It is hard to believe, it is little over 4 weeks before I head off to Japan for my 88 Temple Pilgrimage "Henro" adventure. I am so thankful to have met Kaz from Tokyo online, who is going to get me started on the pilgrimage. It will save me a lot of frustration at the start. He has been so helpful with sharing pictures, his previous pilgrimages details, his expertise and his comforting reassurance about my plans.
As well, I spent a wonderful morning last Saturday, where I met an ohenro from Ottawa. I received my first osettai (which are gifts given to henros during the pilgrimage) from him. I can't say how thankful I am to Dara, for spending over 2.5 hours, going through his notes in his tattered route guide book, giving me pointers on where to stay, where not to stay, the best routes and some excellent pointers. I felt so much better afterwards and energized. I spent all of Sunday afternoon reviewing my notes, while they were fresh in my head and came up with a map of my planned walk.
I had the honour of looking through his stamp book and brought home to me, why I wanted to do the pilgrimage.
I have been busy setting up this blog, so I can add entries using an app on my new Nexus 5 smart phone. As well, downloaded a cool Google Translator app, which allows you to speak in English and it translates and speaks in Japanese. Just like Star Trek. Wow, how far technology has come. The phone is amazing on what it can do.
I have been working on my packing list, keeping things as light as possible. Buying essential things to take like moleskin, blister bandages, first aid tape, rain gear, to name a few.
I will try to add some practice entries to my blog to document my prep work. Now I just have to find time to go to the gym more often to practice walking on the treadmill for 2 hours or more, to prepare for my long walks.
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