We left Tokyo yesterday morning, and headed for Kyoto. We made it to our new hostel, Ikoi no Ie, in the late afternoon, dumped our stuff and headed directly to Gion. This neighborhood is the central location for the book that C is currently reading (and one that I've read before), Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden. Of course, geisha no longer trip down the streets of this district, though we did catch sight of about a dozen kneeling beside tables on veranda over the river, serving tea to suit-clad men.
If Tokyo is like New York, then Kyoto reminds us both of Philadelphia. Its energy is less frenetic, and cutting-edge fashion seems to be less of a priority. However, it is beautiful, especially the eastern part of the city, which ends in a park abutting some major hills. We had a lovely time walking the streets at dusk, and got a chance, ourselves, to sit on a porch overlooking the river before we headed back to our hostel.
Today, we set out right away for Nara, home of a well-known Buddhist Temple, Todaiji. There, in the middle of Nara Park, amidst hundreds of wild deer who gently nudged our hands in search of food, is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest statue of Buddha that I have ever seen. The particular representation is Vairocana Buddha, posed with one hand up, palm out, and one hand on his lap, palm facing upwards. Hundreds of people swarmed the based, lighting nag champa, snapping pictures, buying trinkets and staring in silent meditation. It was an incredible sight.
Tomorrow, a tea ceremony and our last full day here!
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