It was a very calm day. There was a cool breeze blowing through my nose like nothing standing in its way. The trees swayed as I walked into the shrine. Having felt much of metropolitan Tokyo, I decided to have an escapade away from my stuck-up teenage life of using technology to have fun. There I was, right in the heart of Kyoto. Venturing Kyoto was not what I had expected. Smells of dango( japanese mochi balls with some sweet sauce drizzled on top) or unagi donburi at the nearby food stall brought me to my blissful moment. Yet I did not feel complete. I felt I had missed out something. Taking out my phone(yes, during the whole escapade, this was the only time I had to rely on technology, since I am quite a muddle-headed person who doesn't know what date it is today), I stared at today's date. Yes, it was a very special day. I will tell you why later. Kept walking. Uphill and downhill through the tranquility of the streets that were deserted, except for a few passer-bys. I was wondering how such a beautiful and calm place could have so little people. Can't people appreciate the nice things they can get in Kyoto? Even Akihabara couldn't compare with this scene. Walking through the village of Kibune kept me cool in the summer heat. Even if it wasn't summer. Squirreled away in the mountains, this small village is home to so much more than your usual gundam sold at japanese shops. Passing through the restaurants and inns, I reached my destination: a small Kyoto shrine half-hidden in the depths of forests north in the city. This shrine is home to wish fulfillment for more than a thousand years. Maybe I could wish for a better weather now. Summer stroke right across my face, I wonder if this shrine is actually that powerful. Nevertheless, I was proven wrong. My wish came true. Water flows endlessly from a bamboo pipe set upon a rock wall. Drink - the water is free and has a refreshing taste. As I walk across, I notice a bamboo hung up with slips of paper. Ah, now I see why. The summer festival of Tanabata, originally marked the annual meeting of a pair of celestial lovers. Yet, as we desire for love, the people who put their strips of paper seem to ask for more. I glance through a few of these pieces of paper, trying to comprehend what they are trying to say. "I wish for the best boyfriend in the world." "I wish to get married." "I want a stylish girlfriend." "I want to get along with my husband." "I'm sorry. Forgive me.I love you." "May everyone around me be healthier." "I want to be richer!" "I want to live in Kyoto." "I want to get a job this year." "I want to become a singer." "I want to be a top doctor." "I wish to be independent." "I wish for peace and prosperity." "I wish to pass my exam." "I wish to pass my driver's licence." "I wish to write more nicely." "I wish for the weather to be nice." As I look at the weather, it was a brilliant sparkle of sunlight. Ah, a wish has finally come true.
