Ruth and Charlo Frendo tell us a little about the land of Madama Butterfly.

Rice, bicycles, mandolin eyes, Memoirs of a Geisha… These were my thoughts as my husband Charlo and I boarded the plane which was to take us to Tokyo. I would have never guessed that Japan was all this – and much, much, more…So, let’s start from the beginning – that is, the “bad impression” Charlo and I left to all those present at the Tokyo airport. I clearly remember that there were at least another five hundred Asian people who, like us, were waiting at the airport. And then I realized that only my hubby and I were talking – the rest of “them” were just standing perfectly still – in synchronized silence. I felt too ashamed to continue with our conversation, and ended up whispering just what was necessary for the rest of our time at the airport.

Once outside, I immediately witnessed an entire wave of Japanese people who were so unlike us Europeans. A good number of these, of both sexes, were wearing kimonos and walking on three-inch high sandals whilst holding gorgeous fans. It didn’t take long for us to board the Shinkansen (which literary means “fast train”) and then headed to Osaka. We no sooner got on this train that different individuals came forward to help us with our luggage, whilst others tried to show us how to adjust our seats. These people were looking at us, checking us out all over and smiling. An elderly lady asked me in perfect English, where we came from, and when I replied Malta – she smiled and said “Such a wonderful and rich history. Lovely country…” In fact, I later found out that a big percentage of the population knows about our country as they study European history at school. Apparently a whole chapter has been dedicated to Malta…

Whilst travelling, we bought and ate a whole variety of sushi, which is packed in small wooden boxes and sold as fast food on the trains. Later we found out that Japanese eat a lot of noodles, rice, fish, seafood, soups and sushi. They eat fish at any time of the day – which includes breakfast. In fact, it is surprising that wherever you go in Japan, you can always, somehow, smell fish – and sometimes the display of the food looks a big disgusting. The Asians make loud sounds whilst eating, but this is considered the norm. They hold the bowls of food next to their chin and they use chopsticks to push food into their mouth. Most fast food consists of octopus balls or noodles with a weird but surprisingly good, brownish sauce. The Asians rarely eat chocolate but enjoy frozen ice-cherries as well as green-tea ice-cream. They satisfy their thirst by drinking water, cold black or white coffee, cold tea and cold green-tea, and these can be found in most of the vending machines scattered all over the country. And yes – I tried most of the above-mentioned food and drink. And yes – after three whole days of eating only Japanese food, I had a stomach-ache and spent a good part of the rest of my holiday eating hamburgers and hotdogs from popular franchises which have also lurked into Japan.

It should be noted that whilst we were travelling away from Tokyo and towards Kyoto, there was an earthquake going on in Tokyo and we barely missed it…

Even though we had had a long flight and had jetlag, Charlo and I decided not to miss the Gion Festival in Kyoto, which was happening that same night we had arrived. That night turned out to be one of the most magical events I ever experienced.

In Kyoto, thousands of kimono-clad locals had joined together to celebrate their popular feast where they were giving thanks to their ancestors. People were chanting and singing everywhere, and hundreds of food stands had been set up. There were also stands with typical games which included “fish-catching” from a tiny pond, amongst many others. The atmosphere was indescribable and everyone was so incredibly nice and friendly. Some locals started pointing out to a lady and were telling me “Geisha! Geisha! Photo!” And thanks to them I now have a photo together with a real geisha. Geishas are considered to be professional dancers and are respected by their peers. The ambiance was so incredible that I ended up taking dozens of photos. The scene is imprinted in my mind for the rest of my life.

My holiday in Japan was truly magical. Hundreds of people travel by bicycle, which meant that I could daily see dozens of mothers paddling away with their child tucked away in a basket on the front of the bicycle and with the groceries in another basket at the back of the bike. Their dogs were groomed to perfection and could be seen sporting beautiful kimonos, bows, flowers and all kinds of accessories. In order to cross the street, not only did the traffic-lights change colours, but you could also hear bird song such as that of the cuckoo signaling that it was safe to cross.

