14
Aug
Historic Temples and Futuristic Expo
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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.
7
Aug
Sun and Sushi
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Leaving the airport was more of a challenge than I had expected. I covered the basics with my visit to Starbucks (to get some change for the phone really!) and booking my accommodation and transport but English was far less common than I expected in such a big city. But I suppose that’s just an ignorant westerners’ viewpoint. Must practice some more Japanese!!! The train journey into town was an eye opener as we passed houses with ornate tiled rooftops surrounded by rice fields. Perhaps I really will see everything that is the stereotypical view of Japan in the 2 weeks that I have planned here!!