It’s 18:15 and we just got back from the southern tour a little while ago. It’s almost dark and it started raining this afternoon while we were at the Peace Memorial Park. Fortunately, that was the end of our formal touring. Tomorrow’s a free day, then it’s departure day on Thursday.
It was extremely humid today. I dripped sweat constantly and it even ran in little rivers down my eyeglass lenses. Most annoying. But I was not alone in my discomfort. All the Japanese tourists were also waving their furo towels around.
The snake museum at Gyokusendo Park, now that there is no snake vs. mongoose act, is more of a zoo and exhibition area. I found that out when I wandered into the children’s exhibit and the nice young woman there promptly placed a python into my hands. I really hadn’t wanted to do that, but I have a difficult time saying “no” to nice young women, especially when I saw her already extending the serpent towards me.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the snake quite docile, dry to the touch and house-broken. But what do you do with a snake? You don’t pet it, do you? And where? Certainly not anywhere near the head because that’s where the fangs are! And even if you did, how can you tell if the snake’s happy? They don’t purr. After a few moments with a double handful of snake, I handed it back to the handler, smiled and departed the premises none the worse for wear.
The eisa performance was superb as always and I was amazed that they could maintain their cool and professional demeanor in spite of the horrid humidity. They even accommodated everyone who wanted their pictures taken during the photo opportunity at the end of the show. And when I came back out after lunch, they were practicing between shows. If I tried to do that, I’d be lying comatose in intensive care somewhere.
At the Peace Museum, there are free audio guides in English and Spanish for those who are Nihongo-challenged. Only it doesn’t help that the instructions on the device are in Japanese. The way to use the audio device, which resembles a “Walkman”, is to stroll through the exhibits and look for a symbol of a headphone with a number next to it. Press that number on the keyboard of the audio unit, then press the blue key with the arrow symbol to enter it. A woman’s voice will explain the exhibit. Return the unit to the cashier when done. In this case “free” doesn’t mean it’s yours to keep, only to borrow.