During our one-month stay, we visited a number of Buddhist temples, as well shrines. We were invited by a Tenrikyo priest to attend their religious ceremony, which is held once a month. Tenrikyo is the traditional, indigenous Japanese religion. The ceremony is held in a temple where it is obligatory to take off your shoes and walk and pray on floors covered with soft cane. One fourth of the temple is filled with priests and priestesses who perform what is known as a “hands dance”, whilst other priests play traditional instruments. Another priest chants all through the three-hour ceremony. On the other hand, during such ceremonies, the rest of the temple is full of locals who talk, pray, sleep, send smses and laugh – and this is all acceptable. We were not permitted to take photos, which is a pity as the altar is divided into three – one third is dedicated to their ancestors, another third to the foundress of the religion and the third space, which holds the place of honour in the middle of the other two spaces, is dedicated to their god.

Shopping in Japan is another enjoyable experience. I love, love, love, love fashion – and I felt mesmerised just by looking at the hundreds of shops all promoting out-of-this-world, beautiful and avant-garde clothes. Clothes are ultra-expensive, but I eventually gave in and bought a couple of items which I am sure are quite unique for Europe. Some shops reminded me of typical fish-markets where you find the vendors shouting at the top of their lungs to sell their stuff. The funny thing is that the more exquisite the shop, the louder the sales people!

What about nightlife? Though Charlo and I spent whole days going around, yet we somehow still managed to find enough energy to try out Japanese nightlife. So – a typical Saturday-night-out for any young Japanese would be to meet up with friends to have a snack, usually consisting of fish, at around five in the afternoon. Then, most probably, they would head either to a karaoke place, or to a games room, or else go walking around the streets in a place which reminded us of Paceville - only it is one thousand times bigger. It is important to note that Japan is the safest place I have ever been too perhaps even safer than Malta. And yet the curfes for young Japanese is typically at nine at night. Yes! 9 p.m.! Apart from some specialized clubs which stay open till the early hours of morning, that’s the time these young rebels end their favourite night out and go back home…

Some other places which we visited and are worth mentioning are Mount Fuji, Ueno Park, the Sumo Museum (where we met a Sumo wrestler), Hiroshima, Miyajima (World Cultural Heritage), the Osaka Castle, the Toji Temple, an antique flea market, a Fireworks Festival, the Imperial Palace, various manga shops and numerous other places.

Regrettably, Japan in not a popular tourist attraction for Maltese travellers – and yet it is one of my favourite destinations up to now. I know that it will forever remain in my thoughts and my heart.

Ruth and Charlo Frendo tell us a little about the land of Madama Butterfly.

Rice, bicycles, mandolin eyes, Memoirs of a Geisha… These were my thoughts as my husband Charlo and I boarded the plane which was to take us to Tokyo. I would have never guessed that Japan was all this – and much, much, more…So, let’s start from the beginning – that is, the “bad impression” Charlo and I left to all those present at the Tokyo airport. I clearly remember that there were at least another five hundred Asian people who, like us, were waiting at the airport. And then I realized that only my hubby and I were talking – the rest of “them” were just standing perfectly still – in synchronized silence. I felt too ashamed to continue with our conversation, and ended up whispering just what was necessary for the rest of our time at the airport.

Once outside, I immediately witnessed an entire wave of Japanese people who were so unlike us Europeans. A good number of these, of both sexes, were wearing kimonos and walking on three-inch high sandals whilst holding gorgeous fans. It didn’t take long for us to board the Shinkansen (which literary means “fast train”) and then headed to Osaka. We no sooner got on this train that different individuals came forward to help us with our luggage, whilst others tried to show us how to adjust our seats. These people were looking at us, checking us out all over and smiling. An elderly lady asked me in perfect English, where we came from, and when I replied Malta – she smiled and said “Such a wonderful and rich history. Lovely country…” In fact, I later found out that a big percentage of the population knows about our country as they study European history at school. Apparently a whole chapter has been dedicated to Malta…

