It’s pretty surreal to be in Japan, a country and culture I’ve always been fascinated by. I think it hit its high today, when me and my Swedish friend Rickard visited Kyoto. We were there to take in a little more traditional Japanese architecture, as well as a big temple area. I’m still processing that latter part, sorting out pictures and such, but I can say that it was a great experience.

However, the surreal meter hit its high when a group of young girls approached me and my friend, wanting to take our picture! Sure, in Japan you stand out when you’re 190 cm (6,2″ or something) tall and have a red beard since your shaver died on the morning for departure. People look, and shy away when you look back at them, they’re all very friendly and modest, and they don’t want to offend you. I have no problem with that, some people might, but I don’t.

And sure, a picture lasts longer, but I still can’t believe they actually approached us wanting to snap a photo. Surreal is certainly the word for this.