There are many more non-Asians here, but at the same time, far fewer signs with Latin letters/English translation. We explored by foot the section of the city surrounding our hotel, using a map provided by a very, very kind and sweet woman at the tourist information office at the Kyoto train station.
We didn't always know where we were, but we found our way. Through D's Magellan-like sense of direction we even made it to the specific noodle restaurant we were looking for, even though neither the street signs nor the restaurant name were decipherable!
Oy-ishi katta!
The city is full full full of temples and shrines. We visited Kiyomizu Temple--up a steep hill past a huge Buddhist (possibly?) cemetery. And at the top a magnificent view and a complex of structures including the main temple and many shops, too. Here are a few pictures;
On our walk back, we stopped in at a small grocery store because it's always fun to see what's on the shelves.
Today, instead of closing with a funny t-shirt or an ever-popular toilet photo, I will leave you with a Zen koan (of my own making) that popped into my head last night:
You don't have to know where you're going to know where you are. You are here.
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