93 www.womanthismonth.com July 2013 4 July 2013 Kyoto, Japan Here’s one place that encapsulates the Zen way of life like no other. “On the one-ton temple bell a moon-moth, folded into sleep, sits still,” is how Buson, one of Kyoto’s famous poets, describes the city. If Japan is the huge church bell, Kyoto is the tiny, delicate, tranquil, moth. Having been destroyed and re-built several times in history, this ancient capital of Japan, with its woodsy hilltop Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, has immense cultural wealth and sites of astonishing beauty. The city along with its historic heritage also offers some compelling modernist sites. With its Zen gardens, artistic designs and minimalist architectural marvels, Kyoto is a perfect example of preserving the old while evolving into the new. It harbours a wonderful environment that facilitates modernism along with keeping the meditative spirit of the city alive – perfect for a quite, soulful getaway. Must Dos Take a golden-hour walk along the Kamo riverbank or a self-guided tour of the mile long Philosopher’s Path in the Higashiyama neighbourhood and appreciate the gentleness and gracefulness of this ancient city. Visit the Kinkaku-ji temple and witness its golden splendour. Be on a look out for the several modernist sites in the city, especially the Shigemori Residence’s Zen garden, the eccentric Garden of Fine Arts that houses oversize portraits of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ and an underwater version of Claude Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’. Attend the month long Gion Matsuri festival, one of Japan’s oldest and largest events. Northland Region- New Zealand Here’s a region that tells the story of two coastlines. This far north region of New Zealand still has much of its coastline remain unspoilt. The west is rugged, soulful and simple while the east is more sophisticated and urbane. The two coastlines taper towards the collision of the Tasmanian Sea with the mighty Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga. The region offers a wealth of heritage and history, natural land and seascapes and a sense of community. The overwhelming beauty and warmth of this subtropical haven will compel you to slow down and perhaps make your workplace problems, past relationships, landlord issues, look rather insignificant in the face of its magnificence. With a myriad of adventure activities and contrasting ways of life, Northland makes you loosen up those tightly held knots that had kept you from enjoying life to the fullest. Must Dos Drive along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway that starts from Auckland and travels north, offering some of the most spectacular sights as you head towards Cape Reinga. Sail the waters of the Bay of Islands, soaking in the sun and the local Maori culture. Discover New Zealand’s staggering underwater beauty along the east coast. Travel on the west coast to the magnificent Tane Mahuta, the tallest kauri tree in an area. Exit the forest and come to the Hokianga Harbour with its huge white sand dunes and quiet beach communities.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==