I just love the experience I had while in Japan during my vacation sometime in summer and winter, 2005. As you might already know, the weather in Japan lately has always been on the extreme side. I remembered those moments when I was packing for my trip during summer. I told myself, Naaa, don’t worry, just pack my normal jeans and t-shirts. I was very sure those clothings would be suitable for the summer weather. It should be, since I wore t-shirts and jeans when I was studying in UK many years ago. Damn, was I wrong, the summer weather in Nagoya was extremely hot and humid. Believe me, it was worse than what you normally experience in Kuala Lumpur or any other cities in Malaysia. The heat was unbearable, wearing jeans for Nagoya’s summer was definitely a total NO-NO. What was I thinking back then eh? The harsh heat and sun ray makes your skin go dark and dry. I was really tanned when I got back from the holidays. I am sure, I didn’t look like myself..HAHA! My friends would agree on this ;-P
My second trip was in winter, I knew that my predictions would be better so I brought along with me, all thick woolen sweaters, cardigans and winter jackets . Boy, I was right the cold weather was too extreme. The heaters they use at home, were very much different from the ones you see in Europe. Most of the homes in Nagoya, uses the kerosene heaters, which I found was not useful enough. It surely warms up the place, but as soon as you switch it off, the warmness will die very fast. Back to square one again.
Due to the extreme weather, I now understand, why the Japanese can never get enough of their “Ofuro”. Ofuro in Japanese means BATH. According to one survey done, 88% of the Japanese, just loves to take baths. In Japan, these tubs are filled up with VERY hot water and one sits in the tub submerged up to the neck level. They do this for summer, as a way to get rid of all those excess sweat. They also soak themselves in tubs during winter to warm themselves up.
Apart from hot tub baths, you can also enjoy the natural hot springs. Those hotsprings can also be located in beautiful resorts. Public baths is a way of living in Japan. Just to share with you a few “bath etiquette”. Check this out:-
Rinse your body off outside the tub. Use a washbowl to scoop hot water out of the tub to rinse yourself with or take a shower.
Get in the bath. The water temperature should be between 38°C and 42°C, and the water should be deep enough that an adult can sit submerged up to the neck. Fifty years ago, tubs were made of wood, but nowadays they are made of tile, plastic, or stainless steel.
Once you leave the bath, sit down ( on the low stool provided or on your knee(s) -- not, in other words, with your bottom directly on the floor ), and wash yourself thoroughly. You can wash your hair now, too. Use the shower or water from the bath to clean any remaining soap or shampoo from the floor; the floor, which is usually made of tile or plastic, is fitted with a drain, so you may use as much water as you like.
I did get to try this public bath when I was in Kyoto for some sightseeing. It was an experience that I will never forget, I tell you……Haha! My sis told me about the rules of soaking, which is- one has to be ‘butt naked” once in the hot tub. Yup, you heard that correctly. I made sure the tub I was eyeing was an all female TUB. I was rather worried, I told my sis, NO way, this is like going through the fear factor programme in Kyoto without the cute host that is…..Haha! But after a few moments of thinking, told myself, this is a once in a lifetime stunt. I am not gonna miss it but I did hope that no one will be hanging around the public tub when I get there… Haha, tough luck huh, there were a few ladies there and the hot water in the tub was as clear as ever…it had a nice aroma….the water was added with some sweet smelling herbs. Hmmn, till now I still wonder how did I manage to gather myself to just join in with the ladies. I had a swell time. The bath was just awesome and definitely rejuvenating. After that bath, I just felt so light headed and decided to sleep on the futon. The "slumberland” I was in, was just excellent. Those of you who haven’t had the chance to try the ‘ofuro”, you wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!
My second trip was in winter, I knew that my predictions would be better so I brought along with me, all thick woolen sweaters, cardigans and winter jackets . Boy, I was right the cold weather was too extreme. The heaters they use at home, were very much different from the ones you see in Europe. Most of the homes in Nagoya, uses the kerosene heaters, which I found was not useful enough. It surely warms up the place, but as soon as you switch it off, the warmness will die very fast. Back to square one again.