Whilst travelling, we bought and ate a whole variety of sushi, which is packed in small wooden boxes and sold as fast food on the trains. Later we found out that Japanese eat a lot of noodles, rice, fish, seafood, soups and sushi. They eat fish at any time of the day – which includes breakfast. In fact, it is surprising that wherever you go in Japan, you can always, somehow, smell fish – and sometimes the display of the food looks a big disgusting. The Asians make loud sounds whilst eating, but this is considered the norm. They hold the bowls of food next to their chin and they use chopsticks to push food into their mouth. Most fast food consists of octopus balls or noodles with a weird but surprisingly good, brownish sauce. The Asians rarely eat chocolate but enjoy frozen ice-cherries as well as green-tea ice-cream. They satisfy their thirst by drinking water, cold black or white coffee, cold tea and cold green-tea, and these can be found in most of the vending machines scattered all over the country. And yes – I tried most of the above-mentioned food and drink. And yes – after three whole days of eating only Japanese food, I had a stomach-ache and spent a good part of the rest of my holiday eating hamburgers and hotdogs from popular franchises which have also lurked into Japan.

It should be noted that whilst we were travelling away from Tokyo and towards Kyoto, there was an earthquake going on in Tokyo and we barely missed it…

Even though we had had a long flight and had jetlag, Charlo and I decided not to miss the Gion Festival in Kyoto, which was happening that same night we had arrived. That night turned out to be one of the most magical events I ever experienced.

In Kyoto, thousands of kimono-clad locals had joined together to celebrate their popular feast where they were giving thanks to their ancestors. People were chanting and singing everywhere, and hundreds of food stands had been set up. There were also stands with typical games which included “fish-catching” from a tiny pond, amongst many others. The atmosphere was indescribable and everyone was so incredibly nice and friendly. Some locals started pointing out to a lady and were telling me “Geisha! Geisha! Photo!” And thanks to them I now have a photo together with a real geisha. Geishas are considered to be professional dancers and are respected by their peers. The ambiance was so incredible that I ended up taking dozens of photos. The scene is imprinted in my mind for the rest of my life.

My holiday in Japan was truly magical. Hundreds of people travel by bicycle, which meant that I could daily see dozens of mothers paddling away with their child tucked away in a basket on the front of the bicycle and with the groceries in another basket at the back of the bike. Their dogs were groomed to perfection and could be seen sporting beautiful kimonos, bows, flowers and all kinds of accessories. In order to cross the street, not only did the traffic-lights change colours, but you could also hear bird song such as that of the cuckoo signaling that it was safe to cross.

During our one-month stay, we visited a number of Buddhist temples, as well shrines. We were invited by a Tenrikyo priest to attend their religious ceremony, which is held once a month. Tenrikyo is the traditional, indigenous Japanese religion. The ceremony is held in a temple where it is obligatory to take off your shoes and walk and pray on floors covered with soft cane. One fourth of the temple is filled with priests and priestesses who perform what is known as a “hands dance”, whilst other priests play traditional instruments. Another priest chants all through the three-hour ceremony. On the other hand, during such ceremonies, the rest of the temple is full of locals who talk, pray, sleep, send smses and laugh – and this is all acceptable. We were not permitted to take photos, which is a pity as the altar is divided into three – one third is dedicated to their ancestors, another third to the foundress of the religion and the third space, which holds the place of honour in the middle of the other two spaces, is dedicated to their god.

Shopping in Japan is another enjoyable experience. I love, love, love, love fashion – and I felt mesmerised just by looking at the hundreds of shops all promoting out-of-this-world, beautiful and avant-garde clothes. Clothes are ultra-expensive, but I eventually gave in and bought a couple of items which I am sure are quite unique for Europe. Some shops reminded me of typical fish-markets where you find the vendors shouting at the top of their lungs to sell their stuff. The funny thing is that the more exquisite the shop, the louder the sales people!

