Reading about Todai-ji
We have a simple method of fact collection. I gather as many brochures, flyers and books as possible. Vikki tells me that I'll never read them and that I should put them back. I tell her I really do want them and will read them all. I read none of them but Vikki who can't ignore the written word (she looooves to read things - even road signs) reads them all. The leaflets are stuffed in to our rucksacks as I refuse to throw them out and promise to read them later. I never do, probably never will and make our lives miserable by adding extra kilo's to our rucksacks.
In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more 
