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Run run run! Go go go! Why can't I just settle down for awhile? Perhaps this is the problem with my whole life, but at least I get to see a lot! I've really struggled with which photos to add to this entry as I have taken so many. I hope I can give the Kansai area of Japan justice! I've taken the night bus from Tokyo, arriving in Kyoto at 5am. The bus ride wasn't too bad. Apart from the fact that the guy sitting next to me snored his way onto my shoulder, and then both of the reading lights were directed onto his side. When I arrived in Kyoto, I was slightly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the station. I hadn't envisioned the cutting edge granite and glass towers in a city known mostly for its' temples and peace agreements. Nonetheless, I found the lockers and the washrooms and made myself respectable for an early start on the temple tourist track.

Historic Temples and Futuristic Expo

Coffeecat
2005-12-24 19:27:10

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The warriers at the gate were big bad boys too. Following the tour around the grounds, I poked my head into a few shops. I was amused at the type of socks sold here as they accomodate wearing their clog type flip flops. I was saddened by the 'dried' turtle in the window of a restaurant-especially as I had spent an awful long time watching live ones bath themselves in the sun by the pond! When I made it back to Kyoto I decided to switch hostels and was so thankful to be closer into town. The new hostel recomended a public bath to go visit, why not? Having been in the hostels onsen I was aware of the protocol, women only and no need to cover up anything. The public bath was a great treat as there was an outdoor bath, a lavender bath, a sauna, a cold tub, even one with electodes in the water to massage achy muscles (was a very strange sensation!) It was entertaining to watch the Japanese womens' reaction to a

Westerner trying their style of bathing. They laugh at our attempts to squat on the mini stool for the washing process and I am amazed that they are comfortable in that position!!

When I boarded the train early early the next morning, I imagined myself flying across the country. Really, the bullet train that I was on was no different to the rest of the trains that I've been on except that there were a lot more seats and a lot more room than in England. I finally made it to the Expo site after several different transfers. The line up at the gates was ridiculous, but to be expected. Time for the ipod and people watching! Once through the main gates, I had been recomended to join the queue for the corporate pavillions. As I didn't have a great desire to see robots singing and playing instruments, or a need of being impressed by the worlds latest gadgets, I headed staright to the country pavillions. Funny enough, Canada was the first that I saw. Adjusting my accent back to my roots, ...