So have we actually been anywhere? The Nose and The Tourist (my sisters) are getting antsy with my posts about life and are anxious for me to get on with “the Japan stuff.” I’ve been wrestling with my informative Japan posts because Spouse said – in a very nice end of year review sort of way- they read like Wikipedia. His words- “not my voice.” My words? Boring.Visions of a new catchy title popped in my mind-  the “B Series” Bad, Blah, Basic and a few other b words. In my defense, I’ve been sensitive to insulting my country hosts therefore I’ve kept the few I’ve written to verbal spewings of facts which I must admit have not made for a robust read. It is true that the same abnormal thoughts  go through my head when viewing national landmarks as do all the other aspects of my life. At the risk of being shunned by my few Japanese friends who have not learned to completely ignore everything I say and do that is offensive, following is a summary of scouting trip I did to Sensoji Temple circa 628 AD.

Follow  your nose to this Temple in Asakusa- the oldest in Tokyo. The Gods of Thunder and Wind guard the front entrance while the Goddess of Healing- the Kannon- is housed within. You smell it before you see it. People burn incense as the smoke is supposed to have healing powers. I don’t believe anything not FDA approved has healing powers. Although I consider myself to be a fervent Catholic and have taught the confirmation year for  many of our precious Catholic youngsters, I still don’t believe that visiting an entombed saint’s finger will cure your arthritis or calling upon the numerous beheaded patron saints of migraines will cure headaches so please don’t take it personally. My suggestion when visiting the Temple is to buy a map across the street and use it to fan your neighbor’s freshly purchased incense toward your ailments just in case. That way your covered but haven’t wasted any money. Pat smoke on your head because this cure-all incense “Breath of the Buddha” will also  make you smarter. I know some people to whom I will recommend a trip to this location…

I nicknamed this the Camera Temple in order to help me keep it straight vs all the other temples in Japan. The founder of Panasonic donated the entrance to the Temple and the “Canon” camera was named after the Kannon Goddess. Take that Wikipedia.

Following is proof that I do in fact live in Japan:

Entrance to Sensoji Temple Built 628