I came back to Tokyo last evening.
I've never stayed in Niigata longer than this time
since I came to live in Tokyo.
This time I had many things to do in Niigata.
I stayed in Tochio, my birthplace, three days.
Before visiting my parents' grave, the Shinto-ceremony
of the first anniversary of my younger brother's
and his wife's death.
I missed them very much. I felt so lonely.
After visiting my parents' grave, I went to Niigata City,
where my house is.
I took a local, not the Shinkan-sen.
It took me 75 minutes from Nagaoka Station to Niigata Station.
If you take Shinkan-sen, it takes you only 20 minutes.
My neighbors in Niigata welcomed me so kindly.
They always watch my house where nobody lives.
I don't know how to express my thanks.
I visited my husband's grave.
Oh, he has been sleeping here for 38 years and 5 months!
I can’t believe such a long time has passed since he said
to my daughter and me, " See you tomorrow(じゃ、また明日)."
“tomorrow” did not come.
I asked the 浄土真宗 priest to come to my house to chant
a sutra (読経).
During my stay in Niigata I was happy to see my good old friends.
I enjoyed talking and eating with them.
One of my friends invited me to 田圃花火大会.
I enjoyed the fireworks on the balcony of her house.
The fireworks reminded me of my childhood.
In the evening I often went to the beach—
ten minutes’ walk from my house.
The sea was completely calm.
Watching the sea always makes me calm.
I had a very good time in Niigata.
(Niigata City from the Observatory Deck of Hotel Nikko)
It was my first time to visit northern Europe—
Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.
I visited Bergen, the second largest city in Norway,
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, Helsinki,
the capital of Finland and Copenhagen, the capital
of Denmark.
Bicycles are very popular in each country.
There are lanes for bicycles and we have to be careful
when we cross the bicycle-lanes.
Bicycles have priority over other vehicles or us pedestrians.
It was nice to be bright until late at night under the midnight
sun---until about ten o’clock.
People in northern Europe do love the sunny days.
Some people were lying on the grass along the street,
only with swimming suits on when I wore much clothing.
In Sweden, a local guide told us that there is 「自然享受権」
in Sweden and that nature belongs to everyone.
Everyone has the right to enjoy nature. So, everyone loves
nature, takes good care of nature and approaches nature with
reverence.
When summer comes, school boys and girls do not learn
at desk. They have no homework, either.
They come back to “nature” and learn many things
from activities or experiences in nature.
People in northern Europe seemed to be enjoying
their life, probably their slow life.
I'll never forget those Fiords!
I'll never forget those beautiful forests and lakes!
I'll never forget those traditional red roofs!
I'll never forget those medieval buildings or streets!
I wish I could visit northern Europe again,
not on a package tour but on a personal tour.