Kyoto

After a good breakfast at 7:00 we were out the door and on the bus for a long fun day of seeing the sights of Kyoto.  Our first stop was Ryoanji Temple.  We were the first visitors of the day so it was very tranquil as we sat viewing at the rock garden.  After a pleasant walk around the small lake we were back on the bus for a short ride to Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavillion).  After a group photo we walked through the temple grounds, taking an extended break for tea.  Then the shopping for souvenirs began!  Shopping and more shopping followed by a buffet lunch.  Then it was back on the bus to visit Doshisha University then the Imperial Palace.  Then more shopping in Teramachi followed by a visit to Nijo Castle.  We bussed it back to the youth hostel for dinner.  All-in-all we must have walked about 5 miles (though some of the students thought it was close to 105 miles!).  They all hung in there, though.  It was a great day with cool-ish weather.  Tomorrow is Kiyomizu temple, then Nanao!

Cell Phone in Japan

I have rented a cell phone that is capable of receiving/sending international phone calls.  The number is 001-81-80-9027-1798.  Please use this number for emergencies only.  For non-emergencies, please contact me by email.  I will be checking it everyday about 9:00-10:00PM and 6:30-7:30AM local Japan time (17 hours ahead of you).

We are in JAPAN!

Your JWs are real troopers!  After a v-e-r-y long day of small planes, big planes, trains, ramen shops, and buses we are finally here at the Utano Youth Hostel in northwestern Kyoto.  All travel along the way was on schedule and comfortable, although we unanimously felt United Airlines should put a little more effort into their meal offerings.  Many of us were not feeling well as we got off the plane!

As we rode the train from the airport into Kyoto, there were many exclamations of "Wow, look at that" and "That is so cool!"  Hot bowls of ramen for dinner at Kyoto Station, and now beds are made up, teeth are brushed, faces are washed and the lights are out.  We'll be up at 7:00AM for breakfast, then off for a day of sightseeing at 8:00, beginning with the ever peaceful Ryoanji Temple.

On Our Way!