I've probably mentioned many times that I'm not an early bird, and that I love to sleep a little longer. The main reason for that is that I get to bed very late, so I just can't get up in the morning.
But every now and then I also have to get up early. Especially with a family, there are always things that have to be done at an early hour, and of course I then have to get up early too. But if you prepare everything well, you might even have the opportunity to do other things in the morning as well. Things, that you wouldn't normally get to do at this time.
Recently there was one of those occasions, when I had to leave the house before my regular time. After the first task was done, I went for a little walk through the big shrine in the city center. I now had a little bit of time before I had to move on, and I just didn't want to miss this opportunity. When else do I get to go for a walk early in the morning, at a time when the rest of the city is just getting ready to go to work?
There were hardly any people around yet and I had the whole area almost to myself. The sun was also not yet very high and provided long shadows in which it was pleasantly cool and fresh. The air was still clear and it was just nice to be outside.
Even in front of the main building there was much going on yet and often it seemed as if I was all alone here.
Of course, there were already a few people out and about, but it was quite easy to avoid them.
The colorful carp-shaped streamers provided some fun and colorful change and managed to boost my good mood even more.
They were a remnant of Children's Day, which is celebrated and commemorated in Japan in early May. But they also fit in beautifully at the beginning of summer.
The first wind chimes were already installed above a water basin, which at every breeze produced fine light sounds.
Especially in the hot summer, these wind chimes provide a little relaxation and at least some acoustic refreshment.
The big pond in the middle of the site was already completely overgrown. Soon the lotuses will start to bloom there, and with their pink blossoms will set very special highlights. On these mornings my eyes rested calmly on the dense green of the water plants, which had a very relaxing effect on me.
In some places there was still a little sweeping and cleaning going on. Almost the whole day was still ahead of us and I gratefully took in the inspiring atmosphere of this place. I also had quite a few tasks on my list that needed to be completed by the evening.
If there wasn't a big street next to the shrine, we could have almost forgotten that we were in the middle of the city. But now and then there was that background noise that brought us back to the here and now.
But I was well prepared for the day and had enjoyed this little walk in the early morning very much. It doesn't often happen that I'm already on the way at such an early hour, but I actually like to explore my city at this time as well.
But since I will continue to always be busy until late at night, it will probably be difficult to get up early on a regular basis in the future. But every now and then I won't be able to avoid it either, and at those times I'll try again to combine the useful with the pleasant.
I am wishing you all a wonderful, stress-free day.
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A huge thank you for this morning walk through this amazing temple. I must admit that every time I've been to Japan, going to a temple early in the morning to appreciate it fully has always been a joy like no other. And seeing the colorful carp-shaped streamers reminded me of one of my birthdays in Japan, which is the day before the children's day.
yeah, actually the carp-streamer season should be over but at the shrine they were keeping them out somewhat longer. I am glad I could bring back some of your memories. Thanks a lot for stopping by, have a great weekend!