"Another World" Kamakura by ExGuyParis

Kamakura Travel Guide: 149 reviews and 446 photos

The Great Buddha, Little Buddha, and me - Kamakura

In 1992, I almost was transferred to Tokyo. I went to spend two weeks there to see the office and get a sense of the city. In all my travels, this was the first time I felt deep and profound culture shock. One thing that floored me was the fact I couldn't read the alphabet. I don't speak Spanish, but when I'm in Spain, for example, it's pretty easy to figure out that teléfono means telephone!

I'm glad it didn't come to pass, but I'm also glad a got a brief taste of this amazing world.

For more information about Kamakura, see the remarkable travelogue by Bixente--

I could never hope to equal that, so I won't even try!

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

My colleague's son spoke about three words of English, equivalent to my mastery of Japanese. We still managed to have a lot of fun together. At his home, we played video games-- a universal language. I was honored to be invited into the home of my colleague, getting an inside glimpse of Japanese life. The two boys were shocked to discover that their parents spoke another language. I spoke English with the father and French with the mother, and neither boy knew their parents had this ability!

Again, see Bixente's Kamakura page for info on Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Another world
Cons:Another world

Last visit to Kamakura: May 1992
Intro Updated Nov 23, 2002
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Comments (10)

Toshioohsako Dec 5, 2007 at 12:08 AM Report Abuse

Good photo-combination of Buddha and sun-glasses. Greetings
tak_pap Dec 15, 2004 at 8:39 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday, Paul !
urban4est Nov 14, 2004 at 11:31 AM Report Abuse

Kamakura is a very special place, the Buddha, the temples, the graves, the beach and the shops. I had thought to retire there one day but Oh the expense! Nice that you had such a personal tour.
SumTingWong Mar 20, 2003 at 9:26 AM Report Abuse

I too remember that Buddha ststue. Really great page and stories.
jgemini65 Jan 29, 2003 at 5:18 PM Report Abuse

Your story reminds me of a similar event I experienced in Amsterdam!
chancay Jan 28, 2003 at 7:03 AM Report Abuse

thanks for sharing this experience with us
o00o Jan 8, 2003 at 6:35 PM Report Abuse

Great tips about Japan. Must contact me b4 u come next time.
miner Dec 22, 2002 at 9:06 AM Report Abuse

Great story!! I got lost in Kamakura several years ago.
Bixente Dec 1, 2002 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

The Budha didn't changed since 1992 ! ;op
billus Nov 30, 2002 at 9:33 PM Report Abuse

another century