Nara in Japan was a different trip.

It was a different world, a small place – with a lot to see and even more to feel. It was about people, people who taught me how to be generous and trusting of strangers. They shared their breads, laughters, joys and stories with us. They allowed us to sleep on their beds while they slept on tatami mats on the floor. They walked miles braving the harsh sun just so that we could have meals of our choice.  They did all that, that made us feel at home when the only thing we had to offer were words like ‘Thank you’ and ‘That is very kind of you’.

This is an open letter to all those awesome people of Nara, my blogger friends who saw to it that my trip pans out exactly in the way I always imagined it to be, memorable and unforgettable.

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Hello snowwhite, redrose, sarah, stardust (yoko) and cosmos,

How are all of you?

It's been almost a year since we met, but as I sat down writing one of my posts and thinking about all of you, I realized that all the lovely memories of the times we spent together have only gotten strong and more colorful today.

Snowwhite, thank you for being the eloquent guide to us... We enjoyed taking our tour with you. You patiently explained all about Japanese culture and history, about Buddhism and waited for me till I finished taking down my notes. It was fascinating to know more of the similarities in our concepts and cultures.

Redrose, whenever I remember you, your bubbly persona and energetic spirit pops up in my mind in no time.And yes, how can I forget your candy chocolates in the Todaiji temple, they were so tasty! After having them, we even bought some from Japan back home!

Together, we fed the deers and ran behind them, I remember how some of them were even pulling red rose’s bag in a bid to get something out of it. Haha.. It was fun, isn't it?

At Naramachi, though you both were yourselves tired and hungry and could have eaten at any place, still you chose not to. You left no stone unturned to find an appropriate eating place for us so that we all could eat together. Something that we highly appreciate.

Sarah and cosmos, the overwhelming memory of both of you standing with a placard of 'Welcome Arti' is very much still fresh in my mind. Those first moments had meant a lot to me, my first introduction to Nara, something I had been so anxiously waiting for. Thank you for giving me those moving moments of welcoming... they were, simply special. The placard coupled with your friendly smiles quickly drove away all the butterflies of anticipation and nervousness I had in my stomach and made me feel at home.

Yoko, sarah and cosmos, Thank you for the sumptuous and lavish spread you prepared keeping in mind our dietary preferences that evening. Though I apologize for being a bit fussy with my plate, but I relished all that I ate because it was prepared and served with a lot of love. To have it all in all your company was a thing of pleasure and deep honour for me.

Though all of you were years elder to me, but in your entire cheerful milieu, you were the ones who inspired me to be a child again, to shred my inhibitions and laugh, merrily and heartily. When I close my eyes I can still hear all our laughters, our giggles and soft conversations.. that was a truly memorable time all of us spent in each other's company, a home away from home and I thank you for that wonderful evening from the bottom of my heart.

Cosmos, It was a pleasure and a privilege to have gotten an opportunity to homestay with you. We’d like to convey our sincere thank you to you and your family for you'll were wonderfully warm hosts and we (both me and otousan) cherish the wonderful times spent in your loving company.

The only regret that I have carried back, if I can say, is not being able to make Indian chai for you. So that is something that remains due from my side to you once you come to India.

By the way, how is Koo? I can so imagine him shyly running away and hiding himself in one of those paper bags. Haha, how cute and adorable!

1 year on... the past is bearing down on me today. Under it's weight, I can see my window to the world of friends and friendship yawning awake. Behind it, a few muffled sounds of bonding laughters emerge from the mists of time. The peace and the quiet, the delight and the fun, the simple joys of life... ah! Thanks to all of you, Nara, for me, was, still is and will always remain - a world within a world.

I had gone there as a virtual friend but feel very much a part of family today. Arigatou Gozai mashita for everything :) and we sincerely hope to meet all of you one day... perhaps in India once again.

The weather here has been getting warmer with each passing day, with day temperatures hovering around 25 degree cel., we are soon to step into the summers. Hope, Nara is doing pleasant.

A lot still remains to write, but will rest my pen until next time. Please accept warm regards from me and Otousan both.

PS: Please find attached an origami bird with this mail, my humble attempt while trying to utilize one of Yoko's origami paper, my gift :)
Take care,

Arti
My hand made origami bird, my priceless possession