Lady Baba and the Geisha

Thursday 27th October (Day 7)

This is going to be a mixed day…. After having a long old day at the Gorge, we wanted to take it a bit easy today and …. I had an appointment later in the evening that I was not going to miss.

So first off, it was a late start and we just had a wander round the castle grounds to see the Japanese gardens in the grounds.  These are called strolling gardens and are immaculately kept.  The weather was nice so we ended up having a couple of hours walk around.

We passed the ‘eggs’ that are lit up on an evening and they look very different during the day … almost like Godzillas nest ….. 

So back home via the Combini where I got my first dumplings of the season …. Love these so much.  You buy them from the heated from the warmer, so they are ready to eat straight away …. I got a pork bun and a pizza bun…. Sooooo good!

Food sorted… and now get changed for the Geisha evening.  I have wanted to do this event for years, but we have never been in Kanazawa at the right time.  But we are in the right place at the right time this year . . . . . 

So off to Higashi-chaya to a traditional tea house…this is the real I am….. and I am now beyond excited.  Scott dropped me off and went off to find something to do for the next couple of hours.  He didn’t come because he can’t sit on the floor and he’s not such a big fan of the Geisha …. Shocking!

The event started with a cup of matcha tea.  I could take photos here, but that was it …. No photos allowed in the main room with the Geisha.

I had booked my seat for tonight months ago and I was in the front row right in front of the little stage… I could almost reach out and touch them …. But I didn't, cos I’m a good girl ….

The event is run by the Landlady of the Tea House… Lady Baba.  She introduced the Geisha and gave a history on the kimono, make up, the tea houses, Kanazawa and the life of a Geisha.  She was very funny and held my attention completely.  We then had a cup of Sake to celebrate the new evening and start of the night.

Then came the gorgeous ladies …. Two of them were entertaining us tonight.  One played the shamisen and the other danced.  They were perfect. The dance moves were exquisite and she seemed to float on the tatami mats.

They then played the Taiko Drums which was also impressive. When she finished, she got a couple of the girls in the audience to come and play with her.

Next, the girls relaxed a bit and played some games …. Drinking games!  They got a couple of lads from the audience to play the games with them - very funny.

The two hours were over waaaay too quickly and it felt like no time before we had to leave - plus the two Geisha had other business appointments to go to that night.

Although I couldn’t take any pictures, this night will stay in my memories for a long time to come ….. it was everything I hoped it was going to be and more.

Scott was waiting for me when it finished and I floated home ……

Got something else planned for tomorrow . . .  So until then xx