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Published: November 9th 2007
We're back! What an amazing day so far!!!! It's 5:15 p.m. and we've been out pretty much all day. I just got back from a workout in the pool and feel great!
I was up early again this morning; most people were.........up, hungry and rarin' to go! I had a Japanese breakfast this morning; very tasty. Miso soup, egg curd, tofu, pickles, vegetables, kelp, etc. etc. Very light and very enjoyable! We were on the bus and off to Nara (about a 40 min. bus ride). It was another beautiful and perfect day for touring! Not too hot, not too cold. Just right!
Our first visit was to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum, where we saw a video on the process of making Japanese Sake (wine) in olden style. We were able to sample the Sake, which was nice. The tour was quite interesting; just like our breweries at home.
Then it was off to the Todaiji Temple, noted for the World's Largest Wooden structure with its Great Buddha, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine with its thousands of stone lanterns. The stone lanterns are donated by business men who have experienced success. There are literally thousands of these lanterns
Waking up in Kyoto......
The view from my hotel room.......the train, the "bullet" and lots of cars.around the property. (My Aunt Simone would have LOVED it!) The ride to Nara was enjoyable. We passed many of the homes, fruit trees, people on bicycles, people walking their dogs (JoAnn, there was a woman walking her Schnauzer dog, complete with a little sweater on him! Too cute! The bus was moving too quickly; I couldn't get a picture.) We passed homes in the country, rice fields, and a major road system (under-passes, over-passes).
We spent time at the Temple, walked around the grounds enjoying the deer (and they are everywhere........kind of like the cows in India.......very sacred and well protected.) It's always nice to have these walks in between the great meals we are having. Lunch was at a Japanese/French restaurant in Nara. We had soup, salad, chicken and a creme brulee to die for!!!!! The ride back to Kyoto was fairly quiet as many people grabbed a few zzzzzzzzz's along the way. Still adjusting to the time change. It was interesting to hear our tour guide explain various customs such as their working traditions, schooling, how they celebrate various holidays and vacation time; as well, she explained the customs now for the working couple and their
aging parents. Retirement homes are an accepted norm now, unlike past traditions.
Tonight, we went to a restaurant for a Shabu-Shabu dinner (Japanese fondu) and the entertainment was amazing. We watched as the young Geisha girls entertained. They are delightful and absolutely gorgeous. They helped, at each of the tables, as we learned the fine art of Japanese fondue. Then, in came the drummers! Wow. What strength, poise and talent! The evening ended on a very pleasant note as many of us got to try on the kimonos and get our pictures taken. The food was tasty and the talent was enjoyable. It was a very relaxing and fun evening! Back to the hotel just after 9 p.m. and it's time to get organized, for we leave in the morning as the adventure continues in Hong Kong! I have thoroughly enjoyed my "quiet" time sipping kelp tea with plum, while lounging in the cozy kimono.......and "chatting" with all of you.
We hope you have enjoyed our visit in Japan. The notes, e-mails and messages are much enjoyed by all! Buckle up and stay tuned as we move on to China. We leave at noon tomorrow.
(Good night,
A sycamous tree......
Don't know about you, but I'd never seen one before. Mom. I love you!)
Happy Pat
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Pam
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Just got caught up...
I'm so glad your doing this blog again Pat. Everyone at my office is loving all the pictures!!!