Nara was one of the busiest places we visited. Famous for its wild deer which wander the streets amongst the temples and roam the parkland, the place was also packed with school groups and tourists. Walking from the station towards the hub of the temples it didn't take long to find some great photo shots. Having visited many temples already on the trip we were feeling noticeably templed out, so didn't linger too long in the temple enclaves. Instead, we headed towards the parkland area for the sight of the wild deer. They all looked in great condition despite the food they were consuming from eager tourists. One or two managed to vary their intake with the odd page of someone's map so I guess it must have produced a balanced diet.

Whilst in Nara we visited a number of temples including Todai- Ji, a complex of temples that includes the Great Buddha hall which houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha. The place was mobbed with groups of school children and general tourists, so we didn't linger long, and I instead headed off to see if we could locate the silky kimono John had been lusting after.

John emerged from the shop looking very pleased with himself and clutching a paper bag. Apparently, he had managed to conduct the whole interaction in his pigeon Japanese and still came out with the silk kimono he wanted.

It was a very relaxing day, and we even managed to have a picnic with a selection of Family Mart's best takeaway nibbles. We made sure we were well away from the deer first. John didn't want anything nibbling on his sausage.

On the way back towards the station we were approached by someone from the tourist information inviting us to a free calligraphy class. Why would we refuse!. I should have known better. The more I persevered with the "press and flick " the worse it seemed to get. Eventually, it was time to stop playing and draw our final masterpiece. I have no idea whether mine really says "courage" or something abusive in Japanese. Who knows what a wonky line can do to a Japanese letter? The whole meaning could have been changed. Anyway, they let us bring our work home, so Hayley will soon be the proud owner of my efforts. I think she's hoping to sell it on eBay, but I think there could be some big disappointments ahead if she's hoping to fund more than a stick of chewing gum.