Once upon a time, I was in Japan staying at a Kyoto ryokan in January. It was so c-c-c-cold I could see my breath. There was no central heating (as is often the case there). In the middle of the night, I needed to go down the hall to the toilet. I put on my kimono, which was about the size of a lady’s medium. It was comically tight. I slipped into my hallway slippers with the heels hanging over the edge. Dark and very cold. I shuffled on creaky floorboards down the hall and past balsa-wood-like walls. I didn’t want to wake anyone. It was really cold. When I reached the bathroom, I slipped out of hallway slippers and into the awaiting bathroom slippers. Just as small. Dreading the frigid toilet seat, I jockeyed my big body into position. I could still see my breath. Sat down gingerly. The toilet seat…was heated. I love the way different cultures can surprise us…whether in Europe or beyond. I’m heading off to Greece and Turkey tomorrow…anticipating lots of fun and, I hope, a few hot toilet seats. Anne and I will actually be on vacation (but I’m sneaking along my laptop). (By the way, I’ve enjoyed writing this blog far more than I imagined. I enjoy the community of travelers that is part of our conversation. I’m thankful we’re not all in agreement on things that I write about here. I try not to get involved in the back and forth, but I need to respond to some people on the last entry. Before you say that I favor children smoking pot, take a moment to understand my position, and the thinking behind it. When I try to inject European-style pragmatism into an issue we find controversial in our country, I do my best to share my thinking on my website. Simply go to the Social Activism corner and snoop around.)
Cold in Kyoto
Comments
I hope Greece produces some awesome blog entries and pictures. (The whole pot debate gets tiresome. Aren’t we past this yet as a people? I guess not. Oh well one can hope). Rick, are you flying first class since it’s a vacation with your wife? I know for work I fly coach, but for vacation it’s 1st all the way if I have the points. Have a nice trip. Fred in Atlanta
Dear Rick, I enjoy your blog. Have a great time in Greece. I admire your candid yet tactful approach on real issues. Honesty is priceless! Take care.
Hey, that “Social Activism” area opens a whole new world to me. Never knew it was there. I have traveled extensively in South below the equator and never knew you had stepped foot outside Europe. Great to find all of this extra stuff – including your thoughts on life. I’m flying into SeaTac in November to visit a new grandchild in Tacoma so I will wave while we are descending.
Your ryokan heated toilet made me smile and made me remember a similar experience. My wife and I were traveling in Japan 50 years ago and went to the bath in a small ryokan. I noticed that the soaking tub had a wooden crate/palate floating on top. I removed it and jumped in. I soon found that the palate was to prevent me from BURNING MY FEET. The fire to heat the water was directly below the tub !!! Thanks for the blog. Enjoy Greece. We’ve been Rick Steve followers since your early days of visiting College of Marin, probably 20 or more years ago. Loved your tours of Scandanavia and Turkey.
Thank goodness we don’t all think the same, look how intrenched our current government is in the Christian way. Like there are no other religions in the world!!! Have a good time in Greece you should get more than a warn toilet seat, it was like hollywood sun and water there last year at this time. Judy
Hi Rick, best of travels in Greece and Turkey. As of recent I noticed your show has not been playing that often here on KUAT in Tucson, Arizona. Fortunately, I was able to purchase your box set DVDs! What are the chances of you coming out with t- shirts? In any case, hope you find your warm toilets!
I stayed at a Ryokan while in Kyoto in Dec 2005 and found the mornings very fresh…fortunately my bathroom was attached to the bedroom however one still required separate slippers for bathroom vs. the bedroom (a memorable experience). As you travel through Greece and Turkey I would be interested in your take on the impact of the fires on some of the areas in the Pelopennese you have earlier recommended visiting as well as your experience as a non-group traveller in Turkey during Ramadam. My wife and I hope to visit Greece Sept 2008 and look forward to a future update of your Istanbul guide book. Enjoy your “vacation”!
Enjoy your vacation Rick. Glad to hear you were able to sneak your laptop. Can’t wait to hear about your travels.
Regarding the whole “tiresome marijuana debate,” it looks like at least one European country will be re-thinking its stance on it: “We’ve reached the end of the road with these kinds of studies,†said Dr. Robin Murray of King’s College, who had no role in the Lancet study. “Experts are now agreed on the connection between cannabis and psychoses. What we need now is for 14-year-olds to know it.†In the U.K., the government will soon reconsider how marijuana should be classified in its hierarchy of drugs. In 2004, it was downgraded and penalties for possession were reduced. Many expect marijuana will be bumped up to a class “B†category, with offenses likely to lead to arrests or longer jail sentences. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19980923/
So, Dear Mr Steves, when are you going to take all this marvelous insight you have acquired over the years and put it to use by becoming our next President?? I wait with bated breath!!