Today!

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So Im here in Kyoto!

I woke up early this morning to pack my bag to leave from Tokyo to Kyoto. It seems like Tokyo was just a dream now. I cant believe I was in one of the world's largest cities! I remembered how to get through the train system in Ueno to Tokyo Station, from there I took the bullet train to Kyoto! Very lucky, cause it was leaving in 10min. Next train afterwards was going to leave in over 2hours!

From there I make it safely to Kyoto Station, I know I am to take a bus and stop at this one point. I ask a girl near by on the bus if this one street was the road I needed, and it wasnt. But it was good I asked her cause she helped me know when to get off (it was kinda loud so it was hard to focus on what the guy was saying, and Im only looking for one key word). I get off, and in great English the woman asks where Im going next. I show her the directions I have and address to my hostel. Her boyfriend, who knows as much English as I do Japanese, had a Japanese map and wanted to help me find my way. In fact they offered to walk with me til we found the place! I told them itd be ok and id just take a taxi if I get lost. It was great, cause this place is REALLY hard to find. They were able to ask people on the street questions that I couldnt ask with my limited to no Japanese. They were so helpful! I wish I had something to offer them in place of their kindness. They were from Kobe and just in Kyoto for the day on vacation. Very common.

I get here, and they say that they cant check me in til 3pm, its only 12:30. Ahhh. But they can keep my bags. Yay. So I walk down towards a pagoda and walk the streets behind it. Realizing I havent really had a meal, but a small snack, I look for a place to eat. I find a place that has yummy noodles and shrimp (no eyes) and sit down and enjoy my very yummy lunch! By the time im done looking and walking its almost time to go back. I find a small grocery store and pick up some apples and bananas for breakfast (and some crackers, thats been my main american comfort snack out here). Then check in! I love this place! Ive never been to a hostel before. Its a nice room, I share a bathroom, theres a small lounge and everyone is friendly. Ive already talked to two girls (one from Korea and the other from Isreal) and the guy at the counter is the first person in human history is say my first name correctly in just one try!! Amazing! Its been great being able to speak english to certain people. On the bus up here, I talked to some people from New Zealand (No, I didnt ask if they:ve walked the firey path to Mordor). Its strange when people ask where Im from. Ive lived in NC my whole life, so Im used to saying Raleigh. But now I have to say America! Very cool to be a travler 😊

Ive walked around and found that Im so close by so many things. Thanks to a guy at the bus station I now have an english bus map and know how to get my way around Kyoto to all the famous places! Tomorrow Nijo castle, and the day after, another castle! Awesome 😊

Ohh and I found a 7/11, very handy. Cause I wasrunning out of money (ive only used my visa card once! everyone else only takes cash!). After paying $130 for my train ticket, and then paying for 6nights up front in cash at my hostel, you can imagine i was getting low! But now Im good!! And that means I can do lots of neat things tomorrow! Cant wait! Today- I just needed to rest. Took two naps and just got to know the area around my hostel!

Maybe Ill pics up later!

Much love- MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Comments

[jen]

YOU ARE SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! your trip sounds like it is going so well starrie! i love you and miss you and cant wait to hear more details and SEE SOME FREAKING PICTURES GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRLLLLLL

[Xaviera]

Thank you!
I posted some pics from Tokyo, but hvent been able to do so of Kyoto yet! Sadly they are all in my gallary. I hope youre doing well, and just want you to know that you are in my toughts!! Much love!!!