As we were doing our last mad dash between Temples 35 and 36, I started getting waves of sadness at the inevitable goodbyes fast approaching - as I had with my previous companions - but told myself to keep it together.
We just made it to Temple 36 in time. We all raced up the stairs (even Narabe San kept up with me) and all three of us said the sutra (O'Sha San often waited somewhere else). When we got back in the car, Narabe San said “Game set – You on own!” and we all laughed.
By now it was getting darker and the mist completely enveloped the valleys around us so O'Sha San could just only see the road.
We drove for about 20 more minutes through windy roads then streets. They were constantly discussing (what I guessed to be) what they were going to do with me now.
I had a list that Claire San had given me, of accommodation around all 88 Temples, so I pointed them out. I heard Narabe San say Suzaki Station so I pointed to the one that was ‘Between T36 and 37, near Susaki Station’. They didn’t completely understand then O'Sha San pulled over at a Police Station and went inside to ask.
He came out. After discussion with Narabe San, who then said to me ‘Where?’, I looked up my phrase book and said Doko Mo – anywhere! They laughed again and repeated it a few more times but I think they were quite relieved.
We drove past a few hotels that I pointed at wistfully, when O'Sha San said in a rare English moment ‘Japanese sta…? and I thought he was going to say station, like JR, I said Hai! JR station!
Then we drove past a hotel and he said again Japanese sta? which I suddenly realized he was meaning did I mind staying in a Japanese stay? I said Hai Hai!! But then we pulled up at the train station.
I was confused but got out and followed them. They stood in front of the time table board and pointed and discussed vigourously then called me over. Narabe San pointed to 7:04 and 7:54 – my heart plummeted – did I really have to catch a train tonight – how was I going to find anywhere to stay that late at night? Thank goodness I worked out that it was in 24 hours, it didn’t mean 7 tonight, it meant in the morning. I was so relieved!!
I said Hai! Tomorrow! I pointed to 7:54 then they took me over to show me on the route map, where we were now, and where I needed to go. I asked how much and they pointed to the 640 yen button. I excitedly said Hai Hai Wakarimasen! Yes I understand. O'Sha San asked for a pen and paper and wrote it all down anyway.
We got back in the car then less that a minute later we suddenly pulled over at a Japanese Hotel. We all got out and went inside. After much Japanese I didn’t understand at all, they had arranged for my stay and breakfast. I paid the owner then went out with O'Sha San to get my stuff. I thrust 4000 yen at him and said Onegai Shimasu – Please! with such desperation that I think he took it so I wouldn’t cry again.
We went back inside and while Narabe San was writing their address down, O'Sha San presented me with more gifts – a pack of watercolour pencil sketch postcards and a scroll of 10 or so deities, which he unwrapped delicately to show me.
I was omigodding and arigataiing and trying to hold back tears until Narabe San stood up and shook my hand to say goodbye.
Then I couldn’t hold them back anymore. He held my hand with such tenderness yet strength, looking deep into my eyes as he said Arigato gozaimasu and bowed deeply.
I then did the same to O'Sha San as I clutched his gifts to my chest.
O'Sha Sans parting giftsThe lady owner had tears in her eyes too and came and stood and waved with me until they were out of sight.
My two dear favourite Monks - O'Sha San and Narabe San
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