Monday 14 May 2012

An Away Day from the Indigo Vat

 
Can you see Mount Fuji in this photograph?  You have to look carefully but you can see part of the snow-covered slopes.  It was the only view I had of the shy mountain all the time I was in Japan.

We did have a day away from the indigo vats and the farm when we travelled towards Fuji-san and might have got a better view had it not been for the very low clouds.  Never mind, there were other treats:

The quiet, mediative, misty atmosphere of the Climbers' Shrine


Where we saw a young boy being taken for his first blessing

A visit to a potter, Kiso-san


and to a glass studio


and finally, a visit to Itchiku Kubota's Art Museum

 Photography was not permitted inside but you can enjoy some of his kimono here and a website about the museum in English here.

Last week I caught up with family, including my lovely GS Sam who stayed with us at the bach for the weekend and enjoyed lots of bus rides and was an absolute star.  We had a lovely experience in the local cafe when another customer came over to us and said how watching and listening to Sam over lunch had made his day and how he would never forget it and how wonderful he is.  Wow, we know he's wonderful but we are just a little biased!  It's so nice when someone takes the trouble to tell us things like that.
Tomorrow I am off to Country Roads Quilters.  I have to admit that I have no idea what I'll be doing.  Other than a piece of pre-printed sashiko which I'm finding great for getting a good rhythm in my stitching (thank you Carin) I haven't done any stitching since I've been back from Japan.  I'm still trying to organise my creative thoughts.  I'll take various things with me and see how the mood takes me.  Have a good week whatever you're doing and I'll share some more of the Japanese Textile Study Tour before I jet off again, this time to Malta with DH for two weeks of complete R&R and, hopefully, sunshine.

9 comments:

  1. loved seeing the pics from japan. enjoy your day with the quilters and your trip to Malta.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have a friend whose husband is from Japan, he still has family there, it is interesting to listen to him speak about his beautiful country... one day DH and I hope to visit. Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us :O)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like you and Sam are making up for lost time. Mt. Fuji can be very shy. Early morning and sunset are the best time to catch a view (or mid winter).We are supposed to be getting a solar eclipse May 21 but the weather may be an issue for that too. Did you find any pottery to "re-home"?

    ReplyDelete
  4. You should have been in my kitchen yesterday morning! Through the window I had the most splendid view of Mt Fuji. The air in Yamanashi must have been extremely clear, cool and dry; against a bright blue sky the snow capped peak glistened. Usually we only get this clear view in winter. It is such a pity you did not see much of the mountain while staying in Fujino.
    However, you saw many other beautiful things!
    I am glad you are enjoying your time with charming Sam and have kept your quilting fingers nimble with that sashiko tea towel.
    Looking forward to your next Japan Textile Tour blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have been missing you and your post. I love our day out to Fuji-San. Glad you enjoy the weekend with Sam. I miss my G-kids too, but was glad they Skype on Mother's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Reading your posts about our Tour makes my day and brings back nice memories.
    I didn't see mount Fuji, not even a quick glimpse. I think that I will have to go back...soon!
    Have a nice time in Malta.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Have a good day today. Just off for as story time session in Wainfleet and Skegness library. If you want an indigo fix in September I still have two places left at the studio x

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a lovely trip you had thank you for sharing with us.
    Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  9. I shall send an email,now that I have finally downloaded all my photos to the computer, of Fuji on a clear day In 2004 when I was last in Japan. A quick lhot o of the original roller coaster too. Thanks for the memories Lis.

    ReplyDelete

I really appreciate your lovely comments, ideas and opinions, they make my day. Thank you for visiting Piece'n'Peace,
hugs, Lis x