Sometimes it stinks to be functionally illiterate in a language you love. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely capable of reading the necessary things--menus, signs, basic instructions etc.--but novels in Japanese are still beyond me. However, even though I can't really "read" per se, I couldn't resist a visit (with Nick) to the Kanazawa Umimirai Library. It's a fairly new library--my host family thought it was finished around 2005--and on a list of the World's 25 Most Beautiful Libraries it comes in around #5. So, being the book-lover that I am, who could resist?
The outside of the library reminds me simultaneously of the Beinecke at Yale and the "roundels" of the Doctor's Tardis.
The inside was, of course, silent as the grave and all the available nooks and tables were filled with studying students. Libraries, somewhat unlike (?) public libraries in the US still get plenty of regular use by students.
The inside is quite charming, if slightly dimly lit, and simple. White and silver everywhere. Definitely an inspiration to really get a grasp on kanji so I could actually enjoy a library like this in Japan. Future goals, much.
And now, really, back to work tomorrow. Charming.
And for those of you who are curious about what the tsuyu--rainy season--looks like, this is it:
The outside of the library reminds me simultaneously of the Beinecke at Yale and the "roundels" of the Doctor's Tardis.
The inside was, of course, silent as the grave and all the available nooks and tables were filled with studying students. Libraries, somewhat unlike (?) public libraries in the US still get plenty of regular use by students.
The inside is quite charming, if slightly dimly lit, and simple. White and silver everywhere. Definitely an inspiration to really get a grasp on kanji so I could actually enjoy a library like this in Japan. Future goals, much.
And now, really, back to work tomorrow. Charming.
And for those of you who are curious about what the tsuyu--rainy season--looks like, this is it:
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