Rainy Day in Kyoto

 

Wednesday. Heavy rain most of the day but that didn't deter us from our pursuit of Japanese temples/gardens/theater.

Our first visit was to the Kiyomizu-dera temple on the side of the hill. All I can say is that you need to Google it for details. It is a very popular site and there were tons of people around including lots and lots of junior high kids from around the country on field trips. Ginkaku-ji was next on the list (after a mandatory stop at the local McDonalds). Ginkaku-ji is a more traditional Japanese garden type setting on the side of the mountain. Kyoto has mountains on the east and north side and the temples we saw were on the east mountains. We didn't get to any other shrines or temples (shopping got in the way...along with a lot of rain.) In the evening we went to a performance in the Gion district after a tempura style dinner in a traditional Japanese restaurant (in other words we were on our knees...ouch). fun evening with traditional music, dancing, geishas, and puppets. Interesting to see the geishas walking along the street or riding along in taxis.

It is hard to have fun knowing that my dad is so close to death. Steve has been keeping me updated, but it doesn't look good. I only hope that he will hold on long enough so I can visit him one last time. He is slowly slipping away and is on liquid morphine which seems to have controlled the pain, but, of course, keeps him heavily sedated. I will keep you posted if anything happens.

Thursday. Dry day finally but we headed to Tokyo around noon so we could see the countryside. Also saw Mt. Fuji (fuji-san) on the way. I took tons of pictures but most of them are blurred because the train is moving so fast. Most of the neat shots I missed because by the time you saw the scenic view, you would be pastit before you could get your cmera ready.

Checked into the Imperial Hotel and later walked to the Imperial Palace grounds...everything closed but beautiful site. Hpefully we will be able to visit one of the gardens on Saturday morning. Later we hopped a taxi to the GInza district...major league shopping area.

Tomorrow we are going to visit the Tokyo Temple grounds...unfortunately the temple is closed for maintenance this week.

Josh. Emily wanted your phone number. She is at Steves. His number is 435-586-8078, I think. Or call Brad at 658-1726.

Rachel. Are you going to be on the flight with us from SF to LV?

Will. Leave a house key under one of the pots so they can get in on Saturday afternoon. I will email you with flight details tomorrow.

Later.
Dad

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