Meeting people during my travels is what makes the difference between a trip and an experience. Every country holds its own fascination for me and I never know what it will be until I am there. In Ecuador, I was drawn to the red-cheeked children wrapped in layers of scarves and ponchos. In Moscow I liked the flamboyant young people like the lovers on a park bench (see my past blog on my favourite pictures). In Italy, I loved the handsome policemen with their designer uniforms. People are interesting in every country and sometimes the only connection with them, because of language or circumstance, is through the camera lens.
It is not always easy to take pictures of people in other countries and the cardinal rule is to respect their privacey. I usually ask them straight out. I’ll say something like,”I love your clothes and would like a souvenir, may I take a picture?” I use a lot of hand gestures. If they say yes, I do try to make it a quick shot. Nothing is worse than making them stand this way or that and embarrassing them. If I am too far away, I confess that I capture the moment surreptitiously. It is not always possible to talk to the person or people, so a quick shot from afar is the only way. If, by chance, they spot me, I will wave and mouth the words thank-you.
In Japan, I was intrigued by the women. They are lovely and have a quiet sense of style and femininity.
As I was walking along the streets of Kyoto, taking a shortcut to my ryokan(inn)I realized that I was in a deserted area, with willow trees lining the river. There were wooden buildings whose windows were covered with exterior bamboo blinds so it gave the area a desolate air. I didn’t realize it at that particular moment, but I was in the Gion area, a liscenced geisha area. The street is called Shirakawa Dori and comes alive at night with restaurants, bars and geisha. At midday, it was empty. Then, I turned, and saw these two beautiful, kimono-clad ladies, followed by a professional photographer. The colours of the fabrics, the makeup and the hair ornements contrasted with the dull grey of the area. They were stunning.
I, of course, asked if I could take pictures and they smiled and bowed. How lucky I was! I was the only person around and I had that amazing sight all to myself. Now I can share it with you. I find the one with the burgundy coloured kimono has a wonderfully playful smile!
Since then, I have read up on the differences between Maiko, who are apprentice Geisha, and Geisha and I still cannot tell which category these two are in. First of all, the fully painted red lips would indicate Geisha but the long fabric of the Obi(belt) hanging in the back would seem to be Maiko. However, Maiko usually wear narrow obis and Geisha the wider ones. I will leave you a link with lots of definitions and you can study them for yourself. It would be nice if you would share your thought with me on which category these two ladies belong to. http://www.immortalgeisha.com/faq_geisha.php#faq01
The outfits are just as elaborate in the back. Notice the V-shaped neck,considered by Japanese to be very erotic.
This next picture is of two ladies who came up to me on a shopping/temple street in Tokyo and wanted to talk to me to practice their English and to find out about why a lady my age was travelling alone. It was refreshing to hear them openly ask the questions: where are you from? where is your husband? I told them that I was from Canada and I left my husband behind because he had to work. It surprised them that a husband would allow his wife to travel alone. They giggled and said that they liked this and maybe they would come to Canada alone,too. I asked for a picture and they were happy to pose. I wonder if they ever came to Canada, or travelled anywhere alone for that matter.
This next women is a waitress at the Granvia Kyoto Hotel restaurant. This hotel is at the train station, very luxurious, with many venues for meals. A good tip to remember is that lunch menus are a bargain in large hotels. I took advantage of this, and went for a Japanese lunch.
This young woman serving me was so lovely in her kimona and I was happy to see that she did not have to totter on platform shoes but was like the rest of us: in socks. She was very helpful, too. In Japan, many restaurants have plastic replicas of meal choices in the window or a showcase near the entrance. I motionned to this waitress to come with me and I pointed out my meal selection. I was surprised, although I shouldn’t have been, to see that the meal was precisely as the model: a noodle soup, some tempura pieces and some sashimi and sushi, all presented in lovely,colourful little dishes on a black tray. It was delicious. And reasonably priced.
This is one of those quick shots from afar. It was taken, I think, at the Kyoto train station. It was surprising to see so many women dressed in traditional garb, shopping or travelling. Notice the split-toes socks to allow access for the thong of the sandal. I like the contrast of the western-style purse with the Japanese sandals and kimono! And I wonder how she will manoeuver down the stairs with socks and sandals.
This last picture is of the landlady at the Ryokan (Inn) where I stayed in Kyoto. She was always busy looking after the guests, even hauling my heavy suitcase up the steep stairwell to my room. Her grandson did the cleaning and made the breakfasts while she kept an eye on business. She was a delight and one evening brought out her photo albums to share with me, all the while talking quickly in Japanese. I don’t understand Japanese but I got a feelling for what she was saying as she reviewed the photos of her husband and her children. When I left, she presented me with a scarf and lacquered plate, which I treasure.
As I was writing this post, I sent an email to the ryokan asking about her. Her son, who now runs the inn, replied that she is being cared for in hospital, is doing well, but is unable to work. Kimiko Hayashi, I am thinking about you and will never forget your big hugs when I felt homesick.
Here is the link to the inn and if anyone goes, please tell her son that I sent you: www.matsubayainn.com
© photos barbara bunce
