Nara (Deer Park)

One of the highlights of our trip was our day in Nara. I last visited Nara when I was a little girl with my parents.  I don't remember much from that time, so I asked my parents.  They told me that back then, the deer did not bow.  Nowadays all the deer know how to bow when they see the special crackers.  The male deer would sometimes get quite aggressive and buck people.  I had a couple deer hit me in the back.  I quickly learned that I needed to hid the crackers otherwise swarms of deer would surround me.  I also preferred to feed the females because I didn't have to worry about being attacked.  I was able to take some nice selfies with the deer.  It was such a magical day.  The deer were so cute and the sights in Nara were great.  We went to the giant Buddha and I was able to wriggle through the hole in a pillar in the great hall at Todaji. The size of the hole is supposed to be the same size as the Big Buddha's nostril.  It is said that anyone who would pass through the hole will have a long and prosperous life, and is guaranteed to find enlightenment.  I wasn't completely sure if I would be able to do it, but then I realized I needed to move my shoulder to one side and it worked.  It was a funny experience.  After the great hall, we went back to the deer area and then headed back to Osaka.  It was really such a great day and unique experience with nature. I don't think you could have this kind of experience anywhere else in the world: temples and deer. I would recommend everyone to visit Nara if they go to Japan.  *Warning: LOTS of photos!!*

                               the first deer we saw, we didn't know if we could pet them or not

                                           we bought the special deer crackers for 200 yen

                                                                    Leos feeding a deer

                                                 just sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk

                                                                cute lil babies

                                                                blocking the store entry

                                              the hole is the same size as Buddha's nostril 

                                                                here I go

                                                    it was a bit tricky with the shoulders

                                                                    I did it!

                                                     the male deer were attacking each other

                                                 Leos almost fell by doing something silly