Shiori's Birthday and a trip to Kyoto

Kyoto Station.



This was the table at a Thai restaurant called Cabbages and Condoms...I'm hoping they weren't "used" condoms....

Outside Shiori's Uncle's exclusive bar....mmm, not sure about my attempted double chin...






So for Shiori's birthday we travelled up to Kyoto. Taking the awesome, slow crawling Jumbo Ferry we had to be up at the crack of dawn...4am...ewww. Not being a big fan of slow rocking vomit inducing boats either, the only salvation was that I was able to grab shut eye on the ship and that my lovely Shiori was with me.

Stopping over in Kobe for a bit of brekkie, we then grabbed a train to Kyoto, which was only about an hour's trip.

In Kyoto we booked into our hotel, which was an inexpensive business hotel in the main city, and then headed out to Kiyomizu Dera. Kiyomizu is one of the most famous temples in Japan and always attracts throngs of visitors. Especially in Hanami season (cherry blossom season).


"The temple dates back to 798 but the present buildings were constructed in 1633. The temple takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. KIYO MIZU literally means pure water."

Taken from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/kiyomizu

We also had dinner in a great restuarant called Kai, which was expensive but delicious and had plenty of fun in Round 1 where Shiori won 3 soft toys and a giant pillow!!!!

It was great to go back to Kyoto, and see a little more of the city instead of just its beautiful temples.

I just hope Shiori had a great birthday!!!!

My recent escapades. And how I learned NOT to eat Mochi

So here I am again folks.

It's been another busy time in the life of yours truly, and I will try and update you on all that has been happening in the head and life of this adventurer in Japan.

Firstly I've visited Kyoto (for Shiori's birthday!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HER!!!) and Wakayama recently. I hope to post some fuller reports of my time and adventures later.

My laptop now works again!!!

Woo Hoo!!!!

I am still waiting on the AT job. I have another interview next week, so fingers crossed for me, please!!!

Also I nearly choked to death last week on a piece of mochi.

Mochi for those who don't know, is a sticky, chewy paste made from rice and is really good. BUT DEADLY!!!! Apparently around New Year, elderly Japanese people die from eating it!! In my case it got stuck in my throat and I had to use my fingers to pull it out....

Despite Mochi shock, I am doing fine...

Hope to post more, with Photos, later!!!

And finally

A post on 2/4/07

I had my AT interview today and it was pretty intense and difficult. At the moment I'm veering into the negative camp of pessimism just to protect my feelings, however I will be able to tell you tomorrow...

Also there have been a few tweaks to the site recently.

On the side bar you may have noticed a few cool additions. Please take the time to check them out.
Also if you scroll to the very bottom of the blog you will now find and interactive map that can use Google, Yahoo or Microsoft mapping systems...See if you can find me!!!!