15.9.2008

What happens as we age?

We arrived in Osaka with Takako today, having been on a bullet train I was doing my utter best to keep up with the gorgeous scenery outside, of mountains, rivers, small villages but as the train was moving so fast and kept going through mountains I soon began to feel seek and slept instead.

The weather is getting worse by the day. Takako said that there is a typhoon expected so this week will be all cloudy and rainy. For me the weather doesn't matter so much but I guess the only thing I worried about was being able to fly out!

Anyway we arrived at the small part of Osaka where Takako's parents live. She has recently moved back from London and currently living at her parents, the most gorgeous 80yr old couple I have met. They live in a beautiful old Japanese style house with sliding doors, wooden floors and straw rugs. They have a small garden at the front and at the back.

Takako's father came to the train station to welcome us with a big smile and insisted on carrying my small pack, which weighs around 10kg. I felt so bad but he insisted so much. I mean he only looks 60years old, still very mobile, upbeat. When we arrived at their home I met taka's mother who shied away first but then came to say hello. Both of them are pretty loud but that's because they have hearing difficulties and do not want to use hearing aids, so instead they shout at one another. Takako's mum has the blackest hair so I asked Taka if she dyes it but it turned out that as her hair began to thin away she started to wear a wig but no one is supposed to know (although Taka said most of her friends do know) so we are not to mention anything about her hair.

We just had a nice dinner. I found out that they both keep very busy with activities, Taka's father is often in the allotment looking after their veggie patch and her mum is involved with activities including Japanese dance. So I asked her to show me a 5min routine that we will be working on.

Then they asked me about my travels so we got the world atlas out and I showed them all the countries I have been so far. Her father was pretty amazed; he had particular interest in some countries like Nepal and Cambodia. Then I asked him about his travels and he said that he has been to Europe 10years ago and travelled around a few countries.

After dinner a big discussion began, which I think after 2 hours, is still continuing. We all decided to go to an onsen tomorrow, public path with natural minerals, hot stones, massages and so on. Takako's father was very adamant about where we should go and should not go, he's like a small child. Takako showed the brochure of where we will go and as soon as he had his hands on it he wouldn't give it back. He put on his glasses and got the magnifier out to read the brochure word by words and after a marathon of persuasions he agreed to come along with us tomorrow. Then the next stage began, where we should go after.

As I sat down and observed the family I couldn't stop but think how we change as we age, how settled we become in our views and beliefs, how we carve strong judgements about others. Taka's parents are absolutely the sweetest 80yr olds I've met so far. They are so welcoming.

Takako's mum gave her purse to Taka as we left to get some food from the supermarket because she wanted to pay for our food tonight.Their home is full of what looks like memories, souvenirs, collections and gadgets. I counted 4 clocks in the living room and 3 thermometers. Why would anyone need so many reminders of time and temperature? Then there are small ornaments, dolls, hangings…I had told Takako that I would be leaving some things behind as I don't need to carry them to London but she warned me that her mother will probably go through them and perhaps even keep some of the things.

It really reminds me of my parents…Anyhow I'm really looking forward to the onsen tomorrow where I will be meeting Taka's sister as well and will be bonding strongly to her family as I will be walking around naked for hours in the spa placeJ