What about nightlife? Though Charlo and I spent whole days going around, yet we somehow still managed to find enough energy to try out Japanese nightlife. So – a typical Saturday-night-out for any young Japanese would be to meet up with friends to have a snack, usually consisting of fish, at around five in the afternoon. Then, most probably, they would head either to a karaoke place, or to a games room, or else go walking around the streets in a place which reminded us of Paceville - only it is one thousand times bigger. It is important to note that Japan is the safest place I have ever been too perhaps even safer than Malta. And yet the curfes for young Japanese is typically at nine at night. Yes! 9 p.m.! Apart from some specialized clubs which stay open till the early hours of morning, that’s the time these young rebels end their favourite night out and go back home…

Some other places which we visited and are worth mentioning are Mount Fuji, Ueno Park, the Sumo Museum (where we met a Sumo wrestler), Hiroshima, Miyajima (World Cultural Heritage), the Osaka Castle, the Toji Temple, an antique flea market, a Fireworks Festival, the Imperial Palace, various manga shops and numerous other places.

Regrettably, Japan in not a popular tourist attraction for Maltese travellers – and yet it is one of my favourite destinations up to now. I know that it will forever remain in my thoughts and my heart.

Ruth and Charlo Frendo tell us a little about the land of Madama Butterfly.

Rice, bicycles, mandolin eyes, Memoirs of a Geisha… These were my thoughts as my husband Charlo and I boarded the plane which was to take us to Tokyo. I would have never guessed that Japan was all this – and much, much, more…So, let’s start from the beginning – that is, the “bad impression” Charlo and I left to all those present at the Tokyo airport. I clearly remember that there were at least another five hundred Asian people who, like us, were waiting at the airport. And then I realized that only my hubby and I were talking – the rest of “them” were just standing perfectly still – in synchronized silence. I felt too ashamed to continue with our conversation, and ended up whispering just what was necessary for the rest of our time at the airport.

Once outside, I immediately witnessed an entire wave of Japanese people who were so unlike us Europeans. A good number of these, of both sexes, were wearing kimonos and walking on three-inch high sandals whilst holding gorgeous fans. It didn’t take long for us to board the Shinkansen (which literary means “fast train”) and then headed to Osaka. We no sooner got on this train that different individuals came forward to help us with our luggage, whilst others tried to show us how to adjust our seats. These people were looking at us, checking us out all over and smiling. An elderly lady asked me in perfect English, where we came from, and when I replied Malta – she smiled and said “Such a wonderful and rich history. Lovely country…” In fact, I later found out that a big percentage of the population knows about our country as they study European history at school. Apparently a whole chapter has been dedicated to Malta…

Whilst travelling, we bought and ate a whole variety of sushi, which is packed in small wooden boxes and sold as fast food on the trains. Later we found out that Japanese eat a lot of noodles, rice, fish, seafood, soups and sushi. They eat fish at any time of the day – which includes breakfast. In fact, it is surprising that wherever you go in Japan, you can always, somehow, smell fish – and sometimes the display of the food looks a big disgusting. The Asians make loud sounds whilst eating, but this is considered the norm. They hold the bowls of food next to their chin and they use chopsticks to push food into their mouth. Most fast food consists of octopus balls or noodles with a weird but surprisingly good, brownish sauce. The Asians rarely eat chocolate but enjoy frozen ice-cherries as well as green-tea ice-cream. They satisfy their thirst by drinking water, cold black or white coffee, cold tea and cold green-tea, and these can be found in most of the vending machines scattered all over the country. And yes – I tried most of the above-mentioned food and drink. And yes – after three whole days of eating only Japanese food, I had a stomach-ache and spent a good part of the rest of my holiday eating hamburgers and hotdogs from popular franchises which have also lurked into Japan.

