Walking through the ancient stone walkways of the castle, it just kind of makes you wonder how things were in days past. How did the shogun cope when his daughters rolled their eyes when he asked them to tour the outlying province or if not that then for the love of God to hang up their damned kimonos rather than leaving them dumped on the tatami mat? Honestly. He probably paid good yen for those (or at least had to put the squeeze on a local tailor - little known fact, 'put the squeeze' did not originate in Italy or low budget mafia movies but, rather, in 12th century Japan - it was a common threat thought to have been associated with the meaty hamhocks of the sumo wrestlers).
On the cusp of spring (sorry to everyone in Maine, which is also on the cusp of spring but still experiencing 12" snowfall and subzero temps).
This series of buildings served as a reception center, where the shogun would entertain various dignitaries and lesser noblemen. I suspect other shoguns would be entertained in the castle itself (unless they showed up with an army).
The interior of the reception area was a maze of rooms that represented various waiting areas. If you had business with the shogun, you started under the peacocks and graduated room by room until you were staring at a bunch of tigers on the wall while hoping the shogun was in a good mood.
If the shogun had business with you, I'm pretty sure there was a dungeon area under the castle.
Someone you never want to see in a dark alley.
Hattori seemed pretty impressed at how quickly I was able to master the ninja salutation and the master ninja facial expression (you can't tell, but our facial expressions are identical). I chalked that up to my extensive martial arts training in high school and college in addition to watching Bloodsport recently.
You know it's been a long day with the family when this hut looks inviting. I kept edging towards it thinking 'I could just slip away and go in there and lie down and take a vow of silence and not have anyone tell me how bored they are or how tired they are or how much more fun it would be to watch Seinfeld or Gilmore Girls or even My Little Pony. Even maybe static. They'd be willing to watch a little static when it came right down to it.'
Everyone is smiling because we've run out of things to see at the castle and it's time to go home.
