Enjoy life, enjoy your sock style: the best sign we've seen so far in Kyoto and valuable advice, I'm sure you'll agree.

Yesterday was our first full day in Kyoto and it was a really good one. We took it a bit easier on ourselves and yet still managed to cram in viewing some famous sights. We started the day with a trip to see Ginkaku-ji (translated literally as 'silver pavilion'). Unfortunately it was undergoing rennovation, as Don put it 'it's a serene building site', so we had to enjoy the gardens instead. We then limped along Tegsugaku-no-Michi (the path of philosophy) to look at another shrine called Honen-in. This one was a lot less disappointing and free which is always a bonus.

We went back to downtown Kyoto for lunch, taking in the sights of Nishiki Market which was a covered arcade with a colourful glass roof, rammed with vendors selling all kinds of wierd and wonderful food. We stopped at a cafe (probably the Japanese equivalent of a greasy spoon) where I tried udon noodles for the first time - definitely my favourite thing so far. Jim and Don had yakatori but with hindsight we realised they'd actually shared a side order so had to stop for McDonalds at tea time!

The next stop was Kinkaku-ji (pictured) in NW Kyoto. That was truly spectacular and the gardens were so peaceful and beautiful. I also used a Japanese toilet for the first time (basically a basin set in the floor - there seems to be some kind of victimisation of females here, the boys get standard urinals everywhere!).

By that point we needed a rest so relaxed under Kyoto bridge and then got the subway back to our hostel, stopping along the way to embrace the Japanese girls and boy standing on the bridge holding signs saying 'Free Hugs'. Donald got particularly involved in hugging the girl and actually lifted her off her feet! It put a smile on all our faces though so we're obviously lacking hugs from our lives! And I suppose I should be thankful that I've not been totally sacked off for Japanese hookers yet!

Had a quiet one last night, the highlights of which were a few drinks in the bar and trying the wierdest crisps I've ever eaten in my life. They looked like crinkly hula hoops but were menthol flavoured. I won't be buying them again...

Off out now to do more temple-spotting, hopefully on bikes. Take care, love you all x x x