Japan '06

Our third day in Kyoto started off with a trip to the northern hills. The weather was considerably colder and of course, we over estimated the weather and were pretty cold the whole day. After a 10-15 min. walk we arrived at a Zen Buddhist temple complex. There are over 20 temples at the compound, but only 4 are open to the public. The temples were not that much different architecturally than what we saw the previous two days; however, the main point in going there was for the Zen gardens. This particular temple complex was built between 700 and 1000. And the Zen gardens were several hundred years old. At one temple we had traditionally prepared green tea and sat overlooking a garden. From there we walked to the Golden Pavillion - literally two of the three stories were covered in gold leaf. It was a very unique sight and worth the schelp and cold.

In the evening we met up with Ann and Jacob, two of Becky`s friends that live here in Kyoto. They took us to this little hole in the wall joint with about 15 stools around a counter. The place was run by this mother-daughter team who took no prisoners and bossed everyone around. Luckily Ann and Jacob can speak Japanese and ordered up this amazing meal of Sashimi, eggplant with miso paste, various tempura vegetables, fried tofu with fish flakes and scallions in broth. The place was incredible. It was packed with locals. The women behind the counter wore plastic boots because they threw the leftovers and water on the floor. And they served these crazy dishes of raw lobster and fish heads to their other customers. Bernd entertained everyone by striking up a conversation with a couple who spent two years in Germany. Their German was better than their English and they ended up buying us a beer. Anyway, the whole evening was an experience and something we`ll remeber for a long time.

Na heute mal wieder ein paar Eindruecke aus dem Land der kleinsten Autos. Nachdem wir die aelteste Tempelanlage mit dem wunderschoensten Garten fuer zwei Stunden besichtigt haben sind wir gleichmal zum naechsten Tempel gelatscht. Der total aus purem Gold. Na war zwar Holz aber die haben eben alles mit Blattgold ueberzogen. Sah cool aus. Abends hatten wir dann Abendbrot mit Freunden von Freunden die hier in Kyoto wohnen. Trditionell Japanisch fuer die lokale Bevoelkerung. Normalerweise wuerde niemand von uns dort essen,aber war lecker und lustig. Es gab rohen Fisch un andere Sachen die es nicht auf nem deutschen Tisch stellt. Die zwei Muttis hinter der Theke um die so 20 Leutchen dicht gedraengt rumsassen trugen erstmal Gummistiefel und Plastikschuerze. Abfaelle des Abend und Abwaschwasser wurden gepflegt auf dem Boden plaziert. Abgefahen,abgefahren. Bis bald.

Places Visited:
1. Daitokuji Templex Complex, including Daisen-in, Zuilto-in gardens - one of Kyoto's largest Zen foundation with over 20 temples. A monk performed a abbreviated tea ceremony and we had our green tea overlooking one of the gardens.
2. Kikaku-ji or the Golden Pavillion - a former retirement villa turned temple turned tourist attraction - is covered in gold leaf!
3. Nijo-jo or Kyoto Castle - interesting castle complex with floor boards that creek on purpose to warn of intruders.