Reaching Zen Nation
Actor-Model Evelyn Sharma was recently in Japan and she lost her heart to this soulful archipelago, pages from her diary say so.
From sprawling Sakura with dainty pink florets that exemplify the country’s ties to nature to the rich ancient traditions filled with unimaginable secrets relevant to the modern times, Japan is an everlasting masterpiece that will take you on beautiful journey.
Japan is a country that I will visit time and time again and I assure you that every time I do, there will be something new to discover – something that I haven’t seen before. Not only is the country’s advancement in science and technology noteworthy, but its ancient architecture and pristine design aesthetic is captivating to say the least. Homes would have the most state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms equipped with gadgets but still maintain traditional design from wood, thus reinforcing their connection to a nostalgic past.
A big part of their culture, I noticed, is translated in the way they treat others. Kindness flows freely through the people of this country and doors are always opened with big, welcoming smiles. Their strong values, generosity, and level of hospitality are exceptional and their willingness to always have a good time make traveling here a brilliant experience. Walk into any good restaurant, which is never but a hop, skip, and jump away, and be greeted immediately by a shot of sake and colourful cuisine that dances on the plate in front of you. Once you’ve had enough sake and sushi, however, the karaoke machine is bound to make an appearance, jokes are cracked at everyone’s expense, and it’s completely A-OK to dance on the tables.
The Japanese are also known for their ancient beauty secrets and rituals, which is a major reason I was initially drawn to visiting Japan. Since I was younger and through the time I began Evelyn’s Secrets, I’ve always been obsessed with ancient beauty from different parts of the world. Japan is one of my favourite places when it comes to wellness. The experience of taking a bath in the stunning Sulphur waters of the hot springs, or ‘Onsen’, that are scattered throughout the mountains and volcanoes that cover the terrain is a must! If that doesn’t sound divine enough, while you’re taking a dip in your hot natural jacuzzi, you can gaze upon the endless vistas of stunning snow-capped mountains adorned with cherry blossom trees.
Japan offers a lot to the traveller that wishes to relax. Take a quick nap at a capsule hotel, cuddle with kittens for some overdue pet therapy at fun cat cafés filled with adorable fur balls or stroll through a peaceful Zen garden – there is something for every type of vibe. The highlight of my solo trip was experiencing a traditional tea ceremony in my own private cabin, which was the most meditative thing I’ve ever done!
Japan is a country with abysmal depths worthy of discovery. The regular sushi food coma and daydreaming about becoming a Samurai are just two things to count on, but then I couldn’t possibly forget about the philosophy, the poetry, and spirituality either. No matter where you go in Japan, just know that this country will truly take care of you and keep you longing for more adventure.
Surviving Japan
During my travels to exotic locations like LA and Dubai, I never fail to do a proper research on the location. Traveling is the most exciting and fun thing to do, but it can turn into a horrid affair if you don’t do it the right way. Proper planning and research is necessary to make it worthwhile. So, when you get down to plan your next adventure, do your study before stepping out of your comfortable shell into an entirely different place, amongst people you’ve never met before and amidst a culture you’ve never experienced before. While you are on the go, always ensure you stay connected with your loved ones and family either through mobile phone, GPS Maps, skype and email interactions. Another important
aspect a good traveler should consider is to travel light. While speaking about travel essentials, the musts in my travel kit include a face mist to keep my skin hydrated on long flights, cherry flavour lip balm, a detangling comb and a big pillow because I have a tendency of falling asleep while travelling.
From the May-June 2018 issue of FHM India.
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