The others couldn’t speak any English at all, so I merely followed them at a distance.
Temple 75 was huge, covering two blocks. It had rows and rows of stalls lining the paths but it was too early and people were only just arriving to set up.
With the bigger Temples, it is often hard to tell which of the many structures are the Daishi Do and Hon Do. I had to ask directions and admit I felt a little intimidated saying my limited Gya Teis in the main Temple. It was also the office and there were numerous Monks and lay people milling around and working.
I didn’t really want to wait for the others again – I felt uncomfortable tagging along behind them without having asked their permission - so I set off to find Temple 76 by myself.
I stopped at a tiny bakery shop down a side street that only had two cabinets of biscuits but they looked divine.
I lifted the lid of a cabinet to get one out but a lady came out yelling and gesturing and I guessed that was her job.
The three biscuits I got were kind of like Gingerbread Men/Windmills but much harder.
I finally found my way to the main road and signs to the next Temple. I came across a place called ‘Funky Time’ which was a huge games, pool, internet place so I decided to check my email and bank account.
It took a bit of show and tell for the girl to explain how it worked but I ended up in front of a computer eventually.
I was relieved to see The Saint had put $2000NZD in the day before. I also emailed the bank to see if I could have a $1000 overdraft. I’d forgotten that I had upped my loan repayment amount and the money in my second account was disappearing rapidly.
I checked my emails and was happy to see (and reply to) ones from CLM, RTN, Chiharu and Miyuku San, the 52 year old going on 35 Henro.
Miyuku Sans emails were amusing - she had obviously used an internet translation site because the emails made no sense at all...
Although the rain of the annoyance to a pilgrimage continues, are you
walking as energy after that? To what No. did it go? The hotel of this
evening was decided. your dream -- things -- I am praying. It is safe if you
please a trip.
I really did appreciate them though...
TEXT...
EL to The Saint: Thankyou Dearest! I've just been to Internet cafe and seen deposit. What a relief! I will never be able to reapy you for, not only $ but ongoing support, belief & love. This is quite a lonely trail cos no one speaks English and many people point & laugh at me and I haven't seen any other Westerners at all on this Island. It means everything to be able to look at your picture & feel loved...
The picture I kept on my phone of The Saint
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