It should be noted that whilst we were travelling away from Tokyo and towards Kyoto, there was an earthquake going on in Tokyo and we barely missed it…

Even though we had had a long flight and had jetlag, Charlo and I decided not to miss the Gion Festival in Kyoto, which was happening that same night we had arrived. That night turned out to be one of the most magical events I ever experienced.

In Kyoto, thousands of kimono-clad locals had joined together to celebrate their popular feast where they were giving thanks to their ancestors. People were chanting and singing everywhere, and hundreds of food stands had been set up. There were also stands with typical games which included “fish-catching” from a tiny pond, amongst many others. The atmosphere was indescribable and everyone was so incredibly nice and friendly. Some locals started pointing out to a lady and were telling me “Geisha! Geisha! Photo!” And thanks to them I now have a photo together with a real geisha. Geishas are considered to be professional dancers and are respected by their peers. The ambiance was so incredible that I ended up taking dozens of photos. The scene is imprinted in my mind for the rest of my life.

My holiday in Japan was truly magical. Hundreds of people travel by bicycle, which meant that I could daily see dozens of mothers paddling away with their child tucked away in a basket on the front of the bicycle and with the groceries in another basket at the back of the bike. Their dogs were groomed to perfection and could be seen sporting beautiful kimonos, bows, flowers and all kinds of accessories. In order to cross the street, not only did the traffic-lights change colours, but you could also hear bird song such as that of the cuckoo signaling that it was safe to cross.

During our one-month stay, we visited a number of Buddhist temples, as well shrines. We were invited by a Tenrikyo priest to attend their religious ceremony, which is held once a month. Tenrikyo is the traditional, indigenous Japanese religion. The ceremony is held in a temple where it is obligatory to take off your shoes and walk and pray on floors covered with soft cane. One fourth of the temple is filled with priests and priestesses who perform what is known as a “hands dance”, whilst other priests play traditional instruments. Another priest chants all through the three-hour ceremony. On the other hand, during such ceremonies, the rest of the temple is full of locals who talk, pray, sleep, send smses and laugh – and this is all acceptable. We were not permitted to take photos, which is a pity as the altar is divided into three – one third is dedicated to their ancestors, another third to the foundress of the religion and the third space, which holds the place of honour in the middle of the other two spaces, is dedicated to their god.

Shopping in Japan is another enjoyable experience. I love, love, love, love fashion – and I felt mesmerised just by looking at the hundreds of shops all promoting out-of-this-world, beautiful and avant-garde clothes. Clothes are ultra-expensive, but I eventually gave in and bought a couple of items which I am sure are quite unique for Europe. Some shops reminded me of typical fish-markets where you find the vendors shouting at the top of their lungs to sell their stuff. The funny thing is that the more exquisite the shop, the louder the sales people!

What about nightlife? Though Charlo and I spent whole days going around, yet we somehow still managed to find enough energy to try out Japanese nightlife. So – a typical Saturday-night-out for any young Japanese would be to meet up with friends to have a snack, usually consisting of fish, at around five in the afternoon. Then, most probably, they would head either to a karaoke place, or to a games room, or else go walking around the streets in a place which reminded us of Paceville - only it is one thousand times bigger. It is important to note that Japan is the safest place I have ever been too perhaps even safer than Malta. And yet the curfes for young Japanese is typically at nine at night. Yes! 9 p.m.! Apart from some specialized clubs which stay open till the early hours of morning, that’s the time these young rebels end their favourite night out and go back home…

Some other places which we visited and are worth mentioning are Mount Fuji, Ueno Park, the Sumo Museum (where we met a Sumo wrestler), Hiroshima, Miyajima (World Cultural Heritage), the Osaka Castle, the Toji Temple, an antique flea market, a Fireworks Festival, the Imperial Palace, various manga shops and numerous other places.

Regrettably, Japan in not a popular tourist attraction for Maltese travellers – and yet it is one of my favourite destinations up to now. I know that it will forever remain in my thoughts and my heart.