Today, we began with an American breakfast - eggs, ham, orange juice, toast, coffee and...salad. We were both pleased for different reasons! Contrary to the Nijo Castle, at the ryokan, space efficiency is key! We took a photo of the kitchen which can be found behind sliding doors, same with the bathroom and closet. We are plotting the next remodel project!
After breakfast, we headed up to the Philosophers' Path which goes from Ginkakuji Temple to Nyakuoji Jinja Shrine. The path follows a small creek and is lined with flowering trees and tourists (including us). :) While the path wasn't quite the place of contemplation, it was beautiful and you could imagine it so.
From there, we walked past the Heian Jingu Shrine, the Art museum (Van Gogh is in the house), Maruyama park, Gion... We walked, and walked, and walked...
We ate at a restaurant by the Kamogawa River and went to take our shoes off... But know, they took us upstairs where shoes stay on and you sit in chairs. After our long walk, we were happy with that.
We came back to the ryokan on the subway - trying to master it in a new location... And we did ok... It was good practice cause tomorrow we change hotels and have our cooking class... The subway will get us there! We are hoping to wifi there to give you an update... If not, it may be a couple days.
Thanks to Clarissa, Gordon, Emma and Jack for bringing Bodie to visit Lily and to give Morgan a well deserved break. We really appreciate it!!!