Due to the extreme weather, I now understand, why the Japanese can never get enough of their “Ofuro”. Ofuro in Japanese means BATH. According to one survey done, 88% of the Japanese, just loves to take baths. In Japan, these tubs are filled up with VERY hot water and one sits in the tub submerged up to the neck level. They do this for summer, as a way to get rid of all those excess sweat. They also soak themselves in tubs during winter to warm themselves up.
Apart from hot tub baths, you can also enjoy the natural hot springs. Those hotsprings can also be located in beautiful resorts. Public baths is a way of living in Japan. Just to share with you a few “bath etiquette”. Check this out:-
Rinse your body off outside the tub. Use a washbowl to scoop hot water out of the tub to rinse yourself with or take a shower.
Get in the bath. The water temperature should be between 38°C and 42°C, and the water should be deep enough that an adult can sit submerged up to the neck. Fifty years ago, tubs were made of wood, but nowadays they are made of tile, plastic, or stainless steel.
Once you leave the bath, sit down ( on the low stool provided or on your knee(s) -- not, in other words, with your bottom directly on the floor ), and wash yourself thoroughly. You can wash your hair now, too. Use the shower or water from the bath to clean any remaining soap or shampoo from the floor; the floor, which is usually made of tile or plastic, is fitted with a drain, so you may use as much water as you like.
I did get to try this public bath when I was in Kyoto for some sightseeing. It was an experience that I will never forget, I tell you……Haha! My sis told me about the rules of soaking, which is- one has to be ‘butt naked” once in the hot tub. Yup, you heard that correctly. I made sure the tub I was eyeing was an all female TUB. I was rather worried, I told my sis, NO way, this is like going through the fear factor programme in Kyoto without the cute host that is…..Haha! But after a few moments of thinking, told myself, this is a once in a lifetime stunt. I am not gonna miss it but I did hope that no one will be hanging around the public tub when I get there… Haha, tough luck huh, there were a few ladies there and the hot water in the tub was as clear as ever…it had a nice aroma….the water was added with some sweet smelling herbs. Hmmn, till now I still wonder how did I manage to gather myself to just join in with the ladies. I had a swell time. The bath was just awesome and definitely rejuvenating. After that bath, I just felt so light headed and decided to sleep on the futon. The "slumberland” I was in, was just excellent. Those of you who haven’t had the chance to try the ‘ofuro”, you wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!
5 comments:
Nour, thanks for sharing your thought about my situation and your continued moral support. That's what friends are for. Really, I feel so blessed to have a concerned friend like you all. I love ya!
It's constructive - especially when you're trapped inside a box you can't see out of it. Blinded. Only the one outside the box can see the one inside the box clearly.
In a way, you helped me opened that door. Just like Amy Mastura's latest song...buka kan lah pintu itu.
Perhaps some people are not made for relationships, and some people are always running out of luck in relationships. Right now, I kinda lost faith in relationships. I'm just not good at it, I think. So, perhaps I should stay away from it until I can fully understand and embrace the concept...
But I'd hang on to your words, which makes me feel a lot better: "Naaa Nel, you deserve someone better, sooo much better, like you, I too still think there are too many jerks. But again just gotta have some faith that there are still quality guys out there."
Nour...Liza...
On behalf of all "quality"men out there....yes yes yes, pls don't lose faith in us...
sometimes we r just confused, between the MAN versus the CHILD in us. Sometimes we r confused when we r in realtionship with women..especially Quality ones like the two of u....confused between ur MATERNITY role and ur
as our meant to be soul mates.
Put on ur snickers....go for a jog!
Always good to clear ur mind.
cheers,
idham.
Hi Nour! Glad to see your blog up and running here. You make me want to go to Japan now :)
SS,
Thnx for dropping by. Am glad that my blog is finally up, it took me ages to actually put it up. Hope to see here often. Take care girl!
Nel/Liza,
I am sure you know what you want in a man. Never settle for less and just live your life. Everyone deserves to be happy, it's ok to be alone for awhile and clear yr thoughts. I'd rather be alone and happy. What's the point being with someone, if you have the go thru the emotional roller coaster most of the time....pretty tiring you know.
Wishing you all the best and hang in there will ya!
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