Kyoto

Morning run
We have a fun group of people to be with. Michiaki drove us to Nikki's house so we could run together. Rebecca went on a walk with my phone. We saved our parking spot so she could find her way back in case anything went wrong. Nothing went wrong. Phew! I get lost easily, but Rebecca was fine. Nikki, Michiaki, and I ran out 2 miles then did a couple of race pace miles on the way back. Everything went great! Nikki is having so much fun being here. We're glad her husband, Kyle, could come to enjoy it with her.

Off to Kyoto

We keep struggling with getting back to the bus on time. There are always more good things to see for a little longer or one more shop to take a quick look in. Even if we are nearly on time, there are always some other people that are later than us, so the motivation to actually be there when we are supposed to is low.

We stopped along the way to Kyoto. There was a store where many of us bought treats of all kinds. Everyone shared and passed things around. I noticed that since we are being treated so well, everyone is wanting to share things with each other. Maybe everyone else would do that anyway, but it feels to me like we are more inclined that way because of how we are being treated.

Games on the bus.

Buffet lunch in Kyoto
Lunch was at a hotel in Kyoto that we have done before. It's always really good there. We liked the curry a lot. We were brave in some of the things we tried and some things did not take any bravery at all like the ice cream. We both really enjoyed the meal. The only problem is once again, we did not have enough time. I was still eating my ice cream when we were told it was time to go. Rebecca says I was talking too much which is why I didn't have enough time to finish. We have both really enjoyed the people traveling with us. It's been really fun to visit with everyone.

The women posing with the Japanese girls in their kimonos. I forgot the name of the city, but there were a lot of shops and places to see. Many Japanese in traditional clothing come there.

Michiaki came with us on this day. It was great having him there.

This is a common opportunity. We wash hands before moving on.

By touching the sandals, you gain womanly traits.

Through lifting this rod, you gain manly traits.

Touring
We went to a special place where there were cups to pull water from and taste. Depending upon which of the three water streams you pull from, you get either wisdom, beauty, or longevity. We both decided upon wisdom, since at least one of us is already beautiful and if we are not wise, living a long time would not be very useful anyway. I think that was the wise choice.

Games on the bus
On the way home from Kyoto, we played games on the bus. Michiaki was very entertaining. There was a bingo type game and a game where you put swords into a barrel and when the character jumps up, that person has to drink the algae drink. The last game was guessing what object was thrown between two pieced of cardboard. If you guessed the object, you would receive it.

Toshiko made sukiyaki. She is a great cook. Her job is a chef in a senior home.