Racing south from Osaka for 20 minutes, we entered the wide coastal plain of Himeji.

In the distance, ancient Himeji Castle floated up in a dreamy grace out of the clearing mist. A picture perfect start to a journey into the depths of a never forgotten childhood dream. Thick with meaning, my heart soaked in the moment, savoring the truth it held.

The train slid to a stop nearby and I got off. I walked with ease through warm sunlight and gentle shadow up the awakening street toward the "Snowy Egret", a living beacon from the vanished world of the past.

How blessed I was to be here, to be alive, to be so in love with all that was around me.