudy sky view could bring me such joy.
You know what? I will log off and savour this feeling of pause, connection, and short nothingness. Because I know this moment will become a mere memory in a blink of an eye.
Have you been to Takayama? It’s one of my favourite cities in Japan, after Kyoto and Tokyo.
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