When I first came to Japan, I went through very intensive training and studies in culture, etiquette, and then on to kimono, ikebana, tea ceremony before finally rounding off my studies under the instruction of a retired Gion geisha.
I very much believe that education never ends, and I am constantly practising and learning and studying all that I can to improve myself. Being of Russian background, I found the theories of geisha living very complimentary to my own beliefs.
It may sound very old fashioned, or even sexist, but I don't believe in the man/woman equality theories that are so prevalent in the west. The differences between men and women are what makes the world such a fun and interesting place to be. I enjoy being a woman, being feminine, being treated like a lady, pleasing a man and being a compliment to my partner rather than a competitor.
As the saying goes 'a lady in public, a companion in private, a fantasy in the bedroom'. For me, if I can be all of those, then I feel fulfilled. In other words, I am not a feminist, i'm merely feminine.
