Kyoto

By Al on Sunday 7 August 2005 at 14:41

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After a rather nice ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, we arrived in Kyoto in 2 and a half hours, it was bloody fast, makes British rail look like a snail.

Anyway, after arriving we then went up into the mountains outside of Kyoto to a Buddhist temple where we stayed the night. It was amazing, the garden was really nice and the surroundings where picturesque. Set in the wooded mountains that surround the city, it was really peaceful, just the spot for a temple me thinks. We had some nice Monk food for tea, this consisted mainly of variations on the theme of Tofu and lots of vegetables, we also had a similar meal for breakfast. I managed also to do some Meditation with the resident monk and it was awesome....First we had to sit in Lotus position, which I couldn`t, but becasue I`ve done meditaion before I managed to sit in half lotus (this probably doesn`t mean anything to you guys).

Anyway, we began with some exercises whilst seated, and then began the meditaion. It consisted of counting to a hundred and focusing on breathing. The monk explained that after a while he would tap us on the back and we would have to lean forward with our hands on our shoulders and our head tucked in. When the time came he went to Kana first and tapped her on the back with his stick, and then I heard six loud whacks!! It sounded really painful and it was my turn next!!! It sounded worse than it felt though and it helped to relax my back muscles that were aching anyway; it was like an extreme massage!

The temple stay was amazing but it was for only one night, and the next day we moved back into Kyoto to saty at a backpackers place called K`s house...no idea who K is though.

Hang a banger! I forgot to mention that before going back to Kyoto we went and had a look at Sanzen-in temple, which was just below the temple we stayed in. This temple was really old, it was built in 986 and it was fricken cool. Walked around here for a bit, again it had a really amazing garden and I managed to sit and gaze at it whilst having a nice cup of green tea.

Hope this keeps your interest for a bit. I`ll post something new again soon, as today I visited yet more temples and gardens.

5 comments:

On Monday 8 August 2005 at 17:00, Mark Bell said:

Cool, sounds like you're enjoying yourself - you're looking suitably 'Zen' in that photo Smile

On Monday 8 August 2005 at 19:00, stu said:

Hi Al, hope everything is cool and sounds like you're having a wicked time. Nice photos although I am concerned that you havent sought out that elusive of all creatures the lesser japanese badger.
Dont know what time it is there and whether it is tomorrow or not (if you get what I mean) - but its Monday afternoon now, and Everton on tele tomorrow night against Villareal in Champ league so get to a pub matey. You will then get the opportunity to really see that timmy cahill is a lot better player than Riquelme. Anyway, take it easy.

Everyone else, you are all invited to mine and the boy's house to watch the game cos its on ITV2, and you too can watch the heavenly glory that is Everton FC. Cheers.

On Monday 8 August 2005 at 22:07, Mark Bell said:

You do realise you just invited everyone on the internet over to yours tomorrow - better get the beers in Smile

On Tuesday 9 August 2005 at 00:42, stu said:

they love it. I do a nice cup of brew.

On Tuesday 9 August 2005 at 04:59, Al said:

Cheers Stu...I reckon your in for a tough game as ManU flop Diego Forlan was the top Scorer in the spanish league last season and joint top scorer in europe with Terry Henry...and they`ve also made a few good signings. Anyway, I wish Everton luck and just kick Riquelme out of the game.
Time wise, I am 8 hours ahead of you guys so I`ll probably be in bed when the games on..

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