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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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to fall in one of the festival periods. All I ever read about was the number of fireworks planned for the day I leave. And another thing to think about for the next trip (from Tokyo) would certainly be climbing Mount Fuji. As I met people in the hotel as they returned from the gruelling climb, I thought it might have been a great experience as it can only be climbed for two months of the year. However, if I was doing a world climbing tour it would have been an issue. Afterall, I missed Africa's Mt Kilimanjaro too. Next time.

Right, well I think that's it for Kyoto. I managed to take a nightbus back to Tokyo for my one remaining day in Japan. It was a nice surprise to discover that the bus was designated for women only. They are very considerate here! My slippers and blanket were very much appreciated. Arriving in the early hours, I sipped a coffee and snoozed for awhile before venturing over to the computer stores. I had decided to purchase a mini laptop in order to cut down the time spent in internet cafes.

A great idea and there were certainly some great laptops, but unfortunetly those within my price range only had Japanese operating systems and I don't think I would have managed for long! And as much as I wanted the gorgeous new Sony with an English system, I couldn't bring myself to spending the same as my entire budget for New Zealand. So does anybody want to buy me a laptop? I'll write more and in real time!! Maybe I'll be able to write a book before long!

In order to run away from my disappointment at the computer store, I bought a ticket to watch a portion of the Kabuki theatre. The comedic moments were not hard to miss even in a different language and seing the costumes and make-up were a great way for me to end my time in Japan. I also had a chance to stand on the sidelines of the Fukagawa Festival. Mostly known for the water thrown on the passing people and mikoshi (portable shrines) it was the best entertainment in Japan yet. And after all the missed festivals in Kyoto I happen to catch one in Tokyo that only occurs every 3 years! Score!

So that's
I will always remember it as the treetop temple, although it's called Kiyomizu
it! Japan in 2 weeks is not realistic. This country has so much to see, and pretty much each season will show the visitor something else. Although I wasn't inspired by Japan in the beginning of the trip, I have grown to love and respect this culture. I've learned when to take my shoes off and remembered to put on the toilet slippers. I've learned that this must be the biggest recycling nation ever (8 different waste bins at Starbucks!) and the streets are swept clean every day. I've chuckled at the jingle jangles hanging from every mobile phone or bag. And finally, that it really can be affordable if you look in the right places. Now if I could only learn the 2000 characters as their alphabet and learn to read a map!!

Bankok bound...