The Roads to Sata

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The Roads to Sata

by

3.0 Ratings
1 Reviews

kapsread Rated it

Jun 02, 2018

★★★★★

Writer’s passion for travelling is marvelous as even after drenched completely he did not quit in between. Typical terms like “ Yukata, Geta” etc. require glossary to understand. Language used cannot be understood easily, but zeal of knowing Japan ignores it away. Too much Peace of surroundings suffocates. Strange kind of observation-“it is not pleasant at the best of times to walk along a highway, but it can be educational. You notice, for example, the changing fashions in litter.” The book is full of description of incidents belonging to age old people - proves Japan the nation of old ones. “……..an old man had come to deposit part of his pension. When he walked he bent almost double on his stick.” Astonishing revelation about japan- “inhabitants of north little better than beggars.” Not much culture is discussed . Had this been picturesque, it would have been more interesting……. Reaction in remote areas on finding foreigner seems the same in the world- just starts staring. Nice observation-“bears are the most predictable of animals, far more predictable than human beings,...” Many new –Japan is not a popular travelling destination……….. Women were taking care of rest houses/shops……….”The festivals …….. seen in large cities like Kyoto and kanazawa seemed mainly for tourist trade,………” - You do not take a Japanese bath in order to wash .You wash before you get into the bath,…..”…….. bargaining and tipping are almost unknown……….” “Women doing hairdo of men………… “celebrating their defeat in tournament just past”. The festival O-bon reminded me “shraadh paksha” here in India. “They place parcels of food and drink on the graves and invite the spirits of dead family members.” Writer seems to be fond of poems. He used them as tool of extension of expression throughout the book. Description which glimpses about which Japan is famous for- “ We make two thirds of electronic calculator in the world, and four out of five Japanese shopkeepers still use an abacus.” Willing to salute Japanese- “we don’t have time for those who don’t work…….” Countryside is more discussed and what is missing is city. Fascination for English language is seen there also, earlier I thought it is in British colonies only. Description of Hiroshima bombardment shatters one from within. It seems innocent has to pay always. Cooking in schools reminded me Mid-day meal concept here in our country also. “You can’t understand Japan……” I think this line is apt for every nation. An appreciable effort by author.