Post by Japan on Feb 11, 2013 15:58:02 GMT -5
The train journey is long, as are most in Japan. It’s said a Japanese salary man will spend 2 and a half months on a train in his life, and that’s only counting the daily commute. They miss the rush however, meaning that they are lucky enough to find seats together. Not uncomfortable with silence, and not wanting to disturb the other passengers, Japan starts to flick through his photographs… showing Germany the few shots he’d taken of him.
While his flat – although he is sure Germany would contest to a place that small being called a flat, is closer Kiku leads them all the way to Kamakura. He was eager to give Germany an authentic experience, and in the old bakufu town Kiku was lucky enough to own a house from back when the city had been a capital. It seemed perfect for his purposes.
He had spent the night before in the house, preparing it for his friend. The cobwebs were dusted away and the house aired so that the rooms smelled of spring. The guest room had already been set up for the German’s visit. Everything he needed was there, including the Kimono Japan had picked out.
While he knew the man would need help dressing, he thought it only polite to supply his guest with everything he needed at the beginning of his stay. He always thought it was best not to surprise one’s guest, at least so early on.
The house was perfectly prepared for the German… apart from one small fact. This house had very basic bathing facilities. Which was a euphemism for a water closet - which while modern lacked any bathing facilities outside of a sink.
A shower and bath were something Japan had not really seen as necessary, especially when there was a wonderful public bath a mere 10 minutes away. But now that he was finally letting the German into his house he could not help but grow a bit anxious over the fact. What if the German wanted to shower now? Or in the morning?
His eyebrows knit into a small furrow as he takes off his shoes and replaces them with slippers. There was a pair for Germany already laid out, something he had brought from Tokyo. For some reason he had always kept a pair for the German and Italian in his shoe closet, as though he was anticipating their visit.
‘I have to apologise about the lack of bathing facilities here…’ he starts, ears turning red as he leads Ludwig to his room. ‘I have never thought to install a full bathroom, since there are public baths close by but I now realise this must be a hassle for you…’
Kiku leads the German through what looks like a small living room and out into a Courtyard. The door to Ludwig’s room would lead out into the courtyard. A wooden path lines the Garden, connecting the inhabitants of the house to each of the rooms without the need to change your shoes.
Click here for a picture!
When Kiku slides open the door, it’s to a room that has been set up with a guest in mind. The futon is already aired and laid out with bedding on the Tatami mats. The built in wardrobes to the side of the room, that may appear simple walls to the untrained eye are left open – welcoming Ludwig’s belongings. He hoped the man would make himself at home.
He places the bags he had been carrying for Ludwig just inside the door, hesitating to enter.
‘Should I make some tea while you settle in?’
There was still plenty of time before the ceremony started and the venue was but a mere 20 minutes away on foot.
‘We could use it as an opportunity to practice ho you should drink tea at the ceremony, if you would like?’
While his flat – although he is sure Germany would contest to a place that small being called a flat, is closer Kiku leads them all the way to Kamakura. He was eager to give Germany an authentic experience, and in the old bakufu town Kiku was lucky enough to own a house from back when the city had been a capital. It seemed perfect for his purposes.
He had spent the night before in the house, preparing it for his friend. The cobwebs were dusted away and the house aired so that the rooms smelled of spring. The guest room had already been set up for the German’s visit. Everything he needed was there, including the Kimono Japan had picked out.
While he knew the man would need help dressing, he thought it only polite to supply his guest with everything he needed at the beginning of his stay. He always thought it was best not to surprise one’s guest, at least so early on.
The house was perfectly prepared for the German… apart from one small fact. This house had very basic bathing facilities. Which was a euphemism for a water closet - which while modern lacked any bathing facilities outside of a sink.
A shower and bath were something Japan had not really seen as necessary, especially when there was a wonderful public bath a mere 10 minutes away. But now that he was finally letting the German into his house he could not help but grow a bit anxious over the fact. What if the German wanted to shower now? Or in the morning?
His eyebrows knit into a small furrow as he takes off his shoes and replaces them with slippers. There was a pair for Germany already laid out, something he had brought from Tokyo. For some reason he had always kept a pair for the German and Italian in his shoe closet, as though he was anticipating their visit.
‘I have to apologise about the lack of bathing facilities here…’ he starts, ears turning red as he leads Ludwig to his room. ‘I have never thought to install a full bathroom, since there are public baths close by but I now realise this must be a hassle for you…’
Kiku leads the German through what looks like a small living room and out into a Courtyard. The door to Ludwig’s room would lead out into the courtyard. A wooden path lines the Garden, connecting the inhabitants of the house to each of the rooms without the need to change your shoes.
Click here for a picture!
When Kiku slides open the door, it’s to a room that has been set up with a guest in mind. The futon is already aired and laid out with bedding on the Tatami mats. The built in wardrobes to the side of the room, that may appear simple walls to the untrained eye are left open – welcoming Ludwig’s belongings. He hoped the man would make himself at home.
He places the bags he had been carrying for Ludwig just inside the door, hesitating to enter.
‘Should I make some tea while you settle in?’
There was still plenty of time before the ceremony started and the venue was but a mere 20 minutes away on foot.
‘We could use it as an opportunity to practice ho you should drink tea at the ceremony, if you would like?’
