Kyoto: After having an absolutely wonderful sleep at our friend`s place (no more love hotels) after getting back from Hiroshima, we ventured out to Kyoto--the number one tourist destination within Japan.....When we arrived in Kyoto, we had a most wonderful Italian lunch for an astounding 900 yen (so cheap!), then moved on to get our bearings in this fine city. Well, Kerwood managed to get his bearings; I have been intolerably turned around and lost the entire time we`ve been here--a strange feeling for me.
We found the kabuki theatre near the river and tried to find out if we could attend one act of the performance, however we couldn't decipher the signs at all....We enjoyed delicious sashimi in a cozy restaurant in Pontocho Alley, which is very traditional in appearance (narrow walking street with lanterns outside of every restaurant and every restaurant has an elegant entrance way).
We have done so much sightseeing here, there is too much to write about. One of the more unique experiences was witnessing a bat (yes, a bat) being stooped by a falcon at dusk one night. That same night, on our search for a place to eat dinner, we walked by a placed called Tits Cafe....Ker and I were giggling so much, I couldn't even take a picture of it. Compared with some of the seedy `pleasure quarters` we have witnessed here, the Tits Cafe was actually a bright, modern cafe despite it`s misleading name ;)
Favourite Spots: Ryoanji Temple in the Rinzai Zen school--home to a mystery dry landscape garden that was absolutely stunning....15 large rocks surrounded by the combed stones that you imagine when someone says `Japanese rock garden`.
Ginkakuji Temple (aka Silver Pavilion)--the grounds for this place were aesthetically astounding. There were stone formations (dry landscape gardens), ponds, and amazing moss-covered hills....Luckily for us, there was an impressive stone pathway through the forest--a wonderful way to spend time and also soak in the peacefulness of the place.
Interesting Sightseeing Experience: Almost like sightseeing at night is getting into Nijo Castle right before dusk and trying to see the elaborate screen paintings when there is no electricity inside! We managed to get through the castle before it was completely dark, and it was truly a beautiful experience.
Today`s Plan: Try to find Sumiya Pleasure House.....we tried to find this National Cultural Asset two days ago, however it is nowhere to be found on any maps. I suppose it is too lurid and smutty for the whole family, so it`s a well-kept secret? Wish us luck :)
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