Kyoto, Japan is the ancient home of the Imperial Court and considered the center of Japanese religion, aesthetics, music, theatre and dance.
The city holds about 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures including more than 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines. The Japanese aesthetic of serenity is felt as you visit the Imperial Gardens, the Golden Pavillion and the Toji Temple.
My friend, Gary Arndt photographed this walkway while he visited the Fushimi, Inari Shrine. Gary is taking a global journey, his website Everything-Everywhere has amazing first-hand insights into Kyoto and Japan. This picture reminded me of the Gates in New York City and the belief that the arts can bring ages and cultures together.
I have learned that Japan’s Ministry of Education is responsible for most official support and patronage of the arts. The ministry has a conservative position favoring traditional arts and crafts and “high culture.” The Ministry designates “National Treasures” which include not only great works of art—paintings, sculptures, or architectural masterpieces but also art forms and artists.
Many traditional artistic forms and aesthetic genre are regarded as distinctively Japanese: ukiyo-e woodblock prints, dramatic forms such as No’ and Kabuki, landscape gardening, architectural styles, poetic genre such as haiku (the 17-syllable verse form), Zen philosophy, flower arranging (ikebana), tea ceremony, and taiko drum music are a few examples.
If you are traveling, Kyoto is the place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Here at home, we can look beneath the surface and realize Japanese culture is already a part of our lives. I have a “Zen Rock Garden” on my desk which was a gift to help soothe my weary mind. A hand-painted teapot and matching cups reminds me of the beauty of a Geisha tea service. My silk robe is embroidered with Japanese cherry blossoms.
Our world may seem very large, but we’re all connected. Today, let’s appreciate the aesthetic beauty and serenity of Japan. Joy
Traveling is the best way to truly understand the people and cultures of our world. We can visit on-line, but the experience is much greater in person.
If you don’t already have a passport, today is the day to go and get one! You’re probably thinking that you don’t really need one because you don’t have a travel adventure planned, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Consider these 7 reasons and go take your passport picture!
A passport is the ultimate identification. It is more than just a driver’s license – it proves who you are to everyone around the world. Be proud of your identity and where you live and make it official.
A passport is for the long-term. It is valid for 10 years – just think, the picture you take today will look fabulous as the years roll by. You can stay ___ years old, at least photographically!
Having a passport is one of your constitutional rights. Some countries restrict travel – having a passport represents our freedom. Back in 1776, the new US Government handed out passports to represent the formation of the new country. We were originally recognized as citizens because of our passports.
You can go anywhere at anytime. Let’s say you win the lottery and want to jet-set to Paris. There’s no waiting for the State Department to process the paperwork (typically 4-6 weeks).
Our immigrant ancestors traveled and braved great dangers to create a better life. There is no better way to see where you family came from than to get a passport and travel.
Your passport becomes a stamp collection, or your memory book. When you travel between countries, the customs officers stamp and date your passport. It’s fun to watch your passport fill up with adventures.
A passport makes you a Jet-Setter! Being able to travel is sexy. When you have a passport you join the international, glamorous, living global crowd!
It’s a very easy process – you need to have a current picture taken, get a copy of your birth certificate, complete the application and send it to the State Department with $100. Follow this link to the US Post Office which coordinates the application process for free.
How can you consider these 7 reasons and still not have a passport? What are you waiting for?
I got my first passport when I was 7 years old and I saw the Eiffel Tower. My first passport is so special to me, it’s full of stamps and memories of wonderful journeys. It’s sorta funny, but I love being a US Ambassador and my passport is my golden ticket! Joy
This video is amazing, it’s like walking around Marrakesh. You can see the market, listen to the music, shop, dance and see inside a few beautiful Riads.
To quote my friends at Jet Set Life, “Marrakech is different than you’d expect and is a great spot to take your first steps into Africa and taste the “middle eastern-like” culture with a French flair!”
There are so many cultural references in the video, I couldn’t begin to write about it. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this video says it all.
Let’s think about this, how can we bring it home and incorporate Morocco into our lives? Personally, I think I’ll go for the shoes! I couldn’t believe that shop with shoes in every color and size. They were all hand made and very sparkly. Why do I always wear plain black shoes? How boring is that?
It’s time to go shopping and get something worthy of a Moroccan Princess. I have noticed many beaded scarves and fancy earrings at our stores recently… Let’s incorporate that style into our wardrobes and feel like we are in Marrakesh. Happy shopping! Joy
Traveling is the best way to truly understand the people and cultures of our world. We can visit on-line, but the experience is much greater in person.
