Kyoto Chaos: Numbers, Noodles, and a Whole Lotta Rain
okay, so i'm still processing *Kyoto. it's… a lot. i arrived with just the numbers 1675151 and 1158276420 rattling around in my head, like some kind of cryptic fortune. honestly? i have no clue what they mean. maybe it’s a code? a phone number? a lifetime supply of matcha? the mystery is part of the charm, right?
temp: 13.35, feels_like: 13.09. it’s drizzling. a fine, persistent rain that just seeps into everything. i just checked and it's… a damp hug, I guess. hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is insane - 90%! feels like you’re breathing soup. but somehow, it’s also… peaceful. the kind of peaceful that makes you want to just sit in a teahouse and stare at a moss garden for hours.
neighbors here are loud. not aggressively so, just…present. the locals are super polite, but also incredibly efficient. everyone knows where they’re going, and they’re not afraid to move fast. i heard that if you get bored, Nara is just a short train ride away - deer, apparently. or Osaka, if you’re feeling ambitious. i'm leaning towards staying put and trying to decipher life's little puzzles, though.
spent yesterday wandering through Gion. tried to get a decent photo of a geisha, no luck. seriously, these things are like ninjas. i saw a few people trying to snap pictures, but they’re incredibly elusive. someone told me that the best way to spot one is to look for people who look like they’re from another century. don’t quote me on that, though. probably just drunk advice.
food, obviously. oh god, the food. ramen until i can’t walk. i found this tiny little place down a side alley that’s apparently a local secret. the broth was incredible - rich, umami, just… perfection. definitely check out Yelp Kyoto Ramen for recommendations. i also accidentally ordered something that looked like a seaweed salad but tasted suspiciously like fermented socks. accidentally.
gear list? simple. super comfy walking shoes (seriously, you’ll walk everywhere), a good umbrella (duh!), and a portable charger. my camera is living it up, constantly capturing blurry shots of things i can’t quite name. i’m trying to limit myself to just one or two things I really like, you know. the rest is just… clutter.
Pro-tip*: learn a few basic Japanese phrases. even just 'arigato' (thank you) goes a long way. and don't be afraid to get lost - some of the best discoveries are made when you’re wandering aimlessly. also, if you want to find some cool traditional crafts, check out TripAdvisor Kyoto Shopping.
so, that's my whirlwind introduction to Kyoto. still completely overwhelmed, but in a good way? i think? it’s a city of contradictions - ancient temples next to neon lights, serene gardens next to bustling markets. and the constant rain just adds to the atmosphere. i’m off to find some more noodles. wish me luck. maybe i’ll even figure out what those numbers mean. anyone know about 1675151 and 1158276420? hit me up on Reddit Japan if you’ve got any ideas! It’s been quite the journey so far.
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