Just Hanging Out in Kyoto

Yesterday we went with Maki and the girls, first to the most interesting pet store I have ever been to. This I will save for a seperate blog, as it was completely mindblowing. Then to a local udon restaurant for lunch. Apparently the udon were very good, Shikoku style, a little firmer and chewier than … Continue reading Just Hanging Out in Kyoto

Messages from Lady Murasaki

Super Sake Boy proved his driving prowess yesterday, by driving us around Kyoto in Maki-san's car. Now driving in another country is usually not too intimidating, even on the other side of the road... however, in Kyoto and surrounds, the roads were created as a complete afterthought. Most of the buildings were built hundreds of … Continue reading Messages from Lady Murasaki

Urban Exploration, Kyoto

So, after wasting a half a day in bed and elsewhere..... I bounced back and we squeezed so much into our day yesterday, my feet are still hurting. Around 25,000 steps of exploration and fun. We started our day at Starbucks in Gion. A tradition for both SSB (Super Sake Boy), the kids and me.... … Continue reading Urban Exploration, Kyoto

薬 too much kusuri

Kusuri means medicine in Japanese. It's funny, because the two radicals (kanji roots) are grass and fun.... I guess it refers to all drugs. I have enough Japanese to be able to convey what I need in a chemist. But it is somewhat overwhelming when you are faced with rows and rows of products and … Continue reading 薬 too much kusuri

Clear Water Temple 清水寺 

Kiyomizu-dera temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. Lancy had planned an afternoon with her friend, Shuko's father, who is a professional potter, and we decided to spend the morning temple strolling and around the old areas of Higashiayama, on our way to her house. It was a perfect day for such … Continue reading Clear Water Temple 清水寺 

Serious Sakura

So, a little more than two years later and I am back in Japan. This time with a partner in crime, Super Sake Boy (what could possibly go wrong).... and four teenagers in tow, Ewan, Abby, Mya and Harper. We arrrived on Wednesday, a little dishevelled and tired, having had a 4 and 1/2 hour … Continue reading Serious Sakura

Calligraphy

Have you ever wondered at why every Japanese person has exquisite handwriting, when writing in English? I believe it is because they have finely honed fine motor skills, due to the fact that they practice calligraphy throughout their schooling life. Last time we were in Kyoto we were fortunate enough to experience a calligraphy homework … Continue reading Calligraphy

It’s Been a While….

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, sorry, I am coming back.... I did do a guest blog, about Kyoto, a few weeks back. I was so happy to be asked by Mohamad to write for his Around the World Series..... Here is a link to the blog.... see you soon ☺ https://mohamadkarbi.com/2017/05/25/kyoto-the-cultural-epicentre/

New Year’s Eve in Japan

People lining up to ring the temple bell in Kyoto for New Year's Eve

I spent last NYE in Kyoto, and to say that this year is a bit of a let down is an understatement. I have always found New Year's to be a fairly meaningless celebration, which is generally a disappointment. I love the potential of a new year... brand new diary, new beginnings, new adventures. It … Continue reading New Year’s Eve in Japan

Paradise Found

Originally published on Blogger on 25th March 2015 Well, my first missed day of my blog. Bugger. Too much going on, too busy, and too tired. However, I am planning to make up for it..... Nara Yesterday we went to Nara. The first permanent capital of Japan, this town is spectacularly pretty. Lots of old … Continue reading Paradise Found