the other side of a common phenomenon

so the title of this brief post refers to the group experience in kyoto of perhaps, being the receiving end of racism. apparently kyoto is quite an insular place, and for this reason do not necesarily react to well to foreigners. it is subversive not overt, but i have frequently had the feeling of unwelcomeness, such as tonight when i wasnt allowed to try on a jumper in a shop..... but it is nonetheless one of the most beautful places i have ever seen.

anyway, am off to hakone bright and early in the morning. may not get to post until i get back to tokyo, but keep up the comments! thanks keith for posting that comment re homeless- mum- remember that 6000 homeless in a city of 12 million people is quite a small number, and they live in comparatively good conditions to australia and also receive assistance for buddhist organisations etc, so perhaps we shouldnt be too critical..... but it is sad and fascinating.

anyway am surrounded my crazy video gamers, some asleep and no doubt unwashed for 24 hours, in this internet cafe called healin feelin, and i feel far from healed. so am off for a quick bev with elzabeth peta and caroline, and then back to crazy ryokan!