Philosopholising on the Philosophers Path: Shrines and Temples

Yesterday is possibly one of the most magical days I have ever had, filled with beauty wonderment and superb company.

We started our walk from Ginkaku-ji - The Silver Pavillion - and made our way along the Philosophers Path - A canal draped with Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) The pavillions gardens were the highlight. They had phenomenal rock gardens, like nothing I had ever imagined - moss covered the ground and Sakura and Camillias dropped their flowers over the moss. The funny thing was there were no leaves or twigs on the moss at all. It was just perfect and we couldn`t figure out why - until we stumble accross several gardeners sweeping the moss with traditional straw brooms. They must do that every day, it was immaculate. Walking down the street from there we got stuck it souvenior hell - and bought up big!! Couldn`t help ourselves, everything is so cute!

We then visited a couple of temples and shrines, all of which with the same immaculate grooming. We listened to some monks saying prayer and had tea over looking beautiful pond and garden. For a couple of aethiests we`re always mindful of the hypocracy of visiting such religious sights - but you would have to be a complete nunce not to be able to appreciate the beauty of these structures.

The Philosophers Path was just stunning, just when you thought you have seen the most beautiful sight your eyes will ever behold, you turn a corner and there is something ever more incredible. Words cannot describe the beauty.

AND THEN.... we just happened upon a little cafe, which turned out to be a tepenyaki bar. They made us Okonomiyaki (pancake type thing) in front of us. And OMG it was good, and hypnotic. The heat, the good food and the lovely setting made us near zombies - we had to have a little sit down in the park afterward.

At night we went to Nijo Castle which has been lit up for Cherry Blossom season. Again it is impossible to put into words what a path of blossoming trees lit from below looks like on a mild Spring night in Kyoto. And the photos won`t do it justice. Y`all just have to come and see it for yourself now ya hear!

For dinner we ate `Fresh Horse Shashimi` and dumplings of course. Although we are assuming that it was not in fact horse we can`t be entirely sure. It was definately raw red meat, and some of the slices were just pure fat, which we couldn`t bring ourselves to eat. 

For our last day in Kyoto we`ll be checking out Kinkakuji - The Golden Pavillion, the manga museum and perhaps some other odds and sods.

Missing you all xxxx