Day 2 in Kyoto

Hi everyone! Another glorious day in Japan! Our typical day begins at about 8 a.m. with breakfast (western or Japanese; whatever your choice), and then we head out on a variety of tours (including a lunch stop). We return to the hotel mid-afternoon (or earlier) and have that time to ourselves until dinner at about 6. My room-mate often has a nap or just rests, and I take the opportunity to download my pictures, sort/file them and do my journal. I realized today that if I didn't do this (a little bit) each day, I don't know if I would actually do a very good job at this by the end of the trip. It would be overwhelming and very time-consuming, and I probably wouldn't remember everything!

Last night, we had a 7-course dinner at the restaurant at the top of our hotel. It is a revolving restaurant and we quite enjoyed the evening. The food was incredible (again)......from the sweet potatoe soup, to our beef dinner through to the chocolate mousse/fruit for dessert. It was a western style dinner as we had eaten a Bento Box (Japanese) meal at lunch. They are trying to accommodate everyone's tastes! I, personally, am trying everything new!

This morning, up and at 'em and off to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum where we saw a film on the making of Sake (rice wine). Then we had a tour and explanation of the process of making Japanese Sake in olden style. We then moved on to Nara Park (If any of you saw The Robe, the Sword, etc........this is where it was filmed, apparently). We went to the Todaiji Temple, noted for the World's largest wooden structure with its Great Buddha. This was an incredible experience for me. I loved every minute of it. In the pictures, you will see a post with a hole in the bottom of it. Story goes that if you are able to pass through the hole (which is equivalent to the size of one of the nostrils of the Great Buddha), then you will pass through the gates of heaven. (NO......I didn't even try to get down and through there!). After the sampling of Sake earlier, we had a "pit stop"........yup, a traditional Japanese washroom. Good thing I've been going to the gym all these months and doing my squats!!! Ha ha.......'cause that's what you've got to do here! Lots of squatting!!!!

From there, we went through Deer Park (near the Temple), and then on to Kasuga Shrine with its thousands of stone lanterns (Auntie Simone would have absolutely LOVED that place!). There were some Japanese baptisms happening and I got a few pictures of the little 3-year olds all dressed up for the occasion. Gosh, they are cute! We moved on to a restaurant in Nara for lunch. What an exquisite place we were in! You will see a picture of me with 2 other ladies at lunch. On my left is Anne, from Toronto. She's 71 years old and my inspiration!!!! What an incredible lady! (Much like my other inspiration in Seattle......my good friend JoLove Beach, who celebrates a birthday today. Happy Birthday to you, my dear friend!!!!).

Lunch was a carrot soup, followed by a delightful little salad. Then we had a chicken dish, with spinach and mashed potatoes (another Western meal, as tonight will be the incredible Shabu-Shabu dinner). We had creme brulee for dessert. All the portions are quite small and most enjoyable. That's how we should all be eating all of the time! I still have my snack bags of walnuts and cranberries, but will be running out of those shortly. Not sure what I will do in Hong Kong and beyond........as fruits and vegetables will be a bit more limited.

On the drive back to the hotel, it was interesting to note that the traffic patterns here. No horns beeping, no speeding, no radar traps, ...........and all the traffic is moving smoothly. (I got a picture of a rice field/paddy along the way). People here are very patient and courteous! We could use some of that at home too!!!! Weather was beautiful again today! Who could ask for anything more??????

And yes, Barb, that is Leona Beamish from Lloydminster with whom I am "rooming". I told her about your message and she is blown away at the "connections" (since you used to babysit her kids). Is this a small world or what??????

And no, Kate, I did not buy a kimono housecoat here (got one in Maui a few years ago and it's still like new).

Kristy, it is very crowded here but I understand that Hong Kong will be worse, followed by India. (and I love you too!) This is a very pleasant place to be, and the people are delightful! We have wonderful hosts and I am learning a LOT! What a great geography/history/cultural adventure this is for me! So glad you are all travelling along and enjoying the journey. Your notes are most enjoyable!

Well, time to post the pictures now. Not sure when I will be back. Our suitcases depart in the morning; we fly out at noon for Hong Kong and arrive mid-afternoon. I don't have a detailed agenda yet.......but.......I will be back. Stay tuned!

Happy Pat

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