I found the bus stop at the railway station easily.
The Bus Driver, 5 passengers and 2 bystanders all became involved in a lively raucous debate over where I was going, how long it would take and when I would get back. Much laughing (as per usual) but they reached a conclusion everyone agreed on in the end.
At the Temple 87 stop, I had 15 minutes to find it, do my rituals and get back to the stop to carry on to Temple 88.
Miraculously I got back with 5 minutes to spare.
I was so happy not to be walking and appreciated every mile the bus carried me. Although my feet felt new again today, I knew that it would only take 30 minutes of walking before they would start aching again.
When we stopped at Temple 88, I asked the Driver where I had to go to catch the bus back again. Another passenger on the bus said something and the driver said He teach you! indicating back to the passenger.
The passenger was also a Henro but I was surprised and inspired to learn that Temple 88 was the first for him – he was doing the 88 Temples in reverse order.
Also – this was his 5th time!
In Takashima Sans case, he did set out to teach me. Showing me what to do at the Temple gate, then the rinsing place. I politely said I had done it 88 times now and he understood and laughed. From there he just followed me.
It felt a bit similar to what it felt like at Temple 1 – a bit rushed and unmeaningful. But – it was a sunny day, people were all bright and happy and I knew the significance would hit later.
At the exit gate I asked if Takashima San would kindly take a picture of me. He did, also taking a picture on his phone. He asked me if I would like him to take another one and I said No – that will do.
Hachi Ju Hachi Ban!!We wandered down toward the little shops. I really wanted to buy something significant to mark the occasion but, oddly enough, there really is no such thing. It’s all commercial and there was nothing here that I hadn’t seen at every other Temple.
I got a few more trinkets anyway then went over to Takashima San who had changed into his Henro clothes and was wisely taping up his feet.
I gave him a packet of fancy biscuits as settai for being there with me at the end.
My bus came and I waved good bye to him.
On the drive back to Shido Station, I texted everyone to tell them I had finished and thank them for their support. I then turned my phone to Stealth (silent) in anticipation of the replies I would get back then had something to eat.
Although I still a while to go until my mission was complete, I couldn't help the milewide smile and felt tingly inside.
The Bus Driver (who was the one who drove me there) was very respectful and congratulatory and gave me some biscuits. When he dropped me off, he only charged me 100 yen, bowed and said Settai.
Poignantly, as I got off the bus, a strap on my $7 back pack broke and it fell to the ground.
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