Mission: Run Blindly then Find Way Home

Today was the first day I have taken a run in Kyoto. I like taking a run in a town because it allows me to get a sense of the geography. It also allows me to see more of the town at a reasonable pace.

This run was different then any run I have taken in Japan. Before I left I put two maps in my pocket, my bus pass and my camera. The two maps were the bus map and the Kyoto geography map. I then just started running. I knew the general direction I wanted to head. My plan was to run as far away from the hostel as possible in 45 minutes. I then would use the map, subways and buses to find my way back to the hostel. The plan worked well. I ran for 45 minutes and then pulled out the map. I found my location in the city. I then pulled out the bus map. The only setback was that I had ran far enough away so that none of the buses in this area were of any service to me. I then looked at the Kyoto map and found a subway. I then went into the subway to see where it would take me. After looking at my own maps and the subway maps for a little bit I found a way to get about 10 minutes walking distance from the hostel for under $2. Mission Accomplished… Now if I could only find my way in Los Angeles I might be able to claim I actually do have a sense of direction.

A run in Nagoya

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to take a run in the area. It gives me an opportunity to explore a town freely. It also gives me some exercise to help ground me. Travelling can be challenging because my eating patters and sleep patterns vary immensely. Running gives me an opportunity to reset my body. Plus, It is a great way to get to know the area. It is much faster than walking but still allows me to notice the small details of my environment. This morning I took a run through a park in Nagoya. Take a look at the video and some pics.