Philosophy Path
Trip Start
Jul 27, 2006
1
10
19
Trip End
Aug 2007
Kyoto,
Japan
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
01. On our way
. We met some random early university boys from North of Tokyo! They took a pic of me and Jess, and then we kept running into them around Nanzen Temple. They were great. We found a crab in one of the little streams. There were ppl sketching all around and Jess and I bought some sketches from one guy (we actually ended up buying the same ones!). Haha! We could only afford prints though. I wish I coulda afforded an original. Someday, maybe! Yeah. Now, we wander around trying to find the philosopher`s path. But as usual continue to get distracted by shops and are having no luck actually finding the path. We get some Yakisoba from a street vendor, eat it and are marveled at by the locals. Around 5 different ppl were amazed at our ability to use chopstick and I think the rest of them were just surprised we were eating Japanese food. But, yakisoba is so tasty, everyone must like it! We head to where we think the path starts but we are incorrect! But not far and we find it without a problem, well except for the shops. They are a problem. I splurged on a much to expensive purse, but am still super happy I did! Its adorable and was handmade in Kyoto! So, how was I supposed to pass it up? Anyway, The path is not what we were suspecting. We were expecting lots of nature and trees and seclusion, but that wasnt the case. There are shops and cafes all along the left and a bit of nature on the right along a small stream. It was still cool even though there were so many shops
02. Nanzen
. The shops had some pretty cool stuff and Im sure I bought way more stuff than what is necessary. Apparently if you wanna shop go to Kobe, Arima, and Kyoto. They`ve got the best stuff so far! At the end of the path in a street of shops, and at the end of that street in Ginkaku Temple (the Silver temple). Its not as popular as other temples in Kyoto, but I certainly dont know why. It was AMAZING! The walkway is lined with perfectly trimmed trees and then you walk in and you are met with a view of a garden and a mtn full of trees some changin colors some not, and totally breathtaking. You just marvel at the views. Its all you can do. They are so beautiful. Ok. back to the station and to Gion. We are going to try to get dressed up like Geisha and have our pics taken, but the studio is closed by the time we get there. Bummer. I guess it means we will have to go back sometime! Instead I opt for a massage, onsen, and sauna. The best decision Ive ever made! After the massage I was like a giant foreign jelly blob. I was walking like i was drunk. I thought I felt relaxed afer the onsen and massage chairs in Arima, but this was like 100% more! It was a rumor massage so she worked all my joints. SUGOI!!! (SO WONDERFUL!!) Afterwards, the masseuse brought me downstairs and gave me some lemon tea. This is pure bliss I tell you! Then it was back upstairs for an onsen. This is the nicest one yet. Rose scented shampoo, a lavender hot tub, then a sauna. See...I told you....bliss. It was the perfect finale to the weekend. Now its back to Miwa to take care of the unexpected visitor! All turned out well on that front so Im pleased! If I did this once a month, I would be the most relaxed person in the world! 
